Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham

12/21/2024

Happy First Day of Winter! ❄️

We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that freezing temperatures can cause serious problems for pets such as hypothermia, accidental antifreeze ingestion, burns caused by fires or space heaters, and more.

Check out this article from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more animal safety tips for cold weather: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-animal-safety

12/20/2024

VSB is so excited for the holiday season! 🎄🦌🎁🎅🏼

Take a moment to vote on your favorite photo from our team and their fur babies! 🐶🐱

A special thanks to our ER Supervisor, Sameera, for this amazing photo shoot! 👏

12/19/2024

🌟⚠️ HOLIDAY HAZARDS⚠️ 🌟

They might look beautiful, but holiday decorations may be hazardous for pets. Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season:

🎄 Securely anchor and keep pets away from the tree. Also, remember to sweep up any fallen brush or pine needles.

💡 Hang strands of lights higher up. Not only can pets get tangled in strings, but these strands can give them a potentially life-threatening electrical shock if they bite through the wire.

🐈 Tinsel and ornaments can seem like toys (especially to cats) and can cause serious stomach issues if ingested. Avoid using tinsel when possible and stick with larger, shatterproof ornaments that aren’t easy to break or swallow.

12/17/2024

During the winter months, cats will often seek out any warm space they can find. Unfortunately, common cozy places include underneath a car and a warm car engine which puts their lives at risk. Here’s a few actions you can take to avoid these types of catastrophes:

🐱 Keep your cat safe and warm inside
💭 Check on your cat before leaving the house or before leaving for a trip
🚗 Make loud warning sounds before starting your car
📢 Give cats time to escape your car after you’ve made the loud noises
🛌 Provide a safer, alternative cozy spot for cats by setting up a cat bed or box with a blanket

If you have a cat emergency VSB is open 24/7 | (205) 967-9107

12/13/2024

5 Stars from Joe! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 Thanks you!

12/11/2024

Meet our tiny but mighty, Izzy! 🐾

Izzy was rushed into our E.R. after being struck by a car. Izzy was nothing short of a determined little fighter throughout her treatment. Dr. Smith and her staff were diligent in getting Izzy stable. After just 24 hours of critical monitoring and treatment, Izzy started to show her personality and perseverance! 💪

Although Izzy was still experiencing the Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon as well as some rigid body movements, Izzy made it known that she was going to walk, some way- somehow! Within 3 days of hospitalization, Izzy was walking around and letting us know- she was ready to be home. 🏡

As of today, Izzy still has a slight head tilt but is 95% better according to her owners. We are very proud of our little “Dizzy- Izzy.” ❤️

12/10/2024

While many people are decking their halls and homes this holiday season, we wanted to share a friendly reminder that several of your favorite festive plants may be toxic to pets. 🎄

Please keep potential harmful plants out of paw's reach. A few of the most common toxic holiday plants include:

- Poinsettia
- Amaryllis
- Mistletoe
- Balsam
- Pine
- Cedar
- Holly

If you suspect your pet may have ingested a harmful plant, contact VSB at (205) 967-9107 immediately. You can also connect with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

12/06/2024

We are in the ✨ s p i r i t ✨ of GIVING!

Our first annual Pet Food Drive was a big success! Thank you to everyone who donated these items, they will be put to good use helping shelter pets.

Together, we've donated:

🐾 17 bags of dry dog food
🐾 1 case of canned dog food
🐾21 bags of dry cat food
🐾1 box of canned cat food
🐾9 boxes of dog treats
🐾 4 bags of cat treats
🐾 5 bags of cat litter
🐾2 canisters of milk replacer + bottles
🐾 5 blankets + towels and cleaning rags, clothing, bowls, and toys

If you missed out on the pet food drive, but still want to make an impact on the lives of homeless pets, click the links below! 🐶 😻

♥️ GBHS Wish List: https://amzn.to/4f2V8DR

💙 SCHS Wish List: https://amzn.to/4gl1m2T

12/05/2024

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your experience with us! So happy that Willow is doing so well! 🐶 ❤️

12/04/2024

Baya is prepared for the cold weather!❄️

Baya saw Dr. Moser in early November for bi-lateral patellar luxation correction and we recently saw her back for her follow up appointment. Baya is doing great! We can’t get enough of this sweet princess!!!💅👑🐾♥️

12/03/2024

It's education time! 🎓 ✏️

Last month, our very own Dr. Katie Cooley Lock, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM) gave an Internal Medicine presentation to a group of local veterinarians about Immunosuppressive Therapies & Immune-Mediated Disease. 💉 💊 😷

As leaders in the veterinary field, we're proud to offer continuing education to our colleagues and partners in care. 🐾 ❤️

11/28/2024

This is a friendly reminder that VSB will be OPEN for Thanksgiving Day 24-hours -- day or night!

