Chenoa Veterinary Clinic

10/27/2023

HAY! Did you know??

Here are a few common myths about horse hay, how these myths came to be accepted and, finally, the truth.

10/24/2023

This may be something to check out. Haven't seen this before. If you have one or try it, keep us posted.

10/22/2023

Do you know how to recognize pain in your dog or cat? 🐕🐈

Some signs are more obvious, such as limping or yelping, while others are more subtle, such as increased sleeping or a change in litter box habits. If you suspect your pet is in pain, reach out to your veterinarian. We can help!

10/22/2023

What would we do without them?

10/19/2023

.....shouldn't it be a referral if you are "sick as a dog" too????
Just asking........

10/18/2023

We need to emulate our animal companions!! 🐾💖🐾

10/12/2023

Tips on keeping pets at a healthy weight:

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, developed to bring awareness and solutions to the complex challenges of obesity in pets. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight reduces your pet's risk of disease and injury, and it contributes to a better quality of life and a longer life expectancy for your pets. The AVMA has developed resources to help pet owners achieve and maintain a healthy weight in their pets. View AVMA's pet obesity resources.

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight reduces your pet’s risk of disease and injury.

10/12/2023

Having just returned from presenting on Essential Oils for Animals at the 2023 AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Assoc.) conference, thought it would be timely to re-share this. As the holiday seasons approach, there may be opportunities to help people AVOID using poor quality essential oil products that could potentially cause issues in the home for ALL family members. Give us a call if you'd like to know more as we use SAFE EFFECTIVE essential oils DAILY in the clinic!!

10/11/2023

Always a topic this time of year.

Question

Is it safe to graze horses after a killing frost? What do I need to consider before turning them back out on pasture? Also, what defines a killing frost?

Response

A killing frost (or hard freeze) refers to a frost that is severe enough to end the growing season. The National Weather Service defines a hard freeze when temperatures fall below 28ºF for a few hours.

We recommend keeping horses off pastures for 7 days after a killing frost. Frost-damaged pastures are higher in nonstructural carbohydrates because plants can not use up their stored carbohydrates as efficiently. It can take plants 7 days to return to more normal nonstructural carbohydrate levels. Higher levels of nonstructural carbohydrates can lead to an increase risk for laminitis, especially in horses diagnosed with or prone to obesity, laminitis, Cushings, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

The decision to graze again after a killing frost depends on the condition of your pasture. After a killing frost, no additional regrowth of the pasture will occur, even though the pasture might appear green in color. If your cool-season grass pasture is

✅ taller than 3 to 4 inches, then grazing can resume 7 days after a killing frost and can continue until the pasture is grazed down to 3 to 4 inches.
❌ shorter than 3 to 4 inches, then no grazing should occur after a killing frost.

The 3- to 4-inch minimum height recommendation is necessary to help maximize winter survival and can help predict a vigorous and healthy pasture come spring. We do recognize horses rarely graze uniformly and pastures tend to have areas of both over and under grazing. Therefore, owners need to base decisions on the average appearance of the pasture.

10/08/2023

Dr. Albright has been busy presenting at 3 conferences this fall.. What an honor to present to veterinary peers at the AHVMA 2023 conference in San Diego!!

09/30/2023

Support a good cause! Get yours now - great gifts for the upcoming holidays. Who do you know in the calendar??

Our Critters & Caretakers 2024 Calendar is now available!

New this year, you can go online and purchase your copy as well as stop by the shelter in Mazon to pick up a copy or 2.
(Other locations to purchase will be announced soon)

Calendars are $15 each or 2 for $25. (Shipping additional for online purchases.)

When you purchase our calendar, you help support our mission of saving the lives of hundreds of cats and dogs each year.

Follow the link below to view the calendar flip book and to place your order.
https://justanimals.org/critters-caretakers-calendar/

Thank you for supporting our mission!

09/21/2023

Makes you think...
Same is true with our pets!! When doing "elimination diet trials" food stuffs are added back in ONE at a time......
Side note: if we fed our pets (& ourselves) appropriately many health issues would be diminished or even avoided.

09/20/2023

Cat people get it!!!

09/09/2023

We can help if you are tired of being a losing contestant for this game!! Let's talk appropriate diet, supplements, herbs and essential oils and more!! Call for an appointment- we are happy to assist!!

