Where's Wanda?

Veterinary technician Wanda Cline, well-known in the Owasso community for her exemplary work, is now helping pets at the newly opened Family Animal Medicine.

    If you’ve been searching for your favorite Owasso veterinary technician, look no further! Wanda Cline, who has served the area since 1990, is now the lead vet tech at the newly opened Family Animal Medicine. Drs. Jenny Nobles and Gena Guerriero opened their ­veterinary clinic last month at 9200 N. Garnett Rd., across from IHOP. “We are thrilled to have Wanda on our team,” says Dr. Guerriero. “She will be assisting with all of the dental cleanings this month for National Pet Dental Health Month.”

Does Fido's or Fluffy's breath send you for a clothespin to put over your nose? That odor might signify a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only your pet's teeth and gums but internal organs as well. ­Eighty-five percent of adult pets have periodontal disease, which goes undetected if owners do not have their animals checked by a ­veterinarian.

For National Pet Dental Health Month, Family Animal Medicine is offering a 50 percent discount for dental cleanings ­during the month of February. In addition, all dental patients will receive a complimentary nail trim during the month of February.

Along with the dental ­cleaning purchased, there is an additional inexpensive charge for antibiotics sent home with each pet owner, and if a pet needs extensive dental work, owners will be provided with an estimate before any further work is ­completed. “For example, a pet may need a tooth extracted,” says Dr. Nobles. “We won’t do any ­extensive work without the ­owner’s consent.”

Identifying and treating ­gingivitis and periodontal disease in pets is just as important to their health as it is to humans. “It is a myth that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's. Pets' mouths harbor harmful bacteria, and as we know, they are not choosy about where they put their tongues or what goes into their mouths,” says Dr. Nobles.

“Your pet’s teeth build up with plaque too,” she adds, “and if you’re not brushing their teeth each day, it is even more ­important to have their teeth checked at least every six months. A quick dental exam is all it takes to check for disease caused by bacteria.”

The vets also recommend a once-a-year cleaning. “Small breeds are especially pre-disposed to dental disease,” says Dr. Nobles. “Poor oral health can lead to serious problems like ­kidney and heart disease in your pet.”

When you walk in the doors of the new clinic, familiar faces will greet you. Each staff ­member has your pet’s health as a number one priority. Joining Dr. Nobles, Dr. Guerriero and Wanda Cline at Family Animal Medicine are Mariann Stanley, Becky Vasey and Karen Drosos, receptionists;  Katie Knoten and Aaron Goldesberry, vet techs; and Micki DeYong, master groomer.

These staff members will be assisting the doctors every day, including during the hectic dental health month. Each pet will have a staff member assigned to monitor their well-being from the beginning of the cleaning process until they are completely out of recovery. “We even have warming blankets to keep your pet warm while recovering from anesthesia,” says Dr. Guerriero. “All pets' vital signs are monitored very closely, not only with ECG and PulseOximetry, but they have a staff member assigned to supervise their vital signs directly from sedation to recovery.”

While most dog owners are aware of the need to have their pet’s teeth cleaned, not enough people think about their cat’s oral health, according to Dr. Nobles. “You can bring your dog or cat by for a free quick dental assessment –not an exam – to see if they need oral health care.”

Pet owners should also take simple actions at home to be sure their pet has good oral health, including brushing. “We carry all of the home dental care products necessary to ensure your pet’s oral health is the best,” Dr. Nobles adds. “We are dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for family dogs and cats. We invite the community to drop by and tour our new facility or to call us with any questions. We are always available to our clients.”

To avoid the hectic rush of National Dental Health Month, schedule your pet’s cleaning as soon as possible by calling the office at (918) 609-6111.

 

For more information, contact

Family Animal Medicine

9200 N. Garnett Rd.
Owasso, OK 74055

(918) 609-6111