Alpine Animal Hospital, PC

03/23/2025

Happy Birthday, Dr. Gisleson! 🎉🎂

Today, we celebrate the incredible Dr. Gisleson—the rock of Alpine Animal Hospital! 🏥🐾 Her passion for veterinary medicine goes beyond just caring for animals—she’s constantly pushing for new knowledge, always learning, and inspiring us all to grow along with her. 📚💡

Not only is she an amazing doctor, but she’s also a phenomenal teacher and leader. She shares her wisdom with grace, lifting up our entire team and ensuring that every patient receives the absolute best care possible. Her warm, grounding presence makes Alpine feel like home—not just for our staff, but for every pet and owner who walks through our doors. ❤️🐶🐱

Dr. Gisleson, we appreciate everything you do and everything you are. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your kindness, and your leadership. Wishing you the most wonderful birthday—you deserve it! 🎈✨

03/21/2025

Why might your dog or cat be itching? Check out Dr Biggins' blog for some possible reasons! Happy spring, it is officially here!
https://alpinehospital.com/three-reasons-why-your-pet-might-be-having-allergic-reactions/

The first and easiest one to rule out is flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas aren't as common in our valley, but they can still be present.

03/19/2025

Happy Birthday, Deb! 🎉🌸

Today, we’re celebrating not just the first day of spring but also the birthday of our very own Debbie—the powerhouse of our customer service team! 🌟

Deb is known for her no-nonsense attitude, her quick learning, and her dedication to making sure our clients and patients receive gold-standard care every single day. She’s always looking to expand her knowledge in every aspect of the hospital, ensuring she can help wherever she’s needed. That drive and commitment don’t go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate her for it!

To kick off this special day, here’s a heartwarming shot of Deb and Coleman sharing a big hug, sending out all the spring vibes and birthday love! 💛✨

Let’s make sure Deb feels all the appreciation and good energy today—drop a birthday wish in the comments! 🎂🎁🎊

03/17/2025

Emana’s Eventful Ski Trip ⛷️🐾

Nine-month-old Emana, a beautiful Belgian, came in to see us after a skiing accident with her dad. Unfortunately, a ski lacerated her tarsus, exposing her tendon. We quickly sedated her, clipped and cleaned the wound, and ensured she was stable.

During our routine check of her gums and mouth, we made a surprising discovery—a piece of plastic foreign material encasing one of her back teeth! It looked almost like a buckle. We removed it, but due to the obstruction, Emana had developed significant gingivitis and tartar buildup. She also has complicated fracture in the front of her mouth. She’ll need additional dental work to fully restore her oral health.

Despite her rough day, Emana is on the mend! We sutured her leg wound, removed the plastic from her mouth, and got her comfortable for recovery. She’ll be back for follow-up care, and we hope to see her back on the slopes soon!

A reminder for all our active pet parents: Skiing with dogs is fun, but safety is key! Skis can cause serious injuries to their legs and feet. Consider using protective booties or keeping your pup at a safe distance with voice commands to prevent accidents.

Wishing Emana a speedy recovery! 🐶💙

03/14/2025

Meet Roxy: A Sweet Senior Pup 🐶💛

Roxy just turned 15 years old, and she is the sweetest little old lady! Her mom recently brought her in to discuss some quality of life concerns, and we wanted to share her story to help other senior pet parents navigate similar challenges.

One issue Roxy is experiencing is something we call Sundowner Syndrome—a condition similar to what humans face. Senior pets with sundowning often become anxious, restless, and unsettled in the evenings. This can lead to pacing, whining, and difficulty relaxing, making nights stressful for both pets and their families.

🏡 How We Can Help Our Senior Pets
Our goal is always to ensure that our pets age gracefully and comfortably. For dogs like Roxy, this may involve:
✔️ Medication options to help ease anxiety and improve sleep
✔️ Natural remedies that may provide calming effects
✔️ Routine wellness exams to monitor overall health
✔️ Preventative care, including bloodwork, to catch potential issues early

Preventative medicine is everything when it comes to our senior pets! Keeping up with regular check-ups and screenings helps us detect and manage age-related conditions before they become severe.

