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Pets First Monthly
March 2025
Same Vision, New Direction
A Shift in Care for Furry Friends
It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies, but Petersen Pet Hospital will celebrate its 22nd anniversary in business this June. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve so many pets in our community, and we look forward to doing so throughout this year and beyond.
cleaning procedures on Monday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. I will also remain the visionary for Petersen Pet Hospital and look for ways to make our business more successful and improve our services. My involvement in our daily operations will soon take a new turn, but I assure you I’m not going anywhere. I started Petersen Pet Hospital with just myself and two employees. Twenty-two years later, our operation includes eight doctors and dozens of support staff. I’ve been fortunate to build one of the most professional and compassionate teams in the veterinary field, and I know they will continue to treat your pets with the love, care, and attention they deserve. Helping pets has always been my biggest motivator. I love helping a pet who isn’t feeling well return to normal a few days or weeks after seeing us. Knowing that my skills have led to quick recoveries for countless animals is incredibly rewarding. As I reflect on several emergency cases — such as when I helped a dog recover from a sizeable open wound on the side of his head, which he sustained from being mauled by a larger dog — it’s humbling to know that my college education, on-the-job training, and experience have gone such a long way in helping so many animals live long, happy lives. I also chose this profession because I’m the type of person who gets bored easily. At Petersen Pet Hospital, I never know who will come through the door or what kind of help a particular pet will need from us. Every day brings something new, and I doubt that will change once I transition into my revised role. Above all, I’m grateful to have shared and witnessed the extraordinary bonds that owners have with their pets. I’m honored that they put their trust in me — and the rest of our fantastic staff — to help their beloved companions in times of need. Going into business for myself has made my dreams come true. I thank my long-term and current clients for their business and continued belief in our services. Everyone here appreciates you more than you’ll ever know, and we can’t wait to serve you well for many years to come.
That said, I’d like to inform you of some important changes that will soon affect Petersen Pet Hospital.
Beginning in 2026, I will no longer be available for routine appointments. After so many years in practice, my duties are taking me into more managerial, dental, and surgical areas. My responsibilities in helping to run a successful veterinary hospital have demanded more of my attention, and I’m finding that I’m running out of time to fulfill those commitments. This decision was difficult to make, but it was necessary. Since we forward-book many appointments, I wanted to update our clients and readers as soon as possible to allow them to schedule time with other team members.
Although I’ll soon be stepping away from wearing a veterinary hat in favor of donning an executive one, I will continue to perform surgeries and teeth
–Dr. Brad Petersen
2003
2025
www.PetersenPetHospital.com
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SUBWAY
Winston’s Vision Victory AN EYEFUL OF EASE
PERFECT PET HEALT
Hello there! I hope you and your animal companions are having a great year so far. Not to spoil any good times, but I need to tell you a scary fact about your dogs and cats: One out of three of us will likely need emergency treatment this year — and it may cost you between $1,200 and $3,500 to make us feel better. Since you’re already such a good animal guardian by spending so much money on our food and general care, it’s possible you may not be ready to part with the extra funds needed to help us when we get really sick. That’s where pet health insurance comes in. Like human health insurance, pet insurance helps remove your anxiety and worry over caring for us when the unexpected occurs. It costs about $65 monthly for dogs and $32 for cats. There are a variety of pet insurance plans available. Generally, they cover accidental injury, fractured legs, ingested foreign objects, unexpected illnesses (allergies, digestive upset, etc.), dental diseases, chronic diseases (diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions, etc.), non-elective surgeries, and prescription medications. Please be
Sam
Winston is a very boisterous and handsome 3-year-old English bulldog who came to us with a history of chronically swollen, rolled eyelids and a corneal ulcer. On examination, it was clear he had difficulty opening his swollen eyes, which were red and tearing up. On closer examination, all four of Winston’s eyelids were rolled in, and the hair from each was rubbing on his eyes. Entropion (abnormally rolled-in eyelids) is a common eyelid issue observed in many breeds, including bulldogs, Chinese shar-peis, and chow chows. We started Winston on an eye lubricant, antibiotic eye drop, and allergy medication called Apoquel to help decrease his eyelid swelling and better evaluate the severity of his entropion at the baseline. At his two-week recheck, his eyelids were much less swollen and showed decreased discharge. His entropion was still present but less severe. After discussing the best treatment options, Dr. McGinty and Winston’s loving owners decided it was best to move forward with a surgical procedure to correct his entropion and make him more comfortable.
Depending on the severity of the entropion, correction may require two surgical procedures. This surgery aims to remove enough tissue to better align
the eyelid margins and keep hairs and eyelashes from chronically rubbing on the eye. It is also important not to remove too much tissue, as this can result in pets not being able to fully close their eyes, causing exposure keratitis and dry eye.
Winston was admitted for surgery, and his eyelids were shaved and sterilely prepared. Dr. McGinty then surgically
removed a small layer of excessive skin in a crescent shape. Holding the edges of the incision together, he evaluated the improvement of entropion and removed smaller amounts as needed until the alignment was more typical. These incisions were then closed with skin sutures.
Winston
Winston recovered well from surgery and anesthesia, and he was sent home with a cone collar. At his two-week recheck, his eyelid incision had healed well, and his eyelids were in a much more normal position. His eyes were also wide open and comfortable. As Winston ages, he may need additional corrective surgery. We will continue to monitor him at his annual examinations and correct any issues if needed.
