63 South Road (Route 83)
Somers, CT, 06071
(860) 763-1000


To Somers Veterinary Hospital clients and friends, 


 Because of the continuously evolving situation with COVID-19, we want to update you on procedures that have been instituted since this virus hit the American shores. We have, as an AAHA certified hospital, always kept the hospital clean and safe. However, with this new threat, we are following updates and recommendations from the WHO, CDC and AVMA to continue to keep the hospital clean and safe for everyone and have increased both the frequency and scope of these cleanings. 
As of April 22, 2020 – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) today announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in two pet cats. These are the first pets in the United States to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. (to read the whole article and for information on what the CDC recommends regarding COVID-19 and pets please click here!
 We are instituting "social distancing" to help avoid problems with this disease so please do not be offended if we do not shake hands or hug for we are trying to keep you and our staff safe. All appointments at this time are Curbside ONLY. Only staff members are permitted in the building. Currently, there is no individual at this hospital that is showing symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19. We do ask that you follow appropriate protocols as outlined by WHO, and CDC for keeping yourself safe and the people around you. We are asking anyone who is exhibiting respiratory symptoms or is positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 to call ahead and inform us so that we can take appropriate actions concerning your pet's health care before you come in. We ask those individuals if possible to have other family members bring their pet for medical care, if unable to, please inform staff. If there is an emergency, we will  assess the situation by phone and institute appropriate protocols to ensure appropriate care and minimize staff risks. If this is a routine appointment these can be postponed to a later and safer time. 

For further reading on COVID-19 please go to World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Thank you 
~Dr. Nancy Karol Hensen and the staff at Somers Veterinary Hospital
With the continued threat of COVID-19 we are still dedicated to protecting our clients, community and employees of Somers Veterinary Hospital.  We are continuing curbside service through the winter and will update you with any changes. 

We ask that when you are here for your appointment, that you direct your attention to our staff members so that we may assist you and your pet efficiently. It is essential that we get appropriate and updated information at this time. Therefore please refrain from conference calls, personal calls etc.. during your appointment time. We understand how important your time is, as is ours. Delays caused by these personal phone calls, etc.. is resulting in increased appointment times for you but also delays all those appointments behind you. Thank you for your continued support as we persevere at this difficult time and we ask that you be mindful of those others around you. 

If you are exhibiting any respiratory symptoms, have been exposed to COVID-19 positive individuals, have tested positive for COVID-19 or have traveled to high-risk countries, please inform staff immediately. If this is not an emergency for your pet, ie. a routine appointment, we ask that you reschedule your pet's appointment to a later and safer time. If it is an emergency, please call ahead if possible with this information so that we may help your pet and maintain safety measures for both the staff and you. Ideally having another family member bring your pet would be the best situation to avoid exposures.   

We are Continuing curbside appointments for ALL of our clients. All appointments will be given a scheduled time, similar to a regular office visit. Please remain in your car in our parking lot and a history and information will be gathered by phone (please fill out the Intake form that applies to your pet at least 24 hours prior to your appointment and e-mail it to somersvh@gmail.com), and then a SVH team member will collect your pet. We are also calling scheduled appointments ahead of their appointment to reduce wait times in the parking lot.  Once examination and treatments are complete, you may pay over the phone by credit or debit card. 

Food and medication pickups--please remain IN YOUR CAR and call the office. Payments can be made by credit/debit card over the phone. All items will be delivered to your car by SVH team members. By calling ahead we can schedule pickup times that may make this process more efficient with fewer waits. Please call at least 1 to 2 days prior to pickup for needed medications and food. With the current Covid protocols, last minute needs for medications and foods can be difficult at times to fill on an immediate need and may require you to make a second trip if not called ahead. There are also shipping and distribution changes involved with many medications and food items due to the pandemic that are out of our control and by calling ahead we can hopefully avoid any shortages. Remember do not wait until the last minute for your pets medication and food needs because of these current unforeseen shortages that can occur. 

Please be patient for we are working within limited confines. Extended waiting times may occur. We do apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause however we are doing what we can to help stem potential problems being seen in other communities affected by COVID-19.

We are asking for people's patience during this difficult time while we continue our Covid-19 protocols and recommendations being set by the various veterinary communities to help keep our community safe. Please be aware that as things evolve further changes may be made.

Thank you  for your help at this difficult time.

Your friends at Somers Veterinary Hospital


Just a reminder, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, clients bringing pets in carriers, cages, etc.

PLEASE Be Sure that the transport equipment is not broken, and is fully functional, and will not allow for the escape of your pet.

If this transport equipment is broken in any way, please replace it with new for the safety of your pet before your appointment.

We reserve the right to decline moving pets in faulty transport equipment. 

All Dogs must be kept ON LEASH and UNDER CONTROL while outside on hospital property to avoid injuries.

Thank you for your cooperation during this Pandemic and ever changing time.

~The Staff of SVH.


For your convenience and ours, PLEASE FILL OUT AND EMAIL PAPERWORK  PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT. We ask that paperwork be sent at least 24 Hours prior to appointment to avoid delays or having to reschedule. 

We also have available a drop off option that will need to be made PRIOR to your appointment time. Like any other drop off, estimates will be needed and provided and deposits required at drop off. This will hopefully decrease the stress associated with some long wait periods. 

Below are some helpful links for you to follow to keep on top of this current situation:

World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/ 
American Veterinary Medical Association
Approved COVID-19 Fighting products: 

If you are planning a visit to our office, please fill out this form before your appointment to help us help you.

Intake Form (please fill out prior to appointment)
Forms can be E-Mailed to: 
Somersvh@gmail.com  
If you are unable to fill out online please print and fill out the form, then  pictures of the finished form can then be e-mail to us.  




 Happy New Year to all!

As we usher in the new year, COVID-19 is still present and increasing in some regions. Please all be safe and continue to practice appropriate mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing to not only protect yourself but also to protect those friends and loved ones around you.
COVID-19 is predominantly a human illness with clinical infection in pets being rare. Routine screenings of nonclinical animals is NOT recommended at this time. 

Criteria for testing for COVID-19 in animals is as follows:

  1. More common veterinary pathogens have been tested for and ruled out as well as other non infectious causes. 

  2. Pet is showing clinical signs consistent with COVID-19 (i.e. respiratory distress, coughing, fever, diarrhea, etc.) 

  3. Consultation with local public health and/or veterinary authorities (i.e. state public health veterinarian) prior to testing. 

  4. Pet is living in a household with a human who has COVID-19 or has tested positive for the virus. 

A detailed history and physical exam is essential in all suspected cases. Specific collection guidelines and specific supplies are needed, therefore this can take some time and more than one appointment. We ask for your continued patience and understanding while we help you and your pet. 

Please contact us with any questions.
Office Phone: 860-763-1000

___________________________________


From John Hopkins Hospital 

The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

??????????Since the virus is NOT a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

??????????The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).

By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
- 42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).

But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

* You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.




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