Our Blog
Staff Education Tidbits
Dr. Jim Earley and Dr. Amy Plankenhorn traveled to Johnson City, TN, on a recent rainy Sunday to attend a day-long 
presentation about cancer management. The speaker was Dr. Greg Ogilvie, a respected veterinary oncology specialist from San Diego, CA, who has been on the forefront of cancer research for many years.
They learned about some exciting new developments coming up in veterinary cancer management, reviewed pain management and comfort care, and picked up some interesting facts. For example:
• Obesity is a risk factor for cancer.
• Grain in the diet does not lead to the development of cancer, unless it’s highly refined sugars.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases cancer risk in dogs and cats. Lung cancer is a known effect of smoking and smoke exposure in dogs, cats, and humans. But dogs and cats have a 70% higher risk of mouth cancers, and cats have a higher risk of stomach cancer when they are exposed to cigarette smoke. Why? Because the smoke gets on their coat, and when they lick and groom themselves, their mouth and stomach are exposed to carcinogens. So if you must smoke, do it outside for the sake of your pet!
At one of our recent Tuesday staff meetings, Dr. Jan Andrews, a Veterinary Clinical Pathologist from the Raleigh area, came and spoke to our doctors and technical/nursing staff about new knowledge on obtaining and handling laboratory samples. Our staff is always striving to improve our procedures to benefit our patients.
An Update from Magic's Family
Many of you have asked for an update on Magic, the poodle that was rescued by Asheville Humane Society and treated here at Animal Hospital of North Asheville. Click HERE to see photos of Magic happy in his new life!
An update from Magic's family:
Magic has come a long way since you all saved his life. He's developing his own personality, likes and dislikes, but above all, has become a daddy's boy.
As soon as we arrived in Florida, I signed up for group classes through my dog club, Tailwagger's, and also worked with a private trainer. Magic participated in 6-week classes in basic agility, body awareness and conditioning, nose work, and introductory classes in tracking, rally and treiball. We attempted lure coursing and dock diving but the day we went the machines broke right before our turn for lure coursing, and the lake was being drained, hence no dock diving. Magic earned his Canine Good Citizen title and also his Therapy Dog International title.
Magic loves the beach, and has had fun at doggie adventure day camp.
So I've been a busy doggie-mum, because besides taking Magic to classes, Marley has been to other classes also. I volunteer for events through my dog club and also at a local dog shelter. In a few weeks I'll be taking an 8-hour emergency dog first-aid class.
Love to all,
Suzanne and her boys, Georgie, Magic and Marley
