Here is Toski the Corgi's most recent trick. Notice all the steps he learned! Toski, you can serve us waffles any day!
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Dr. Chris Byers is a friend and colleague right here in Omaha Nebraska. He is a specialist in emergency and critical care AND a specialist in internal medicine! I appreciate his help on the difficult cases (including our own Luna Lovegood) and his overall expertise and knowledge. Thank you for your post Doctor! I know readers will love it as much as I do!
Guest post from Dr. Chris Byers...
I’m often asked what I’d do if I wasn’t a veterinarian. That’s a hard question to answer given I’ve wanted to be a pet doctor since age 5. My first aspiration was to be a dinosaur veterinarian. Yet not just any dinosaur! I only wanted to work with stegosaurus.
When I finally grasped the concept of extinction, my passion turned skyward. I wanted to be the first veterinarian in space. To my dismay, one of my undergraduate professors at Colorado State University, Dr. Martin Fettman, a board-certified veterinary pathologist, beat me to the punch when he served as Payload Specialist on NASA Space Shuttle Mission STS-58 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1993.
Nevertheless, the “what if” question has always intrigued me. If I’m being honest, I don’t think I’d work in veterinary or human medicine. I’d work in the music industry. Music has always been a way to calm my soul. As one who was bullied as a child, I frequently found solace in song. I would listen to poignant lyrics, and believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that the words were written just for me. As the saying goes, music is my connection to what the world doesn’t know about me.
What if I could bring my two passions together? Could veterinary medicine and music collide for the greater good of improving animal health? It seems the answer to this unique question may be yes! Veterinarians and researchers are beginning to investigate the effects of music on stress in various animals, including our furry companions. In humans, music therapy reduces pain and anxiety levels. Patients with traumatic brain injuries and those requiring mechanical ventilation may improve more rapidly. Music stimulates the body to change brain activity, immune responses, and hormone systems.
Investigations regarding the benefits of veterinary music therapy are in their infancy. Only a few studies have been performed to date, and results have been relatively mixed. One study demonstrated classical music initially reduced stress in kenneled dogs based on behavioral changes, cortisol levels, and heart rate variability; however, the dogs became accustomed to the music after a day, nullifying the initial positive effects. A subsequent study by the same group of researchers suggested varying musical genres reduced this habituation effect.
Jimi Hendrix once said, “Music is a safe kind of high.” I, for one, am excited to see what the future holds for music therapy in companion animals. Perhaps we will learn song is an essential therapy - a new drug per se - in the care of our furry friends.
Dr. Christopher G. Byers is a practicing small animal specialist who is board-certified in both emergency/critical care and internal medicine. He is also a Certified Veterinary Journalist who publishes a weekly blog for pet owners - CriticalCareDVM.com - with the sole purpose of educating pet parents about the benefits of partnering with board-certified veterinary specialists. He may be found on all major social media at CriticalCareDVM.
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Post from one year ago today...
March 16, 2016
One of the cat cases I took on recently despite my allergies was that of a sweet orange cat who looks like our Max the Cat. I am still having respiratory trouble eight weeks later, but I am not sorry!
I thought maybe I could take on a kitty or two every month or so, but maybe not. My offer still stands for the Choi family (a new kitten! I am dying!) and the Hug family and the family of Nolan the dental hygienist, mainly because he and his wife let their two year old name their new kitten, and she named him Sergeant Branch.
Back to Orange Kitty! He has a very serious medical condition that is now stable. He is doing well because of his awesome veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. What impressed me AS MUCH as their life saving care is this...
Cat Mom told me that her friend had a cat with a similar condition. She said his cat came home with a bandage where his IV catheter had been. She asked me, would her cat have a bandage? I began to say no when she said, "because it was so cute."
I asked Erin to leave Cat's bandage on after the IV catheter was removed - we usually remove them before they go home - and told her what Mom had said.
She and Mary did THIS.
As a rough estimate, I would say you normally see about 10% of what a veterinary technician does for your pet and for you. So take how wonderful you know techs are and multiply it by ten. That is closer to the reality of how amazing veterinary technicians actually are.
(You guys are awesome, and I love you.)
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Post from one year ago today...
March 15, 2016
Recently Kelly's sweet boxer Abe was in for dental work.
Here are super cute pictures from the day.
Abe recovering
Abe recovered but still tired...and still gorgeous
Thank goodness, we have nothing medically interesting to report at this time!
All went well, and Abe was tired for the rest of the day.
The End
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Post from one year ago today...
March 14, 2016
I recently was able to help with a medical case involving a sweet dog from Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska.
A few days later, I saw a dog from the same group for wellness care.
In my overly optimistic, often but not always securely grounded in reality mind, this is a start of an avalanche of Golden opportunities! Soon it will be Beagle-Basset-Husky-Golden repeat forever! I am so happy.
