NJ Task Force 1 (NJ-TF 1) forms alliance with NorthStar VETS

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NJ Department of Law and Public Safety Division of State Police, Urban Search and Rescue Team,
NJ Task Force 1 (NJ-TF 1) forms alliance with NorthStar VETS

NorthStar VETS will maintain the pharmaceutical cache for the NJ-TF1 canine technical search and rescue team that has responded to structural collapses and natural disasters such as September 11 and Hurricane Katrina.
The purpose of this alliance is for NorthStar VETS to provide all of the canine pharmaceutical medications, and supplies in accordance with FEMA requirements to be used by NJ-TF1 upon demand. “The primary reason we chose NorthStar VETS is that my 6-year old German Shepperd, Mojo is a patient there,” said Jim Bastan, Search Component Manager. “The second reason is that in the event of emergency the hospital is located less than 15 minutes away from our training facility in Lakehurst.”
The mission of NorthStar VETS is to preserve and protect the health of all animals and to provide optimal health care in every situation. “By helping NJ-TF1 we are also helping to give back to the community,” said Brie Messier, Hospital Administrator. “Storing their medications will assist the task force in fulfilling their life saving duties.” NorthStar VETS will purchase, store, rotate and release the pharmaceuticals as specified by the team.
NJ-TF1 is comprised of over 250 volunteers. “About 90 percent of our volunteers are firefighters and the rest consist of medics, doctors, engineers, dog handlers, police officers and civilians.” Bastan said “All of them work a regular job and then report to the facility to train in emergency preparedness.” Like NorthStar VETS, the NJ-TF1 is on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. “In the event of an emergency a mass communication is sent to every volunteer’s phone, e-mail, fax, pager etc. and will continue to send alerts until the volunteer responds back,” Bastan said. “The computer will then generate a report about who will be responding to the crisis.”
Upon deployment NJ-TF1 will recover all medications, supplies, and equipment needed to respond to the emergency. A minimum of two doctors, one nurse, four paramedics and one veterinarian are deployed upon emergency. “We are a resource for disaster when all capabilities have been exhausted, contact us, we’re here to help,” Bastan said.
NJ-TF1 was established in 1996 by a group of firefighters to address the Technical Rescue void in the states emergency response plan. The team currently resides within the Division of State Police, Homeland Security Branch, Emergency Management Section, Emergency Preparedness Bureau, and USAR Unit. NJTF-1 responded to the World Trade Center incident in Sept. 2001, the Atlantic City parking garage collapse in Oct. 2003, Warren County flood/swift water events in Sept. 2004, the Eatontown commercial building gas
explosion in Mar. 2005, Hurricane Katrina in Sept. 05 and several other technical search and rescue assists throughout the State.
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 or directions to its centrally located hospital, please call 609-259-8300 or visit http://www.northstarvets.com/.

9/26 Pet Expo 4

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9/23 Groundbreaking Ceremony

NorthStar VETS Breaks Ground for New Animal Specialty Hospital in Robbinsville, N.J.
New Comprehensive Hospital for Animals Will Provide Highly Sophisticated Specialty, Emergency and Trauma Care

