Click here for Dr. Smith UPDATES
Click here for Dr Lawrence UPDATES
Merrick Beef Filet Squares FDA Health Alert. The FDA warns that the dog treats may be contaminated with Salmonella. Click on the link above for more info.
Smith Veterinary Hospital, Labrador Retriever Club of the Twin Cities and Dr. Stephen Bistner present
Spring Eye CERF and Microchip clinic
Saturday, April 10, 2010 -- 9:00am to 12:00 noon
first come, first served Microchipping $38 CERF $25
We are also available for OFA Hips and Elbow radiographs on an APPOINTMENT ONLY basis. Please call in advance to set up your appointment as these spots will fill up fast! We are requiring that all forms be filled out prior to your appointment to expedite the process so we can see as many pets as possible.
The forms can be found on the OFA website www.offa.org
Please call with any questions! 952-736-8278
What is CERF?
Spring 2010: Smith Veterinary Hospital now offers Cold Laser Therapy. Cold Laser (Therapeutic Laser) does not produce heat. It can help reduce pain and swelling and increase range of motion in pets. It can be used for muscle/ligament injuries, arthritis, tendonitis and even post operatively. If you think your pet might benefit from cold laser therapy, please call to set up a consult.
FEBRUARY IS DENTAL MONTH!
Dental services are 10% off for the month of Feburary.
Bad breath (doggy or kitty breath) is not “normal”. It is a sign of disease and it is the first sign of periodontal disease, the most common problem in the pet population today. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues (gums or gingiva) surrounding the teeth. Eighty-five percent of all small animals over two years of age have some form of periodontal disease.
Plaque or tartar development is the most common cause of dental disorders in pets. Periodontal disease has been estimated to affect 90% to 95% of dogs and cats over 2 years of age, and it essentially starts with accumulation of dental plaque. Studies have shown that regularly brushing your pet's teeth is the most efficient way to prevent accumulation of plaque.
The deleterious effects of untreated dental disease on the rest of the body have long been recognized. During gingivitis, the irritating by-products of plaque on the teeth cause the gums to swell. As the plaque hardens to calculus and slowly builds up, the gums are forced away from the tooth, allowing bacteria to gain access to the space between teeth and gums. Significant infection can develop, causing complications in the underlying bone as well as serving as a source of bacteria that can spread via the blood to the heart, liver and kidneys.
If your pet already has tartar accumulated on its teeth, an initial professional dental cleaning is often essential before starting a routine, home dental cleaning program.
Smith Veterinary Hospital held an OptiGen 20/20 Clinic in conjunction with the Labrador Retriever National Specialty
The Labrador Retriever National Specialty was held Oct 6-11, 2009 at the Interstate Convention Center in Bloomington, IL.
OptiGen home page
Dr Smith Works with the St. Louis Zoo!

On January 22, 2009 Dr Smith worked hand in hand with members of the St Louis Zoo in their attempt to re-populate the endangered Mexican Wolf. At this time there are only about 150 Mexican Wolves left in the world and the St. Louis Zoo is looking to increase this number through an intensive breeding program. To aide in this, the Zoo members came to Dr Smith for her expertise in canine reproduction. She showed them how to breed the females using a technique called transcervical insemination on our local Timber Wolves.
See what we are involved in!

July 2010: Dr. Smith is the author of Chapter 1 (Prenatal Care of the Bitch and Queen) in the just published veterinary textbook, "Small Animal Pediatrics".
March 2010: Dr. Smith wrote an article in the March issue of Dog News: The Digest of American Dogs. The article is called "Oh, My Aching..." and is about hips and elbows in dogs and how changes can affect gait. She will be writing for Dog News on a regular basis, so watch for other articles! Dr. Smith will also be attending the Crufts dog show in England this month.
9/30/2009: Dr. Smith is appointed Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theriogenology at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
7/1/2009: Dr. Smith becomes an AKC Canine Health & Welfare Advisory Panel Member.
The panel consists of respected members of the veterinary and scientific community. The purpose of the endeavor is to alter and enhance the way canine health issues are understood and addressed in this country. This is the Advisory Panel's kickoff year so keep checking in to see how the Panel progresses!
Also new for 2009 -
Dr. Smith spoke at the International Symposium on the Dog held in Europe July 6-7, 2009. She was the AKC Guest Speaker on the topic Animal welfare through genetic testing. The Symposium's goal is to improve the welfare of dogs. The Chairman of The Kennel Club sent a letter to Dr Smith after the event that stated her "contribution was very much appreciated and considerably added both content and prestige to the success of the event"!
Dr. Frances Smith was the Section Chairperson and spoke at the Society for Theriogenology meeting on August 10th-12th 2007 in Monterey California. The Society is a group of veterinarians dedicated to animal reproduction.
She will be judging the Amature Stake for the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc in Mora, MN on 10/5 and 10/6/07!
On 10/9/07 Dr Smith will be attending the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. National Specialty in Hillsboro, Oregon where she will serve as a director and the health chariperson for the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.
On 10/10/07 Dr Smith will be speaking at the Gordon Setter National Specialty in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
Sept. 30. 2009 -- Dr. Lawrence was appointed Adjunct Assistant Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr Lawrence attended the International Symposium on the Dog July 6-7 2009.
MORE NEWS for 2009-
Dr. Lawrence has recently been appointed to an AVMA committee, the Committee for Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). This committee provides accreditation of veterinary technician programs. Accreditation ensures a school’s commitment to educational quality through rigorous and continual peer review. Graduates from an AVMA accredited school is a prerequisite for licensure or certification. His appointment runs 2009-2015.
Dr. Lawrence attended the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) conference in Charlestown, SC.
Representatives from thirty-four state boards along with several deans or past deans of various veterinary schools were in attendance. This meeting allows these individuals to explore upcoming challenges in veterinary medicine and their implications on the licensing of qualified individuals in each state with subsequent ramifications on the mission statement of the licensing boards which is to protect the public from unqualified individuals.
From a discussion of the differences of the generations (the Traditionalists, the Baby Boomers, Generation X and the Millenniums) to unlicensed lay practice to changes in traditional veterinary education, the attendees were all challenged to share ideas and open their minds to the rigors ahead. There was a two hour interactive discussion of the legal challenges of practice which emphasized the need for good record keeping, excellent client communication, and concern for the welfare of the animal. Everyone in attendance took home the directive to inform and involve the veterinarians of their respective states.
During the meeting Dr. Lawrence was elected to serve on the board of directors for AAVSB. This meeting allowed for networking with others and the forging of new friendships. Dr. Lawrence looks forward to the year ahead as a director of AAVSB along with his responsibilities to the people of Minnesota as he serves on the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Click here to learn about some of the patients we see here at Smith Veterinary Hospital
Previous News:
-
- Look in February 2008 DOG FANCY, you will find "America's Favorite" an article on the Labrador Retriever along with many Quotes from Dr Frances Smith!
- January 2007, we are now able to utilize our new portable dental x-ray machine. This machine enables us to focus in on specific areas of your pets mouth to aide in diagnosis and treatment options. This machine also helps us to radiograph pocket pets and birds!