Dr. Cody Bourque

01/14/2025

01/11/2025

Come join us in supporting our Saint John Sea Dogs for Fleaburn’s birthday!!

Your Veterinary Urgent Care Team will be at TD Station at 3:00pm to cheer on your Saint John Sea Dogs while they face off against the Halifax Mooseheads 🏒

Fleaburn will also be celebrating a birthday, even more reason to join us! 🥳🐶

01/06/2025

🌟 New Year, New Us: A Fresh Start for Your Pet’s Health in 2025! 🌟

As we head into the new year, it’s the perfect time to create healthy habits—not just for us but for our furry family members too! Daily monitoring can make a huge difference in your pet’s well-being, helping detect early signs of illness and keeping them happy and comfortable. Here are a few quick tips for pet owners:

🐾 Daily Health Check for Dogs & Cats:
✔️ Eating Habits: Is your pet finishing meals? Changes in appetite or sudden pickiness could signal a problem.

✔️ Energy Levels: Is your normally active dog or cat slowing down? Monitor for unusual lethargy or restlessness.

✔️ Bathroom Behavior: Keep an eye on urination and stool consistency. Changes in frequency or appearance can be signs of health issues.

✔️ Coat & Skin: Run your hands along their body to check for lumps, bumps, or signs of irritation. Regular brushing also helps keep the coat healthy and gives you a chance to look for fleas, ticks, or dry patches.

✔️ Breathing: Listen for changes in breathing—coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing need attention.

✔️ Mobility: Look for limping, stiffness, or difficulty getting up, especially in senior pets or after a day of play.

🏠 Simple, Routine Observations Can Save Lives!
If you notice any changes in your pet's behavior, appetite, or appearance, trust your instincts. A quick call to your veterinarian could prevent small issues from becoming serious problems.

🔍 Stay Tuned for More!
In the coming weeks, I’ll be doing a deeper dive into specific aspects of at-home physical exams. Learn how to confidently assess your pet’s health with easy techniques, including:

Lymph Node Checks: Know where and how to gently feel for abnormal swellings that could indicate infection or other concerns.

Mucus Membrane Color: A quick gum check can give important clues about hydration and circulation.

Capillary Refill Time (CRT): Test this simple but effective way to evaluate blood flow and heart function.

Pulse and Heart Rate: Find out how to locate your pet’s pulse and measure a healthy heart rate.

Body Temperature: Learn how to take your pet’s temperature safely at home.

Hydration Test: Discover the “skin tent” method to check for dehydration.

💡 Knowledge is Power!
Building these habits can empower pet owners to detect health changes early and give your pets the proactive care they deserve. Stay tuned for upcoming posts where I’ll walk you through these checks step-by-step!

Let’s make 2025 a year of proactive, happy, and healthy pets! 🐶🐱

01/01/2025

Sometimes on physical exam I don’t know what the problem is… and sometimes I wouldn’t have guessed my patient ate a sewing needle 🤷 Glad she is doing great today ❤️

12/19/2024

✨🎄 Christmas Cheer with Our Amazing Team! 🎄✨

This year, Lindsey our current marketing director had the pleasure of organizing our TikTok viral Christmas box photo collage, and we couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out! It’s amazing to see how much joy it’s spreading. While we’re missing a few of our incredible teammates—the PEI crew and some of the Fredericton girls—you were all in our hearts as we celebrated together.

Our staff event was an absolute blast, filled with laughter, holiday spirit, and the joy of being part of such an incredible team. We are all so lucky to work alongside such compassionate, talented individuals who make a difference every day.

To all our wonderful clients and their furry friends, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! May your season be filled with love, joy, and plenty of cuddles (from both humans and pets alike)! 🎅🐾🎁

Check out the collage on TikTok if you haven’t seen it yet—guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

12/17/2024

Veterinarians at the Atlantic Veterinary College confirm Santa's reindeer are in top physical condition and ready to guide sleigh on Christmas Eve.

12/17/2024

Holidays are busy enough! Plan ahead so you do not need to panic about running out of long term medications!

Holiday Reminder for Pet Owners! 🎄🐾

The holidays are right around the corner, and many veterinary clinics will have adjusted hours or closures during this time. If your pet is on long-term medications or needs a refill soon, now is the time to contact your regular veterinarian!

Make sure your furry friends have everything they need to stay happy and healthy through the holiday season. Don’t wait until the last minute—plan ahead to avoid running out of important medications.

