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This page is updated regularly with news and important information to keep your pets healthy and happy. See the menu to the left for specific information about emergencies, scheduling appointments, behavior help, our Pet Health Library and more. Thank you for taking the time to read about our veterinary practice and the services we offer. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact us at (920) 648-2421 or (800) 524-4363 for all your pet health care needs.
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May 14, 2012 - It's all about Frida! Find out what we mean.
May 14, 2012 Cosmo
By Bill Stork, DVM
Never has the term "unconditional" been more clearly demonstrated than by a six-pound tortoiseshell cat named Cosmo, and the woman who loved her.
Cosmo and Lori were together from cradle to grave. Friends took in a stray cat who gave birth to a litter of four. Lori had picked out the grey one, but "the little black one" climbed onto her lap, and into her heart. In the sixteen years that would follow, they would never be apart. Through passing of family and relationships, Cosmo would ensure Lori would never be without companionship. In seven homes in six cities she waited without fail for her to return, and came to rest each day on the pillow by her head.
Whether Cosmo loved unconditionally or reciprocated may be a matter of perspective. While she gave all, so did Lori. In 15 years of health, she received the best of care. Just after Christmas 2010, during a dental examination, she was found to have an aggressive cancer. Surgery removed much of her bottom jaw, but left her will untouched and those who loved her inspired. Through tireless nursing care, Lori ensured that Cosmo lived nearly a year beyond that gruesome diagnosis.
With selfless compassion and superhuman strength, Lori kept a promise to let Cosmo go on her own terms. As if she was asking to go, Cosmo stopped eating and stepped out of her usual routines. Within a few days, her suffering would end with assistance from Dr. Clark. She drifted peacefully as she draped over Lori's shoulder, covering the heart she will always fill.
There have been and will be other wonderful cats, but Cosmo left a void never meant to be filled. As a tremendous act of kindness and memorial to Cosmo, Lori made a generous donation to the "Frida Fund", for under-served pets. From this fund, a family faced with the need for life-saving services and without the ability to pay, may be assisted.
Have you "Liked" LMVC on Facebook yet? For every “Like” between now and Labor Day,
May 7, 2012 Blue Moon of Kentucky (part 2), or Happy Mother's Day
By Bill Stork, DVM
Through Alma Ann Beasley's big brown eyes and bifocals, there were only good people. She did not see people as dressed in the finest apparel or a 30-year-old flannel. She didn't know black, white, straight or gay. She didn't acknowledge whether people were decorated by degrees, or by calluses, grease and scars.
Ann was incapable of putting herself first. It was once said, with little exaggeration, that if a neighbor fell ill the paramedics would have to politely ask her to step aside. She would be there, with a hot casserole, a bouquet of flowers and a pitcher of iced tea.
A friend in need was a failure of sorts. For someone to ask for help would be to risk spending an ounce of pride or dignity - she was there first. Though she may have tipped the scale at 120 lbs, at least half must have been heart. If she had the strength in her body to help, she would. If she didn't, she would recruit.
Ann would be the first to tell you there is no shortage of good people in this world. What made her special was that the list of those she cared about was in no way limited to those were kind by nature.
Twelve grit surly and downright disagreeable were no deterrent to Ann. Anger and outward hostility were red flags and flashing lights; a sure sign of soul who needed to be heard, understood and embraced. While it is certain she would never harbor a negative thought or utter an ill word about another human being, it was not good enough. She was first to help, so that no one else would think or speak badly of the person.
So Don, I thank you. I can imagine no greater gift than the recognition of humanity. To fully understand that we can all grow from, and give back to every human interaction is to find yourself always surrounded by great people, whether that be with those with whom we are in lock-step, or those we oppose.
For that I can take no credit and give all thanks to Alma Ann Beasley, my mom. Though dementia slowly took her mind, it could not touch her spirit. Her toe never failed to tap at the sound of Bill Monroe, and the last words she spoke, were Thank You.
As a mother's day gift, I offer these words. In doing so, I obligate myself to do unto others as she did, and so her grandchildren may know her better. If another parent should read these words and be moved to recall the examples set by those they admire, all the better.
Happy Mother's Day. I Love You, I miss you, I'm trying. April 30, 2012
Blue Moon of Kentucky (part 1) By Bill Stork, DVM I stepped outside to experience 80 degrees and green grass in March. I returned minutes later with that, and so much more.