ROBBINSVILLE, N.J., September 23, 2009- The increased demand for sophisticated veterinary medicine has led to the construction of a new 33,000-square-foot veterinary specialty and emergency trauma center in Robbinsville, N.J. The center, will replace the existing 5200-square-foot NorthStar VETS hospital formerly known as Veterinary Surgical and Diagnostic Specialists facility in Millstone Township, N.J.
Joined by the Honorable Mayor David Fried of Robbinsville Township, Councilwoman Sheree McGowan, Christine Ciaccio, Councilman Vincent J. Calcagno, David L. Boyne, and Council President Rich Levesque NorthStar VETS celebrated their Groundbreaking Ceremony on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Over 50 people attended including community leaders, business owners, NorthStar team, doctors, and pet lovers alike to commemorate a monumental moment in the commitment to saving animals lives!
Headed by Daniel Stobie, DVM, MS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the new facility will be among the state's largest and most sophisticated veterinary specialty and trauma hospital. NorthStar VETS will provide comprehensive services in surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, oncology, radiology, dermatology, emergency care, critical care, cardiology, stem cell therapy, physical therapy, theriogenology (small animal reproductive medicine), and much more.
Development began in the spring of 2009 on the $9 million veterinary hospital, located on a 3-acre parcel at 315 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd. Once it is fully underway, the new facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, and will employ over 150 people, including 37 specialists and emergency clinicians, and treat about 375 animals a week, said Brie Messier, Hospital Administrator.
The hospital will be fully staffed and prepared to admit emergency cases 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide critical care in a specialized intensive care unit. Further, as a Level 1 trauma center, the hospital will be unique in having a team dedicated to treating trauma patients. Except in cases of emergency, where patients will then be referred by primary care veterinarians from throughout the region. Adding to the concept of highly attentive care, the facility will maintain its higher-than-average support staff to doctor ratio which has been proven to facilitate the successful delivery of efficient, quality service to patients, pet owners and referring veterinarians. The facility, designed by Jeffrey L. Grogan Architects of Conshohocken, Pa., will include four surgical suites, an MRI machine, a CT scanner, a radiology treatment center and quarantine areas. The two-story building will have separate feline and canine wards as well as a first-in-its-class dog-walking portico. In addition to cats and dogs, the facility will treat hobby farm animals, such as goats, sheep and chickens, as well as exotic pets, such as reptiles, Messier said.
In addition to dealing with complex medical demands, Sweetwater has faced site-related challenges in constructing the new facility. The location is the site of a former farm, featuring 200-year-old trees that the hospital has managed to preserve. Elements of the old farmhouse, including hand-hewn beams and brick walls, will be incorporated into the new structure, which means that the old farmhouse was carefully dismantled rather than simply knocked down.
The preservation of the mature trees as well as the incorporation of the features from the old farmhouse will aid in creating the kind of comfortable, welcoming environment that is paramount to the hospital culture and high standards of service, Messier said. The hospital will strive to create an intimate, personalized atmosphere through the open design and layout of the public areas, which are infused with rich colors and textures. The design is the result of a three-year collaboration between hospital staff and architect.
The pre-construction and construction management services are being provided by Sweetwater Construction Corporation based in Cranbury, N.J., a recognized leader in New Jersey construction management and general contracting. Sweetwater was chosen because of its track record in constructing sophisticated medical facilities that require experience in such areas as sterility, medical gases, sound abatement and air flow, Messier said.

"Sweetwater is very pleased to be working on this state-of-the-art veterinary hospital," said Ron Witt Sr., president of Sweetwater Construction Corp. "We are familiar with the complexities of building highly sophisticated medical facilities such as this one, which includes surgical areas, isolation areas and highly complex medical equipment."
The hospital is at the forefront of a nationwide trend to provide exceptional medical care to pets, Messier said. She attributed the demand to the close relationship between people and their pets that is fostered in a culture that recognizes the benefits of owning a pet to their owner's health and well-being, as well to as a willingness to pay for a higher level of medical care.
"The role of the pet has changed. Cats and dogs are now full-time companions," Messier said. "Pet owners, regardless of their incomes, feel a greater sense of responsibility for the care of their pets that did not exist in generations past."

8/15 L'Oreal Because Your Dog is Worth It

We had so much fun at his event and can't wait for our 9/26 PET EXPO in Burlington County!

L’Oréal® is proud to present the 6th Annual “Because Your Dog Is Worth It Too” Day, located on the grounds of our facility in Cranbury, NJ. With over 5,000 dogs and their human companions, there are many activities to enjoy while supporting Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure of Central and South Jersey. To date, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help fight breast cancer.

NorthStar VETS responds to Canine Influenza

8/15/09 Canine Influenza Virus - Diagnosis, Management & Prevention

NorthStar VETS and Intervet Schering Plough Animal Health cordially invite you to dinner, for an evening of education and discussion on:

CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS H3N8 UPDATE ON DIAGNOSIS MANAGEMENT & PREVENTION

Guest Speakers:

Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD Canine Influenza Authority University of Florida: Maddie's Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program and Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Joshua Portner, DVM NorthStar VETS, Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty Center Specialty perspective on CIV Incidence & Treatment Residency trained in Emergency and Critical Care

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 800 Rt. 130 South Hamilton, NJ 08690

When: August 18, 2009 at 6:30PM

(Cocktails at 6:30PM followed by Buffet Dinner and presentations)

Please RSVP to Jill Hastrup, Territory Sales Representative By August 10, 2009

Cell Phone: 732-735-2922 E-Mail: jill.hastrup@sp.intervet.com

OPEN TO VETERINARIANS AND TECHNICIANS SPACE IS LIMITED!

Did you know we were first to identify Canine Influenza in Central Jersey this summer?

