Small Creatures Pet Clinic

17/07/2025

Happy Thursday Everyone! 😊

10/07/2025

July 10, 2025

DR. J SAYS:

STILL CRAZY (AND LEARNING) AFTER ALL THESE YEARS....

For many years, people have asked me about the brown crusties that their dogs and cats get at the medial aspect (inner corners) of their eyes. After questioning about attending squinting and/ or redness, etc., my answer might be something along the lines of "well, ya have to go to university for 7 years, but it's called 'eye-snot'. My dog 'Obi' (TWD) gets it, and I wipe it most mornings when I leave for work, sitting at the bottom of the stairs tying my shoes, as we 'boy-bond'. It's just maintenance". People seem ok with the answer.

About 6 months ago, 'Obi' (TWD) developed a 'corneal ulcer' in one eye. Amongst other things, these are very painful. I did a Schirmer Tear Test (STT) to see if he was producing enough tears.

He wasn't.

The diagnosis was 'Dry Eye'= Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca ='KCS'. You can contact Dr. Google to find a detailed medical description, breed predisposition, etc., of the condition. TWD is on 2x daily meds, for life, in an effort to stimulate his tear (=lacrimal) gland in his lower lids, to produce more tears.

About a month ago, I failed to get his meds into his eyes for a coupla treatments (bad doctor), and lo & behold, didn't he develop another corneal ulcer in the same eye. He is fine now.

Coupla weeks ago, I realized that, although we still 'boy-bond' at the bottom of the stairs every morning, TWD no longer has his brown crusties (eyesnot). I realize now that, presumably for many years, his 'clinical manifestation' of a (probable) underlying KCS condition was the brown crusties. I hope there was no attending burning sensation for him for all those years.......

Another reminder of how humbling the practice of veterinary medicine can be. Whether it's euthanasia of my own pets, frustrating treatment failures (they happen to everyone, whether or not we admit it), or TWD's 'eyesnot', there are these constant reminders that keep me grounded and taking nothing for granted. If we don't get too beaten up by these things and we can constantly learn from them, then in so many ways, they probably make us better veterinarians.

Have a great WE!

Yours in veterinary medicine.

DR. J

09/07/2025

When it comes to a lost pet there are a couple things that can help us be able to identify who this pets owner might be; one of those products is a microchip!

This article below gives a little more insite into what a microchip is and how it works.

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 😁

How pet microchips work, plus does your dog or cat actually need one? Learn what microchips for dogs and cats do and if they're necessary.

07/07/2025

'Murphy' (template for the word 'stud muffin') was in for his 'annual checkup & appropriate vaccinations' this past Saturday. He brought along his 2-legged caregivers Sandy & Jackson, as well as his brother 'Rosco'. Although his temporal hair was not necessarily groomed especially for the visit, it did strike a chord with both Christine & Dr. Snyder, who thought he must've just been cast as a barber in a Western cowboy film.......the rest is just details.........

28/06/2025

Bringing a pet to "the back" is sometimes just an excuse for us girls to get extra cuddle time with the animals 🩷

25/06/2025

19/06/2025

Most of us have somesort of first aid kit either in our vehicles or at home.

This article will give a little insight into what is best to have in your first aid kit incase of an emergency with your pets!

Happy Thursday Everyone!😁

Pet accidents can occur at any time. Keep dogs and cats safe in emergencies by making your own pet first aid kit with these items, plus more tips.

12/06/2025

The start of June for most dog owners usually means swimming season!

Some of you might notice an odd film on the water which can possibly be blue-green algae; this article goes over what can happen if your pet consumes the algae and what to watch out for incase of ingestion.

Happy Thursday Everyone!😁

Have a pup? Be aware of the blue-green algae risks to dogs who swim outdoors. Learn how to spot algal blooms and signs of canine algae poisoning.

05/06/2025

In the last couple of days some of you may have noticed a familiar face back in the practice..... Christina is back from Maternity leave!

Emily is loving being a big sister to sweet Zoey.

Welcome back Christina and welcome to the newest member of SCPC family Zoey!

30/05/2025

Happy Friday Everyone!😁

23/05/2025

Mr. Gus Gus recently came in with his owner Carrie who happened to have this lovely photo of Gus Gus practicing good oral hygiene habits!

I think we all wish our pets were this willing to brush their teeth on their own.

Happy Friday Everyone😁

16/05/2025

Happy Friday Everyone!
We hope you all enjoy your long weekend😁