JOIN THE PAWS! COMPANIES USE TWITTER TO SUPPORT SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS IN HAITI

Wedgewood Pharmacy, NorthStar VETS, and Broad Ripple Animal Clinic & Wellness Center used social media to raise money for the American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA) in their efforts to search for live victims in Haiti


NATIONWIDE, NJ – January 25, 2010 – Social media gurus, dedicated to the welfare of animals, teamed up on Twitter with a mission to help support several search and rescue canine teams that were deployed to Haiti.

The American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA), as a result of the natural disaster in Haiti, has deployed several canine teams to aid in the recovery of live victims. While many organizations are uniting to raise money for the country and its people, Phillip Barnes, Wedgewood Pharmacy, Nicole Tassinaro, NorthStar VETS, and Brenda Tassava from Broad Ripple Animal Clinic & Wellness Center thought, what about the dogs and their handlers who are selflessly serving the public, and how could they help? “We raised funds locally to support the American Rescue Dog Association during Hurricane Katrina, so we immediately thought of this organization once again.” Tassava said.

By simply posting "We're donating to ARDA to support their work in #Haiti. Please help and RT http://bit.ly/7hgsf7 @BRACpet @NorthStarVETS @WedgewoodPetRx." The campaign began on January 25th and generated over 50 click-throughs in the first hour. A click through is a way to measure the success of an online campaign. "Partnering with prescribers to help people in need is what we do every day, so working with Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and NorthStar VETS on this project came quite naturally. When time was short, Twitter enabled us to collaborate and get out the message to support ARDA in a fraction of the time it might have taken any other way." Barnes said.

The increase in technology and the rise of businesses using various social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Blogger, Linked In etc. has provided people with instant communication. This rise has provided endless opportunities for networking, trade, and commerce amongst business professionals across the nation. "Not only have we reached thousands of people, but we were able to encourage them to support the organization with the click of a mouse," Tassinaro said. "It's amazing that we were able to unite for the same cause and never have actually spoken on the phone." she continued, referencing the ability to organize the campaign and communicate virtually.

The campaign will continue for the next few weeks; however donations to the ARDA can be easily made at www.ardainc.org Follow Wedgewood Pharmacy, NorthStar VETS, and Broad Ripple Animal Clinic (@BRACpet) on Facebook and Twitter.

About Wedgewood Pharmacy:
Established in 1980, Wedgewood Pharmacy is one of the largest compounding pharmacies in the United States, providing more than 25,000 prescribers with compounds for their patients. It is located in Swedesboro NJ and licensed throughout the United States. Learn more about Wedgewood Pharmacy and compounding at www.wedgewoodpetrx.com, and see the online community for veterinarians at www.twitter.com/WedgewoodPetRx and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wedgewood-Pharmacy/37456839496

About NorthStar VETS: Nestled in a semi-rural New Jersey NorthStar VETS is an imminently respected, superior quality veterinary specialty and referral hospital. NorthStar VETS' strives to provide patients with the finest practitioners, modernized technology, exceptional customer service, and optimal health care. To learn more about NorthStar VETS’ full range of specialty veterinary expertise, please call 609-259-8300 or visit www.northstarvets.com.

About Broad Ripple Animal Clinic: Established in 1981 in the heart of Indianapolis, Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center is a two-location practice. The veterinarians and staff of @BRACpet strive to deliver the highest level of veterinary medical care paired with exceptional client service. To learn more about Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center visit us online at www.bracpet.com or call us at 317-257-5334.

Hope for pets through Stem Cell Therapy!

CLARKSBURG, New Jersey, January 19, 2010 Coco, the two-year old Australian Shepherd had become increasingly hindered by the pain of arthritis in his hips, despite the best efforts of his owner, Deborah Holder.

Since, Coco was a very active pup, Holder enrolled him in obedience and agility training for fun. However, when Coco, began taking smaller leaps Holder became concerned. “After playing outside in the snow we noticed his limping was getting increasingly worse,” she said.
Concerned about her pets discomfort Holder took Coco, to Columbus Central Veterinary Hospital where Dr. Kelly Stephen diagnosed Coco with chronic hip dysplasia and concluded that he was most likely born with it. Just after Christmas, on Stephen’s recommendation Holder brought Coco to NorthStar VETS to find a solution. Upon arrival, she saw Dr. Laura Culbert, a board-certified surgeon who has also received advanced training utilizing adult stem cell therapy. “Dr. Culbert proposed many different options for Coco,” Holder said “However, we both agreed that Stem Cell Therapy would be the best choice.”

