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Our clinic has been serving the Kihei area
since 1997 with quality health care for
Maui’s pets.
Diane E. Shepherd, DVM
After graduating from Punahou School, Dr. Shepherd attended
Stanford University, earning a Bachelor's Degree with Distinction.
Her veterinary education was at Washington State University where
she graduated cum laude in 1978. She then completed an internship
in small animal medicine and surgery at Cornell University.
Special Interest in Feline Medicine
Dr. Shepherd has a special fondness for cats, but likes many of her canine patients too well to go to a feline-only practice.
Dentistry with Dental X-rays
Dental disease is very common in mature animals, causing periodontal infections and even kidney and heart conditions due to constant bacterial exposure.
State-Of-The-Art Feline Vaccines
We take feline leukemia seriously. That's why we use Merial's advanced VET JET™ transdermal vaccination system and PUREVAX® Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine.
In-House Laboratory
Abaxis VetScan and HMTII products help us provide
clients with fast, accurate results at the point of care, making our practice more efficient.
Wellness Exams & Vaccinations
The importance of annual wellness exams cannot be overstated. Many conditions can be treated or cured if caught in the early stages.
Surgery
Spaying and neutering is our most common surgery, helping to keep Maui's animal population under control.
Senior Dog & Cat Care
Health examinations are more important than ever when animals reach their senior years. Animals over the age of 9 years should be seen every 6 months.
GLENDA GROOMS, Veterinary Assistant
After traveling the world with her geologist husband, Glenda returned to Maui in 1996. They had lived on Maui in the 1970's, so it was like returning home for her.
In 1997 Glenda was hired by Dr. Shepherd as her assistant.
Glenda has always held a special place in her heart for animals. Working with Dr. Shepherd has given her the opportunity to learn and apply new skills that ensures quality care to the animals that enter the clinic. Glenda regularly attends continuing education courses to gain new knowledge that allows her to provide clients with up-to-date information, and assist Dr. Shepherd with better client communication.
Glenda lives in Kahului with her husband, David, two cats, and her "clinic dog," Taylor.
BRITTANY BYERLY, Veterinary Assistant
Born and raised in Southern California, Brittany moved to Hawaii in 1996. At age fifteen she began volunteering at the Maui Humane Society. This is where she was able to learn and care for many of Maui's orphaned animals. Not wanting to turn down any opportunity that came her way, she was soon involved in fostering animals that were either sick or too young; taking part in special events such as Just Desserts; and assisting Vet. Staff in surgery. After two years she was named Volunteer of the Quarter and less than a year later she was awarded Volunteer of the Year.
Discovering that she had a special love for helping animals in the veterinary field, she also began to look for work at local veterinary clinics. This is where Dr. Shepherd came in. Brittany began working at Shepherd Veterinary Clinic in early 2004. She is very grateful for everything that Dr. Shepherd and Glenda have helped teach her and looks forward to everyday of work and the opportunity that's in store.
VETERINARY DENTISTRY
KEY POINT #1: Periodontal disease is very common and besides being painful,
can lead to heart and kidney problems.
KEY POINT#2: Cats have one dental disease very rarely seen in dogs.
KEY POINT #3: Dental x-ray is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease. (read more)
PET INSURANCE
All pet insurance is not the same. Some insurance plans cover accidents to your pet, but not illnesses. Some plans cover treatment for cancer, some don't. It can be confusing, so you will need to do some research. Pet insurance can help protect you from large, unexpected vet bills and give you peace of mind.
(read more)
TRAVELING WITH COMPANION ANIMALS
Whether you're leaving the country, the state, or just your city, a little bit of planning can go a long way in helping your trip go smoothly. Animals’ temperaments and travel logistics must be considered before packing up and heading out on a trip.
In some cases, it may be better to leave your animal friends at home in the care of
a trusted sitter. (coming soon)
PHOTO GALLERY
We share our favorite pet photos. (coming soon)
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Shepherd Veterinary Clinic - 300 Ohukai Rd. - Unit C108 - Kihei HI 96753
Telephone (808) 874-9372 - Fax (808) 874-0959
We are located in the Kihei Commercial Center behind Suda's Store and Blackie's Shell Station off Piilani Hwy.