09/08/2023

Friday FUNNY!!!
Have a great weekend, everyone!

09/08/2023

SEPTEMBER IS HERE! Please check your prescriptions, foods and supplements so there's no lapse during our closed dates. Thank you for working with us!

September 2023 CLINIC CLOSING DATES:
Monday, Sept.4th (Labor Day)
Monday, Sept. 18th
Thursday, Sept. 21st
Friday, Sept. 22nd

Please plan accordingly for prescriptions/food needs for your pets. Thank you for your patience!!

For Emergencies, please call
309-665-5020
Animal Emergency Clinic
Bloomington, IL

09/08/2023

PLEASE CHECK WHAT'S IN YOUR BARN/TRAILERS/FIRST AID KITS
We have not stocked this version so if you have purchased from us, this recall does not apply.

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡.

On September 1, 2023, Merck Animal Health voluntarily recalled three batches of BANAMINE®/BANAMINE®-S (flunixin meglumine injection) 50 mg/mL in the United States, used for injection in cattle, swine and horses to the consumer level due to the presence of particulate matter.

Particulates were observed during routine quality testing and reviews for the following batches:

- BANAMINE 100mL, UIN 065474, NDC 00061-0851-03, Batch 2834102, exp Oct. 2024
(Distribution dates: March 6, 2023, to May 3, 2023)
- BANAMINE 250mL, UIN 065476, NDC 00061-0851-04, Batch 2864102, exp Nov. 2024
(Distribution dates: June 21, 2023, to July 11, 2023)
- BANAMINE-S 100mL, UIN 065477, NDC 0061-1838-30, Batch 2834103, exp Oct. 2024
(Distribution dates: March 20, 2023, to May 16, 2023)

The batch number, also known as the lot number (LOT), and expiry date (EXP) is located at the bottom right part of the bottle label. See the attached images that includes photos of each recalled bottle.

Using an injectable product that contains particulate matter may result in local irritation, swelling or infection in response to the foreign material. After intravenous administration in large animals, such as cattle or horses, particulate matter could travel to the lungs which could result in local tissue damage. To date, no adverse event reports have been received for the recalled batches.

Flunixin meglumine is a potent, non-narcotic, nonsteroidal, analgesic agent with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity. It is approved in the US only for intravenous use in beef and dairy cattle, for intravenous and intramuscular use in horses and for intramuscular use in swine.

Customers who have received BANAMINE® and BANAMINE®-S from the batches being recalled should stop using the products and refer to their recall letter for product return instructions. Horse owners who have BANAMINE® in their barn should contact Merck or their veterinarian for help identifying the lot number and expiry date. Merck Animal Health is working with distributor partners to ensure that unused product is no longer in distribution or with customers. Merck is arranging for the return of all recalled product.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall should contact Merck Animal Health directly at 1-800-521-5767 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CDT).

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at http://www.FDA.gov/reportanimalae.

09/05/2023

Princess and the pea......the clinic is totally maintained for the comfort OF THE CATS 🐈!!!!

09/01/2023

Today we said goodbye to the last of our "Mohican" clinic kitties, Varm (aka Tinkerbell). At 20 years & 4 months, she was a vibrant and vocal staff member skilled at checking out purses and bags. She was a TSA agent in a former life and we called her our "Treat Search Agent". She'll be sharing catnip and bonita flakes with her compatriots, Gracie and May - both also long lived (& loved) felines. Purr on, sweet one! 🌈🐾🐈❣️

08/30/2023

👇👇👇 WHY you need to have your pets current on their rabies shots!! Bats do get in the house - we had a call from a McLean County resident just yesterday about their INDOOR cats catching and playing with a bat. Go here for more info on bats by the month: https://www.animalcontrolsolutions.com/animals/bat-calendar.html

08/30/2023

This is what you'll be surrounded with in our clinic today! There are some SUPER DEALS to be had through tomorrow if you'd like to get started using YL oils in your homes instead of the toxic sprays/plug-ins, wipes etc. Give us a call and we can help!!

YES WE DO CITRUS OILS A LOT IN THE CLINIC!!! Be safe & use YLEO ONLY - especially if you have kitties!!