NorthStar VETS First to identify Canine Influenza in NJ

K-9 influenza outbreak reported in Central JerseyAs reported by: The Examiner and Centraljersey.com and NJ.com and Starledger.com

Details of the Examiner article listed below:

MILLSTONE - An outbreak of canine influenza has been reported in the region. Over the last several weeks, NorthStar VETS, a specialty and emergency trauma hospital located in the Clarksburg section of Millstone, has seen an increasing number of patients being admitted for the treatment of this virus.
There have been nine cases in the hospital so far, and because of its contagious nature, more are expected. Canine influenza is not contagious to people, cats, or other species, although people can carry the virus in their nasal passages and transmit it to dogs at home.
Canine influenza should be considered a serious disease; infected animals have a 100 percent morbidity rate. However, with a rapid and accurate diagnosis, proper treatment can reduce this statistic to a 1-5 percent mortality rate, according to information from the hospital.
According to Dr. Daniel Stobie, owner of NorthStar VETS, "It is a new virus. There seems to be a resurgence, with young and older pets being more susceptible."
NorthStar VETS is encouraging dog owners to be vigilant and on the lookout for signs such as difficulty breathing, dry coughing, nasal discharge, high fever, severe lethargy or lack of appetite.
If any of these signs are displayed, they suggest isolating the dog from other animals and seeking medical treatment immediately.
In conjunction with recommendations from the state veterinarian and Department of Agriculture, the hospital has been disinfected and fumigated to eliminate the virus. In addition, NorthStar VETS has arranged to have a mobile isolation unit on the property located away from the hospital to accept and manage influenza cases. This mobile isolation unit is equipped with oxygen and medical supplies for the treatment of patients. The main hospital will function as normal to receive referrals and emergency care.
"While this is a disconcerting virus, NorthStar VETS is completely prepared to assist family veterinarians and pet owners alike to manage this crisis," said Brie Messier, hospital administrator, NorthStar VETS. "We are very pleased to have been able to mobilize quickly and efficiently, allowing us to be a resource to the community. Together, we hope to save many family dogs."

For further information, contact North- Star VETS at 609-259-8300 or visit www.northstarvets.com

Mutter Museum RDVM Appreciation Event

This is where we will be holding our quarterly RDVM Appreciation Event. We hold these events for our referring doctors to show that we appreciate them. Everytime we strive to provide continued education, dinner, and something interesting. This time it is the Mutter Museum - College of Physcians, and a lecture on Vet Stem Cell Research to be delivered by Dr. Corey Orava. We will be having refreshing cocktails, tasty hors d'oeuvres, and a mashed potato banana split bar for dinner.
We are very excited about this event and I can't wait to tell you all how it goes.

To get an idea of what to expect from the museum picture this...A liver the size of Iowa. Artery walls harder than diamond-tipped drills. Lungs like wrinkled weather balloons. To many, these would seem like strange physiological miracles. There's no doubt that human bodies ARE very weird. All it takes is for a few cells in the wrong place to start getting a little bit hyper, and suddenly you've developed an extra limb or woken up to find your internal organs are like over-ripe bananas. So for fans of medical curiosities, check out the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, PA.

This collection of weird and wonderful pathological specimens will have you gagging in delight as the crushing reality dawns of just how weird Mother Nature can be. You'll never eat another bran flake again once you’ve witnessed the spellbinding Giant Colon, a staggeringly swollen organ that looks like it belongs in a zombie horror film. Or maybe The Soap Woman is more your thing – the body of a woman who was buried in the 19th century and, due to some quirky chemical reaction, turned into a giant bar of Irish Spring. From brains to baby deformities, any pre-held belief that humans are the perfect species will be shattered once you leave this museum. Some people will look at the exhibits and think they're shocking. Others will just think of their neighbors.

Pet Expo 4 2009

The Pet Expo 4 is a pet-friendly interactive, full day of family fun!

WHEN: Saturday, September 26, 11:00 AM to 4:00

WHERE: Burlington County Library grounds

5 Pioneer Boulevard

Westampton, New Jersey, 08060

*Admission is free!*

PHONE : 609-267-9660

Pet Expo includes over 5000 attendees, 80 plus vendors, kid and pet activities, entertainment, demonstrations, etc. More information coming soon so please check back often for updates. Pet Expo is a free event for the family!!

Just some of the featured events taking place:

• Purchase a copy of Everyone Loves Elwood, the winner of Zootoo.com 2008 Pet Lovers Choice Award, and have it paw-to-graphed by Elwood winner of the World s Ugliest Dog Contest 2007.


• Traveling naturalists from the Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels will have live animals for an educational and exciting encounter with wildlife


• Ernie & Neal a rockin`, dynamic musical experience from the Philadelphia area bring the joy of creating and performing live children s music to a whole new level!


• Visit with CHUM Adventure Aquarium s mascot throughout the day.
  