Many people are justifiable concerned about ANAESTHESIA for dental cleaning. However, the only way in cats and dogs to do a thorough and proper job of dental cleaning that gets under the gumline is under anaesthesia. At the Shepherd Veterinary Clinic we use the safest available anaesthesia and have both electrocardiograph and blood pressure machines to monitor patients. All but the youngest patients or shortest procedures are placed on an intravenous drip that is warmed to body temperature. Pain relief is always used and local anaesthesia is used for extractions. While we cannot say that there are no dangers to anaesthesia, we can say with all certainly that untreated dental disease is dangerous to the pet.
In addition to periodontal disease, cats have a fairly common dental problem in RESORPTIVE LESIONS. Also known as cervical line lesions or feline odontoclastic lesions, these appear like cavities but are not caused by bacteria. There a suggestion that the acidification of feline diets, to prevent urinary problems, may have a role in the disease process. Erosions in the enamel lead to open holes in the tooth that communicate with the tooth pulp and nerve. Needless to say, these are quite painful. An affected tooth will have inflamed gum trying to build-up around the lesion, the tooth may be discolored and pinkish. Eventually the tooth erodes away, the crown falls off and the gum grows over the tooth, but this can take months to years. There are two ways to deal with resorptive lesions as determined by xray of the tooth. Some of these teeth have roots that are being resorbed and these teeth can be quickly amputated and the gum sutured over the site. Other teeth have intact roots and these teeth must be extracted. Unfortunately, several teeth may be affected over time.
Both cats and dogs break teeth. All too often we see broken molars in dogs that have been given bones or other hard objects to chew. NEVER GIVE BONES TO DOGS OR CATS. Teeth are also broken in fights or falls. Sometimes the tooth is just chipped and the pulp is not exposed. But if there is an open pulp cavity, there is a highway for mouth bacteria into the base of the tooth and the bloodstream. These teeth should either be extracted or be given root canal therapy.
It is very helpful for owners to get in the habit of checking in the mouth of their pets. Gently lift the gums to look at the outsides of the teeth and see that there are no abnormal teeth or inflamed gums. Don't put your hands inside the mouth or get bitten. We will be glad to show you how to examine your pets mouth.
KEY POINT #1: Periodontal disease is very common and besides being painful, can lead to heart and kidney problems.
KEY POINT #3: Dental xray is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease.
Oral health is just as important to our pets as it is to humans. Studies have shown that 80% of cats and dogs over five years of age have some degree of dental disease. This can be prevented by starting oral hygiene, preferable brushing, at a young age, so that the puppy or kitten accepts it. If brushing is not an option, there are other products that can at least delay the onset of dental problems.
Caries, or cavities, the most common human dental disease, are quite rare in cats and dogs. But PERIODONTAL DISEASE is very prevalent. This is caused by the accumulation of plaque that promotes the invasion of gum tissue by bacteria. This deep-seated infection leads to pockets in the gum, pain, and loosening of the teeth in the mouth; it also can contribute to heart and kidney disease from the bacteria that constantly flood the bloodstream from the damaged oral tissues. The odor from the decaying tissue can be. It is best to remove plaque deposits before there has been irreversible damage to the gums. Dental xray will show the extent of disease and the presence of abscesses. Dental cleaning and removal of loose teeth is beneficial at any stage.
Veterinary Pet Insurance
http://www.petinsurance.com
PetplanUSA
http://www.gopetplan.com
All pet insurance is not the same.
Some insurance plans cover accidents to your pet, but not illnesses. Some plans cover treatment for cancer, some don't. It can be confusing, so you will need to do some research. Pet insurance can help protect you from large, unexpected vet bills and give you peace of mind. We've provided links to a few of the pet insurance websites to help in your decision on which is the right plan for your pet.
Pethealth
http://pethealthinc.com
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com
Hartville Group
http://www.hartvillegroup.com
Pets Best
http://www.petsbest.com
all rights reserved copyright 2011 Tel: 808-874-9372 Shepherd Veterinary Clinic
