Slade Veterinary Hospital

06/07/2024

The babies are enjoying the weather

06/02/2024

Pepper Lee did not love us during her visit, but she sure does love her dad ♥️

06/01/2024

Some of you may recognize Julie in this photo, she worked at Slades for a very long time. She is now doing wildlife rehabilitation and had to bring a couple of raccoon babies in recently. Julie runs a non-profit called Free Bird & Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc, where she works tirelessly day and night to save and rehabilitate injured and abandoned wildlife. If anyone would like to donate to her cause, you can reach out directly to her on her page tagged in this post. Thank you, Julie, for all you do. I know the job is hard on your body, mind, and soul, but we appreciate you.

05/31/2024

Remember flea and tick prevention is not only for dogs.

Our top pick for a prescription topical treatment is Revolution Plus, which controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. If you're looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) topical medicine to kill fleas, ticks, and lice, Frontline Plus for Cats is an excellent option.

05/29/2024

When you save the box for the cat and the dog wants to take over

05/27/2024

Just a reminder we will be closed today 05/27/24 for Memorial Day and we would like to say Thank you to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us remember those who courageously gave their lives. Join us as we remember and honor our heroes. Let's use today to count our blessings and stand proud.

05/25/2024

As we "shellebrate" World Turtle Day, we'd like to remind everyone that if you see a turtle trying to cross the road and want to help it out, make sure to:

- Pull over safely.
- Move the turtle in the direction it was headed.
- Pick it up by the back of the shell with two hands.
- Watch out for the claws and bitey parts.
- Wash your hands.
- Pat yourself on the back for being a friend of turtles.
- Have a cupcake or something. You earned it.

Learn more about World Turtle Day at: worldturtleday.org

05/24/2024

These adorable Maine C**n kittens came in for their first visit recently ❤️

04/19/2024

Bird is the word ❤️

04/13/2024

Adorable Labrador retriever puppies that came in today

04/11/2024

Horton and Archie

04/09/2024

Kirsten, Jessy and Oakley ❤️

03/31/2024

Happy Easter everyone and take a look at these adorable Golden Retriever puppies ❤️

03/28/2024

Anaplasmosis, a common tick-borne disease in the northeastern United States, is transmitted by the deer tick, similar to Lyme disease. However, unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis can be transmitted in as little as 24 hours of tick attachment. Symptoms can vary, and sometimes changes are evident in bloodwork before symptoms appear in your dog. Symptoms may manifest as quickly as 1-2 weeks after infection, with common signs including lethargy, fever, and limping, although other symptoms can also occur.

Diagnosing anaplasmosis involves two steps. Initially, a 4dx test performed in the hospital can check for anaplasmosis. However, a positive in-house test does not confirm an active infection, so a secondary test, such as a PCR, may be necessary to confirm the need for treatment.

Treatment for anaplasmosis typically involves a course of antibiotics, with symptoms often improving shortly after starting medication. Yearly testing for tick-borne diseases in dogs, using methods like the 4dx test, is recommended. If your pet has previously tested positive or shows new positive results, a PCR test is advised to confirm an active infection.

03/26/2024

Were you aware that these everyday medications found in homes can be harmful if pets ingest them?

If you suspect your pet has consumed any of these medications, it's crucial to contact poison control or a veterinarian right away.

Slade Veterinary Hospital: (508) 875-7086
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

03/21/2024

Lyme disease is a serious and common topic discussed at veterinary offices. We emphasize flea and tick prevention to avoid the disease, discuss the vaccine for protection, and address treatment options. The disease is transmitted by an infected tick, specifically a deer tick, which must be attached for at least 48 hours to transmit the disease. Symptoms typically appear weeks to months after exposure.

Two main tests are commonly used for Lyme disease. The 4dx test, performed in the hospital, checks for Lyme disease and three other diseases. However, a positive result on this test does not confirm an active infection. The C6 level test, conducted at an outside lab, helps determine if there is an active infection.

Symptoms in dogs usually include fever, joint pain, and sometimes swelling. In rare cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys, known as Lyme Nephritis. Luckily for most cases of lyme disease treatment consists of a round of antibiotics, and symptoms typically resolve quickly once medication is started.

It is recommended to test all dogs annually with a 4dx and to perform a C6 test in dogs previously positive for Lyme disease.

https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/species/blacklegged-tick/

03/19/2024

03/17/2024

🍀 Happy St.Patricks Day ❤️ Ben 🍀

03/14/2024

Regular check-ups are crucial for keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. As part of your pet's yearly exam, we offer three different levels of wellness bloodwork: Essential, Comprehensive, and Premier. Essential panels are recommended for all pets, regardless of age, while Comprehensive and Premier are typically recommended for older or unwell pets. Read a bit more about what each panel contains/checks below!