Wishing you and your pets a safe and joyful holiday season! 🐾

12/17/2024

I remember as a veterinary student, I would do everything possible to avoid spending money on textbooks—borrowing, sharing, or making do with older editions just to get by.

Fast forward to today: I’m genuinely excited to have purchased the newest edition of Withrow and MacEwen’s Small Animal Clinical Oncology.

What was once just another “required book” now feels like a treasured resource that fuels my passion for oncology and helps me better care for my patients. It’s funny how the same textbook can evolve from a burden to a badge of growth.

To all my fellow vet med friends: which textbook holds a special place in your career journey? 📚

12/16/2024

🚨 Important Announcement! 🚨

We will be closing early at 6:00 PM for a staff appreciation event today!
We appreciate your understanding and support as we take this time to recognize our amazing team.

12/12/2024

Reminder that our Open House with Santa pictures is this Saturday, December 14th at
9:00am-11:30am!!!

🎅Join Us for Our Open House with Santa Photos! ✨

📅 When: Saturday, December 14th at 9:00am-11:30am
📍 Where: Greater Saint John Veterinary Walk In & Urgent Care

🎄 Bring your pets for a festive day of:
🎁 Photos with Santa – Follow the link to schedule your session with Santa: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2A71OYjxswfxmkBXHzmufD6n6mP1NmE2g9N4_lxOSuigCEA/viewform?usp=sf_link

*Walk-ins are welcome for tours!
🍪 Snacks & Beverages – Enjoy holiday treats while you visit!
🐾 Supporting Red Head Strays – We’re hosting a donation bin for this amazing local rescue. Feel free to bring items to support their efforts!

We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you! See you on December 14th! 🎅🐾

12/11/2024

🎁 Holiday Giveaway Alert! 🎁

'Tis the season of giving, and we’re thrilled to share some holiday cheer with our amazing pet-loving community! 🐾❤️

We’re giving away an over stuffed stocking valued at $350+ packed with goodies for both cats and dogs, including:

✨ Rustic Borders: Biothane Leash + Tug Toy
📸 Cody Bourque Photography: A 1-Hour Pet Photoshoot
Saint John Sea Dogs: 2 Tickets to SEA DOGS VS DRUMMONDVILLE: JAN 8,2025
🐾 Zoetis: Treat Container, Blanket, Towel, Dog Toy, Card Holder
🐕🐈 Miscellaneous Goodies: Cat toys, Cat Greenies, Bake-at-home dog treats, Dog + Cat Lick Mat donated by Greater Saint John Veterinary Walk-in & Urgent Care

🎄 How to Enter:
1️⃣ Like this post! 👍
2️⃣ Follow: My page!, Rustic Borders, and Greater Saint John Veterinary Walk-in & Urgent Care
3️⃣ Tag a friend (1 entry per comment) who would love to win this too! 👫

🎉 Winner will be announced on Christmas Eve! 🎉

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this giveaway extra special. Let’s spread the joy this holiday season—good luck, everyone! 💖

This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook. Open to all, local pick up required at 208 Hampton Road, Quispamsis.

12/05/2024

Hope everyone comes to check out our clinic and brings their furry friend for photos with SantaPaws!

🎄🐾 Open House with Santa at Greater Saint John Veterinary Walk-In & Urgent Care! 🐾🎅

Join us on Saturday, December 14th from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM for a festive morning filled with:
✨ Santa photos for your furry friends
✨ A behind-the-scenes tour of our clinic
✨ Tasty snacks for the whole family

📸 Santa Photos are by donation to support Red Head Strays! Donations can include:
🛍️ Cat food
🧸 Toys
💵 Monetary contributions

Important: Pre-booking is required! Once you fill out our form, we’ll contact you within 2-3 days to confirm your time slot. Please follow the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2A71OYjxswfxmkBXHzmufD6n6mP1NmE2g9N4_lxOSuigCEA/viewform?usp=sf_link

🎅 All pets are welcome to join the fun and get their special moment with Santa!

We can’t wait to celebrate the holiday season with you and your beloved pets. Let’s make this a morning to remember! 🐾

12/04/2024

🎄Giveaway Alert! 🚨

We’re spreading some holiday cheer and giving you the chance to win tickets to an exciting hockey game! 🏒

Like and share this post and tag a friend to be entered into a draw to win a pair of tickets to see the Saint John Sea Dogs take on the Cape Breton Eagles at the TD station!

