Glendale Veterinary Hospital supports Headwaters

The staff at Glendale Veterinary Hospital in Caledon take the health of pet owners as seriously as the health of their pets.

From Feb. 15 through April 15, the Glendale staff is encouraging their clients to make a donation toward the purchase of a portable oximeter for the Respiratory Therapy Department at Headwaters Health Care Centre. The total cost of a portable oximeter is $2,420.

"Working in the medical field, we can fully appreciate and understand the value of proper monitoring equipment," commented Glendale veterinarian Dr. Natalie Soligo. "We would like to help contribute to the health of our community - both humans and animals."

Breathing is one of the most vital functions of the body. The average adult breathes 12 times per minute, often without thinking about it. But, when every breath is laboured because of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer or other respiratory diseases, this natural function becomes a struggle.

The portable oximeter measures blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate painlessly with a clip that fits over a finger. Red blood cells must carry sufficient oxygen to the internal organs in order to keep an individual healthy and alive. If a patient has lung disease or other types of medical conditions, fewer red blood cells may be carrying their usual load of oxygen, resulting in fatigue and extra pressure on heart function.

Because the government does not provide funding for most hospital equipment purchases, on an ongoing basis Headwaters Health Care Foundation relies on the generosity of individual donors, community groups, service clubs, corporate partners and fund-raising volunteers to raise the funds each year to meet the hospital's clinical equipment needs. This year the hospital will invest more than $1.7 million in new equipment.

Under the guidance of veterinarians Soligo and Dr. Cathy Hooper, Glendale, located at 4832 Charleston Sideroad in Caledon, offers a range of animal care that covers everything from annual check ups and nutritional advice to the treatment of serious medical conditions through surgery or laser therapy, and a boarding facility.

Donations can be made in person at the Glendale Veterinary Hospital, online at www.headwatershealth.ca or by calling Headwaters Health Care Foundation at (519) 941-2702, ext. 2303. Please indicate your donation is to be directed toward the portable oximeter.