Pet Specialty Services

A primary focus of regenerative medicine has been the use of multipotent stem cells, which are able to develop into a variety of different cell types, potentially enabling the repair, regeneration, and improved function of damaged or diseased tissue.

Techniques have been developed over the past decade to facilitate the use of autologous stem cells, which are cells derived from a patient’s own adipose (fat) tissue. Cells derived from adipose tissue are known as mesenchymal stem cells. They may differentiate into cells that form tissues such as bone, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

The stem cells are extracted, purified, and concentrated, then injected directly into regions of the body needing treatment. Once collected and processed, cells may also be grown in the lab to expand their numbers and stored for use at a future time.

Current applications for stem cell therapy (SCT) in veterinary medicine include tendon and ligament injuries and osteoarthritis. Research is presently underway at multiple institutions to explore the potential use of stem cells in an array of other conditions, including immune-mediated disease and organ dysfunction.

No matter the case, the Cottage Pet Hospital team will make sure you completely understand the stem cell therapy treatment process before it is administered.

Just as humans can develop allergic reactions to environmental elements, so too can our pets. While we cannot cure your pet’s allergy, there are ways to effectively manage and relieve allergy symptoms.

Pet allergies are a common problem, but symptoms associated with animal allergies can also be an indication of more serious pet health conditions. When necessary, our veterinary staff will perform blood work and other tests to determine the cause of your pet’s discomfort.

Allergies, in both humans and pets, are the result of a change that causes the immune system to view a normal substance as a foreign substance attacking the body. When a change in your pet’s immune system causes it to attack the perceived foreign substance, it causes an inflammation that produces your pet’s allergy symptoms.

Itchy skin is the most common allergic reaction in pets, although oral nodules, lip ulcers in cats, and repeated ear infections in dogs can also be signs of allergies. Common signs of allergies in dogs or cats include continuous scratching or licking as well as biting, chewing, or rubbing a part of their body.

Since pet allergies can be caused by any one of many factors, our trained staff will rely both on discussions with you about your pet’s symptoms and test results. Pet allergies are usually not life threatening, but they do reduce your pet’s comfort and quality of life. Fortunately, they are manageable and your pet can return to good health. We recommend allergy treatments well before allergy season to help preempt symptoms.

Our staff has significant training and experience in recognizing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the skin of animals, including the ear, hair, nail, and mouth. Many veterinary skin diseases are similar to conditions in humans, and training in comparative medicine is important. However, most veterinary skin disorders are unique and may occur in only one of the many types of animals a veterinarian cares for. These diseases range from skin cancer to allergies, and treatment options vary tremendously. Skin disease can also present as a manifestation of an underlying internal disease process. Thus, in addition to dermatology, veterinary dermatologists are also trained in internal medicine, immunology, and allergy.

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy life. It is important for pet owners to understand that a pet’s nutritional needs often differ from their own. Nutritional needs of dogs differ from those of cats. And different lifestyles and life stages also have varying nutritional requirements.

Knowing that good nutrition is vital to your pet’s good health, our veterinarians and trained staff are happy to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs with you and answer your questions. A good time to discuss concerns about your pet’s nutrition with one of our veterinarians is during your pet’s regular wellness care examinations.

Nutritional concerns for your pet to keep in mind:

• Water is very important, and you should provide your cat or dog with a bowl of fresh water every day.
• Watch the calories and your pet’s weight. There are guidelines for daily calorie intake for both dogs and cats based on their size and stage of life.
• When choosing food for your cat, make sure it is rich in meat and protein, as cats’ bodies rely on meat as the only source of proteins and other essential nutrients.
• Meat and fats are important in your dog’s diet as well, but vegetables can also be a source of nutrition in his or her diet. However, seek guidance from our veterinary staff before increasing the amount of vegetables offered to your dog or putting your dog on an all-vegetarian diet.

Obesity is a problem veterinarians are noticing much more frequently, and it can lead to more serious conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. We can recommend changes in your pet’s diet and exercise activity, as well as other weight management programs to help him or her shed excess weight to help avoid problems later in life.

**We offer boarding and bathing services to our current clients only.**

Boarding
Leaving your pet is never easy, but rest assured that they’ll enjoy a wonderful stay with us! Our veterinary health care team is confident that your special family members will find our accommodations safe and comfortable. What makes us unique is that, unlike other boarding centers, your pet is monitored by trained veterinary staff members during their stay.

Bathing
We offer bathing services as well as many bathing products. We stock an assortment of medicated shampoos as well as some that just smell good. We inspect and treat every animal in an effort to create a “flea- free” environment! Baths are available daily and are discounted when your pet is staying with us. All baths include nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression.