Dr. Mary Galloway has been associated with DCAH since 1995. She has had a long history of involvement with companion animal training and canine reproduction initially as a successful obedience competitor and later as a breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs. Prior to and during veterinary school, she worked as a companion animal trainer.
She earned a BS and MS in Biology from George Mason University and then earned her DVM degree from the Virginia -Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. During her clinical year of training, she did a senior externship at the University of Tennessee in Behavior Problem Solving and another at the University of Minnesota in Small Animal Reproduction.
She has continued to focus on reproduction and behavior throughout her career. Under the auspices of her own practice, Fairhill Veterinary Clinic, she does reproductive and behavioral consulting.
As a successful breeder of Shetland sheepdogs, she is a member of the American Sheltland Sheepdog Association (ASSA). She serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the ASSA Health Research committee. She is a member of the President’s Council of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. She is also a founder of the Fairfax County Pets on Wheels program, a nursing home visitation program now under the auspices of the Fairfax county Area Agency on Aging.
Dr. Galloway shares her home with eight Shelties and enjoys reading and cooking. She also continues her involvement in all types of activities with her Shelties.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Meet the Staff
Dr. Terri Davis
Dale City Animal Hospital
This edition, we would like to feature one of our doctors, Terri (Summers) Davis. She has served our hospital for ten years, longer than any other doctor currently on staff. As a result of her longevity, she knows many of you and your pets on sight.
Dr. Davis is originally from Rappahannock County, Virginia. She graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. She worked for 7 months at the Harrisburg Animal Hospital prior to coming to our hospital in 1993. Her primary fields of interest are internal medicine, surgery and preventative medicine. She does 90% of the surgeries at our hospital.
Many of you know her as Dr. Summers, but she recently married Craig Davis. Dr. Davis and her husband enjoy the outdoors. In their free time, they can often be found hiking with their dogs, kayaking and fishing. Dr. Davis also enjoys baking and gardening.
They currently have four cats and three dogs. Most of their pets were rescue animals, many from our hospital. She recently lost Brin, a gentle Rottweiller, to bone cancer. Brin accompanied her to work every day and was a favorite of our staff. She will be greatly missed.
Dr. Davis is originally from Rappahannock County, Virginia. She graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. She worked for 7 months at the Harrisburg Animal Hospital prior to coming to our hospital in 1993. Her primary fields of interest are internal medicine, surgery and preventative medicine. She does 90% of the surgeries at our hospital.
Many of you know her as Dr. Summers, but she recently married Craig Davis. Dr. Davis and her husband enjoy the outdoors. In their free time, they can often be found hiking with their dogs, kayaking and fishing. Dr. Davis also enjoys baking and gardening.
They currently have four cats and three dogs. Most of their pets were rescue animals, many from our hospital. She recently lost Brin, a gentle Rottweiller, to bone cancer. Brin accompanied her to work every day and was a favorite of our staff. She will be greatly missed.
Update: Have a Heart
Your contributions helped four litters of kittens, including a litter that the staff found outside the Polo Grill in Lorton after a staff meeting. As is our policy, all were spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and then adopted by new families.
Contributors this period include:
* Richard and Cheryl Larson, in memory of Sammy and in honor of Shadow
* Jamie Gaskill, in memory of Honey
* Judith Schneider, in memory of Buster
* Marjorie and John Porter, in memory of Missy
* Kim and Flossy Buel, in memory of Casey
* Dave Cummings
* Marilyn Parrott
* Karen Smith and Nancy Joyner...in memory of Molly
* Linda Boland
Contributors this period include:
* Richard and Cheryl Larson, in memory of Sammy and in honor of Shadow
* Jamie Gaskill, in memory of Honey
* Judith Schneider, in memory of Buster
* Marjorie and John Porter, in memory of Missy
* Kim and Flossy Buel, in memory of Casey
* Dave Cummings
* Marilyn Parrott
* Karen Smith and Nancy Joyner...in memory of Molly
* Linda Boland
Disaster Preparedness for Pets
“When disaster strikes, always keep your pets with
you. If it isn’t safe for you to stay put, it isn’t safe
for your pets.” This advice is offered by the Humane Society
web page.