Canine Panels:
- Essential: This panel includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC) for red and white blood cell analysis, a basic chemistry panel with glucose, kidney, and liver enzymes, a f***l test, and a 4Dx test for heartworm and tick-borne diseases. It also covers the C6 test for Lyme disease to identify active infections.
- Comprehensive: This panel extends the Essential panel with a more comprehensive chemistry panel and a basic urinalysis.
- Premier: In addition to the Comprehensive panel, this includes a thyroid level test, a pro BNP test for assessing underlying heart disease, and a thorough urinalysis.

Feline Panels:
- Essential: This panel includes a CBC, a basic chemistry panel with glucose, kidney, and liver enzymes, a f***l test, and a feline triple test for FeLV, FIV, and heartworm.
- Comprehensive: This panel adds to the Essential panel with a more comprehensive chemistry panel, a thyroid level test, and a pro BNP test for assessing underlying heart disease, which can be challenging to detect in cats.
- Premier: This panel includes all the above plus a urinalysis.

Learn more about which panel is right for your pet at their next annual or semi-annual exam. Your pet's health is our priority!

03/12/2024

Spring is on the way, so it's a good time to review some plants that can be toxic to pets.

It's always best to keep these plants out of reach of pets and to contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any of these plants

03/07/2024

Let's face it, insurance isn't exactly a thrilling topic for most of us. In the realm of pet care, it's still relatively new but gaining popularity. If you've visited us recently for a new puppy or kitten appointment, you've likely heard our technicians or doctors mention pet insurance. It's one of those things you hope you never have to use, but if you do, you're likely to be grateful you have it. Let's delve into some key details

- Pet insurance is most effective when started on a pet with no pre-existing health conditions. If your pet has previously been treated for something like a UTI or allergies, it may be challenging to get insurance coverage for these conditions. However, if insurance is acquired before any health issues arise, coverage is more likely. This is why we recommend it for all our young and healthy patients!

- Most pet insurances operate on a reimbursement basis. This means you'll likely pay upfront for services and then file a claim to request reimbursement.

- While most pet insurances are used for sickness or emergencies, some are also geared to help cover the cost of preventative or routine appointments.

While pet insurance is not mandatory, we strongly encourage all pet owners to explore their options. There are numerous companies offering varying prices and coverage, so you can find the right fit for you and your pet.

03/05/2024

We often discuss potential toxins to be wary of in our homes, but what about safe and healthy snacks for our pets? It's important to introduce new foods gradually to ensure your pet's digestive system can handle them. Be mindful of any allergies your pet may have. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your pet's diet.

03/04/2024

We wish to inform our clients that Dr. Martin has chosen to depart from Slade and embark on her next exciting chapter. While we are saddened by her departure, we wholeheartedly wish her the best in her future endeavors. Dr. Martin has been a longstanding and beloved figure at our hospital, known and cherished by many. To express our appreciation, please enjoy these photos capturing the fun moments from her farewell party. Best of luck to Dr. Martin on her upcoming adventure! We already miss you a ton!

03/01/2024

Slade is happy to provide a variety of services such as but not limited to the following:
- Annual wellness exams
- Sick visits
- Routine bloodwork
- Routine surgery
- Dentistry
- Breeding management exams
- Male & Female Reproductive consults
- 3 different breeding procedures- Vaginal AI, TCI, Surgical IUI
- C-Sections
- OFA and PennHIPS

If you're not yet a client or have a new patient you'd like to bring to Slade, please fill out the attached form and email it to us at [email protected]

~~ If this format does not work for you please reach out to us by phone (508-875-7086)- or email and we are happy to provide alternative formats. ~~

02/29/2024

The age-old tradition of giving your dog a bone for dental benefits may not be as wise as it seems. Certain common treats can be detrimental to your pet's dental health. We advise against offering the following "chew" toys to your dog:

- Antlers
- Natural bones
- Cow hooves
- Hard nylon toys
- Large rawhides

These items carry the risk of causing damage to your pet's teeth. A helpful guideline is to consider whether the toy, if it were to hit your knee cap, would cause pain. If the answer is yes, it could potentially harm your pet's teeth.

02/22/2024

If your pet has recently been examined, and the veterinarian has recommended a dental cleaning, you might wonder what the process entails. Firstly, it's important to note that all dental procedures are conducted under general anesthesia, prioritizing the safety of your pet and the veterinary staff. Once your pet is safely anesthetized, the dental cleaning commences.

We employ an ultrasonic scaler, utilizing high-frequency sound waves, and other tools to effectively remove any tartar buildup on the teeth. In most cases, dental radiographs are taken to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the teeth. After the cleaning and evaluation, the final step involves polishing the teeth. The polish and sealant used contribute to protecting the teeth for the next 6 months.

Ensuring at-home dental care and scheduling routine dental cleanings are key elements in promoting your pet's long-term oral health and overall well-being.

02/12/2024

Slade will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13th due to the snowstorm. Please stay safe and warm everyone! We will be open normal business hours on Wednesday, Feb 14th.