The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the only organization providing accreditation to companion animal practices in the United States and Canada. Unlike human hospitals, animal hospitals do not need accreditation or to be held to strict professional standards to be in business, although most veterinary hospitals engage in best-medicine practices because of their code [...]
As the most common form of arthritis in pets, osteoarthritis (OA) affects 25% of dogs. OA is often used interchangeably with arthritis, but it’s more complex than arthritis, which is simple joint inflammation. With OA, the cartilage in one or more joints slowly degenerates, accompanied by thickening and overgrowth of nearby bone. As the protective [...]
Animals vocalize by barking, growling, hissing, and meowing, but body language is their main form of communication. Because we don’t speak the same language as our furry friends, it’s often a challenge to decipher what they are trying to say. Pick up on clues your pet sends with her ears, eyes, tail, and posture, and [...]
Ticks are often associated with Lyme disease, but they also transmit many other diseases that lead to illness in cats, dogs, and people. Here in Tennessee, cytauxzoonosis—”bobcat fever”—in cats and ehrlichiosis in dogs are more common than Lyme disease. Ehrlichiosis in dogs Complicated to pronounce and complicated to diagnose, ehrlichiosis can cause a variety of [...]
Owning an exotic pet can be a rewarding experience that affords family members the opportunity to learn about new and different species. Caring for a rabbit or lizard, however, is much different than walking a dog. Here are tips on caring for some common exotic pets. Rabbits If you’re looking for a cuddly exotic pet, [...]
Fear, anxiety, and stress are not only unpleasant, they have real effects on your pet’s health. Our hospital’s goal is to make your loving companion’s visit as low-stress as possible. Less stress for your pet means less stress for you, and that means everyone has a more positive experience. Why is stress bad for [...]
The naturally inquisitive nature of pets leads them to eat or come into contact with a variety of household items that can be harmful. Here, we address 10 common pet toxins, but many others exist. For a more extensive list of toxic substances, check out the ASPCA’s poison control website. Chocolate Although most people [...]
We can’t help it—we become giddy with excitement when new, innovative products hit the market. Geeking out and reading all about the studies and research on the most recent products to hit the market fills us with joy. We know that making solid, research-based decisions on which products to use in our hospital will help [...]
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Here at Lebanon Animal Hospital, we’re learning new skills on the most up-to-date technology and equipment to provide the highest standard of care for your pet. Check out all the neat new tricks we have up our sleeves, offering top-notch diagnostic testing for your furry [...]
Nine hundred. It’s a big number. It’s also the number of standards Lebanon Animal Hospital adheres to in order to maintain our accreditation status with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). What is AAHA accreditation? Any animal hospital can say they practice high-quality medicine. Any animal hospital can say they’ll exceed your expectations and [...]