Two of our favorite people, Don and Mary Grant were doing the same. We exchanged the obvious weather comments, then Don pulled me aside.
"You know, Doc, I really enjoy your articles, but especially the humanity they often display."
While we appreciate and are motivated by every compliment, this one set off a series of thoughts. In the 20 feet from the blacktop to the front door I had a first time realization, a hearty appreciation, and a mission.
I realized it is the humanity that I appreciated in The Waltons. Every Thursday night our family would share a bowl of popcorn. After Maw and Paw said their goodnights, John Boy would reflect on people and events that moved him. It is the beauty of the folks in
However, the notion that all people are inherently good was first demonstrated to me by Alma Ann Beasley.
To be continued…
April 23, 2012
What's your name, little girl? By Bill Stork, DVM When Remmi was about a year old, while hunting with her brother and dad, she was picked up and placed over a fence to retrieve a bird. Though still in plain sight of the others, she was convinced they were leaving, never to return. Not one for drama in the 10 years since, she has taken strict measures to insure it never happens again. While hunting, she will happily flush every bird, as long as it is within a 6-foot radius of the hunter. At home, by her way of thinking, if she is lying in front of the cabinet door your are about to open, between your feet while washing dishes, or sitting in the back seat of any car with an open door, chances are slim she will be left again. With the above being hard-wired and true, our lives from
Thankfully, inside one of the hundreds of cars on Hwy 18E was a person kind enough to delay her evening commute to pick up a gentle, wayward
We learned that unless you and your dog live in solitary confinement at
April 16, 2012
Buck, part 2 (the prequel) By Bill Stork, DVM The compassion of our staff was in overdrive the day Buck first followed Dan into a veterinary clinic. His head was carried low, left rear leg dangling, eyes always on Dan. Oblivious to the hours posted and that the clinic was dark, Dan bellied up to the counter and announced the obvious, "Somethin's wrong with ma dog.” Because it's who they are, and no one with a pulse could deny the devotion in that dog's eyes, our people activated. Meticulous by nature, with a keen interest in canine sports medicine, Dr. Clark examined Buck. The diagnosis was more obvious than how to tell Dan. Buck had torn several ligaments in his knee. It would require significant surgery if he were ever to retrieve another bird. At times like these we look to the owner’s response. There was none. Fifteen minutes later, Buck and Dan limped back to their ten-year-old F150 with a two-week supply of pain medication. In their void was a fog of secondhand smoke and four heavy hearts. All of us were certain that Buck's remaining years would be bound to a couch, and painful. Ten days later, Dan returned. With Buck still in tow, and purpose in his stride, he laid a wad of cash on the counter, startling Frida. I wasn't sure whether he wanted us to treat his dog, or buy the place until he asked, "Where do we start?" He didn't seem to notice the pause, as we all stood looking slack-jawed. Never again would we let a first impression judge a man, or doubt his devotion to his dog. We tested Buck for heartworm and Lyme disease, dewormed and vaccinated him. Surgery took place a few weeks later. Within months Buck again carried his head high and proud, eyes always on Dan. Though none of my business, I had to ask where he came up with the money. His only inflection was a quick shrug, “jus' sold my Harley.”
We have a new Community Events page, in the menu to the left. In May, Dr. Stork and Mittsy Voiles are teaching sessions at a Women in the Outdoors event in Watertown. Check it out!
April 9, 2012
Buck By Bill Stork, DVM In 1844, Norwegian immigrants built twin Lutheran Churches at the top of one of the most beautiful rolling hills in southern
His gloved right hand rests on a Browning 20 gauge over and under, his left hand on Buck’s expansive head. A quarter inch of frost diffracts the rising October sun into every color from amber to magenta, on a morning so still the grazing cows look like statues. The only movement is from untouched tears meandering through the cracks in Dan's face, and the slow rise and fall of Buck's chest, as he took his last few breaths.
45-year-old construction workers don't choose to live in apartments above their buddy’s garage, and there was never mention of child or wife. Likely his closest family was lying on a flannel blanket between his camo boots, as he had for the last 12 years. In six weeks cancer had taken his strength and stamina, his spirit untouched.
Not a word was spoken as I lay in the gravel to give the final injection. I stood to walk away and the silence was broken by the Browning. Dan fired two final shots over his friend and Buck took his last breath. Two grown men in Carhartts and coveralls were left standing, crying in a barnyard, officially laying waste to the old notion about first impressions. April 2, 2012
Bambi By Bill Stork, DVM Though the judge was kind, she stood dead last in her class at the Jefferson County Fair. She presented well, her condition was good, but her conformation left much to be desired: a bit post-legged, and not necessarily symmetrical.