If your senior pet is showing signs of anxiety, confusion, or behavioral changes, talk to your veterinarian. With the right plan, we can help them stay comfortable, happy, and healthy for as long as possible.

03/10/2025

Meet Merff: The Toughest Little Fighter ❤️🐶

Merff, a tiny 3-pound chihuahua, came in for a dental procedure with our dental specialist, but during his pre-op bloodwork, we discovered something more serious—HGE (Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis). His mom had noticed he wasn’t feeling great and assumed his overcrowded, stinky teeth were the cause, but his condition needed urgent attention. The case was then transferred to Dr. Biggins to continue his work up and care.

HGE is a condition that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, which can be life-threatening for small pups like Merff. We immediately started him on fluids and supportive care, and after a few tough days (including a trip to the ER), this resilient little guy started perking up. 💪✨

Once stable, Merff returned for his much-needed dental work with Dr. Marron. As a puppy, he had retained teeth—baby teeth that didn’t fall out when his adult teeth came in. This caused severe overcrowding, discomfort, and likely contributed to his reluctance to eat. We removed the extra teeth to give him a healthier, more comfortable mouth. 🦷🐾 Because he still had some elevations on his bloodwork, it was recommended to have Dr. Radway perform an abdominal ultrasound, which came back completely normal. 🙌

A huge shoutout to Dr. Biggins for tackling this tough case—Merff stole all of our hearts! 💖 Despite everything he went through, he remained the sweetest, happiest little pup. Now, he’s on his way back to feeling his best!

03/07/2025

🐾🦷 Pet Dental Health: More Than Just Fresh Breath! 🦷🐾

Did you know dental disease can start as early as ages 2-3? Many people assume bad breath is normal, but it can be a sign of serious periodontal disease.

Take a 5-year-old dog we recently saw—still young, but already suffering from severe dental disease. After a cleaning, X-rays, and a full assessment, we found five oral fistulas. 😱

❓ What is an Oral Fistula?

An oral fistula is an abnormal passageway that allows infection and fluids to drain from an infected area in the mouth to the outside. It develops when severe periodontal disease erodes tissue, causing pain, inflammation, and infection.

🦷 How Did We Help?

We extracted the affected teeth and sutured the areas for proper healing. These pets recover beautifully and feel so much better after treatment!

📢 Dental Care is Year-Round!

Many recognize February as Pet Dental Health Month, but every month should be! Preventing dental disease is key to keeping pets happy and pain-free.

🏆 Gold Standard of Pet Dental Care:

✅ Daily Brushing (if possible!)
✅ Dental Chews & Water Additives
✅ Annual Vet Dental Exams
✅ Professional Cleanings when needed

Dental health is crucial to your pet’s overall well-being, yet often overlooked. A pain-free mouth = a happier pet!

03/04/2025

Edward’s New Life in Spain! ☀️🐾

Do you remember Edward? A little over a year ago, he came to us after a terrible accident with another dog that left the top of his head severely injured. It was a long road to recovery, with months of extensive care, but Edward healed beautifully—and now he’s living his absolute best life!

Edward has traded vet visits for beach naps, bandage changes for sunshine, and recovery for adventure. That’s right—our sweet Edward now calls Cádiz, Spain home! 🇪🇸✨

He recently sent us an email (yes, he’s that sophisticated) with some photos, letting us know that his days are now filled with:
🐚 Napping on the beach
☀️ Sunning himself in both the front and back yard (he’s got a system)
🐟 Taking in all the incredible smells of fresh seafood and jamón
🚴‍♂️ Going on bike rides with his dad—truly living the dream!

We couldn’t be happier for Edward and his new life of relaxation, delicious food, and adventure. Though we miss him dearly, we know he’s exactly where he’s meant to be. If he ever makes his way back to the valley, we’ll be waiting with open arms (and maybe a treat or two).

Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world, Edward! ❤️🐶

03/01/2025

🐱💙 National Cat Health Month & World Compliment Day! 🎉🐾

As February comes to an end, we want to remind everyone that National Cat Health Month isn’t just about one month—it’s about caring for our feline friends all year long! 🏥🐾 Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to hiding illness or discomfort, which is why preventative care is so important for their long, happy, and healthy lives. 😻

We totally get it—getting a cat into a carrier can feel like a mission impossible 🚗🐈‍⬛, and since cats often seem like they’re doing just fine, we might overlook little signs that something’s off. But regular check-ups 🩺, blood work 🧪, and weight management ⚖️ help us catch any hidden issues early, before they become bigger problems.

🐾 For senior kitties, hesitating to jump onto furniture or moving more slowly might be signs of arthritis 🦴—something we can help manage with medications, joint supplements, or diet adjustments. And since cats are so good at masking pain, lab work 📊 can help us spot things going on internally that might not be obvious on the outside.

And since today is also World Compliment Day 🎉, we just have to give a special shoutout to Peaches—one of the sweetest, happiest, most outgoing cats to visit us! 🧡🐱 She rolled around in catnip 🍃, stretched out on the exam table 🛏️, and let us do everything we needed without a care in the world! She was an absolute ham and a purr-fect example of how vet visits don’t have to be scary. 🐾😸

So, let’s take a moment to appreciate all of our amazing cats and make their health a priority—because they deserve it! 💙 Whether it’s scheduling a wellness visit 📅, adjusting their diet 🍽️, or simply keeping an eye on their daily habits, a little proactive care goes a long way! ✨

💬 Tell us—what’s one thing you love most about your cat? Let’s spread the compliments today! 😻👇

🏥🐾 😸💙 🩺 🐱 🎉 🧡 😻 ✨

02/27/2025

Avian Influenza in Cats: What You Need to Know

In light of recent news about avian influenza (H5N1) affecting cats, we want to keep you informed. The virus can spread through several sources of infection, including unpasteurized dairy products, raw pet food (e.g. poultry), exposure to infected wild birds or poultry, livestock, and even people working on affected farms. Symptoms to watch for include neurological signs (incoordination, circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness), as well as respiratory issues, fever, and lethargy. Take steps to protect your furry friends!

Visit the AVMA's website for more information: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats

02/25/2025

A Little Fighter’s Lucky Rescue

This morning, as soon as our doors opened, we had an urgent walk-in—a tiny but incredibly brave pup who had just been attacked by a much larger dog. His pet parent rushed him in, worried and scared, as he was bleeding pretty extensively.

We immediately took X-rays to check for any internal injuries before addressing his external wounds. And let us just say—this little guy was so, so lucky. Given his size compared to the dog that attacked him, his injuries could have been much worse. But by some miracle, he escaped with only a few broken ribs, significant tissue swelling, and external wounds that needed cleaning and drains.

We call these crushing bites, and they can be devastating. But thankfully, his pet parent was able to stop the attack before it became even more severe—preventing further damage from shaking or multiple bites. Other than the swelling and fractures, this pup is expected to make a full recovery!

What amazed us the most? His unbelievable bravery. Despite his pain, with no pain meds on board at first, he let us handle him, take X-rays, and start treatment without a fuss. He truly was the perfect gentleman.

We are sending all our love and healing energy to this little warrior for a speedy recovery. Sometimes, the smallest victories are actually the biggest ones.

🐶💙✨

02/19/2025

Happy National Whippet Day! 🎉🐶

We don’t celebrate every breed day, but this one was too perfect to pass up—because just in time for National Whippet Day, we got to meet the sweetest little whippet puppy, Ellie! 💕

Whippets are elegant, athletic dogs with a history that traces back to England, where they were bred for speed and agility. Sometimes called “mini greyhounds,” they are gentle, affectionate, and love to lounge just as much as they love to zoom! 🏃‍♂️💨 Their friendly but sensitive nature makes them wonderful companions.

