Daingerfield Veterinary Hospital

09/24/2023

True or False? If my cat isn’t limping, he can’t have osteoarthritis (OA).

False. While 90% of cats may show evidence of OA on x-rays, only about 40% of cats with OA will show obvious signs. However, you may notice subtle changes in your cat’s behavior like decreased jumping, hesitation before jumping, using an intermediate surface to get to higher surfaces, or simply not jumping on higher surfaces at all. House-soiling may also be a sign if there is pain associated with posturing or difficulty accessing the litterbox. Though these signs may be subtle, your veterinarian can determine if there is an underlying cause and work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your cat. Call us at 903-645-3101 to schedule your cat's appointment with Dr. Robinson.

09/23/2023

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis (OA), the earlier your dog’s osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed, the easier it will be to keep your dog comfortable and active. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs in your dog, give us a call at 903-645-3101 to schedule an exam.

• Difficulty going up or down stairs
• Difficulty getting up or moving around after sleeping or resting
• Difficulty moving around after major activity
• Shifting weight from one limb to another while standing
• Getting tired more quickly during walks
• Irritability/not wanting to be touched

09/22/2023

In honor of Feline Friday AND the beginning of fall...

09/22/2023

Yes, just ONE HEARTWORM.

09/22/2023

Have you noticed your cat doesn’t jump up on furniture as much as she used to? Has he/she started avoiding upstairs rooms in favor of the lower floor? These could be signs of osteoarthritis (OA) and can be more common in cats than many pet parents realize. In fact, approximately 90% of cats have radiographic (x-ray) evidence of OA but only 40%1,2 of cats with OA actually show noticeable signs of pain. While one of the most recognizable signs of OA is limping, that sign isn’t always noticeable in our feline friends.

Less obvious signs of OA in cats include:
• Subtle changes in jumping behavior (decreased jumping, hesitation before jumping up on a surface, using intermediate surfaces to get to higher surfaces, or not jumping to higher surfaces at all)
• Change in normal resting places (e.g. avoiding an upstairs sunny spot or cat tree)
• House-soiling may occur if pain is associated with posturing or difficulty getting to, and/or in/out of the litterbox

If you’ve noticed changes in your cat’s behavior, or are concerned your cat may be experiencing pain, the best course of action is get your cat a checkup. A checkup can help determine the underlying cause of the pain so we can recommend a treatment plan. Give us a call at 903-645-3101 to schedule your cat's exam.

09/21/2023

Are your equines up to date on their vaccinations? If not, give us a call and schedule an appointment - 903-645-3101.

Summer and fall are prime time for arbovirus infection as these diseases (which include Eastern Equine Encephalitis [EEE], West Nile Virus [WNV], Western Equine Encephalitis [WEE] and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis [VEE]) are transmitted by many different species of mosquitoes and biting insects.

With more states reporting cases of West Nile Virus (70 cases were reported in August alone), here is your reminder that keeping all horses up to date on vaccinations with the guidance of your veterinarian is the best protection you can offer your equine friends.

Read more and download the arbovirus factsheet on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at https://tinyurl.com/ukaa3zwv

09/21/2023

September 18th–24th is Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week, a time when we can raise awareness about a special group of senior cats in shelters that deserves our attention. While young cats and kittens may be the popular choice for adoption due to their cuteness and playfulness, it is important to consider older cats as well. By keeping an open mind, we can discover countless older cats that would make excellent pets and bring joy to any home.

Senior cats in shelters often possess qualities that make them wonderful companions. They tend to be more calm and are more likely to be litter trained, making them easier to integrate into your home. These mature felines can provide companionship that is unmatched, enriching both your life and theirs. So, the next time you visit a shelter, take a moment to explore the world of senior cats. Bringing one of them home can make your life richer, happier, and more satisfying.

For more information on how to care for senior cats, go to: https://hubs.la/Q022XK920

09/21/2023

While canine pain is typically easier to notice and has been studied for a while, pain in cats has been historically under-recognized, since cats are masters at hiding illness. As solitary predators, a cat’s natural instinct is to hide pain and illness as a way to protect themselves from other predators. Just because you may not notice visible signs, it doesn’t mean they aren’t experiencing pain.

Some subtle signs of pain you might notice in your cat can include:
• Decreased appetite
• Changes in food intake (e.g. dropping kibble, pawing at mouth, head shaking)
• Decreased play
• Changes in normal routines
• Altered petting preferences
• Changes in grooming habits
• Changes in interactions with the family or other pets in the household

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your cat, give us a call at 903-645-3101 to schedule an exam.