In this time of heightened terror alerts, blizzards and
hurricanes, it seems timely to discuss what should be done for
pets in the event of an emergency. Whether it is necessary to
evacuate (for a terrorist attack) or hunker down (for hurricanes
and blizzards), having a plan ahead of time makes sense for
people and animals alike. The Humane Society website
(www.hsus.org/ace18732) is a wealth of information for any
concerned pet owner.
Basic considerations during emergency planning and
preparation for your pets include the following:
There are lots of other details that could be discussed, but
the important thing is to think ahead and be prepared. If you
have questions, discuss them with a staff member. We all hope
there will never be a need for any of this, but it is prudent to be
prepared
you. If it isn’t safe for you to stay put, it isn’t safe
for your pets.” This advice is offered by the Humane Society
web page.
In this time of heightened terror alerts, blizzards and
hurricanes, it seems timely to discuss what should be done for
pets in the event of an emergency. Whether it is necessary to
evacuate (for a terrorist attack) or hunker down (for hurricanes
and blizzards), having a plan ahead of time makes sense for
people and animals alike. The Humane Society website
(www.hsus.org/ace18732) is a wealth of information for any
concerned pet owner.
Basic considerations during emergency planning and
preparation for your pets include the following:
- Do not ever leave your pets behind if you are evacuating.
Have carriers available for each small pet, and put the
animals in them at the first suggestion that you may need to
evacuate. (Have you ever taken half a day to catch your cat
simply to bring it to the veterinarian?) - Remember, if you are preparing to evacuate, your
veterinarian, boarding kennel, and the animal shelter may be
closed (and evacuating) as well. Their employees will be
dealing with the same kinds of crisis you are, so look elsewhere
(i.e. out of the area) to board your pets. (However, be assured
that those pets in our care at the time will be taken care of.) - Make sure that your pets have some sort of identification
on them and on any carrier they are in. Permanent
identification in the form of tattoos or microchips is best, and
both are available at our hospital. Collars and tags can be lost,
but pets with permanent identification have a much better
chance of being reunited with their owners. - Have plenty of your pet’s medications available and
readily accessible in the event that you have to leave in a hurry. - Keep a copy of your pet’s vaccination history with
your important papers at all times. We can provide an extra
copy for you at any time. - Make sure pet food and water is part of your emergency
supply kit.
There are lots of other details that could be discussed, but
the important thing is to think ahead and be prepared. If you
have questions, discuss them with a staff member. We all hope
there will never be a need for any of this, but it is prudent to be
prepared
Sunday, June 1, 2003
Update: Have a Heart
Elvis is one of the lucky benefactors of your generosity this past quarter.
Elvis was hit by a car during one of our many February snowstorms. Luckily for
him, some good Samaritans found him on the snowy road. Natalie Maddox and her
daughter, Hope, stopped to help Elvis and brought him to our hospital. X-rays revealed
that he had a broken pelvis. In spite of his pain, he was as sweet as could be during his
recuperation. In fact, he got his name because he “grinned” by lifting his upper lip. He
spent two months at our hospital recuperating before being adopted into a loving home.
Contributors to our fund this quarter include:
* The Scott Werner family, in memory of Sasha
* The Albert Hutchinson family, in memory of Mandy
* Melinda Whitman, in memory of her father
* The Robert Murphy family, in memory of Missy
* Peggy Bercher, in memory of Simon Schaeffer and Chloe Weber
* Marty and Mark Pross, in memory of Cloudberry
* Linda Boland
* David Cummings
Elvis was hit by a car during one of our many February snowstorms. Luckily for
him, some good Samaritans found him on the snowy road. Natalie Maddox and her
daughter, Hope, stopped to help Elvis and brought him to our hospital. X-rays revealed
that he had a broken pelvis. In spite of his pain, he was as sweet as could be during his
recuperation. In fact, he got his name because he “grinned” by lifting his upper lip. He
spent two months at our hospital recuperating before being adopted into a loving home.
Contributors to our fund this quarter include:
* The Scott Werner family, in memory of Sasha
* The Albert Hutchinson family, in memory of Mandy
* Melinda Whitman, in memory of her father
* The Robert Murphy family, in memory of Missy
* Peggy Bercher, in memory of Simon Schaeffer and Chloe Weber
* Marty and Mark Pross, in memory of Cloudberry
* Linda Boland
* David Cummings
Diseases in the News—How Do They Affect Your Pets?
There have been countless news reports in the last several months about potentially deadly diseases striking humans everywhere. Some notable examples have been SARS, West Nile Virus, Anthrax, Mad Cow Disease, and most recently, Monkey Pox. Pet lovers have wondered if and how these ailments might affect their companions.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is probably the most real risk for people and animals in our region. The animals that are most likely to contract this virus are horses, birds and humans. Birds seem to be particularly at risk, so the current recommendation would be to keep pet birds indoors. Horses have long been known to be an at-risk species, and a vaccine is available for them. Ask an equine veterinarian to administer this vaccine, and make sure you follow up with booster vaccines as recommended. Immunized animals have not acquired the disease in the face of this epidemic, so the vaccine appears to be very effective. In regards to dogs and cats, WNV does not appear to be a significant health risk. There have been very isolated cases of illness or death, but it seems that these pets have had compromised immune systems from other illnesses. Dogs and cats can certainly get the virus, as shown by positive antibody tests, but the huge majority of cases are clearly not symptomatic. Mosquito control is the most effective way of protecting your whole family from this virus. Eliminate standing water in your yard, and apply DEET to yourself and your children. DO NOT APPLY DEET TO PETS—it is not safe for consumption and pets will invariably lick it off. A new topical insecticide is available for DOGS ONLY. It is called Advantix, and is applied similarly to Frontline Topspot. It does repel mosquitoes, in addition to fleas and ticks, though the real importance of repelling mosquitoes is to help prevent heartworm disease. For more information on WNV, see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/birds&mammals.htm.
Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is, of course, a very recent discovery, so new information emerges daily. As of this writing, there is no evidence that it causes significant illness in pet dogs and cats, though a few cats in Hong Kong may have been infected. There has been some suggestion that the illness is a form of coronavirus that has mutated from such a virus in a cat-like animal called a civet. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control are feverishly investigating this disease outbreak, and more data is certain to emerge. For now, it appears that pet owners should not be concerned about this disease—http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/5/15/204412.shtml.
Anthrax, caused by a bacteria, was of considerable concern for our country a few years ago; and it is still considered to be a possible agent of bioterrorism. It can cause disease in cattle, sheep and goats, as well as in humans. It is not a health concern for pet dogs and cats. Natural spread of the disease has been curtailed in this country by diligent monitoring and reporting programs instituted by the USDA and the state board of animal health.
Similarly, Mad Cow Disease is not currently a threat to our pet population. A recent case of this disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) was apparently diagnosed in a cow in Canada, increasing the worry that we could see an emergence of this problem on our continent, but it appears that was an isolated case. For the most part, this disease is limited to cattle, sheep and goats, with rare (but fatal) infection of people. There have been no reports of pet dogs and cats contracting the disease, though some people worry about the practice of feeding meat meat scraps, in the form of meat and bone meal to other cattle and sheep). Again, careful monitoring of slaughter house practices by the USDA has served to protect the United States from this disease. (http://www.healthresearchbooks.com/articles/mad_cow25.htm).