Ellie, at just eight weeks old and nine pounds, came to see us for her first vet visit, and we’re happy to report that she is in perfect health! 🩺🥰 She’s from Fort Collins and has only been with her new family for a few days, so she’s still settling in. While she’s a little on the shy side, now is the perfect time to help her gain confidence! We chatted with her pet parents about socialization, encouraging her to explore new sounds, environments, people, and (safely vaccinated) dogs to help her learn that the world isn’t so scary. 🌎🐕

We’re so excited for Ellie and her new family and can’t wait to watch her grow! 🐾💖 Happy National Whippet Day!

🐶💨💞

02/17/2025

Traveling Internationally with Pets: What You Need to Know 🌍🐾

Planning to move or travel overseas with your pet? It’s not as simple as booking a ticket—there are strict requirements that must be met, and the process can take months to complete. Missing even one step could mean being turned away at your destination.

Recently, Targhee came in for a wellness exam as she prepares to move to Norway! 🇳🇴 While we were happy to help her mom navigate the process, we also scheduled a follow-up appointment to ensure that everything is in order before their big move.

Key Things to Know About International Pet Travel:

✈️ Start Early – Some requirements, like lab work, vaccines, and treatments, must be done months in advance and within very specific timeframes.
📋 Every Country is Different – Each destination has unique rules regarding pet entry, so research is crucial.
🩺 Veterinary Requirements are Extensive – The paperwork, exams, and treatments required on the veterinary side can be far more detailed than expected.
🛃 Final USDA Endorsement – Once all steps are completed, documents must be submitted to the USDA for approval within a short, strict window before departure.
🤯 It Can Be Stressful – Timing is everything, and delays can complicate travel plans.

To make the process smoother, we highly recommend working with a pet travel specialist—companies that handle all the research, paperwork, and logistics for you. They know every requirement inside and out, ensuring there are no surprises when you arrive.

For more information, you can visit:
🔹 U.S. Department of State: Pets and International Travel
🔹 USDA Pet Travel Information

If you’re considering international travel with your pet, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible so we can help guide you through the process. Our goal is to make sure both you and your furry companion arrive safely and stress-free! 💙🐶🐱

02/14/2025

Celebrating Three Years with Chelsea! ❤️🐾

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating more than just love—we’re also celebrating three years with Chelsea! 🎉💖

When Chelsea joined us in 2022, she was already a talented hairdresser but was looking for something completely different—a career that would challenge her in new ways. She found that in veterinary care, and over the past three years, she has grown into an incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate member of our team. As a Customer Service Representative (CSR), she goes above and beyond for both our clients and patients, always eager to learn, help, and support wherever she’s needed. From assisting at the front desk to jumping in to help in the back, Chelsea does it all! 😊🐶🐱

Of course, no celebration is complete without a little extra cuteness—so in honor of Chelsea’s anniversary, we’re also featuring Manny, the adorable squish-faced British Shorthair she’s holding in the photo. Because what’s Valentine’s Day without a little feline love? 😻💘

Join us in congratulating Chelsea on three years—drop a comment below to show her some love! ❤️🎊

💕

02/13/2025

Luna: The One-Browed Adventure Queen! 🐾🏔️

Meet Luna, the sweetest Border Collie mix who came in for her wellness exam and vaccines! 🩺✨ This girl is non-stop energy—whether it’s hiking, biking, running, cross-country skiing, or swimming in the summer, Luna is always on the move! 🏃‍♀️❄️🌊

Her mom describes her as a picky eater, but despite that, she maintains a healthy weight—probably thanks to all her adventures! During her exam, we also revisited her obsession with balls. 🎾 Last year, we recommended she ditch the tennis balls (since they can be rough on teeth) and switch to rubber balls instead. And guess what? No further dental damage! 🙌 Way to go, Luna’s mom!

This girl is highly food-motivated (when she decides to eat 😉) and very toy-driven—especially when it comes to her beloved ball. And let’s not forget her signature look… Luna is a total trendsetter with her one brown eyebrow! 🥰😂 Seriously, she pulls it off like a pro!

