Welcome!

Greetings to all our valued clients and their pets,

As of August 14, 2008 I will be leaving Kronenwetter Veterinary Care and retiring from clinical companion animal practice. This was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for me to make after 18 enjoyable years in practice, 14 of these at Kronenwetter Veterinary Care. I have come to know many of you and your pets very well over these years, and I hold deep regard for these relationships. There were many tears of sadness when our pets passed on, and many tears of joy with new puppies and kittens, and successful outcomes of medical and surgical cases. I will miss you all very much.

I will also miss my collegues, the doctors and staff of Kronenwetter Veterinary Care. I am honored to have worked with caring and gifted individuals. Their professionalism, talent, pride, empathy and humor give Kronenwetter Veterinary Care a unique and special atmosphere. We all know the doctors and staff at KVC will always provide the best veterinary care available in the central Wisconsin area.

The reasons for my retirement from clinical companion animal practice are twofold. First and foremost is my health. Allergies and asthma complicated by occupational exposure to animal allergens has put my health at risk. I have exhausted all conventional therapies to control these allergies, and avoiding exposure is my best option. Second, I have accepted a position with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as their Fish Health Veterinarian. I will provide veterinary care for the Wisconsin DNR fish hatcheries, and investigate and control fish disease in state waters. I have had a strong interest in fish health for many years and have provided fish health services for the DNR on a limited basis for the last 12 year. My office and laboratory will be housed in the Science Building on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, my alma mater.

The following weeks will be difficult for me, saying goodbye to trusting clients, their pets and our staff. I am saddened to leave this behind, but at the same time excited for my new opportunities. I have many interesting, strange and wonderful memories from the last 18 years. Please drop me a line if you have time. Also, I will have limited availability to see patients on select Saturday mornings for the next several months.

                                                       Cheers,
                                                              Dr. Paul

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It's that time of year again. Time to take your pet to the vet's office for their yearly heartworm testing and vaccinations. But do you know what the most important part of that annual veterinary visit is? The physical examination. A head to tail evaluation each year becomes part of your pet's medical record and can be critical if an emergency or sudden illness arises. Pet owners often ask us why a physical examination is necessary each year if their pet appears healthy. A thorough exam can detect problems owners may not be aware of before they become threatening to the health and comfort of the pet. Your veterinarian has an obligation to ensure your pet is in good health before administering vaccines. Vaccines administered to an unhealthy animal can be ineffective or worse, can actually cause illness.

A good physical exam consists of:

Eyes: for inflammation, discharge, cataracts, glaucoma or other abnormalities
Nose: for discharge or signs of upper respiratory disease or other abnormalities
Ears: for signs of infections or mites
Mouth and Teeth: for signs of gum disease or tartar buildup and to check color and condition of gums
Lymph nodes: to check for enlargement which can indicate infection or disease
Heart and Lungs: listen for heart murmurs, irregular heartbeat and abnormal lung sounds
Abdomen: to feel for abnormal masses or pain
Tail, Genital and Rectal areas: for pain, bleeding or intestinal parasites
Skin, Haircoat and Toenails: to check for hair loss, parasites, infection, lumps or masses and other abnormalites
Body Condition: to assess and score pet's weight and overall body condition
Muscles and Joints: to check limbs, hips, joints and spine for range of motion and flexibility, pain or arthritic changes

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We are pleased to announce that we now have Digital Radiology (x-rays) available in our clinic!  Digital radiology has been utilized in human medicine for several years and is rapidly becoming a part of veterinary medicine. Digital imaging has many advantages the greatest of which is the quality. Our doctors have the ability to manipulate images to see greater detail and contrast, which helps identify abnormalities more effeciently. We are also able to transmit electronic images to veterinary specialists and referral clinics. Click here for more information about this exciting new addition!

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Free Trial Offer:

Recently, Pfizer Animal Health released a new medication to help with weight loss in dogs. This medication is available by prescription only and is meant to be used in conjunction with a weight loss program developed by you and your veterinarian. Pfizer has provided our clinic with samples of this medication which we can pass onto our clients and patients on a free trial basis. Please contact our office at (715) 693-4560 for more information.

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Click here to view past topics and links from our home page.

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Please visit the following website for updated information on pet foods that have been recalled.

http://petfoodreport.com/