The Delmar Animal Hospital will be saying a begrudging farewell to Dr. Laura Tenney after 30 years of practicing veterinary medicine.  She started practice with Dr. Lynk, Lyman and Vaughn in 1984 as a fresh faced Cornell graduate. A mixed animal practitioner, Dr. Tenney can count cattle, sheep, goats, cats and dogs among her patients. She met her husband of nearly 25 years on a late night emergency farm call! Her last day of practice will be November 12, 2014.

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), a leading pet insurance company, released a cost analysis of the five most common preventitive pet conditions for their insured pet population for 2012.

DENTAL DISEASE: for example, tooth infections, periodontal disease

Average Treatment Cost: $531.71

Average Prevention Cost: $171.82

INTERNAL PARASITES: for example, round worms, tape worms, giardiasis

Average Treatment Cost: $179.93

Average Prevention Cost: $29.51

EXTERNAL PARASITES: for example Heartworm disease transmitted by mosquitos, Lyme disease transmitted by ticks, flea allergic dermatitis

Average Treatment Cost: $180.67

Average Prevention Cost: $84.89

INFECTIOUS DISEASE: for example parvovirus, Lyme disease, feline leukemia virus

Average Treatment Cost: $678.24

Average Prevention Cost (dogs by core vaccines): $85.14

Average Prevention Cost (cats by core vaccines): $74.52

REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN DISEASE: for example pyometra, prostatitis, ovarian neoplasia

Average Treatment Cost: $531.98

Average Prevention Cost (spay/neuter): $260.69

Carol McConnell, DVM and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI suggests "Similar to ensuring that all members of the family see their doctor regularly for wellness visits, it's just as important for pets.  Taking preventive measures can avoid more serious and expensive medical conditions from arising down the road and helps keep our furry, four-legged family members on track for a long and healthy life."

Please look at our Frequently Asked Questions page. We strive to add information that may be relevant for you and your pet. Recently added information includes discussions about Kennel Cough, how to catch urine from your pet, micro-chipping, pet insurance, and household dangers like chocolate and xylitol (sugarless sweetener in gum and candy).