June Newsletter
- PMCOD
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 15 minutes ago
Important Dates
These threes aren’t terrible, they’re terrific: Jaimee and Matt will both have been here for 3 years as of June 13th and June 28th (respectively).
June 30th marks Todd’s 10 year anniversary!
June 27th marks SIX YEARS years since Dr. Ali purchased the clinic from Dr. Fuller! Wow!!
Monthly Topic
Fear, Anxiety, and Stress
Has your dog ever predicted a thunderstorm by whining and pacing hours before a single drop of rain touched the ground? Does your cat vanish under the bed the moment you start deep-cleaning the house? Your pet may have developed anticipatory anxiety—a heightened state of stress triggered by cues that precede the actual event. Your dog might react to subtle atmospheric changes before a storm, while your cat may associate frantic vacuuming with the imminent arrival of noisy houseguests.
Last month we asked "Which figure from Greek mythology lent their name to a feline stress-related condition that can potentially affect multiple organs?"
The answer:
Pandora. [link]
Pandora Syndrome
While often confused with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), Pandora Syndrome is a broader diagnosis, encompassing multiple organ systems and stress-related illnesses. The term was coined by Dr. Tony Buffington, who was reminded of the myth in which Pandora opened a box and unleashed a cascade of troubles— much like how stress in cats can trigger the sudden emergence of physical and behavioral symptoms. [link]
Treatment
For cats with Pandora Syndrome, Dr. Buffington recommends implementing MEMO (Multimodal Environmental MOdification). MEMO is a multi-faceted approach to managing anxiety that is not cat-specific, and can also benefit dogs and other pets.
Reduce environmental stressors
Designate safe spaces away from children and other pets
Be thoughtful of loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells
Implement medical management
Always consult with your vet to rule out any physical health issues
Consider starting your pet on a calming supplement or anxiolytic medication
Address behavioral problems
Implement training and consult an animal behavioralist if needed
Engage in enrichment activities, such as regular exercise and new toys
Summer Safety
More pets are lost in July than in any other month! If your dog has severe noise aversion, make sure you have Sileo or other anxiolytics on hand before the fireworks start. Consider isolating your pet to a quiet room where they are away from potentially unsafe food, loud noises, and open doors or gates.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn't Read):
Anxiety in pets can often be managed by reducing environmental triggers. There are also a variety of calming supplements and prescription medications available to help your pet when stressors are unavoidable.
Employee Pet Spotlight
Name: London
Nickname(s): London Bridges, Pretty Girl
Employee parent: Cheyenne
Breed: Great Pyrenees / Anatolian Shepherd / Husky
Age: 7 months
Likes: Fetch, outdoors exercise, playing with Toodles (her feline housemate)
Dislikes: None so far!
Background: When she’s not working as a technician at the clinic, Cheyenne runs her own business as a pet groomer. In 2024, she traveled to a new client’s home for a mobile grooming appointment. While there, she was taken with their handsome Great Pyrenees / Anatolian Shepherd. The client mentioned that he had recently fathered a litter of puppies with their Husky, and invited Cheyenne to see them.
London and her littermate were only three weeks old, but they were being kept on their own in a dirty shed. The mama dog was only allowed in to nurse them one to two times a day. Generally, it is recommended that puppies stay with their mother until they are 6-8 weeks old.
Cheyenne was very concerned about the puppies’ wellbeing, but all she could do was try to share her knowledge and hope they took her advice. About a week later, the client admitted to being overwhelmed, and asked her to take one of the puppies. At this point, London was weak and malnourished from being weaned too young. After her first veterinary visit, it also turned out that she had a severe hookworm infection and a UTI.
You can probably guess how this story ends! Cheyenne originally planned just to foster, but London quickly won her heart. After receiving regular veterinary care, she is now a happy, healthy girl.
They just can't stay away! Erika, one of our former veterinary technicians, has asked to join our Saturday crew. She's on her honeymoon right now, but we look forward to having her back.
Krista is still a part of the PMCOD family, but she is stepping back from her position as Hospital Administrator in order to focus on her veterinary consulting business!
Trivia Corner
Fun Fact
During the summer, Reindeer's eyes are a golden-brown. However, in the winter they gain a distinctive blue tint, which helps them see at lower light levels. No other mammals are known to have this ability! [link]
Pop Quiz
June's trivia question: At what temperature does pavement become hot enough to burn a dog’s paws?
Stay tuned for the answer in July’s newsletter!
Comments