My interactions with Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska (GRRIN) before this have involved strong emotional support for the group. When a member of their team owned Spirit World, what did I do? I went and bought a sandwich and drank wine there with Dad. When GRRIN was at a rescue gathering I was at, I bravely stepped forward to pet their dogs behind the ears.
So far, becoming more involved in supporting this amazing group in a professional capacity has been AS REWARDING as all of my involvement thus far.
Drink in honor of rescue groups. Eat sandwiches. Pet dogs and cats. And if these Pet Savers need a foster home, an adoptive home, financial support, blog posts written, a rally attended, a new team member...we as a community will be there then too.
We love you Omaha Pet Savers!
Levi had his eyebrows done! You won't believe the transformation!
Meet Jynx!
Guest post from Russ's Mom, Karen Finch <3
Jacy
Jacy, our Lhaso Apso, was eleven years old when she developed a big, raw, open bleeding sore on her back hip.
It is very handy having a vet in the family who is also very attached to family pets.
She let us treat it as an infection for a little bit, but after a week or so said she probably needed surgery. I dropped her off at the clinic and refused to think about what Dr. Finch was not saying.
When I went to get her after surgery, I had to cry. She had staples all the way down her leg, and it made me sad. Shawn said there was more to it than she had thought. But still no C word, or maybe there was and my ears wouldn't accept it.
Karen and Phill with Lucy and Jacy - Photo by Liz
A few days later my phone rang and Dr. Finch responded with a choked up voice that the labs showed lymphoma. She said six to ten months was the prognosis. We discussed steroids or chemo, but she was eleven and still loved life as it was and didn't know what we knew, so we decided to just enjoy her while we could. I lit up Facebook and all my friends to pray!!!! Jacy healed fast, and went on with her life.
Jacy and Lucy
Well, thanks to a wonderful, super special surgeon, vet, daughter in law, it will be three years in May when all this happened. She is now fourteen and has enjoyed her life to the fullest. Slowing down a little, but not much, eyes are dimming, and maybe a little dementia, but no cancer!!!!!!
34 months and counting!
So, Dr. Finch, Shawn, don't dwell on the sad things because there are way more happy stories over the years. Even Wuzzy lived way past the ratties' life span!!!! We love you so much!!!!!!
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Post from one year ago today...
March 6, 2016
On Friday February 17, 2017 I got home from work and sat in the car to hear the end of a song on the Alexander Hamilton soundtrack. Normally, I come right inside when I get home. Joy and Luna were having none of my stalling.
Joy opened the glass front door and ran to the car followed closely by Luna. I opened the door to explain I was listening to a song and would be right in, but instead of being reasonable dogs, they jumped into the car for a road trip.
Russ came outside to say I did not need to take them on a road trip just because they got into the car. When I said I didn't think it would be kind to dash their hopes especially when they were already in the car and ready to go, Russ got into the car too followed by Amanda and Abby who had come outside to see what was going on.
We drove around the block much to the delight of both dogs. Since we were out, we stopped to get gas and tacos.
At Abelardo's , Russ told the team we were impressed they had closed for A Day Without Immigrants the day before and that we were really happy they are a part of the Omaha community. Also he said thank you for the tacos and churros. He is my favorite guy.
We headed home for dinner. It had been a very fun road trip for all.
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Post from one year ago today...
February 19, 2016
Happy Valentine's Month from Toski!
In February of 2000, Dr. Munger and I teamed up to surgically remove a mass from Chippy the Kindergarten Rat. She was the classroom pet, and her friends wrote us the best Valentines ever after her surgery. She recovered well, and resumed her kindergarten studies soon after surgery.
These are a few of the thank you cards we received.
As you can see, Chippy was a very beautiful rat.
"Thank you for Chippy's operation. She feels better." :)
"You are a very nice doctor." I found this note to be ambiguous as I am a nice doctor, however, Dr. Munger too is a nice doctor.
"I like that the tumor is out. We want Chippy to feel better. I know Chippy will feel better."
Chippy, "Squeak."
One week ago, Mom and Dad's Poodle puppies, Oscar and Felix, were neutered.
They spent the day with Kelly, Jen, Hannah, Amy and me, and said they had a very good but strange day.
Jen got this great picture of Oscar hugging Felix while Kelly holds them :)
I love this picture of sleepy Oscar!
You did it boys!
Felix, do you want to talk about it?
Oscar was not impressed with his protective cone.
We ate lunch together. I ate while the Poodles silently judged me.
2 days post op, Abby and Arthur check on Oscar.
Amanda and Robert check on Felix.
Boys, you did great! And good news! You can take your cones off today!
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Post from one year ago today...
February 13, 2016
I hope you have enjoyed this series!
Do you want to see MORE pictures and hear MORE stories from Dan in the future?
Do YOU have a story to tell?