09/21/2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in older pets. It is estimated that 20% of adult dogs suffer from OA pain, with that number jumping to 75% in medium and large sized dogs. Signs of OA can include difficulty getting up and down, difficulty with stairs, and tiring more quickly during walks. If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your pet, give us a call at 903-645-3101 to schedule an exam to help diagnose the issue and come up with the best treatment plan.

09/20/2023

12 pm POWER RESTORED

9/20/23 11 am POWER OUTAGE - We are currently affected by the area Power Outage. This affects our ability to run lab work, power computers for scheduling, payments, etc. We have some limited capability with battery powered equipment, but we will be limited with what we can do until the power is restored. Our phone lines are still working. Thank you for being patient.

09/20/2023

While younger pets are not immune from conditions associated with chronic pain, older pets are more prone to developing a chronic illness and exhibiting chronic pain. Routine wellness exams (at LEAST yearly) are a vital part of maintaining your pet’s health at any age and can help recognize certain conditions in the early stages. Call us at 903-645-3101 to schedule your pet’s routine checkup or if you have any concerns about their health.

09/19/2023

1 in 6 veterinarians has contemplated su***de. Su***de is a very real and growing problem in the veterinary industry. It afflicts veterinarians and support staff like vet assistants and vet techs. And it’s a global problem. Vet staff are quitting due to the actions of pet owners. As a result, vets are understaffed, overwhelmed, and burning out. If you care about your pet, you have to care about your vet. You can do something about it.

Vets Are People Too

09/18/2023

'Tis the season for game day fun. Don't let game day turn into an emergency visit to the animal doctor.

Tailgating season is upon us, bringing with it the excitement of game days and outdoor feasts. As you gear up for fun-filled gatherings, it's important to remember that some tailgate food and drinks can pose serious risks to our four-legged companions.

09/17/2023

Pet birds are highly intelligent creatures. As such, they require enrichment in many forms—including toys. We can provide the enrichment they need, both mentally and physically, by making sure the toys we give them are challenging, entertaining, and fun!

In honor of National Pet Bird Day, learn more about purposeful playtime through our blog: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/bird-toys/

09/17/2023

A microchip saves the day again! Get your pet microchipped! It's fast and easy, and we register the chip when we put it in, so you don't risk forgetting to do it later.

How well can you identify your own pet? A family in Burke, Virginia discovered just how challenging that can be when they mistakenly brought home the wrong Golden Retriever from a local doggy day care.

09/16/2023

Mosquitoes carry heartworms but bug spray with DEET is NOT the answer.

Dogs get bugged by mosquitoes just like humans. But can you use a popular remedy for relief on your pet?

09/16/2023

Pain is classified in two categories: acute and chronic pain. Acute pain has a biological purpose and may resolve on its own. Pain from an injury is an example of acute pain and can be described in terms of severity. On the other hand, chronic pain is pain that has persisted beyond normal tissue healing time, does not have a clear end point, and/or is caused by conditions that have not healed. Chronic pain can result from conditions like osteoarthritis (OA), periodontal (gum) disease, cancer or tumors, and diseases that cause chronic inflammation.

09/15/2023

A Brown Swiss steer that is over 6 feet tall!

A 13-year-old Cheshire, Massachusetts steer by the name of Tommy stands at 1.87 m (6 ft 1 in) tall and has broken a moognificent record for the tallest living steer.

09/15/2023

Go find your new best friend tomorrow at the Daingerfield Animal Shelter's adoption event!

09/15/2023

Fire, tornado, flooding rain, extended power outage - make a plan in case you ever need to evacuate your home.

09/13/2023

We think so, and we are here to keep them healthy!!

09/12/2023

Another Secretariat descendant is gone.

Of the 660+ horses that legendary Secretariat reportedly sired, Trusted Company was one of two still living 50 years after his Kentucky Derby win.

09/12/2023

Pain is often a clinical sign of many illnesses and injuries, but what exactly does it mean? To put it in basic terms, pain is an unpleasant, sensory experience representing an animal’s awareness of damage--or threat of damage--to its tissues.

Like people, there are many painful conditions pets can experience. However, they can’t tell us where it hurts or how they feel. Fortunately, over the past 20 years, there has been a greater awareness of the impact pain has on healing and the quality of life in our companion animals.

