Veterinarian Offers Spring Pet Advice

LINCOLN — The beauty of another Arkansas spring surrounds us. People and pets are out enjoying the outdoors but several dangers are rearing their ugly heads. The good news though, is that the many dangers can all be prevented, according to Dr. Diane Balich, owner of Lincoln Veterinary Clinic.

“Every spring and summer clients call blaming neighbors for poisoning their pets,” Balich said. “While poisonings can occur, most of theses cases are actually unvaccinated pets suffering with vomiting and bloody stools from an acute case of parvovirus.”

Parvo and distemper viruses are easily prevented by a simple visit to your veterinarian, according to Balich. A veterinarian has studied 8-10 years of college and yearly must take additional training studying new diseases, vaccines and medications. Mail order and over the counter shots often do not have all the needed protection and must be handled and administered using strict guidelines to be protective.

“Rabies is another important threat to humans, pets and livestock,” said Balich. “Rabies vaccine is only legal in pets if administered by a licensed veterinarian who will keep detailed medical records for five years on each dose given. This year there have been 57 positive rabies cases already in Arkansas. Several dogs given only over the counter vaccines were tragically euthanized as they had no legal vaccination.

“Once home from enjoying the beautiful outdoors, don’t forget to check both you and your pets for ticks, Balich said. “These dangerous pests are widespread in Arkansas and carry the deadly diseases Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Bobcat fever.”

Balich said there are some new products at your veterinarian’s office that will help prevent both fleas and ticks on both cats and dogs.

“Be certain to use the product which is safe for the pet applied as cats can die if treated with the wrong medications. Enjoy the outdoors but be safe and prevent,” Balich said.

Lincoln Veterinary Clinic and Animal Health Store was established in 1978.

Dr. Diane Balich and her husband Tom, moved to Lincoln in 1983 after practicing in South Dakota at a feedlot and sale barn practice (one of the largest in the United States at the time).

The veterinary clinic had added additional surgery facilities, a retail pharmacy and indoor stalls and was expanding. A few years later Dr. Balich bought the clinic and a ranch to live and work on after hours.

Employees at the vet office include Janet Ward, volunteer Beth Ann Bareis and Dr. Balich DVM, MS, who started working at a small animal clinic at age 13. In addition to earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1981, she has a masters degree, studying newborn health and especially enjoys working with newborn animals of every size.

Balich continues to be active in adopting out homeless cats. “We try to help these animals who need a good home,” she said.

The clinic offers check- ups, neutering, spaying, microchipping — any and all pet care.

It also offers gas anesthesia, anesthesia monitoring, X-ray, an in-house laboratory with facilities for both small and large animals.

Balich has been featured on National Geographic and the Discovery Channel for her expertise with both large and small animals.

“We want to thank our Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma clients for your business for over 30 years,” Balich said. “Your loyalty and support allows us to give back to the community. We look forward to serving you in the future.”

Lincoln Veterinary Clinic is located at 2157 E. Pridemore, Lincoln. The phone number is 479-824-3299.

PAT HARRIS ENTERPRISE-LEADER Dr. Diane Balich, right, owner of Lincoln Veterinary Clinic, and employee Janet Ward hold two office pets. Balich said she does have cats for adoption for anyone who would like to give them a loving home.