Bluestone Veterinary Services

11/29/2024

Pony people!
This is probably the best blanketing chart I’ve seen! We’re getting to cold weather, keeping your horses toasty improves water intake, decreasing risk for impaction colic!

🥶 MAJOR TEMP DROP BEGINNING TONIGHT. With the upcoming drop in temperature starting tonight and through the weekend, we wanted to share this great blanketing guide and help you decide, "to blanket the horses, or to not blanket the horses"!

Also as a reminder, when the temperatures drop, horses tend to not drink as much water. To help avoid any potential colic, we strongly recommend serving up some good ole' "sweet tea" water for your horses, as well as soaking their grain in water! Simply add a solid handful of your sweetest grain to your horse's water buckets, let that marinate, and tada "sweet tea" water! These are great ways to entice them to keep drinking water in colder temps, and continue to stay hydrated. 🌬️❄️☃️

11/28/2024

Turkey day is here!!!!
We are thankful for each of you!
Here’s a little reminder on how to keep your furry friends safe amidst the temptation of yummy food!

is (almost) here! It is a day to gather with your friends, family, and, of course, beloved pets. We know curious pets often find ways to snoop where they shouldn't, so let's keep them safe. Check out these tips from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) to help your family have a happy and safe holiday. https://www.aspca.org/news/thanksgiving-safety-tips-will-keep-your-pets-feeling-thankful-holiday?utm_campaign=general&utm_content=1732292044&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

11/25/2024

When we advocate for our vets, our technicians, our staff’s mental health, it’s because we will NEVER tolerate this kind of behavior. People need to know what we deal with on the daily. This is why I have made this public, and always will.

To the woman who just hollered at my brand new staff member on the phone, outright admitted to slandering me and my clinic to everyone she knows after we evidently recommended her to urgent care one day, and topped it off with a “that doctor can go to fu%*ing hell!”….

None of us got into this profession to be treated this way. We want to treat animals and make a difference.

I hope that you heal from the pain in your life.
I pray that you are able to find love and forgiveness in your heart for whatever deep hurts plague you.
I hope that you are not the recipient of such malicious and derogatory intent.
I wish peace upon you.

Dr. Snively

11/25/2024

We all love Turkey day, but PLEASE no table food for Fido and Fluffy!!!!

11/25/2024

We hope your pet does not require urgent care, but if you do, please see below, our top recommendations for local urgent care:
Vinton Veterinary Hospital
540-342-7821
Emergency Veterinary Services of Roanoke 540-417-1530

11/18/2024

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our hours of operation today will be
12 PM to 6 PM.
Phones will be in operation normal business hours.
Thank you for your understanding!

11/15/2024

We get this question a lot!

I’m this also leads to blanketing questions. Many people don’t like to blanket because the horse has a good coat. Even with a moderate coat, they still have to burn calories to keep warm! Add in rain or snow and the caloric requirement to maintain body temp goes up!

Plenty of roughage and possibly adding in blanketing, can keep your horse from working harder than it needs to just to maintain temperature. A little extra layer from a waterproof blanket can equate to less hay and feed to keep them in good condition (cost savings!).

Our later teenaged and senior horses especially need the extra help!!!

Did you know that a horse with a moderate hair coat starts requiring additional calories for body temperature regulation when the outside temperature drops to approximately 50°F?

As the temperatures start to drop, especially overnight, it's important to remember that cold weather prompts special considerations for your horse's diet and care. This is particularly important when it comes to the older members of the herd; consult your primary horse doctor to formulate a plan to keep your horses happy and healthy this fall and winter!

11/11/2024

Bluestone is proud to honor all veterans for their service to our beautiful country. We are grateful for your selfless service, which ensures the continued freedom and liberty we enjoy in the United States of America! 🇺🇸

11/06/2024

Important read!

🚨 Important Update: Leptospirosis Now a Core Vaccine for ALL Dogs
The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines have been updated to classify the leptospirosis vaccine as CORE for all dogs starting at 12 weeks of age – regardless of lifestyle, location, or breed.
Why the change?
🌆 ALL dogs are at risk—urban, suburban, and rural.
⚠️ Potentially fatal, even with treatment.
🔄 Zoonotic—it can spread from pets to humans.
🏢 Dogs in daycare and kennels also face exposure risks.
You can find the full update in the Nov/Dec issue of JAAHA, or check out the full 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines here: aaha.org/canine-vaccinations

10/31/2024

We can’t wait to see everyone today!!!

10/31/2024

Dr. ‘Kitty Kat’ says, “Don’t forget your Halloween costumes tomorrow!”

Human participation earns a free nail trim and pet participation earns a goody bag!!!

Show us your costumes!!! There will be a prize for best pet costume!!!

10/29/2024

Don’t forget to wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness today!

10/27/2024

Don’t forget to wear your pink for breast cancer awareness if your appointment is on Tuesday!!!! Same for Halloween!! Deck those puppies (and kitties) out for Halloween!!! We will have a photo contest for best pet contest!!!

10/25/2024

Rabies alert!

⚠️ Health Alert: The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts has confirmed a case of rabies found in a skunk on Cumberland Gap Rd (Route 42) in the area between Poorhouse Farm Road and Ross Lane in Craig County.

To help prevent the spread of rabies, everyone should:

🚨 AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.

📢 REPORT injured or threatening animals.

💉 VACCINATE all of your dogs, cats and ferrets, and keep their vaccinations current.

☎️ CALL your doctor and the local health department if you are exposed, or your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed to an animal with rabies.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/raba102524

(Skunk image is a stock photo.)

10/23/2024

So excited about our new sign!!!! Finally!!!
SML Signs & More did a PHENOMENAL job!!

10/22/2024

We want you on our team!!
Looking for a kennel tech to join us!
Some duties include:
Basic cleaning of clinic and kennels
Equine blanket service intake/wash/fold
Assist holding animals
Take in bath patients
Bathe patients
Clean surgical instruments
Wrapping surgical packs and sterilization
Walking dogs
Snuggling animals

Having a super fun time with your vet assistants and doctor!