This is Fanny and me. We, or I guess she really, are now in the fourth week after her CCL operation almost to the day that her other knee was operated on a year ago. Both by the wonderful, magical, and caring Dr. Haroush. Last year, pre-pandemic, with a looming scare, a big price tag and months of rehab in front of us, Dr. Haroush, Jose and the rest of this magnificent team treated us immediately, helped us in more way we could count all with the kindest and most knowledgeable of treatments. Fanny felt like it was another home and we felt like we were welcome to be as neurotic as we could be about our dog. She healed up quickly and then like clockwork which Dr. Haroush said might happen, it did again, the other knee. Now it was even worse with the Pandemic in full swing, money really tight, time tighter, it felt so huge and totally overwhelming. Did Dr. Haroush come to the rescue? He certainly did. Again, she is healing nicely, we are healing along with her and I would never send her to another vet as long as she lives. Dr. Haroush and team are spectacular in their wisdom and care. Along with treating Fanny it was like he was treating me for all the insanity we are all feeling right now. Everyday and beyond the care was present. And most of all Fanny feels loved and taken care of. What more could you ask for. I wish it was all this simple.
It's hard to tell when pets and animals have something wrong that needs a veterinarian. Unusual behavior could be an early sign of illness or something more serious. We've listed some symptoms below that can help you determine if you need to call or visit the Animal Health Center in the Upper West Side.
LETHARGIC OR UNUSUAL PET BEHAVIOR
If your pet doesn't want to eat or drink or changes their normal behavior around food that is a red flag. Especially if the animal has trouble standing up walking or seems week. Call us to schedule an appointment if this is the case.
FATIGUE OR PAIN?
Panting, crying or pacing shouldn't be ignored and could be a sign your pet is in pain
LAME?
Limping for more than a few hours warrants a call to the animal health center's upper west side office. Paralysis, or more serious symtopms like collapsing needs emergency care.
SWELLING AND/OR BLEEDING?
If your pet is bleeding from the mouth, nose or rectum it calls for immediate attention. The same goes if their eye or eyes are swelling or completely shut.
STRAINING TO GO TO THE BATHROOM?
Cats – if they are straining while trying to go that could be an issue, especially in males as it could be a urinary blockage. Dogs seen straining or having urinary or bowel movements frequently or more than usual is also a sign you need a trip to the vet.
HEAVY BREATHING OR COUGHING?
Heavy breathing or coughing/gagging could be a serious problem. This could lead to seizures in your pet or other neurologic conditions. Call our office right away if this is the case or your pet is shaking or lying on the floor, breathing heavy or salivating a lot.
VOMITING OR DIARRHEA?
Healthy pets vomit and have an occasional upset stomach, but if it becomes extreme, it could indicate a serious problem. Call our veterinarian office in the Upper West Side right away and keep a close eye on your pet. Even if you don't think it is serious, it could lead to dehydration and get worse.
DIFFICULTLY WAKING UP?
Fever, metabolic disease, ingestion of medications meant for people, fluctuation in blood sugar levels, or diseases of the brain can all cause dizziness or fainting. Act on this right away.
PET WON'T EAT OR DRINK?
No pet should go more than a day without drinking. If your dog or cat won’t eat their usual meal or drink water there is usually a serious problem. Call your veterinarian if food is vomiting repeatedly or for more than 24 hours.
Your pet may not act sick but if it goes on for a day or two it needs to be looked at. Coughing frequently, vomiting or diarrhea more than twice or limping and walking funny is never a good sign in a pet.
Small animals tend to have a much faster response to illness and disease. If your pet is less than 10 pounds, under one year, or elderly call our upper west side veterinarian office as soon as you notice something is wrong.
If you worry your pet may be ill, please contact us at 212-724-1231
