Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center

11/24/2023

11/22/2023

Just a little reminder as you prepare the feast!! Happy Thanksgiving!

11/21/2023

If you’ve been watching or reading the news, you have seen stories about a rampant upper respiratory disease affecting dogs in our area. Beginning in the summer of 2023 with sporadic reports from across the country, including Colorado, we are now seeing increasing reports of dogs being treated for a canine upper respiratory disease, but as of yet, a primary causative agent has not been identified. As case numbers increase, they are now calling this Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).

The disease is complex and multifactorial. Host, pathogens and environment contribute to the development of respiratory disease, which is primarily characterized by cough. In most instances, viral infection is suspected to result in injury to the respiratory epithelium, which increases susceptibility to infection with bacteria that compound damage to the respiratory tract and contribute to progressive clinical signs.

What is known currently:

Possible Viral Etiology:

All the reported cases are strongly suspected to share a viral cause, but none of the common respiratory diagnostic testing has yielded a viral pathogen. Bacterial cultures have identified a variety of organisms from Mycoplasma species to Bordetella species and others, but these are all secondary pathogens and not the primary causative factor. When performed, SARS-CoV-2 tests have been negative in canine patients across the country.

Clinical Syndromes:

Reported cases primarily fall into three clinical syndromes:
• Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis lasting 6-8 weeks or longer, minimally responsive to antibiotics.
• Chronic pneumonia that does not respond well to antibiotics.
• Acute pneumonia progresses rapidly and often leads to poor outcomes within 24-36 hours.

For Dog Owners:
• Exercise caution and be vigilant in monitoring for symptoms.
• Keep vaccinations updated – consider the Canine Influenza vaccination if pet is not already vaccinated.
• Avoid gatherings of dogs – daycare, boarding, shelters, grooming and dog parks, formal and informal. Try to avoid gatherings of dogs with unknown vaccination or health status.
• Consult your veterinarian immediately if clinical signs develop – especially if coughing is progressive, lethargy, loss of appetite. Cough may/not be accompanied by nasal and eye discharges.
• If clinical signs develop, keep your dog away from other dogs to avoid spread.

11/18/2023

As you start getting ready for Thanksgiving, this article from ASPCA discusses some not uncommon ingredients that can be harmful for pets> https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/4-harmful-thanksgiving-foods-pets

11/04/2023

A smile and laugh for Caturday. How true is this?

11/03/2023

Through the years, we've met so many special older cats and dogs adopted by our wonderful clients. It can change a life for a senior pet to be somewhere loved and safe for their last golden years.

11/03/2023

Age is not a disease - but it does bring opportunistic health challenges. Make your your senior dog or cat is seeing their veterinarian regularly twice a year, getting regular dental care and diagnostics to get a full health picture.

11/02/2023

Wow - how did the year go by so fast?! It's November which means a celebration of senior pets this month.

11/01/2023

Happy Halloween!! Keep pets safe while there are goblins, ghouls and Barbie's (and more) adventuring for treats in our neighborhoods.

09/02/2023

We hope everyone enjoys a fun-filled Labor Day weekend. We'll be recharging on Monday and back our normal hours on Tuesday, September 5th.

09/01/2023

A new, potentially severe bacterial kennel cough strain is circulating in Denver Metro area. Veterinarians throughout our area have been seeing a significant increase in the presentation of kennel cough and many subsequent cases of pneumonia, even in young dogs.

Kennel cough is an umbrella term for an upper respiratory infection caused by a range of viruses or bacteria that are highly contagious and easily spread through close contact between dogs or shared toys and food/water bowls. Our current kennel cough vaccines are not protective against this new strain.

The first symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough that often ends in a gagging/retching noise or even a honk.

Kennel cough is not uncommon throughout the year but often peaks during times of the year when families travel more often. The current rise of cases should wind down in September and October, but is likely to rise again during the holiday season.

Because kennel cough is easily spread it is recommended to avoid or keep your dog away from other dogs at the dog park or park. Do not allow dogs outside of your household to share toys or food/water dishes. Contact your veterinarian if your dog develops a cough, particularly if worsening rather than improving.

08/31/2023

Thank you for your patience as we deal with phone issues. We were attempting to upgrade to a new integrated VOIP phone system and software, but found it has major issues and will be returning to our former system sometime next week (holiday weekend is slowing transition of numbers).

In the interim – if your call is not answered, please leave a voicemail or text us directly at 303.388.2255. If non-emergent, please email us at [email protected].

07/25/2023

Helpful tips on dog introductions!☺️

07/23/2023

Cheers to all our pet parents!❤️

07/22/2023

We are proud to be a AAHA Accredited hospital! 🥰

07/21/2023

On World Collie Day, let's take a moment to admire the majestic beauty of Collies.

07/17/2023

July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. It is important to make sure that your pets are collared and microchipped in case they go missing.

07/15/2023

As pet lovers, we never forget the brave kitties who have fought against feline leukemia. It's heartbreaking to see them suffer, and that's why we're committed to doing everything we can to prevent this disease from affecting our furry friends. By staying informed about feline leukemia and taking steps to protect our pets, we can help ensure that they stay happy and healthy for years to come.

07/12/2023

Awwwww 😍

07/10/2023

Happy National Kitten Day! 🐈

07/07/2023

July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month! Please ensure your kiddo's water bowls are full, especially during the summer!

07/04/2023

Happy 4th of July from Park Hill Vet! Just to remind you, we are closed today in observance of Independence Day.

07/03/2023

As reminder we will be closed Tuesday, July 4th, here we have helpful tips for having a Fear Free Fourth. 🎆🎇

07/03/2023

Keep your Kiddos safe during your summer adventures. ☀️

06/30/2023

Happy Feline Friday! Meow 🐈

06/28/2023

Have you considered the possibility of fostering animals to aid them in their journey towards finding their permanent homes?

06/26/2023

Our microchipping services may seem small in size, but their impact can be significant. By implanting a tiny chip, we can provide a reliable and permanent means of identification for your pet. This technology has been proven effective in reuniting lost pets with their owners. Trust us to provide this valuable service for your peace of mind.

06/16/2023

Join us at Park Hill Vet to celebrate Pride Month!

🌈