McGee gets his cherry eye repaired!
“Cherry eye" is a common term for prolapse (or popping out) of the third eyelid gland. In some dogs, especially certain breeds and often in younger animals, the gland of the third eyelid can become swollen and pop out of its normal position, making it visible as a reddish-pink mass in the corner of the eye, resembling a cherry. That's why it's called a "cherry eye."
In this case, surgical repositioning was needed to correct the cherry eye. This is the most common treatment; veterinarians surgically tack the gland back to normal. This approach is favored because it preserves the gland's function while maintaining healthy tear production.
McGee is expected to make a full recovery in just a few weeks!
Annual wellness exams are essential for pets to detect illnesses early, stay up to date on vaccinations, obtain parasite prevention and control, dental health, and much more!
As pets age, their needs change. Regular exams help tailor care recommendations to the appropriate life stage, whether it's puppy/kitten, adult, or senior. Knowing that a trained professional has examined your pet and given them a clean bill of health (or provided guidance on managing any health issues) can provide significant peace of mind to pet owners.
Give us a call to book your pet’s wellness exam today!
When selecting bones and chews for dogs, it's essential to consider the size, age, health, and chewing habits of your dog. Raw, cooked, or smoked bones, hooves, antlers, and ice cubes are NOT recommended as they are too hard and notorious for damaging teeth and the GI tract. Be aware that many other options on the market are damaging to your dog's digestive health as well due to rich flavors and high calories. The general rule for chew toys and treats is that they are safe if they soften up while being chewed on or if the toy indents when you push your fingers into it.
Here's a list of some generally safe chews, along with things to keep in mind:
- Dental Chews: Various dental chews on the market are specifically designed to clean a dog's teeth while they chew such as Greenies, Tartar Shield, OraVet Chews, VeggieDents, and CET chews.
- Artificial Bones: These are often made of rubber and try to avoid nylon or plastic bones due to their hardness which can break teeth. A good example is Kong Toys. Ensure the chew is size-appropriate for your dog and isn't wearing down too quickly.
- Raw Hides: rawhide strips or rolls without a knot on the end are great, just remember there are a lot of calories in these so give them to your pup in moderation.
Happy chewing!
Meet Millie!
Millie is a bulldog who was playing with some kids on the hot pavement, and all the chasing and sliding, unfortunately, rubbed off Millie’s paw pads, ouch!
The medical staff worked diligently to ease Millie’s pain by first removing any dead skin from her paw pads, then soaking them in an antiseptic solution before wrapping them in a clean bandage. She is expected to be back to her normal self in a few weeks. Millie was a trooper during her treatment and gave the staff kisses the whole time!
Keep in mind that asphalt temperatures are much hotter than the air temperature during hot days. If the air temperature is 77°F the asphalt temperature is 125°F, increasing as the air temperature increases.
Bloodwork is an important diagnostic tool used by veterinarians to assess the health of pets and to detect any underlying medical conditions and should be done annually with your pet's wellness exam. This procedure is especially important for middle-aged to senior pets in order to catch and treat any diseases early. Ask your veterinarian about bloodwork at your next visit!
Dental care for your pets is extremely important in preventing tooth decay, removing harmful bacteria, and ensuring they live a long life. Just like humans, dogs need to get their teeth cleaned regularly. If your pet is cooperative, we recommend dental care at home to help keep their teeth clean and healthy in between visits to the veterinarian. If your pet is due for a dental cleaning, book an appointment today!
Keeping your dog's joints healthy is a surefire way to give them a longer life. Providing regular exercise to maintain muscle strength and promote joint flexibility, giving them a balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine, along with weight management, can help support healthy joints and reduce the risk of joint-related issues later in life!
Our feline clients are some of our favorites to care for. Here are 5 fun facts about cats!
1. Cats have a remarkable ability to rotate their ears up to 180 degrees, allowing them to locate sounds with incredible precision. This keen sense of hearing helps them detect even the faintest noises, making them skilled hunters.
2. Despite being carnivorous, cats have taste buds that are not particularly attuned to sweetness. They lack the taste receptors for detecting sweet flavors, unlike humans and many other mammals.
3. Cats are highly acrobatic and have a flexible spine that enables them to twist, turn, and squeeze through narrow spaces. Their exceptional agility is attributed to their collarbone, which is free-floating and allows for increased flexibility in navigating tight spots.