Coco’s appointment was booked promptly and he underwent a minor surgery to collect fat from his hips that would later become healing stem cells after being sent to a lab called Vet-Stem. 48 hours later Coco’s fat returned to the hospital as 37 million viable adult stem cells to be injected into Coco to repair and regenerate his damaged joints.
The stem cell therapy process is patented by Vet-Stem; a company located in California and is creating a buzz in the veterinary community. Before stem cell therapy you would take your pet to the veterinarian or go to the doctor and generally get prescribed medication to help them live with the chronic pain and inflammation. Today, more than 1,700 dogs and 3,600 horses in the United States have been treated for tendon, ligament, and joint problems over the last six years with their own stem cells! More than 70 percent of these pets have had significant improvement in their quality of life and can return to running, jumping, swimming, or whatever physical activity their lifestyle might demand.
Adult stem cell therapy can be used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, polyarthritis, tendonitis, fracture repair, etc. Since pets donate their own cells, therapy is extremely safe with less than 1% of patients having an adverse reaction. Your beloved pet can be treated with their own stem cells at NorthStar VETS.

In addition to Dr. Laura Culbert, Joy Weinstein, DVM, DACVS and Garrett Levin, DVM, DACVS have also received advanced training utilizing adult stem cell therapy and are available for consultation regarding treatment. If your dog is suffers in pain from playing in the backyard call 609-259-8300 or visit http://www.northstarvets.com/

To Breed or Not to Breed!

CLARKSBURG, New Jersey, December 17, 2009– Believe it or not there is a branch of veterinary medicine dedicated to the physiology and pathology of the male and female reproductive system and it is called theriogenology (theer-ee-oh-juh-nol-uh-jee) in laymans terms: Small Animal Reproduction. You may be thinking…they have a special doctor for mating animals? And the answer is Yes! Your pet can get in-vitro fertilization, artificially inseminated, and even get a c-section if necessary. The answer is yes at NorthStar VETS the theriogenology department covers all aspects of veterinary obstetrics, gynecology and semenology.

NorthStar VETS is pleased to announce the addition of board certified theriogenologist (veterinary reproductive specialist), Manoel A.M. Tamassia, DVM, DACT. Dr. Tamassia provides a division of veterinary medicine that deals with the physiology and pathology of male and female reproductive systems.

Theriogenology pertains to all phases of breeding consisting of artificial insemination, advanced assisted reproductive techniques, male/female breeding soundness evaluations, obstetrics, management of diseases, complications of the postpartum period, and medical or surgical management of diseases of the male and female reproductive tract.

Theriogenologists have a highly sophisticated post-DVM education and have been evaluated by the American College of Theriogenologists and recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Tamassia joins NorthStar VETS with numerous accreditations and experience including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Universidade Estadual De Londrina, Londrina, Brazil, a Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine, with emphasis in biotechnology, from the University Of Missouri, Columbia, MO, and a Ph.D. in Biotechnology, from Institute National Agronomique, Paris-Grignon, France.

Is your pet in season? Is your dog ready to breed? Contact our breeding specialist today at 609-259-8300 or visit http://www.northstarvets.com/

NorthStar VETS performs Glaucoma Surgery on Therapeutic Pony

CLARKSBURG, NJ - November 18, 2009 – NorthStar VETS performed glaucoma surgery on a pony that provides therapeutic support to special needs children.

Dr. Kristina Vygantas, our board certified ophthalmologist was called upon by Colts Neck Equine Veterinarian Dr. Paula Miller, to perform laser eye surgery on the 20-year old, pony; Marshall. Marshall stays on the 200 acre equestrian training center named Congress Hill Farm, which is also the home of Special Strides Therapeutic Riding Center in Monroe Township. Marshall’s main responsibilities are to assist with the improvement of the lives of children with developmental disabilities by taking them for rides and providing them with a magical experience.

As of recent, Marshall has developed glaucoma and has been under treatment for the past couple of months. Dr. Vygantas has been working diligently with Marshall to restore his vision and health. “For whatever reason, Marshall tends to be feisty with veterinarians but calm and gentle with the kids,” Dr. Vygantas quipped “He has a keen sense and loving personality perfect for the therapy service he provides.”

While glaucoma affects the degree of vision loss, Marshall’s personality remains unaffected towards the handicapped and still puts smiles on children’s faces. “Earlier in life he broke his elbow and because Special Strides is highly dedicated to their animals health they had it plated,” said Dr. Vygantas “He acts as sort of a Wal-Mart greeter for children, and the kids absolutely adore him.” Marshall’s handicap allows him to establish strong bonds with disabled children because it seems as though he is able to relate to them.

Special Strides is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities. With a unique combination of horses, therapy, and a touch of magic, Special Strides is able to achieve therapeutic goals in an atmosphere that is all about fun. Special Strides strives to be able to provide all children with an opportunity to experience magic, regardless of financial status. If you would like to contribute to their worthy cause, donations to assist with Marshall’s health care can be made by going to their website at http://www.specialstrides.com/

NorthStar VETS, strives to provide patients with the finest practitioners, modernized technology, exceptional customer service, and optimal health care. Dr. Kristina Vygantas, our board certified ophthalmologist is available for appointments at the hospital and is also capable of seeing equine patients off site. To learn more about NorthStar VETS’ full range of specialty veterinary expertise or directions to its centrally located hospital, please call 609-259-8300 or visit http://www.northstarvets.com/.