Activities:

• Dog Agility Training Demonstrations – Golden Grange Kennels


• Free Games, Crafts and Activities for kids


• Free Air- Brushed Face Painting


• Military and Police K-9 Demonstrations


• Cutest Costumed Pet Parade Great Prizes awarded

For the Pets:

• Animal Rescue groups of all types


• Pet Vendors selling everything your pet could ever want or need


• Pet micro-chipping (pre-registration required) by the American Red Cross


• Pet Donation drop-box (Bring food/used blankets/towels or toys for the BC Animal Shelter)
  


• Pet Grooming


• Dog Training Classes

Information on:

• Pet Care


• Choosing the proper pet for your family


• Pet Adoption
  
  This is a Free Event!Rain or Shine.No registration required.Westampton is located in Burlington County in South Jersey. Interested vendors, sponsors, etc. can contact Brie Messier at NorthstarVETS @ 609-259-8300 or bmessier@northstarvets.com

New Specialty Service Announcement

NorthStar VETS is pleased to announce the addition of Manoel A.M. Tamassia, DVM, MS, PhD, who joins our staff to provide expertise and consultation in SMALL ANIMAL (Reproductive Medicine) THERIOGENOLOGY.


Dr. Tamassia will be practicing this additional service involving veterinary obstetrics, gynecology, and semenology beginning this summer. As a small animal reproduction specialist, he will see cases pertaining to all phases of breeding including, but not limited to:


1. Breeding Soundness Exams: Male reproductive exams and semen evaluations including morphology and special staining. Female reproductive exams, consults, cytology and breeding challenges.
2. Ovulation Timing: Quantitative progesterone testing, with same day results.
3. Fresh Chilled Services: Chill tests, semen collections, extensions, and vaginal surgical and transervical insemination.
4. Canine Frozen Semen Services: Routine canine semen freezing and storage, and surgical insemination.
5. Medical and Surgical Management of Reproductive Disorders: Medical treatment of pyometra (allowing for future) breeding and medical mis-mating management.
6. Full Pregnancy Ultrasound Evaluation and Management
7. Testicular and Uterine Biopsy
8. Prostatic Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment
9. Hormone Assays, Brucellosis Testing

At NorthStar VETS, we strive to provide our patients with the finest practitioners, modern technology, exceptional customer service, and optimal health care. Please consider NorthStar VETS and our new reproductive specialist, Dr. Tamassia, when inquiring about breeding options or reproductive disorders. 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/.

2009 Garden State Cat Expo

This past weekend, NorthStar attended the 2009 Garden State Cat Expo. We had a special "Ask the Vet" segment where anyone could come chat with our specialists: Dr. Weisener, and Dr. Anderson.

The Garden State Cat Club celebrated its 73rd anniversary with its second CAT EXPO. The Expo is designed to educate the cat owning public about cats, cat care, new products and training, while assisting area shelters with its Adopt-A-Cat. The event is complimented by the one of the top five cat shows held in the United States, and is the largest in the Northeast. The Adopt-A-CAT and show draws many visitors from the New York-New Jersey Metro area and all over the Mid-Atlantic States. Exhibitors come from across the United States mostly from the East Coast because between 2,500- 5,000 people attend the show. There is no way we could possibly miss such a great event!

Freedom Fest

Hey Everyone!

We had a blast at Freedom Fest this year!

Freedom Fest Fair is New Jersey’s premier agricultural fair and family fun event. The fair takes place at the Horse Park of New Jersey and includes horse, livestock, agricultural events, live demonstrations, and competitions. The fair boasts one of New Jersey’s largest midways with loads of rides, games, shows, and concerts. The fair also has a huge food court and loads of talented local craft and service vendors. This years FAIR is featuring FISHING FRIENDZY, a 10,000 sq ft fishing exhibit-CATCH REAL FISH, The SHARK EXPERIENCE, Racing Pigs, over 35 Food Vendors, Over 75 Business-Craft-Non Profit Venders, Continuous Live Entertainment, Pony Rides, Monster Truck Rides, Laser Tag Competitions , The Blue Ribbon Agricultural Show, The Stars and Stripes Agricultural Show, A Horse Fair,Fireworks on Saturday, REVELATION GENERATION FAMILY DAY on SUNDAY and TWO SPECTACULAR MIDWAYS by REITHOFFER SHOWS featuring the NJ premier of the TORNADO.

We were at this week long fun event supporting the community and handing out free goodies for your furry companions!

If you missed us this year, we sure hope you will stop by and see us next time!

Greetings!

Welcome to the official NorthStar VETS, Blog. We have some wonderful new and exciting things taking place in our hospital and are looking forward to sharing them with the online community!