Always gracious, and never one to beg favors, my daughter nodded politely and smiled. If the judge only knew…
There was no blue ribbon, but victory is not always defined by trophies and titles. Were it not for the tenacity of a young girl, the will of a stubborn little
The first call of the day was one you hope to never hear. A cow had calved the night before. As mom stood to lick and allow her to nurse, she stepped on her right rear leg.
The fracture was complete and the prognosis was poor; the decision was made to put her down. I walked at a glacial pace to the truck and back. Avoiding her big brown eyes, I placed the needle in her vein and raised my thumb to end her pain. Then pulled it back out.
The cost to treat a calf with a shattered femur is prohibitive to a farm. The chance to save a life is beyond measure, for a father and his daughter. Until we knew her final fate, Paige chose not to name her. Three months, six radiographs and five casts later, we helped her up and she staggered across the yard. With time she gained strength, and learned to use all four legs.
When asked how I know there is a God, I will often answer... Bambi. Happy Easter.
March 26, 2012 Year of the Tick
By Bill Stork, DVM Long before we had June in March, and a historically mild winter, this was to be the "Year of the Tick".
Wisconsinites overwinter in
We are most familiar with Lyme (not “Lyme’s"), but there are at least 10 diseases we currently know that use the tick as a taxi. In
Knowledge of tick-borne diseases is expanding rapidly, prevalence is increasing, and they can be devastating. In addition to the information on our Links Page, the following websites provide information to help protect your family:
Prevention for your pet is specific to breed and lifestyle. Beware: over the counter products are often not effective and carry potentially fatal side effects. The technicians and doctors at Lake Mills Veterinary Clinic can help you pick a safe, reliable product, help you understand how it works, and show you how to use it.
March 19, 2012 The Austin Brisket Debacle of 1994, part 2
By Bill Stork, DVM
As Emmitt growled up the long driveway, we could see mesquite curling from the vent hole in the Weber One-Touch that incubated the King's Cut of Texas Barbecue.
The Ginsu knife may be able to effortlessly slice tin cans, but was no match for this roasted cow flank. Admittedly, when we were able to detach a bite-sized piece the flavor was perfect. To chew and swallow, however, was to risk irreparable damage to one's TMJ or an esophageal foreign body. Had I sewn a slab to the sole of my Red Wing work boot, it would surely be there today. I love Arlin like a brother. He has introduced me to music that has changed my life, and stood by me twice, during the most difficult times. We routinely demonstrate affection by knowing the other’s weakness, and skillfully, relentlessly teasing one another. That being the case, on that day and in the years since, I said nothing - either because some things are simply too sacred or because the most effective form of abuse is to say nothing. Deliberately, cowardly, I avoided comparison by not attempting my own brisket for 18 years. Well Arf, you are free. While today I created the second best, most flavorful, tender and moist brisket in history, I cheated. Sure the last hour was on the coals but the first two were in a fully digital pressure cooker. For the record, the first Best Brisket is available every day at Carp's Landing in
March 12, 2012
The Austin Brisket Debacle of 1994, part 1
By Bill Stork, DVM If ever there is a time when
My nomadic friend Arlin Rodgers was more than cordial. Willing to take a break from unlocking the mechanisms of liver cancer to play host and music guide, he intended to establish himself as a real Texan by having homemade barbecue upon arrival. Predictably the day of departure brought cows with calving difficulty, twisted stomachs and weather the likes of which had never been seen before, or since. Our driveway and every runway in the
Failure was not an option. As we found the only plane flying on
(to be continued...) March 5, 2012
Give it all you got By Bill Stork, DVM I feel sorry for my son, trapped in a car with a contemplative father. We've just returned from scenic
Calvin is a smart, strong and skilled hockey player. Regrettably, this weekend 3 other teams were 8 goals smarter, stronger and faster, hence confirming the NCAA mantra "99% of student athletes will go professional, in something else". For 5 periods, to get a puck past him, you had to buy it. Then came a mistake that resulted in a goal, followed by a 15-minute power failure. Dad can barely stand up on skates, and will never criticize a hockey mistake. What I have no tolerance for is lack of effort. We are obligated, as Teddy Roosevelt (approximately) said, to do the best we can, with what we've got, where we are, when we're there. Dr. Stork would follow that we must prepare our bodies and minds as best we can, place an extremely high value on maximum effort, and continually push it. Whether family, teammates or animals put faith in us, IF we do as above, we can never truly lose. We can accept the outcome, learn from it, and get continually better. Having been a kid once, I can only imagine being captive in a Chevy Trailblazer for 237 miles. Looking to contain the lecture, I said my piece, and bought Shamrock shakes. At mile 164, we passed a yellow VW bug, he double-punched me in the right arm, and we got back to normal.