Finally, there is the very recent emergence of Monkey Pox in the Midwest. This viral disease was previously only seen in the rainforests of parts of Africa, infecting monkeys there, as well as ground squirrels. It has been shown in laboratory studies that it can infect rabbits, mice and rats, as well: and it has now shown up in pet prairie dogs. From there, it has spread to humans, a pet rabbit, and an exotic rat species, presumably via bite wounds, contact with infected body fluids, or from virus contaminated objects such as bedding. In humans, the symptoms are a pustular rash, fever and muscle aches. In pets, an owner may notice fever, lethargy, cough, red eyes, enlarged glands and a bumpy rash. It is sometimes fatal in animals, but no fatalities have been reported in people in association with this outbreak. If you have a pet rodent or rabbit who may be experiencing these or other symptoms, handle the pet with gloves and take care to wash carefully afterwards. Bedding should be collected in garbage bags and disposed of with medical waste. Call a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animal care immediately. Our staff can provide you with some phone numbers. (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox/factsheet.htm).
West Nile Virus (WNV) is probably the most real risk for people and animals in our region. The animals that are most likely to contract this virus are horses, birds and humans. Birds seem to be particularly at risk, so the current recommendation would be to keep pet birds indoors. Horses have long been known to be an at-risk species, and a vaccine is available for them. Ask an equine veterinarian to administer this vaccine, and make sure you follow up with booster vaccines as recommended. Immunized animals have not acquired the disease in the face of this epidemic, so the vaccine appears to be very effective. In regards to dogs and cats, WNV does not appear to be a significant health risk. There have been very isolated cases of illness or death, but it seems that these pets have had compromised immune systems from other illnesses. Dogs and cats can certainly get the virus, as shown by positive antibody tests, but the huge majority of cases are clearly not symptomatic. Mosquito control is the most effective way of protecting your whole family from this virus. Eliminate standing water in your yard, and apply DEET to yourself and your children. DO NOT APPLY DEET TO PETS—it is not safe for consumption and pets will invariably lick it off. A new topical insecticide is available for DOGS ONLY. It is called Advantix, and is applied similarly to Frontline Topspot. It does repel mosquitoes, in addition to fleas and ticks, though the real importance of repelling mosquitoes is to help prevent heartworm disease. For more information on WNV, see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/birds&mammals.htm.
Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is, of course, a very recent discovery, so new information emerges daily. As of this writing, there is no evidence that it causes significant illness in pet dogs and cats, though a few cats in Hong Kong may have been infected. There has been some suggestion that the illness is a form of coronavirus that has mutated from such a virus in a cat-like animal called a civet. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control are feverishly investigating this disease outbreak, and more data is certain to emerge. For now, it appears that pet owners should not be concerned about this disease—http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/5/15/204412.shtml.
Anthrax, caused by a bacteria, was of considerable concern for our country a few years ago; and it is still considered to be a possible agent of bioterrorism. It can cause disease in cattle, sheep and goats, as well as in humans. It is not a health concern for pet dogs and cats. Natural spread of the disease has been curtailed in this country by diligent monitoring and reporting programs instituted by the USDA and the state board of animal health.
Similarly, Mad Cow Disease is not currently a threat to our pet population. A recent case of this disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) was apparently diagnosed in a cow in Canada, increasing the worry that we could see an emergence of this problem on our continent, but it appears that was an isolated case. For the most part, this disease is limited to cattle, sheep and goats, with rare (but fatal) infection of people. There have been no reports of pet dogs and cats contracting the disease, though some people worry about the practice of feeding meat meat scraps, in the form of meat and bone meal to other cattle and sheep). Again, careful monitoring of slaughter house practices by the USDA has served to protect the United States from this disease. (http://www.healthresearchbooks.com/articles/mad_cow25.htm).
