Iowa Veterinary Specialties

12/05/2023

You may have heard of the Canine Infection Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). Hear from interim medical director, Dr. Abbey Rupiper, as she explains exactly what it is and how to keep your furry friend safe. If you feel your dog is exhibiting signs of CIRDC please call us at 515-280-3100. We are open 24/7.

Understanding Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)
The Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) is a group of respiratory diseases commonly observed in dog populations, involving a combination of bacterial, viral, and other infectious agents.

Why is CIRDC in the news so much?
CIRDC has a history, but recent media attention is due to an apparent increase in severe cases.

What dogs are at higher risk of severe infection from CIRDC?
• Dogs with frequent exposure to large dog populations.
• Immunocompromised dogs, including those on immunosuppressive medications, pregnant, or geriatric.
• Puppies that haven't completed their vaccination schedule or adults dogs that are unvaccinated.

Practical Precautions for Pet Owners
• Limit your dog's interactions, especially with dogs of unknown health history.
• Keep your dog away from visibly unwell animals.
• If your dog exhibits signs of illness, avoid contact with other dogs.
• Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, covering respiratory diseases like Parainfluenza and Bordatella bronchiseptica.
• If you observe any breathing difficulties in your pet, seek prompt veterinary evaluation.

11/28/2023

OLD ➡️NEW✨ Check out the transformation of what our exam room used to look like and the new ones now at IVS. Your pet's comfort and care have always been our priority! 🐾

11/23/2023

🦃 Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁🍂 We're grateful for the trust you place in us. 🐾 In case of pet emergencies today, our dedicated team is here for you. 🏥🐶🐱

11/14/2023

The sun is shining ☀️ and our addition is nearly complete! Can you believe IVS used to be half this size?

11/10/2023

✨IT’S HERE! Here’s a quick sneak peek of our new waiting room.✨ Much more to come, stay tuned!

11/07/2023

A fun opportunity that makes your dog happy AND helps a good cause. Think about a Thanksgiving Dog Meal!

Get those orders placed by calling Stylin Paws Play Place at 515-720-7909 🦃

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween from IVS!

Q: What do you call a dog vampire?

A: A bloodhound 😅

10/30/2023

It’s coming along 🙌 our addition is taking shape. We are so excited for more space!

10/24/2023

As Halloween approaches, be sure you’re aware of how your pets will react!

10/19/2023

Guess who is fueling our workday today? Travelin' Tom's Coffee! They stopped by for Vet Tech week and our vet techs enjoyed some delicious drinks☕️

10/16/2023

Happy National Veterinary Technician Week! We are so thankful 👏 for all of our vet techs that work 24/7 to provide the best care for your pets.

Has a vet tech gone above and beyond for you? Comment below ⬇️ and let us know!

10/03/2023

We’re so excited 🤩 about our addition!! In the meantime, we’re still open for you and your pets. What are we adding in our addition?

▪️More exam rooms
▪️A second x-ray machine
▪️More office space
▪️State of the art surgery bays
▪️Dedicated room for our CT scanner
▪️AND MORE

We’re getting closer to being done. Keep your eyes out for an announcement on the official finish.

09/25/2023

**CLOSING** Due to building maintenance we will be closed Tuesday starting at 7:30AM through Wednesday at 7:30AM. Please plan accordingly.

We thank you for your patience as we work to expand our building.

09/25/2023

Maya is looking for her forever home! Maybe it’s the perfect time for you to add a dog to your family.

09/19/2023

We are so excited to have a new CT machine. In the past, we’ve had to house this out of our building. But with our new addition, it will be just a hallway away.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get ready to open our addition!

09/14/2023

Thanks for sharing, Waukee-Clive Veterinary Clinic! Take note on potential signs of pain in your pet.

Shedding Light on Animal Pain Awareness Month Let's come together to raise empathy and understanding for our furry companions. Every wag, purr, and nuzzle is a language they use to communicate their feelings.

09/08/2023

You're looking at our brand new x-ray machine! Currently we only have one machine. This makes it hard if multiple patients need x-rays or if it goes down. We're excited to be able to have two with our new addition. This is just one of the many ways we are helping serve our patients, your pets.

09/01/2023

As many of our clients know, we're working on expanding our space, nearly doubling what we operate in now! One of the new spaces we're excited to offer for our employees is a private nursing room. Employees that need to breastfeed will be able to do so in a peaceful, private area. There's a lock on the door to ensure privacy. Check out these pictures and see the room we're proud to provide for our hardworking employees.

08/30/2023

We are OPEN during construction. Please pardon our dust as we work on our addition. But know you are welcome to bring in your animal for appointments and emergencies!

08/23/2023

Some great tips in this hot weather!

We all know it’s hot outside and we should be careful….your pets often don’t know when to stop. You want to go on a walk they want to go on a walk, you want to throw the ball they want to chase the ball, you’re playing outside they want to be outside. It’s up to us to make sure they are being watched for signs of overheating or heatstroke.

Early signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue, skin that feels hot to the touch. Weakness and collapse are advanced signs.

If your pet is suffering from overheating or heatstroke NEVER put a wet blanket or towel over them. Get them indoors or in the shade as quickly as possible, you can place cool wet clothes in the armpits and groin area, allow them to drink cold water if they want to. Get them to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

Our flat faced breeds, frenchies, bulldogs, shih tzus, pugs, etc are more susceptible to heatstroke.