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 1 - MARCEL
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 2 - GAMBLER
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 3 - THE FOUNTAIN CREEK GENERAL STORE
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 4 - THE FLOWERS
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 5 - AZLYNN GRACE
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 6, LEATHERWORK
THE KURTENBACH SERIES FINALE - MORE DOGS AND SOME CATS...
Here are some great pictures of other dogs and cats Dan has known...
Gus and Dan on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Gus in the Yard
Happy Old Gus
Gus - to his chagrin, a kitty magnet —— Gus with Rocket
Gus with Harvey
Gus with Little Bit
Wolfie in the Yard
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 1 - MARCEL
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 2 - GAMBLER
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 3 - THE FOUNTAIN CREEK GENERAL STORE
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 4 - THE FLOWERS
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 5 - AZLYNN GRACE...
Azlynn Grace is Dan's granddaughter. She loves Marcel too.
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 1 - MARCEL
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 2 - GAMBLER
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 3 - THE FOUNTAIN CREEK GENERAL STORE
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 4 - THE FLOWERS...
These are the pictures I could not bear to leave in cat-dog vision you guys! Most of them have small insets with the original full color picture. How gorgeous are these flowers??
From Dan, "We developed the back lot with a new cased well, a giant garden, including 300 square foot in raised beds and some fruit trees to join the two old apple trees on the east lot line plus some planted berms on the west lot line with river birch and perennials."
Rocket
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 1 - MARCEL
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 2 - GAMBLER
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 3 - THE FOUNTAIN CREEK GENERAL STORE...
The Fountain Creek General Store of this series is in South Bend Nebraska.
From Dan, "I found the picture archives from the old general store restoration we started in the summer of 1997 upon our purchase and I worked on with my partner until early 2013. These are a series of historical photos of the old general store going back almost to the year it was first built (established in 1872)."
"Along side my design and logistical duties for the building restoration, I was the general store keeper on the weekdays of operation and my partner, who worked a day job in Lincoln, manned the counters on the weekends and holidays. Back behind the soda fountain counter where we served root beer floats from frosted mugs and an assortment of other frozen treats, I set up a workshop and revived an old world trade I picked up in the travels of my youth when I served a fairly comprehensive classical apprenticeship as a custom English Riding Boot Maker."
This is the earliest photo I have. Not much going on in South Bend in 1880 but there were farms and rock quarries in the area, maybe even the railroad by that time. You can see a few of the locals gathered on the front porch for this event.
Same corner in 1980.
The store building with the apartment attached (two smaller yellow trimmed windows). This picture was taken in 2010.
This is an aerial view of the store lot and the adjacent lot take in 2005 before we developed the back lot with a new cased well, a giant garden, including 300 square foot in raised beds and some fruit trees to join the two old apple trees on the east lot line plus some planted berms on the west lot line with river birch and perennials. The Fountain Creek General Store building faces due east.
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The next three were taken when we ran a little soda fountain, old fashioned candy store, antique store in our first 5 years of the restoration of Fountain Creek General Store. We did this from Memorial Day to Labor Day - 6 days a week until the little historical hobby started interfering with the restoration work on the building that restarted every spring.
This is the living room of the adjacent apartment.
This is the stairway to the upstairs part of the apartment over the store proper. In almost two decades, I was never up there. I had my partner, Samantha, take pictures for me as the second floor work progressed.
Upstairs bedroom
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 1 - MARCEL
THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 2 - GAMBLER...
The service dog Dan had before Marcel was Gambler. I did not get to meet him, but he sounds like an equally wonderful dog, and as you can see here, he was equally beautiful!
Gambler
From Dan, "Gambler is missed, as are all my previous canine companions."
Gambler
Gambler and his kitty friend, Rocket
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Post from one year ago today...
February 7, 2016
THE DOWNSIDE TO KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE THAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT
We have a great client, Dan Kurtenbach, with a wonderful service dog, a Golden Retriever named Marcel.
Marcel - The large pictures are in dog-cat vision, and the smaller insets in the original full color.
We love seeing these two for medical care and grooming.
In a surprising turn of events, we have recently been reminded that our clients and patients have lives outside of the exam rooms! Who knew?? Well...even if you do not tell us your stories...may we never forget...
You all are amazing and intriguing, and it is an honor to get to know you AND your pets.
The next several days will be stories and pictures from Dan, first about his sweet service dog Marcel, because without Marcel we would not have met, and from there stories of Dan and his life and previous dogs he has known and loved. I hope you enjoy getting to know them all as much as I have.
Marcel
Although most pictures on the blog are in dog-cat vision, I have also included full color pictures for the entire Kurtenbach series...mostly because I could not bear to take the coming flower pictures completely out of full color!
Marcel
From Dan, "Marcel is a very happy dog in spite of his trials and we bond a bit more every day. He continues to be a delightful roommate."
Marcel being silly - even working dogs need down time!
Marcel and his ball
Dr. Chris Horstman's new veterinary hospital, Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center, had its grand opening Tuesday, November 29, 2016.