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

11/26/2024

Thanksgiving is almost here! While we’re excited about the delicious feast ahead, it’s important to understand which foods are toxic for pets.

Keep your cats and dogs away from:
🦃 Stuffing – as it may contain onions or garlic
🦃 Ham and other Pork – can cause pancreatitis, upset stomach, or diarrhea
🦃 Turkey – Dogs should only have a little bit of meat, no skin or seasoning
🦃 Turkey Bones – splinters may cause indigestion or bowel obstruction
🦃 Mashed Potatoes – may have been prepared with butter and dairy
🦃 Salads with Grapes/Raisins – can cause kidney failure
🦃 Chocolate Desserts – toxic to both cats and dogs

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic this holiday call VSB at (205) 967-9107 we are open 24/7, including Thanksgiving Day.

11/21/2024

Thank you, Anita. 🙏 We are available 24/7 for pet emergencies--including holidays! 🚨

11/20/2024

We now have a NEW Instagram account! 🙌 Please give us a follow for important updates and patient stories. 🐾

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/vsbham/

11/19/2024

💡 Did you know that pets over the age of 6 are considered seniors? Here are some tips for keeping your senior pet healthy and comfortable as they age gracefully:

🐾 Regular Veterinary Visits: Schedule regular check-ups with your primary veterinarian. These visits are essential for early detection of potential health problems.
🐾 Balanced Diet: Provide a nutritionally balanced diet tailored to the specific needs of senior pets. Specialized senior pet food often contains fewer calories and may have supplements to support joint health and cognitive function.
🐾 Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Encourage gentle exercise to maintain mobility and mental stimulation to keep their brains active. Interactive toys and short walks can be beneficial.
🐾 Comfortable Living Environment: Create a comfortable and safe environment for your senior pet. Provide soft bedding, easy access to food and water, and consider ramps or steps for pets with mobility issues.
🐾 Dental Care: Dental problems are common among older pets. Regular brushing and dental check-ups can prevent painful dental issues.

If you're concerned your senior pet is having a medical emergency or just needs urgent care on the weekend, VSB is here for you 24/7. Call (205) 967-9107 or visit us at 146 Resource Center Parkway, Birmingham, AL, 35242 -- Walk-ins are welcome!

11/16/2024

Donations are still being accepted for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and the Shelby County Humane Society! VSB is open 24/7 for drop off of any items!

‼️ VSB is hosting a pet food drive throughout the month of November. All donations will be given to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and the Shelby County Humane Society. ‼️

❤️GBHS Wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1ECXV26IWOWVC/ref=cm_wl_huc_title

💙SCHS wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/HOE34M6TL9H5/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Items requested:

- cat food / dog food 🍽️
- blankets / bedding / towels 🧺
- cat litter 🐾
- puppy/kitten formula 🍼
- cleaning supplies 🧽🫧

11/14/2024

November is .

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 50% of dogs over age 10, and 25% of all dogs will develop cancer. Although there is less information for cats, our feline friends also commonly develop cancer.

Cancer can develop in any body system. Symptoms vary according to the organs affected, but may include:
• A lump or mass anywhere on your pet's body
• Difficulty eating or chewing, or a decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Persistent vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from the nose or mouth
• Abdominal swelling
• A wound that will not heal
• Limping or lameness
• Excessive drinking/urinating
• Straining to defecate or urinate

Other diseases may cause similar symptoms, but reaching a diagnosis as quickly as possible is important. Cancer will not resolve on its own and early detection is critical for successful treatment.

If you have any questions about your pet’s health, please contact your veterinarian.