Page 12 - Hobe Sound Reflections - June '24

Page 12, Hobe Sound

tiP of tHe taiL

Heatstroke In Dogs Contacting a veterinarian is essential for proper immediate action, and seeking veterinary assistance are
treatment and guidance. Even if the dog appears to crucial for the well-being and survival of our furry friends.
be recovering, it is important to seek professional By following preventative measures, we can help ensure that
advice, as internal organ damage may have occurred. our dogs stay safe and comfortable during hot weather.
The veterinarian may need to provide additional Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
treatments such as intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
and medications to manage complications. focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
Prevention is key when it comes to heatstroke in dogs. rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics
Avoid leaving dogs in hot cars or enclosed spaces and and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center
provide them with access to fresh water and shade at all combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy
times. It is also important to limit vigorous exercise during for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772)
hot weather and consider taking walks during cooler parts 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find
of the day. us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
In conclusion, heatstroke in dogs is a serious condition
that should not be taken lightly. Recognizing the signs, taking
Heatstroke in dogs is a serious condition that can result
in organ failure and even death if not promptly recognized
and treated. Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than scHoLarsHiP neWs
humans because they cannot cool themselves efficiently
through sweating. Instead, they rely on panting to regulate
their body temperature.
There are several factors that can contribute to heatstroke Jensen Beach Garden Club
in dogs. Firstly, high temperatures and humidity can increase
the risk. Therefore, it is important to keep dogs in a cool and News
well-ventilated environment during hot weather. Secondly,
certain breeds are more prone to heatstroke, including The Jensen Beach Garden Club (JBGC) presented local
brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs, Frenchies and pugs, high school senior Emma Giesing with a Scholarship Award
as well as dogs with thick coats and dark coats. These dogs on April 25. She has a remarkable academic and athletic
should be closely monitored and provided with extra care record. Her experience in playing and coaching lacrosse
during hot conditions. has helped her develop her communication, problem-
Recognizing the signs of heatstroke in dogs is crucial solving, leadership and community involvement skills. Her
for early intervention. Some common symptoms include impressive commitment to protecting our natural resources
excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and dedication to actively volunteering in the community has
and collapse. The dog’s gums may appear bright red or pale, influenced her future goals. And Giesing’s lifelong passion
and their body temperature may be significantly elevated. for the environment has made her want to pursue a career
If you suspect your dog may be experiencing heatstroke, where she can make a positive impact.
it is important to take immediate action. Move the dog to a Giesing’s achievements and dedication to excellence have
cool and shady location, and provide them with fresh water made her a deserving recipient of the award. She will attend
to drink. Wetting their fur with cool (not cold) water can also Florida State University, where she plans to study biology. The Left to right, Dee Mertz, JBGC member; Emma Giesing;
help reduce their body temperature. However, it is important Jensen Beach Garden Club is proud of Emma and excited to Linda Menikheim, JBGC member; and Dana von Rinteln,
to avoid using ice-cold water or ice, as this can cause the see her continue to excel. Congratulations Emma! JBGC president. Photo by Cady Studios
blood vessels to constrict and prevent efficient cooling.

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SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH CARE

Chronic pain sufferers find welcomed

relief through pain management.

By Valerie Staggs
When Dr. Nathaniel Drourr started his and depression specifically is exceed-
career as a pain management physician 26 ingly common in people with chronic
years ago, the specialty was a new concept pain,” says Drourr. He encourages pa-
in the medical field. While the idea of a tients to be advocates for themselves. “You
physician solely dedicated to helping treat have every right to ask your doctor for
patients with chronic pain might have another opinion. If you’re not happy with
seemed unusual back then, today physi- where you are, ask for a referral or make an
cians like Drourr are bringing welcomed appointment yourself.”
relief to patients who have often given up
hope that they will ever be pain-free.

“Usually by the time patients get to us
they have tried a fair amount of things,”
says Drourr, who has been practicing at
Jupiter Medical Center for his entire ca-
reer. “Many have been to surgeons, they
have tried physical therapy, they’ve “Patients come to us for a whole list of rea- way to treat many different conditions
sometimes done pretty significant pain sons. The most common is back pain and is through multiple different avenues,”
medication. We’re that next step after a leg pain or sciatica type pain, but patients says Drourr. “However, we always like to
lot of the common treatments fail.” can also have neck or arm pain, shingles start with non-invasive therapies first.”
type pain or pain related to cancer.” Non-invasive therapies can include hot/
Chronic pain is defined as pain that no cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medica-
longer serves a useful purpose. Drourr uses Pain management physicians see new pa- tions, physical therapy, massage therapy,
the analogy of burning your hand to ex- tients at an initial consultation where they chiropractic care and TENS unit, a mild
plain. “If you stick your hand near a flame are asked in-depth questions about their electrical nerve stimulation technique. If
and it burns, you pull your hand away for pain. Typical questions touch on where non-invasive treatments alone do not stem
good reason. Once that burn heals and the the pain is located, what makes it better the pain, pain medication therapies and
initial pain goes away, any pain you have or worse and what treatments the patient injection therapies may be added to the
past that normal time is chronic pain.” has already tried. A physical examination treatment plan. Surgery and spinal cord
is also conducted. The goal in the initial stimulators can also be a consideration for Nathaniel Drourr, MD.
Patients are often referred to a pain man- consultation is to develop a treatment some conditions.
agement physician by a primary care doc- plan to address each patient’s specific type
tor or another physician such as a surgeon of pain. Left untreated, chronic pain can cause a For more information about pain
or orthopedic specialist. Some, like Dro- host of other health problems. “Psycho- management treatment, visit:
urr, also accept self-referrals from patients A wide range of options are explored in logically, how they feel about them- jupitermed.com/services/
directly. developing each treatment plan. “The best selves, how they interact with others, pain-management
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