Country Companions Veterinary Services

04/12/2025

Max has the right idea today! Show us your sleepy pets on this rainy cold Saturday 🐾

03/20/2025

If you have followed the adventures of Amber the past eight days, consider making a donation to this or attending ✌🏼🩷

03/03/2025

This past weekend, Dr. Kim and Woodbridge animal control officer Jessy Pallotto, picked up this beautiful bird from Lake Chamberlain. Unfortunately, after examination, it was concluded that this eagle most likely has Avian Influenza. With the permission of DEEP, it was sadly euthanized and sent for testing. Just a heads up as this is in our backyard, literally, and we have not seen the end of this.
The people who found this bird did everything right- they stayed away, did not approach, and did call officials. DEEP is not concerned about the occasional dead bird you might find but more patterns ie 5+ birds deceased in 1 location or reports of sick raptors like hawks or other species not considered to be as susceptible such as this eagle. Please report the above issues to DEEP wildlife division at 860-424-3011. Please be vigilant and observant but not overly anxious.

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html

02/21/2025

Today is National Love Your Pet Day. Who do YOU 🫶🏼?

02/19/2025

Trying to decide which part of winter is worse- pets who won’t p*e on ice or pavement or trying to keep livestock watered with the ice. I feel like I just won the barn Olympics tonight. Didn’t fall on the ice while carrying water up or the eggs and barn trash down 🏆. Is it Spring yet? How is everyone doing?

02/06/2025

The office will remain closed today. Please page for emergencies or issues that can’t wait until tomorrow. Be safe!

01/28/2025

Good morning. I wanted to write a post as follow up to our previous one about Avian Influenza so nicely written by Dr. Shannon Brighenti.
 We have received questions, including should I keep feeding the birds and when to report finding dead birds. As far as feeding the birds, I am still scattering seed but do not have a feeder up. I do it away from my chickens, not being so naïve to believe they could not come in contact with them but more so as a little surveillance system. If I start to find multiple sick or dead birds, I will be reporting it to the state veterinarian. As of today, everyone looks well. The second question of what to report is clear to me now that I have previously made the mistake of reporting one or two dead geese. While visiting the coast out of state recently, I came across a couple of dead seagulls, and then more and more as I walked on the beach, adding up to almost 2 dozen. I did contact that state veterinarian and they told me I was the second person to report, and they strongly believed it was even influenza and were investigating. One single bird does not constitute a reason but finding multiple sick or dead birds should be reported to the state veterinarian at 860-713-2505. Again it should be noted not to handle these birds, but to call. If you do have to handle them, you should be wearing at least a mask and gloves. We will keep you up-to-date as we have updates.

01/25/2025

Avian Influenza Update (Please read even if you do not have chickens):
This year so far there have been 2 cases of High-Path Avian Influenza (H5-N1) in flocks in CT. Avian influenza is spread mainly through wild birds, but also can be spread through contaminated surfaces or equipment. Avian Influenza can potentially be spread to humans and other mammals including cats and cattle, so it is important to remain vigilant, especially if you have backyard flocks. Making sure that wild birds cannot get into your chicken coops or runs can also decrease, though not eliminate, your flock’s risk.
Avian Influenza can also be spread through contaminated raw meat or milk, so we do Highly advise staying away from raw diets and treats for your cats and dogs. If you have a cat that has become sick and has had access to raw meat, raw milk, or sick/dead birds, please advise us of this fact when calling our office for an appointment.
If you do have backyard flocks, please monitor for signs of Avian influenza including sudden death, respiratory sings, or hens acting ‘off’ (puffed up feathers, separating from the herd, etc.). If you have any birds that pass, especially if you have more than one that pass or are sick in a short time period, you should bring deceased chickens to the UConn Diagnostic Lab in Storrs, CT (860) 486-3738. They are open M-F 8:30-4:30, and offer $25 necropsies for poultry that includes Avian Influenza testing. Please call them first for instructions. If you have birds dying, please also contact us and the department of Ag State Vet. 860-713-2505.
If you see dead wild birds, please report them to the DEEP at https://www.cfwwildbirdmortalityreporting.ct.gov/ If you see multiple dead birds in 1 area, please also call DEEP at 860-424-3011
Please be aware, that if you call and make an appointment for a sick chicken (or cat or other animal), that we have any suspicion may be sick from Avian Influenza, we will have you wait in your car until we have an exam room open to take you and your pet directly into. Our staff also will be wearing full PPE for their protection (Gown, face mask, eye protection, etc).
Feel free to call us at 203-393-7387 during business hours with any questions or concerns. More information on Avian Influenza can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/doag/regulatory/regulatory/avian-influenza-information

01/25/2025

This is very concerning to us. We have updated our policy on how we will handle chickens that we see and keep you in the loop. Please be vigilant!

Preliminary testing found highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, in a New Haven County backyard flock of birds, officials said Friday.

01/23/2025

Is your dog as unhappy as poor Tw***ie here with this weather or as happy as Nollie? Let us know ✌🏼. Few more days of this…

01/11/2025

It’s a beautiful couch potato kind of day 💗❄️ Well, the cats are potatoes 🥔 anyhow 😆

01/07/2025

Cold today! Chickens and pigs got warm oatmeal and water this am. Remember to check water at least 3 times a day in the extreme cold. Goats got extra hay and a little extra feed. What are your things you do/ tips to share?

01/02/2025

We feel the same way, Max. Is it Monday or really Thursday?🤪

01/01/2025

Reflecting tonight on this past year and the holiday season. We want to thank our clients for their thoughtful and fun cards and gifts through the season. We also wanted to share a funny veterinary medicine story 😆. This happened to our technician :

Client (calling in): Hi, you all were in a meeting so I left a little present outside and wanted to make sure someone got it.
Me: OK, is it labeled?
Client: Yes, it’s a pig.
Me: Is someone expecting the sample?
Client: No, it’s a present!
Me: OK…is the pig having diarrhea or is this an annual f***l sample?
Client: It’s a ceramic pig, it’s not having diarrhea, it’s a present
Me: *seeing what is indeed a ceramic pig on our porch* OHHHHH it’s a literal pig, I thought you meant a f***l sample when you said “present.”
Owner: I’m sure in your industry that’s what most people mean when they say “present.”
Me: Yes, that’s always what that means to anyone in vet med
*both laughing hysterically*
Thanks again for the kindness you’ve shown us- it is truly appreciated 💗🎄🙌🏻

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! We celebrated this week with ugly sweaters 👚. Enjoy your time with family and friends🎄. Thankful for the warmer weather and some snow❄️

12/22/2024

Wicked cold this am!! Pet should not be outside longer than to use the bathroom. My pigs and chickens got oatmeal this morning 🙂. Make sure your livestock have access to water and extra hay today- this weather is hard on them too✌🏼

12/20/2024

Holiday hazards for your pets… candles are a big one for the curiosity factor and not recommended if you have an asthmatic cat in your household ✌🏼🎄