A basis for comparison By Bill Stork, DVM PeeWee presented to our clinic as many patients do: over the past few days, her owners noticed she just “ain't doin’ right”. We have learned that a caring owner's perception of their pet’s well-being is invariably accurate. The exam process starts with a detailed history of appetite, activity, water consumption and elimination. We compare our findings with previous medical history and last recorded weight. In many cases, to achieve an accurate diagnosis or rule out major disease, we will recommend further diagnostics. That is where the art of practicing medicine begins. Most diagnoses are not flagged in red ink and flashing lights. Whether we are looking at blood counts or organ values, “normal” is simply an average of all animals tested. Often important changes are subtle, as was the case with PeeWee. I recently attended a seminar by Dr. Dennis DiNicola, one of the world’s leading authorities on veterinary clinical pathology. Dr. DiNicola verbalized an observation we have all made in practice, "the best measure of normal bloodwork is your own patient in health". We have long promoted the use of wellness bloodwork for early detection of disease. It is of equal value to know your pets’ normal values, so we are better able to tell if she is just having a bad day, or truly ill.
February 20, 2012 Dental disease is the most common health issue veterinarians see in young pets. Undetected periodontal disease can lead to issues from root abscesses and tooth loss, to heart and kidney disease. In extreme cases, periodontal disease cause personality disorders (as evidenced by the Abominable Snowman in Rudolph), or extreme weight loss (as manifested by a cat named Biscuit). Advanced cases are painful and treatment is complex. Contrary to common banter, teeth are seldom "yanked out" with a piece of baler twine around a doorknob. Removal of diseased teeth requires extensive and challenging surgery. Predictably, prevention is the key. Brushing your pet’s teeth can dramatically reduce the advancement of periodontal disease and provide an excellent chance to bond with your pet. Let Mittsy, our behaviorist, show you how. You may have heard about dental diets, chews, treats and other products. There are far more products available than ones that actually work. The veterinarians and technicians at Lake Mills Veterinary Clinic will happily help you select and use the most effective products and treatment. And, because February is Dental Health Month, all dental products are 15% off!
February 13, 2012 Created at least 2,500 years ago, you can still go to your local Ace Hardware and pick up Version 1.0 of the wheelbarrow any day of the week. History is not clear, but I am certain that lines were as long and hype as intense as the release of the IPad3. At 1/5 the price, you can get a contractor-grade workhorse in your choice of three colors, with pneumatic tire, fully assembled. Let us try and quantify the value. First, I went to my woodpile and gathered an armload that could be reasonably managed: 8 logs. The fireplace is only 40 meters (valid research is always metric) so I had to walk up the driveway and down the road until exhaustion, 100m. Next, with the assistance of a compound lever and a 6ft3 bed, I was able to haul 40 logs. Sunday shoppers at the Piggly Wiggly looked twice at the guy effortlessly pushing a load of split oak around the parking lot. In the name of research, I remained focused. Final distance: 5km. Having moved a load 5 times larger, 50 times farther, we have our conclusions. First, we are grateful the numbers were round. Second, we can multiply our output 50 times with a simple wheelbarrow. Our project was accomplished with entirely domestically manufactured products, using no fossil fuels, while getting great exercise. From the Mayo Clinic to the Hoover Dam, there has never been a significant achievement in engineering and construction that has not used the mighty wheelbarrow. With no disrespect to the vision of the recently departed Steve Jobs, don't forget the simple stuff.
