We at Hanover Animal Hospital recently had the opportunity to assist the Environmental Working Group with the gathering of information which revealed the presence of many household chemicals in the blood and urine of our canine and feline companions. Through our association with Carrie Gouldin, a very capable and hard working former employee, we were asked to obtain samples from our patients as they came through our office earlier this year. (Many of you may remember when we asked if you would be interested in participating in this study.) I thank you for allowing us to include your hairy children in this program. The information gathered appears to indicate that our pets are susceptible to the absorption of various chemicals from the home environment which may have implications for their health and well being. Further study is certainly warranted and is certain to be forthcoming. Until such studies have been completed, it is difficult if not impossible to predict what, if any, health concerns we may anticipate.

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge especially the invaluable assistance and work of my entire staff on this project, especially Casie Turner and Steven Jackson who not only collected many of the samples, but packed up labeled and prepared for shipment all of the specimens. I thank them for their invaluable assistance.

Check the links below for further information regarding this study. I certainly look forward to the continued investigation into this very interesting situation.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89726772

posted by Dr. Billeter @ 8:07 PM |  0 comments