08/30/2023

We are honored to help pet parents incorporate MANY holistic modalities into a personalized health and wellness plan! Give us a call to see how we can help you help your furry/feathered/hooved family members. 815-945-7811
Get quick tips at: www.animalscentsu.com

Thank you for choosing natural options for your pets' health. Essential oils are a tremendous modality to incorporate with nutrition, herbs, chiropractic, acupuncture, energy work and more!

08/28/2023

Closure Extended Through Tuesday, September 5 for University of Illinois Equine Service (colic surgeries):

Dear Veterinary Partners,

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital has anxiously been awaiting the opening of our newly renovated equine surgery spaces. These renovations will result in an improved and updated equine surgical suite.

The last phase of the renovation requires a temporary shut-down of the current operating room where we perform our GI procedures. While we have a contingency plan for hospitalized patients that may develop the need for colic surgery during their stay, we will need to divert referred cases for known or suspected need for colic surgery to other hospitals between Wednesday, July 26, and Tuesday, September 5. Additional updates will be provided on the status of the service on Tuesday, September 5.

For clients located near Champaign-Urbana (central Illinois/western Indiana):
Purdue University, 765-494-8548

For clients located on the south or east side of Chicago:
Purdue University, 765-494-8548

For clients located north or west of Chicago (northwestern Illinois):
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 608-263-7600

For clients located near St. Louis (far west/southwest/south Illinois or eastern Missouri):
University of Missouri, 573-882-4589
For referral information, please call our clinic at 217-333-2000.

We are excited to open our new surgical space and continue partnering with you and your clients!

08/28/2023

September 2023 CLINIC CLOSING DATES:
Monday, Sept.4th (Labor Day)
Monday, Sept. 18th
Thursday, Sept. 21st
Friday, Sept. 22nd

Please plan accordingly for prescriptions/food needs for your pets. Thank you for your patience!!

For Emergencies, please call
309-665-5020
Animal Emergency Clinic
Bloomington, IL

08/27/2023

.....or the cats, or George - depending on who's available and/or hasn't been fed yet..............

08/25/2023

Always a difficult decision but also a humane one.

The reality is that very few horses simply pass away peacefully due to old age. In many cases their health and quality of life will have seriously deteriorated before they reach this point and human intervention is often needed. Euthanasia is something that every horse owner should at least give some thought to before being faced with the difficult decision.

There is no straightforward answer to when a horse should be euthanased, apart from the obvious exception of catastrophic illness or injury.

For many horses, the decision to put them to sleep will need to be taken when their quality of life deteriorates. However, gradual changes make these decisions even more difficult when you are with your horse every day.

Although each horse will be different, the following points may help when trying to assess quality of life:

- Is the horse able to move around freely when turned out?
- Is the horse able to lie down and get up again unaided and without too much difficulty?
- Is the horse able to eat and chew comfortably? A loss of weight is one indicator that he is having problems chewing.
- Is the horse generally healthy? Or is he suffering from chronic conditions that are affecting his wellbeing?
- Does the horse seem 'happy'? Or is he lethargic and depressed, perhaps with dull eyes and coat?

These questions should serve as a guide, not a comprehensive list. It’s always been my opinion that it’s better to be a week too early than a day too late when making the decision to have your animal put to sleep.

Adapted from www.bhs.org.uk

08/22/2023

The struggle is real............applies to vets and vet techs/staff working with cats in clinic too!

08/07/2023

Oh we have some contenders (canine & feline) here at the clinic for either a Grammy, Tony or even an Oscar...............just saying.....

This time with feeling!

08/02/2023

While this food may be a small step up from grain based kibble, some flavors/varieties still contain grain flours and carrageenan which is a thickener that has been used to study IBD......BEWARE!! We know processed food is behind a lot of human health issues and this is a processed pet food.

08/02/2023

Your dogs will LOVE 💘 these!!

07/20/2023

...followed by a second course consisting of a new can of pate' from which you will only lick the "juice", then some shredded meat for you to attempt to cover with your foot..........

07/20/2023

PSA:
It's SWEET CORN SEASON!! AND.....that means we need to pay attention to the cob portion of the ear. Dogs (& cats) may love to chew or even devour the cob but even just a small piece of the cob can result in a blockage (not to mention GI upset...). PLEASE BE SURE to dispose of the cobs (leaves & silks too) so pets don't get into trouble! Enjoy the fruits of the season safely!!

