Waterloo Animal Hospital

12/20/2024

A reminder that our office will be closed for the Christmas holiday starting Tuesday 12/24 at noon and re-opening on Monday 12/30. Please contact the clinic ASAP for any medication or food pick-ups that you will need during this time. (405) 341-4747

12/19/2024

Horses are fascinating animals!

12/19/2024

Even a couple of extra pounds can increase your pet’s risk for health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. By assessing your pet’s Body Condition Score, we can determine if your pet is in a healthy weight range. Start your pet’s new year off on the right paw and come see us! (405) 341-4747

12/17/2024

Just a reminder about our holiday hours next week! (405) 341-4747

12/15/2024

Pets are family, not just presents! A pet is a long-term commitment that requires time, money, and energy. Unless the recipient knows in advance and is willing to take care of a new animal for its entire life, please do not give pets as gifts. Instead, consider covering the cost of adoption!

12/14/2024

We are so lucky to have amazing clients who shower us with gifts this time of year! 💕 We are very appreciative!

12/13/2024

Your Friday funny!

12/12/2024

Every holiday season, we see many cases of vomiting from cats eating things they shouldn’t, such as toxic plants, foreign objects, and certain foods. Did you know that most cats are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t have milk? Be sure to have any frequent vomiting checked out as it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. (405) 341-4747

12/11/2024

Winter brings some considerations for our pets and access to things that may be dangerous. Did you know hardwarmers are very toxic if ingested? (405) 341-4747

Did you know hand warmers can be fatal to pets if ingested? How about that calls to Pet Poison Helpline regarding exposure to chocolate and xylitol increase during winter? Get more winter pet poison facts from the toxicologists at the Pet Poison Helpline at https://www.midwestvetsupply.com/webimages/companion/articles/12-24MMArticle1.pdf!

12/10/2024

Horse owners, do you know the signs? (405) 341-4747

DID YOU KNOW?

Strangles was one of the first equine diseases to be described by the early writers of veterinary science (was first reported in 1215) and is one of the most commonly diagnosed contagious diseases of the horse, worldwide. Though strangles is highly contagious and can affect many horses on a farm, particularly young animals, most horses with infection recover without complication.

It is not uncommon for strangles infections to recur on a farm with previous outbreaks of the disease. The bacteria can survive in water sources for over a month, but the primary source of recurrent infections is most likely asymptomatic carrier horses. Anywhere from 4-50% of the horses on farms with recurring strangles are asymptomatic carriers of the infection, and they may continue to shed the bacteria for months to even years, serving as a continual source of new infections.

If you suspect a strangles outbreak, be sure to involve your veterinarian right away to determine the diagnosis and the best control practices for your particular farm. Strangles is a reportable disease in some states. Movement of any horses on or off the farm should be stopped, and new horses should not be introduced. Monitoring the temperature of all horses daily and isolating horses at the first sign of fever is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of infection. Infected horses can transmit the bacteria to healthy horses one to two days after they develop a fever.

To learn more about strangles, visit our website at https://aaep.org/resource/client-education-presentation-understanding-equine-strangles/

As always, your veterinarian remains your best source of information and advice!

12/10/2024

Looking for a unique holiday gift for your pet? Consider interactive puzzle toys, a snuffle mat, or treat dispensers for dogs. For cats, how about a scratching post, a window perch or a water fountain? If you have a senior pet, consider elevated food and water bowls, a cozy orthopedic bed, pet stairs, or a ramp. What’s on your pet’s wish list? 🎁🎀

12/08/2024

Planning on traveling with your pets over the holidays? Here's some reminders to consider before your trip! Pets who are flying will likely need a health certificate to travel (405) 341-4747

12/07/2024

With so much candy being around this time of year, it's a good reminder about xylitol and the dangers it poses to our dogs! (405) 341-4747

12/05/2024

In Oklahoma, pets need year-round heartworm prevention! (405) 341-4747

12/04/2024

Today is National Cookie Day!

12/04/2024

It's that time of year where Doc just wants to be curled up under a blanket. Sounds like a good plan to us! 😺❤️

12/03/2024

Ask our Vet if the EHV vaccine is recommended for your horse. (405) 341-4747

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease, and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.