09/11/2023

09/11/2023

Another favorite came in today for his OFA evaluation. This is Bubba, another breeding sire for Da_Boyz_Cane_Corso kennel. Such well-mannered and socialized boys and why they are some of our favorite patients.

09/11/2023

Where were you on this day? Dr Robinson distinctly remembers. He was sitting in Physiology Lab at Texas A&M during veterinary school, when his wife called and told him.

09/09/2023

One of our favorite patients, Dante, getting his official OFA radiographs for registration. Dante is one of the breeding sires for Da_Boyz_Cane_Corso

09/09/2023

Do you know what you would do if a fire threatened your home and your animals?

How To Prepare Your Dog for A House Fire Sassafras Lowrey CPDT-KA Would you know how to get your dog safely out of the house if there was a fire? A few...

09/07/2023

Are you ready if you lose electricity, water, or even your home? What about your animals? Make a plan BEFORE you need it!

It's . This has been a year of emergency situations that require disaster planning and evacuation. Check out this checklist for pet safety and share it with your communities. For more resources, read all about it here. 👇
https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/dog-cat-safety-tip-sheets-case-disaster

09/06/2023

😀 September is Happy Cat Month - one way you can ensure your cat leads a happy and healthy life is by visiting your veterinarian as yearly wellness check-ups are critical to help catch any medical problems early!

🐱😸😺 Remember this tried-and-true equation: A happy cat = A happy life for you and your cat.

09/06/2023

Victor Dog Food Recall! - Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Hi-Pro Plus produced at its Mount Pleasant, Texas production facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The affected product consists of 644 cases sold in 5-pound bags with lot code 1000016385 with Best By Date 4/30/2024. Lot code information is found on the back of the bag.

Mid America Pet Food, Mount Pleasant, Texas, is voluntarily recalling one lot of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Hi-Pro Plus produced at its Mount Pleasant, Texas production facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and

09/04/2023

It's ! It's a great day to learn more about the wildlife all around us. We don't like it when animals are sick or injured, but we do enjoy seeing wildlife up close when our local wildlife rehabbers need help to take care of the wild animals in their care.

09/03/2023

Our pets can't hide from heartworm. 🐶

09/03/2023

September marks Animal Pain Awareness Month. Cats are masters of hiding illness and pain, which can often be difficult to recognize. Even subtle shifts could indicate that your cat is sick or in pain. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2QpCBY5.

09/01/2023

We had WAY more applications come in than we expected - making it more difficult to make a decision. Thank you to everyone that applied.

09/01/2023

Our new lead technician learning the ropes from Doc and getting up to speed on the computer! Actually, a new-to-us puppy got his first grooming and vaccine boosters with us today.

09/01/2023

If I'm the size of a tennis ball and uninjured, leave me alone.

If I'm smaller than a tennis ball, I have all my fur and my eyes are open, my mama comes at dusk and dawn to feed me. She won't be able to find me if you move me.

If I'm injured, in distress, have been in contact with a cat or dog, I need a licensed rehabber. Please don't handle me or let your kids handle me. I get stressed really easily and it can kill me. Even if you think I'm hungry or thirsty, it's best to not offer food or water. Put me in a ventilated box in a quiet and dark place until you can get me to a licensed rehabber.

09/01/2023

September 1st is Ginger Cat Appreciation Day! This sweetheart is so old that the ginger color is not as bright as it used to be, but he's still an important part of Doc Robinson's family. Who else has a special ginger kitty in their family?

09/01/2023

Instead of leaving your cat carrier in the basement or garage, make it a part of your home environment. Your cat will see the carrier as a safe place before being transported in it. Learn more carrier tips at https://bit.ly/3heZ6xF.

08/11/2022

Even though we have had some rain recently, it is still hot out there. Please keep in mind how your equine friend is doing, whether at work work or at play.

Summer is one of the best time of the year to be a horse owner but heat, aggressive insects and drought-hardened pastures can really impact the health and comfort of our equine friends.

For example, some horses are unable to sweat properly; this compromises their ability to thermoregulate even in weather that doesn’t seem that hot and therefore puts them at higher risk of heat stress. This particular condition, called anhidrosis, is not fully understood yet and can affect any horse in varying degrees. If your horse has a high respiratory rate and does not seem to tolerate turnout on hot days, be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian.

Our friends at Equus Magazine talk about the importance of sweat and offer additional valuable strategies to help your horse cope with hot weather-related problems in their issue of EquusExtra dedicated to summer care. Read more athttps://equusmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/REV-EQ_EXTRA-VOL67_fnl.pdf