07/19/2023

News from the University of Illinois!!

Dear Veterinary Partners,

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital has anxiously been awaiting the opening of our newly renovated equine surgery spaces. These renovations will result in an improved and updated equine surgical suite.

The last phase of the renovation requires a temporary shut-down of the current operating room where we perform our GI procedures. While we have a contingency plan for hospitalized patients that may develop the need for colic surgery during their stay, we will need to divert referred cases for known or suspected need for colic surgery to other hospitals between Wednesday, July 26, and Thursday, August 31.

For clients located near Champaign-Urbana (central Illinois/western Indiana):
Purdue University, 765-494-8548

For clients located on the south or east side of Chicago:
Purdue University, 765-494-8548

For clients located north or west of Chicago (northwestern Illinois):
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 608-263-7600

For clients located near St. Louis (far west/southwest/south Illinois or eastern Missouri):
University of Missouri, 573-882-4589
For referral information, please call our clinic at 217-333-2000.

We are excited to open our new surgical space and continue partnering with you and your clients!

07/18/2023

FYI - please be aware. We do not recommend handling wild rabbits.

⚠️ RHDV2 is in Chicago ⚠️

Cases of the deadly RHDV2 have been confirmed in the Chicago area. Please use caution with your rabbits.

1. Be sure your rabbits are vaccinated.
2. Keep your shoes from the outside away from your rabbits.
3. Avoid exposing your rabbits to other rabbits that haven't been vaccinated. Do not pet or otherwise touch unfamiliar rabbits unless they have been vaccinated.
4. Do not bring in any wild rabbits from the outside.
5. If you encounter suspicious deaths in outdoor or indoor rabbits, please contact - for Illinois Illinois Dr. Suzett Hexum; [email protected]; 217-547-6030; 217-782-4944 ; USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Attn: Field Operations, 3410 Hedley Rd, Springfield, IL 62711. Outside of Illinois, contact: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/contact-us/sa_area_offices/vs-area-offices

We will no longer be accepting any wild rabbits into the building. Please contact Flint Creek or Willowbrook, or another wildlife rehab with any wild rabbit concerns.

07/17/2023

An often seen look for new horse owners, students and staff................

07/16/2023

Would you love to have a book filled with Animal Recipes & lots more info? "Essential Oil Recipes from an Animal Lover: Taking Care of our Furry Friends" by Kate Brown, CCA. Highly recommend this for oily pet homes! We also have copies at the front desk of the clinic.
Hours: M-F 8-5
https://www.katebrownhealingessentials.com/a/40303/5YYGLL7P

07/14/2023

Hmmm....good to know. Check out the other tips for successful and less stressed hauling.

Horses travel every day for a number of reasons—to be bought and sold, for competition, for breeding purposes, etc. Whatever the reason, horse owners should be aware of the complications that may occur due to transportation, including traumatic injuries, diarrhea, muscular problems, respiratory problems, overheating, colic, and even laminitis (in the case of overweight horses).

Following are a few tips to help your equine friend maintain good health and welfare during transport. This list is by no means complete and we encourage you to reach out to your veterinarian for additional advice when it comes to traveling with your horse!

• Be aware that inadequate management of feed and water intake during travel could cause colic, gastric ulceration and heat stress. Food and water should be provided prior to transport, during regular rest breaks and upon arrival at destination.

• Ensure your horse’s immunizations are up to date against respiratory pathogens to protect your animal from these diseases.

• The horse should be rested before the journey, given rest stops during travel, and have time to recover on arrival at the destination.

• The vehicle should be well-ventilated to help prevent respiratory problems or overheating.

• Drive slowly and carefully (NO TEXTING, avoid driving when fatigued or eating while driving, etc.) to provide a comfortable journey for the animal and reduce the risk of injury and fatigue.

Happy trails!

07/13/2023

Check, check, check & check................!!!✅☑️✔️

07/11/2023

Sometimes we have "odors" in the clinic (part of the vet biz) SO instead of using harsh chemicals or synthetics that can create MORE issues with both the animals and their people, we use YLEO!!

07/04/2023

This may help those nervous pets!!

FYI: For dogs afraid of fireworks, you can use an ACE bandage to make a calming "Thundershirt."