Peterborough Veterinary Services

01/14/2025

01/13/2025

Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the hardest journeys we face. But it also reflects the deep, unconditional love we share.

At Lap of Love, we’re here to guide you through these tender moments with compassion, grace, and understanding, honoring the bond that makes every goodbye so meaningful.

Learn more about our services and how we can support you during this time: https://hubs.li/Q032fW240

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

"The first priority when caring for a rescue horse is to rectify problems that threaten his physical well being. But soon thereafter, it’s important to attend to his mental well-being and training."

The first priority when caring for a rescue horse is to rectify problems that threaten his physical well being. But soon thereafter, it's important to attend to his mental well-being and training.

01/10/2025

"...This is because a male kitten inherits just one X chromosome, from its mother, whereas female kittens inherit an X chromosome from each parent. So, it’s less likely that a female cat would receive two copies of the Arhgap36 variant that produces orange color. For a male, however, the cat only has to receive one copy of the gene."

Two new, preliminary papers identify a gene related to a cat’s coloration. The work also explains why tortoiseshell and calico cats tend to be females

01/09/2025

"...the introduction of products such as Apoquel (an oral tablet to treat allergic itch) and Cytopoint (a monoclonal antibody injection administered at the clinic) have given general practitioners some alternatives to steroids that are effective, safe, and applicable from the first visit on, Dr. Hillier said. “It’s a huge change for general practitioners.” The recently approved Apoquel Chewable tablet makes it even easier for owners to treat their dog with a treat-like chewable tablet that most pets take free choice.

Why patient comfort should be at the top of the priority list when veterinarians see a dog with itchy skin for the first time.

01/08/2025

Extreme cold weather is in the forecast for many parts of the US this week. Here are a few tips to ensure you keep your pets safe.

You can find more information - including tips for livestock owners - at avma.org/ColdWeather.

01/08/2025

⚠️ H5N1, a type A influenza virus, is spreading among birds and some mammals in the U.S., including cats.

Here’s how you can help protect your pets:

· Avoid feeding raw meat or dairy.
· Keep cats indoors to limit exposure to wildlife.
· While the risk to dogs is less clear, it’s best to keep all pets away from dead animals, livestock, wildlife, and their waste.
· If your pet shows signs of illness, such as lethargy, fever, or respiratory issues, contact your veterinarian.

This is a developing situation, but taking simple precautions can help keep your pet safe. Check out our graphic for more details and share it to raise awareness.

01/08/2025

A great read from Today's Veterinary Nurse !!

01/07/2025

"About 20% of pets with a dermatologic disorder have allergies. Environmental allergies are thought to originate with a defect in the barrier function of the skin and can include reactions to dust mites, pollens, dander, insect particles, and molds. Food allergies are caused by a similar defect in the gut. Different types of allergies can look the same, and patients can have more than one type, which can complicate the diagnosis."

Having a basic knowledge of the types of conditions, diagnostic methods, and the many treatment options you offer will help make sure your customers are always prepared for one of the most common reasons pet owners visit their veterinarian.

01/06/2025

"The truth is, veterinary relief work comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it works a bit differently depending how you go about it. Some veterinary professionals work independently, taking full control of their relief careers and all the responsibilities that come with it. Others prefer the ease of veterinary relief platforms, which take care of some of the heavy lifting, saving them time and effort."

Relief medicine has surged in the past decade and continues to grow. For those on the outside looking in, you probably have many questions. So, let’s debunk common myths about working as an independent contractor.

01/03/2025

"Dogs are dogs. They all like to eat things they shouldn’t eat – especially curious puppies. As their owner, it’s useful to know which substances are toxic to your dog so you can keep them out of their reach."

How to spot the signs of chocolate poisoning...

01/02/2025

**IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ **

We are starting a week of extreme cold with wind chill factors. Please keep your pets safe and inside.

During the winter months, a warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it’s deadly. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their shelter under the hood.

01/02/2025

We are seeing a marked increase in pancreatitis cases after the Christmas holidays! New treats, table scraps, and bones are the biggest culprits for landing many dogs in the ER with GI upset. Pancreatitis is a painful condition usually characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and inappetence. If your pet is showing these signs, please have them evaluated right away! Pancreatitis can range from mild (some outpatient medications) to severe (intensive care in the hospital for several days) so it is important to have them evaluated sooner rather than later. 🏥

01/02/2025

"To avoid nutritional imbalance, treats should not exceed 10% of the animal’s total daily calories. When clients want to give treats manufactured by pet food companies, the nutritional content of each treat should be considered."

Understanding the client’s goals for providing treats can help veterinary nurses give optimal recommendations.