February 6, 2012 My 14-year-old son, along with millions around the world, is holding his breath in anticipation of the release of the I Pad 3. For a fraction of the cost of a used Toyota, you can get a package of screen protectors, an "otter box" (recall 14-year-old son), extended no hassle service plan, 128 "gigs" of storage, and access to the world. With an I Pad, an imitation Stratocaster and a three-day weekend, you can learn to play Clapton, start a band, and record what used to be a record. My friend Larry the Logger recently bought a brand-new, 30-year-old, four passenger plane. You guessed it - he found his way from the panhandle of Florida back home to Wyoming with an I Pad. (So much for the seat of your pants.) Granted, his flight plan looked like the dotted line that follows Billy from Family Circus, but that's a Larry thing. With more than a half-million apps, it's impossible to imagine the capabilities of this 8x8 device. The I Pad is impressive by any measure, but by my way of thinking, feeble in comparison to my favorite machine, the wheelbarrow.
January 27, 2012 Three days in a hospital waiting room gives a retired construction worker a lot of time to design innovative fishing gear. Dad liberated two straps from an old ski vest, cut a piece of scrap PVC in a 1/3 circle, and padded the underside with shelving rubber. A modified Berkley fishing rod holder and an alligator clamp would render a one-handed crappie fisherman fully functional: perfectly capable of tying hooks, casting, reeling and landing anything that bit. Once able to secure the device to his own leg with one hand, Dad headed back to Springfield Memorial Hospital, cardiac ICU. If we need living proof that things happen for a reason, our family is confirmation. If Harry had a different cousin, he may still be on dry land. If Dad had a different fishing partner, he may be on the bottom of the lake. As it turns out, my dad has several defining traits. One is that he can't swim; another is that he tells great stories, repeatedly. Having a one-armed fishing partner with short-term memory loss makes for a perfect day on the lake.
January 20, 2012 Forty-five minutes after receiving the call, Dad was at Springfield Memorial Hospital with a steel grey Stanley thermos and paperback Western. Over the next three days our family cycled through the waiting room, but Dad remained. Cousin Harry had suffered a massive heart attack and survival was anything but certain. Clots had lodged in several of the great coronary arteries, his arm and his brain. He awoke from the coma 72 hours later, minus his right arm and short term memory, with his life and sense of humor intact. Noting the empty sleeve of his hospital gown, Harry’s first priority was to figure out how to take care of "daily business". Without a word, Dad left Harry to work on that project, and headed back to his garage to tend to Harry’s second priority. By his way of thinking, a man who’d just lost his arm and nearly his life was facing a long road to recovery, and needed something to look forward to. (to be continued…)
January 16, 2012 Many things have been said of my dad. Among the truest was by his childhood friend and fellow Seabee, Leroy the one-eyed mechanic: "Stork, I could give you a brand-new Rolls Royce and in three days you'd have something homemade hangin' off the dashboard". In defense of the old man, there are some things you need to know about his inventions. Without fail, they are highly functional and ruggedly constructed, if not indestructible. His designs were ergonomic long before Detroit; aesthetics are variable at best. R&D and engineering are in pencil, sharpened with pocket knife, on the back of whatever is lying on the work bench. Raw materials include scraps of PVC, angle iron, battery straps and hose. Wood is a last option. Though creative, Dad is not a carpenter, and you can't weld plywood. To use new parts would be to spend money. Unless it involves helping his son with college or taking his wife on vacation, that's just not likely. ”Necessity is the mother of invention” would certainly hold true when Dad's fishing buddy and cousin suffered a massive heart attack a few years (and several fish fries) ago…
January 9, 2012 I hear a lot of talk about the food that families work to put on their tables. Many strive to buy “all natural”, if not organic. Some literally snarl at the notion their 2% or skim may have originated from a FACTORY farm. Agriculture in Wisconsin and this country employs tens of thousands of people and generates billions of dollars for our economy. I would ask that we consider the amazing quality of the product, and the daily dedication to the well-being of animals on large farms. Without dispute, few of us have more skills or work harder than a farmer. They wouldn't do it were it not for the Love of a Cow. Thirty years ago, Dr. Stanley Curtis offered the concept of The Welfare Plateau to maximize productivity and animal husbandry. Simply put, the nicer we are to our cow, the more milk they make. It is very much the focus of the dairy industry today. We seek to minimize stress by providing ideal areas to rest; fresh, dry air; plentiful, nutritious feed and clean water. Penmates who play nicely together make life more peaceful. Parlors are designed for easy entrance and exit. Milkers are selected for warm hands and soft voices. Next time you pour a bowl of Corn Flakes™, know that the milk is of the highest quality, produced by cows whose farmers still know many by name, and stop to scratch 'em on the head. Older posts are archived. To find them, click here. |
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