Two dates available to choose from:
📅 December 13
📅 February 17

Winners will get to choose their preferred date, so don’t miss out!

Good luck, and stay tuned for the winner announcement on December 10th!

🎁🎅

11/30/2024

11/28/2024

If you missed the live steam here it is in its entirety! So many great questions and overall an amazing turn out for the first of many live streams! Thank you to all of the fantastic pet parents who came out and spent a hour of their day learning about veterinary oncology!

Did you know that one in four dogs is diagnosed with cancer, and it’s the leading cause of death in pets beyond middle age?It’s a stark reality, but as veter...

11/25/2024

This is such an important message! Even indoor cats can be at risk—whether it’s through introducing new pets, living in multi-pet households, the unfortunate chance of them escaping, or even wildlife like bats getting into our homes. Vaccines help prevent serious diseases, many of which are challenging or even impossible to treat, and some can also pose a risk to our human family members. Prevention is key!

🐾The Importance of Vaccinating Your Pets💉

Vaccinating your pets is one of the most vital steps you can take to keep them healthy and protect them from serious, preventable diseases. Here’s why:

1. 🦠Protect Against Deadly Diseases: Vaccines protect pets from life-threatening illnesses like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia. These diseases can be fatal and often have no cure.

2. 😷Prevent the Spread of Disease: Vaccinated pets help stop the spread of contagious diseases to other animals and humans. For example, rabies is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to people. Vaccination keeps everyone safe.

3. ⚖️Compliance with Laws: Many local and provincial laws require pets, especially dogs, to be vaccinated for rabies. Staying up to date on vaccines ensures you’re meeting legal requirements.

4. 💵Cost-Effective Care: Treating a disease is far more expensive and stressful than preventing it through vaccination. Regular vaccines save money and prevent unnecessary pain and suffering.

5. 😸Community Health: When more pets are vaccinated, it creates “herd immunity,” reducing outbreaks in your community. This is especially important for diseases like canine parvovirus, which can spread rapidly.

6. 🧘Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet is protected gives you peace of mind, especially when they’re around other animals or in public spaces like dog parks, boarding facilities, or groomers.

Vaccines are safe, effective, and tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and risks. Talk to your regular veterinarian about a vaccination plan that’s right for your furry family member!

Protect their health. Protect your community. Vaccinate. 🐾🐈 🐕❤️

11/22/2024

🩺🐾 Spotlight on the Top 10 Most Common Types of Cancer in Cats and Dogs 🐾🩺

Today, I am heightening awareness around the prevalent cancers found in cats and dogs. Stay tuned for future posts focused on each cancer type, early detection, treatment, real life cases, along with my live stream on November 27th to answer all of your questions live!

Top 10 Cancers Affecting Cats and Dogs:

1. Lymphoma: Affects the lymphatic system and is common in both feline and canine companions, characterized by swollen lymph nodes and other systemic signs.

2. Mast Cell Tumors: Skin tumors prevalent in dogs, but can also appear in cats. These may manifest as raised lumps or irregular bumps on the skin.

3. Osteosarcoma: This aggressive bone cancer is mostly observed in large breed dogs, affecting the legs, and while rare in cats, it usually presents in the limbs.

4. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Affects the skin, nose, and mouth, more frequently seen in sun-exposed areas of light-colored pets.

5. Mammary Gland Tumors: Mainly affecting unspayed females, this can be mitigated by early spaying in both cats and dogs.

6. Melanoma: Typically found in the skin or oral cavity. It tends to be more aggressive in dogs compared to cats.

7. Hemangiosarcoma: Affects blood vessel cells, often diagnosed in the spleen, heart, and skin, mostly in dogs and rarely in cats.

8. Fibrosarcoma: A soft tissue cancer seen in the connective tissues, commonly on limbs or trunk regions in both species. Not so fun-fact, my golden retriever Daisy (who is pictured below and just as spoiled before/after cancer) had fibrosarcoma in her tongue and has been cured for 2 years!!

9. Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Primarily affects the bladder, notably common in certain dog breeds, with rarer occurrences in cats.

10. Adenocarcinoma: Often found in the intestinal tract, common among both cats and dogs, affecting their gastrointestinal systems.

Let’s work together to secure your pets' health and happiness! 🐾❤️