Continue reading »]]> “Ouch, that hurts.” Something that our patients just can’t say to us. Pain comes from disease, trauma, or surgery. We can tell when we are hurting or our kids tell us what hurts. How can we tell when our pets are in pain? Here are some helpful signs to look for in dogs. They may appear afraid and submissive. They may cry or whimper and have shallow breaths with abdominal breathing patterns. They may have their ears pinned back and may walk with a hunched back. They may also growl and bite if a particular area is sore to the touch. Be careful when you are transporting them to the veterinarian. It’s a good idea to muzzle them at this time. Please call your veterinarian for more information and guidance.

Michael J. Ponte, DVM
1029 Sarno Rd.
Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have any general health questions regarding your pet, call Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754.

Continue reading »]]> “Got to go, got to go!” “Where’s the bathroom?” Our patients, unfortunately, have the same issues. A urinary tract infection can lead to cats going outside the litter box or dogs having accidents near the door. The first thing our clients usually think of is a bad behavior starting to develop. However, the first thing that we have to check is if the pet has a UTI (urinary tract infection). Of course, there are other causes, such as urinary incontinence or congenital defects in the urinary tract system. Most of the time, in both young and adult pets, it will be an infection. Sometimes there will be urinary stones anywhere from the kidneys to the bladder.

A sample of urine from your dog is not too hard to get unless they are low riders. Try a disposable Tupperware type top to collect these samples. Cats, on the other hand, will require non-absorbable pellets in their litter box without regular litter. Or the cat can be dropped off at the hospital. A cystocentesis is the best, but has to be performed in the exam room.

For further questions, contact your veterinarian.

Michael J. Ponte, DVM
1029 Sarno Rd.
Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have any general health questions regarding your pet, call Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754

Continue reading »]]> Specials from our Yellow Pages ad!

Low Cost Spay/Neuter (Inludes 10% VIP discount for one year on certain services).

20.00 off initial exam! (New patient services only – not to be combined with other offers).

Board for 6 consecutive dates and get the 7th date free! (tropical suites, A/C, cable TV and playground)

Free exam and rabies (1 Year) vaccination with all vaccine packages!

Please note that any person responsible for patient has the right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to this ad.

Continue reading »]]> Those Easter lilies are beautiful, but can be deadly to cats. All parts of the lily plant, including the pollen, are highly toxic to our feline friends. The initial symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Then, after a short period of time, renal failure can occur and possible death.

The good news is that the damage can be reversed if you get your kitty to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Oral decontamination and IV fluids can help reverse the renal damage in most cases.

So, have a Happy Easter and keep the kitties with a healthy, playful hop in their step and away from the lilies.

Consult your veterinarian for more information.

Michael J. Ponte, DVM
1209 Sarno Rd.
Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have general health questions regarding your pet, call Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754

Continue reading »]]> At least a few times a week, owners will ask us if their pet is suffering. How do they know if it is time to humanely put them to sleep? We ask them about their pets’ quality of life at home. One criteria we use: has your pet given up on eating, especially their favorite human food? This is not a good sign. Can they get up to eat and go to the bath room? If the answer to these questions is “no”, then they are suffering. If they cannot maintain proper hygiene, their mobility is greatly affected and no pain medication can help, then we must make sure that they do not live under these conditions.

Remember, all throughout their lives they gave us unconditional love. When you see these signs, and with the help of your family veterinarian, you can return that love to them in the end. Please call your veterinary team for help during these times.

Michael J. Ponte, DVM
1029 Sarno Rd.
Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have general health questions regarding your pet, call Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754