Contact us! 319-743-0554
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Y’S CORNER Scout’s Meaningful Mission A BLACK LAB’S ROLE IN TRANSFORMING A VETERAN’S LIFE
TH INSURANCE TIPS
For former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout Ryan Finch, life after his tour of duty was a battlefield of its own. Haunted by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the weight of his experiences, Ryan struggled to navigate even the simplest moments of daily life. But then Scout came into his life and became a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a steadfast partner in his journey toward healing. Scout, a vibrant black Lab, has done more than help Ryan manage his anxiety; he’s transformed his world. Crowds and loud noises, once overwhelming triggers, are now manageable with Scout by his side. Soccer games, family gatherings, and the everyday joys of life that once seemed impossible are now part of Ryan’s new normal. Scout’s presence allows Ryan to enter spaces he never thought he’d enter again, not as a man weighed down by his past, but as a father, a husband, and a human being rediscovering connection. The story of how Scout came into Ryan’s life feels almost destined. Before his deployment, Ryan and his wife had adopted a black Lab, coincidentally named Scout, who died before Ryan went overseas and whose loss Ryan never truly reconciled as he was away from home. So, when Ryan arrived at K9s For Warriors, and the trainers introduced him to his new service dog — a black Lab named Scout — it was a moment of profound healing and renewal. It was as if life had come full circle, offering Ryan a second chance at hope. K9s For Warriors is a testament to the life-changing power of service animals. Determined to combat the devastating reality that 20 veterans die by suicide every day, this program rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans grappling with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. The result is transformative. Veterans find independence, confidence, and purpose, while rescue dogs gain a life of devotion and meaning. The impact is undeniable. Graduates of the program report mended family relationships, reduced medication reliance, and renewed joy in life. Ryan’s wife has seen the change firsthand, describing her husband as more engaged, animated, and hopeful for the future. Scout symbolizes resilience and proves that an incredible bond can heal even the deepest wounds.
aware that these policies do not cover preexisting conditions, pet supplies, cosmetic-type surgeries, and elective surgeries. Also, it’s very important to know that most pet health insurance policies work on a reimbursement model, which means you’ll still need to pay the emergency service provider upfront before the insurance company pays you back. If you want to learn more about pet health insurance, check out PawlicyAdvisor.com (Get it?). It’s a fantastic resource for pet owners who want answers to their questions and to research all kinds of pet health insurance providers. On behalf of my fellow dogs and all the cats who bring you joy, I thank you for looking into pet health insurance — and for all you do to keep us happy and healthy all year round!
TURKEY DELIGHT FOR YOUR PUP Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Our dogs want everything we eat — especially the unhealthy foods! This homemade treat is vet-approved and will satisfy the taste buds of the even pickiest pups.
INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground turkey • 6 cups water • 2 cups brown rice
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1 tsp dried rosemary
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1/2 (16-oz) package frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower combination
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large Dutch oven over high heat, combine ground turkey, water, brown rice, and rosemary. 2. Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Add frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. 4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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www.PetersenPetHospital.com
1031 Kacena Road Hiawatha, IA 52233 www.PetersenPetHospital.com 319-743-0554
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p.m. for team meetings) Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sun: Closed
PRIMARY Inside This Issue
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A Fresh Scope of Service
PMS4655
BLACK
50% BLACK
Better Sight for Sore Eyes
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The Power of Paid-For Care
SECONDARY
K9s For Warriors Is Saving Veterans, One Rescue Dog at a Time
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PMS258
PMS292
PMS5635
PMS1215
Turkey Delight for Your Pup
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Plunder at the Pulpit
The Salacious Story of Baldassarre Cossa From Pirate to Pope
History is littered with unsavory souls forever scorned for their foul deeds. Still, few scoundrels reached the depths of depravity with greater aplomb than notorious pirate Baldassarre Cossa (circa 1370–1419) — the man otherwise known as Pope John XXIII. A corrupt criminal whose actions would make Don Corleone blush, Cossa and his brothers built a lucrative business the old-fashioned way — by robbing and pillaging. Although his siblings were executed for their crimes, he survived long enough to pursue a new career in religion. Unfortunately, a desire for power rather than holy redemption prompted his turn to God. An opportunist and conman, Cossa lied, betrayed, and manipulated his way to prominence in the Catholic Church, eventually reigning as Pope John XXIII from 1410 to 1415. Not surprisingly, controversy marked his time as a living symbol of God’s grace. For one thing, it occurred during the Western Schism, a fractious era
in Catholic history when two other men claimed the role of pope and refused to resign. The strife caused by this confusion over papal authority was matched only by Cossa’s fleshly indulgences. He is said to have bedded hundreds of women — including nuns — during his contested reign. Cossa’s one-man sinning spree eventually landed him in prison, yet, remarkably, he was named Cardinal-Bishop of Tusculum shortly after his release! Much to the relief of devoted Catholics the world over — and, presumably, a fair portion of Italy’s female population — he died shortly after assuming the new role, leaving religious scholars and historians to forever marvel at how much this man of nonexistent morality had achieved in life. Considering Cossa’s infamy, it is no surprise that he is now known mainly as “Antipope” John XXIII. The name “Pope John XXIII” was retired for centuries before a man better suited to hold the moniker chose it and ran the Catholic Church from 1958–1963.
Contact us! 319-743-0554
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