Finally, there is the very recent emergence of Monkey Pox in the Midwest. This viral disease was previously only seen in the rainforests of parts of Africa, infecting monkeys there, as well as ground squirrels. It has been shown in laboratory studies that it can infect rabbits, mice and rats, as well: and it has now shown up in pet prairie dogs. From there, it has spread to humans, a pet rabbit, and an exotic rat species, presumably via bite wounds, contact with infected body fluids, or from virus contaminated objects such as bedding. In humans, the symptoms are a pustular rash, fever and muscle aches. In pets, an owner may notice fever, lethargy, cough, red eyes, enlarged glands and a bumpy rash. It is sometimes fatal in animals, but no fatalities have been reported in people in association with this outbreak. If you have a pet rodent or rabbit who may be experiencing these or other symptoms, handle the pet with gloves and take care to wash carefully afterwards. Bedding should be collected in garbage bags and disposed of with medical waste. Call a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animal care immediately. Our staff can provide you with some phone numbers. (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox/factsheet.htm).
Sunday, March 30, 2003
Update: Have a Heart
Your generosity has provided treatment and homes to about six cats during this period.
Contributors this quarter include:
* Judith Demont (In memory of Trudy and Simon)
* Mr. and Mrs. John Hughes (In memory of Cujo)
* Carlotta Netherland (In memory of Max)
* Karen Bosze (In memory of Brandy and in honor of Maggie)
* Stanley and Jean Elmore (In memory of Buffy)
* Susan and Al Hughes
* Mr. and Mrs. Charles Allgood
* Alton Crews
* Alice Sheloski
* Marjorie Gibson
* Mary Heard
* Daisy Closter
* Joseph Levy
* Nancy Fiske
Contributors this quarter include:
* Judith Demont (In memory of Trudy and Simon)
* Mr. and Mrs. John Hughes (In memory of Cujo)
* Carlotta Netherland (In memory of Max)
* Karen Bosze (In memory of Brandy and in honor of Maggie)
* Stanley and Jean Elmore (In memory of Buffy)
* Susan and Al Hughes
* Mr. and Mrs. Charles Allgood
* Alton Crews
* Alice Sheloski
* Marjorie Gibson
* Mary Heard
* Daisy Closter
* Joseph Levy
* Nancy Fiske
A better view of the ear
Approximately 15-20% of all dogs, and a smaller percentage of cats, have ear problems. Ear problems can cause moderate discomfort to severe pain for your pets and can result in hearing loss and even neurological problems. However, diagnosis is often problematic. Our hospital has acquired a new diagnostic tool to assist our veterinarians determine the cause of your pet’s ear problem. The Video Vetscope, pictured here, was purchased a few months ago for this purpose.
Typically, ear problems are diagnosed by a combination of visual examination by the veterinarian and a cytology of discharge from the ear. In many simple cases, this is sufficient for the doctor to determine the cause of the problem and to devise a treatment plan.
However, in many cases these diagnostic tools are not sufficient. Due to the shape of the ear canal, which is like an “L”, it is often difficult to see all the way to the tympanic membrane or ear drum. This can be further exacerbated if the ear is so painful, swollen, or full of discharge that the veterinarian cannot conduct a thorough visual examination. The Video Vetscope enhances the veterinarian’s capabilities in this respect.
This system has several important capabilities. First, by means of a small camera on the end of an otoscope, the doctor can see all the way into the ear. This view is displayed on a computer monitor and can also be captured on film. Second, debris or foreign bodies can be grasped and cleared from the ear with a biopsy instrument inserted through the otoscope. Finally, the vetscope is equipped with a system that can flush debris out of the ear.
These capabilities are especially important in the case of chronic ear problems because the infection may be secondary to another problem in the ear, such as a tumor or foreign body. These may not be evident on a normal visual examination of the ear.
Depending on the situation, your pet may or may not be sedated for this procedure. Ear flushes are always performed under sedation. Examinations may be done without sedation depending on the tolerance level of your pet. Although designed for the ear, our doctors have found the system is also helpful in examining areas of the mouth that are difficult to see.
In the few months that we have used the video vetscope, we have been very excited by its capabilities. It will significantly enhance our ability to diagnose and treat your pet’s ear problems.
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