By Dr. Rich Lorang, on December 23rd, 2011 
Earlier this week Countryside Animal Hospital was presented with a certificate of appreciation and letter from their executive director thanking us for our participation in the PEHS spay and neuter program! Prairies Edge Humane Society is one of the numerous rescue groups we work with in the area. We all like to do our part to control the animal population so there are not so many homeless pets; especially over these cold winter months. Take care to spay and neuter your pet before they are old enough to reproduce!
By Dr. Signe Wass, on December 16th, 2011 
For all of us with a geriatric cat at home, there is a new way to treat one of the most common geriatric diseases of cats, hyperthyroidism. It’s the new Y/D diet from Science diet. Hyperthyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland starts to produce excess amounts of thyroid hormone. In cats, this causes severe weight loss, heart murmurs, hypertension, stroke and eventually death. For years our most common treatment involves giving the cat a pill twice a day. This can be problematic for many reasons, the most significant is no one wants to pill their cat twice a day. The Y/D diet helps to treat hyperthyroidism by limiting the amount of iodine in the food. Iodine is the essential element the thyroid gland needs to produce excessive amounts of hormone, so restricting the amount of iodine essentially decreases production of thyroid hormone and alleviates symptoms. At this time we are beginning to use y/d as part of our treatment protocol and are hopeful that it will either decrease the amount of medication needed or possibly eliminate medication in some lucky patients. To discuss if this is an option for your cat, please contact Countryside Animal Hospital to schedule a visit with your veterinarian.
By Dr. Rich Lorang, on December 12th, 2011 As many of you know Signe and I are proud graduates of the University of MInnesota college of Veterinary Medicine. We still go up there for classes and we follow their veterinary research projects. But the most important relationship we have with them is for their medical support.
Just recently I had an emergency case you may have seen in the Northfield News on the weekend that was in need of an oxygen cage because of smoke inhalation and exhaustion. The U of M was ready for the pet when it arrived and was placed in an intensive care unit for constant monitoring. I could go on and on about all the great medical, surgical and diagnostic tools they have up there, but I’ll just get too excited about it so, just take comfort in knowing, when needed, we have friends in high places.
By Jess CVT, on December 9th, 2011 
UPDATE: This sweet girl was Adopted!! This beautiful polydactyl female cat is looking for a home! Being a polydactyl cat, she has extra toes on every foot and loves to play! We believe she is around 1 year old and she is very social! With interest in adopting this sweet girl, call Countryside Animal Hospital and Kennels at 645-4522 before 12/13!
By Annie, on December 9th, 2011  Greetings!
I’m a frisky 10 month old Labrador Retriever named Annie. I live in scenic Northfield. I’ve noticed that this town is filled with bicycles, stained glass, the smell of muffins, and dogs. I’ve decided to be the voice of these dogs for their owners. Every month I will bark out a problem and attempt to give you insight to solve them.
This time of year I hear children begging their parents for a new puppy. I even hear them promising to feed, walk, and play with the pup. It seems like the parents are put in the “dog house” trying to make this important decision. Should they say “yes” or “wait?”
Caring for dogs develops responsibility and self-esteem in their young owners. If you are looking for the magical age to purchase a pup, forget it. The actual skills necessary to care for pets, though, depend more on a child’s ability to take responsibility and exercise self-control than on an age group.
While walking down the side walk I heard 2 people talking about the added expense of purchasing a pup. I reminded them not to forget the added responsibilities involved as well. Were they willing to care for the dog when their children grew up or headed to college or careers?
I suggest including the children in all discussions on caring for your dog. Often, kids can offer great suggestions and be part of the solution when it comes to any behavior problems in your dog.
Because some of my best friends at Doggy Daycare are rescue dogs, I’d suggest checking them out if searching for a dog. These “slightly used” dogs are looking for warm and friendly homes.
One last thing. I suggest you secure the services of a dependable veterinarian like Dr. Rich Lorang or Dr. Signe Wass. Neither one of them has cold hands, and really seem to like taking care of animals.
Your pal, Annie
By Michael Gunderson, on December 9th, 2011 The best time to teach your puppy is in the first 6 months of its life as a puppy’s brain is perfectly developed to learn. Many perspective dog owners cringe at the thought of a barking pup chewing everything in sight while soiling inside the house. Many of these unwanted issues can be prevented by early training. As many people know, a dog is a pack animal. They love to hang with a group and in this group much learning can be done. Well you have the power to control this group. Join a puppy class. Your puppy NEEDS socialization almost much as his first vaccinations. In fact, dogs can get in more trouble mentally and physically by NOT being socialized. Countryside Animal Hospital & Kennels are now offering puppy classes. Call Michael at the Kennel (507)-645-5051 for more information.
By Dr. Rich Lorang, on December 6th, 2011 Yikes! There has been a positive rabies case diagnosed in a young cat in Olmsted County. This cat was an outdoor kitty that was bitten by a skunk. Unfortunately the kitty bit many people before it was diagnosed so all those folks need to be vaccinated. The whole sad situation is a potent reminder to keep all our pets up to date on their rabies vaccine!! It’s an inexpensive insurance policy to say the least….. For information on rabies in animals and to view a map of positive cases in Minnesota visit the Board of Animal Health’s website.
By Dr. Rich Lorang, on December 6th, 2011 Check out this WCCO broadcast of Windmill Animal Rescue of Elko/New Market who are in need of support. The shelter is housed in the Windmill Feed and Pet Supply Company building located in Elko New Market. Windmill relies on the generosity of others to keep their operations at their best.
By Jess CVT, on December 6th, 2011
 Males Edward Jasper and Carslie
 Females Bella, Alice and Rosalie
Check out these beautiful Husky/Aussie Mix pups!! Two pups are still available for adoption, Edward and Rosalie, through Pet Projects Rescue!!
By Michael Gunderson, on December 1st, 2011 The wooshing sound of air escaping the pressurized can could be heard, felt, and smelled. The can held 3 optic green tennis balls. Each ball had a name, Roy, Saul, and Mel. They were rolled out of the can and plopped happily onto the court. Each ball took their turn being hit back and forth, then back again. Life was good for Roy, Saul, and Mel. After a few weeks, these optic spheres were left alone in a bucket in a cool damp garage. Days turned to months, and months turned to years. What a sad existence. The only joy they received was the clatter of an occasional garage sale or spring cleaning. Each time, the boys were left untouched and unloved. When things appeared most bleek, Roy, Saul, and Mel got the chance they had been waiting for. The entire bucket in which they had lived so sadly, had been donated to Countryside Animal Hosptal & Kennels. From day one, Roy was carried about in the mouths of many dogs. Saul loved being thrown about and chased after. Mel never grew old of all the attention he received by the pups. Their only complaint was the occassional “bad breath” of a Springer Spaniel named Julius, and the feeling of dampness on their bodies at the end of the day. These were small sacrifices for Roy, Saul, and Mel.
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Countryside Animal Hospital & Kennels
708 Schilling Drive
Dundas, MN 55019
(507) 645-4522 Clinic
(507) 645-5051 Kennel
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