We’re thrilled that Luna is healthy, happy, and ready for another year of epic adventures! Keep on exploring, you stylish, ball-obsessed queen! 👑🐕

02/12/2025

The Hardest Goodbye: A Final Gift of Love 💔🐾

From the moment we bring a pet home—whether they’re a tiny puppy or a rescue—we give them everything we have. ❤️ We fill their lives with love, adventure, and memories, cherishing every moment, no matter how long or short our time together may be.

But no amount of time ever feels like enough. And when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of that decision is heartbreaking. As pet parents, we all wish our beloved companions would simply pass peacefully in their sleep. But the reality is, this rarely happens. Instead, we are faced with one of the most difficult choices—one we never want to make, yet one that is made purely out of love and selflessness.

Euthanasia is not about us—it’s about them. It’s about recognizing when their quality of life is no longer what it should be. It’s about putting aside our own pain to do what is best for them. And while it is an unimaginably hard decision, there is also beauty in it. The ability to ease their suffering, to help them pass with dignity and peace, surrounded by love, is the final, greatest gift we can give them.

Grief will come in waves. The house will feel emptier. The silence will be louder. But in time, we find comfort in knowing that we gave them a life filled with love and, in the end, a peaceful passing free from pain. That is the truest act of love and bravery. ❤️

If you are facing this decision, please know you are not alone. It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to struggle. But most of all, it’s okay to find peace in knowing that you are doing the most selfless thing for your best friend.

(Pictures of Bella Itzler were gifted to us for this post)

02/10/2025

Angus: A Little Tummy Trouble for This Adventurous Pup 🐶❤️

Meet Angus, the cutest little Labrador Retriever mix! 🥰 His parents brought him in because he had been experiencing bloody diarrhea off and on. Even though he was acting totally normal, they were starting to get concerned since it was happening more frequently.

After a thorough physical exam with Dr. Davis, everything checked out great! ✅ To dig a little deeper, we examined a stool sample under the microscope but didn’t find anything obvious. Just to be sure, we sent the rest of his sample off to the lab for a parasite check. While waiting on results, we started Angus on an antibiotic to help settle his tummy.

When the f***l test came back, the parasite screen was negative—which is great news! 🎉 Now, we’re hopeful that with a little medication, Angus will be back to normal stools in no time. More importantly, we’re glad his parents have peace of mind, and this little explorer can get back to his mini epic adventures! 🏕️🐾

🚨 When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Stool 🚨

While occasional soft stool can be normal, here are some signs that it’s time to visit the vet:
⚠️ Bloody or black stools
⚠️ Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
⚠️ Vomiting or loss of appetite
⚠️ Lethargy or signs of pain
⚠️ Frequent or worsening symptoms

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait! A quick check-up can rule out anything serious and get your pup feeling better fast.

We can’t wait to see Angus again soon—hopefully with perfectly normal p**p! 💩😂

02/08/2025

The Magic of the Human-Animal Bond 🐾✨

There’s something undeniably magical about the bond we share with our pets. It’s a connection that goes beyond words—one built on trust, love, and an unspoken understanding that only grows stronger with time. Whether it’s the wagging tail that greets you at the door, the comforting purr of a cat curled in your lap, or the soulful gaze of a loyal companion, our pets remind us every day what unconditional love truly means. ❤️🐶🐱

Pets have a way of making life brighter. They’re our constant companions, our confidants, and our greatest cheerleaders. They’re there to celebrate our victories, comfort us in times of sadness, and fill even the quietest moments with joy. In return, we give them a lifetime of care, belly rubs, treats, and endless affection.

The human-animal bond is more than just companionship—it’s scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. It’s why we treasure our pets so deeply—they’re not just animals; they’re family. 🐾💞

So here’s to the pets who make our lives better in every possible way. Thank you for the laughter, the snuggles, and the countless moments of pure magic. You remind us to live in the moment and to love without limits.

Cherish the bond, and don’t forget to give your furry (or feathered, or scaly!) friend an extra cuddle today—they deserve it. 🐕🐈🐇