4. While cats are known for their independent nature, they are also capable of forming strong social bonds. Cats have been observed engaging in various forms of communication, including purring, rubbing against their owners, and even blinking slowly, all of which are considered signs of affection and trust.
5. Cats have an extraordinary sense of balance, aided by their highly sensitive inner ear structures. This remarkable balance allows them to land on their feet when falling from heights, a skill known as the "righting reflex." They can twist their bodies in mid-air and adjust their limbs to ensure a safe landing.
When is it time to get your cat vaccinated? Vaccinating your cats is crucial for their health and well-being, as it helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases among feline populations. Vaccines protect cats from potentially life-threatening illnesses such as feline distemper, rabies, and feline leukemia virus. By ensuring your cats are up to date on their vaccinations, you are not only safeguarding their health but also contributing to the overall welfare of the feline community. Give us a call with any questions!
Leaving a pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes, can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket quickly, reaching deadly levels within minutes, even with the windows cracked open. Pets can suffer from heat stroke, organ failure, and even death in these conditions. It is crucial to never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, ensuring their safety by keeping them at home or bringing them along with you if necessary.
Kitten alert! These beauties were recently brought in for their first wellness exam! When getting a new kitten, we suggest the following steps to ensure healthy kitties.
Schedule a comprehensive veterinary examination to assess your new kitten's health, address any potential medical concerns, and establish a vaccination and deworming schedule.
Follow your veterinarian's advice on nutrition, feeding guidelines, and appropriate kitten food to support their growth and development.
Discuss spaying or neutering options with your veterinarian to prevent unwanted pregnancies and potential health issues in the future.
Your pets are like family to us! Please leave us feedback on a recent visit, or how we can make your experience as a client a bit better. We appreciate you, and the chance to love your pets!
Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect our beloved pets, especially during hot summer months. Dogs and cats are more susceptible to heat stroke due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature compared to humans. When exposed to high temperatures or confined in areas with poor ventilation, pets can quickly become overwhelmed by the heat.
Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, weakness, vomiting, and even collapse. It is crucial for pet owners to be vigilant and take preventive measures to ensure their furry companions are protected from the scorching heat, such as providing ample shade, and fresh water, and never leaving them unattended in parked vehicles. Regular exercise should also be scheduled during cooler times of the day to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion. Stay safe this summer!
Trimming your dog's nails at home is an important aspect of their grooming routine. It helps to prevent their nails from becoming too long and causing discomfort or even pain. Long nails can get snagged or torn, which can cause bleeding or infection. Prevent injuries by trimming your dog’s nails regularly!
Toast Malone is a sweet French Bulldog puppy that was brought in because his owner suspected he ate something he wasn’t supposed to. He had been vomiting, but otherwise acting normal. He was examined and given an X-ray to discover he had eaten something small and circular, suspected to be cat litter pellets. Our team decided the tiny object would be safe for him to pass naturally.
If you suspect your pup got into something they shouldn’t, have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, and are not quite acting themselves, give us a call! In this case, Toast was fine to be sent home, but without an X-ray, we wouldn’t have been able to say that confidently.
Fleas, ticks, and heartworms run rampant in the spring and summer months but can affect your pet’s health year-round. 1 in 100 dogs will suffer from heartworm each year, and fleas and ticks can carry many harmful diseases. Regardless of how active your pet is, they are at risk of these pests. Ask about FTHW prevention at your next appointment!
Did you know?! Grass seeds can be dangerous for dogs in several ways.
When dogs run through fields or roll in grassy areas, grass seeds can become lodged in their fur, between their toes, or in their ears. If the dog then licks or bites at the area where the seed is lodged, it can become embedded in the skin and cause an infection. In severe cases, the seed may even travel through the skin and enter the dog's body, causing more serious health problems.
If a dog inhales a grass seed, it can become lodged in its nasal passages or lungs, causing respiratory problems. If ingested, it can become lodged in their throat or digestive tract, causing blockages. In severe cases, grass seeds require surgery to remove the seed.
It’s important to take precautions when walking them in areas with long grass, check their paws for any seeds, and seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has encountered a grass seed and is showing signs of discomfort or illness.
Bowie came in this month for a dental cleaning!
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dental problems such as plaque buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay. These issues can cause pain, discomfort, and even lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent these problems from developing or worsening.
Bowie started his day with us by getting a blood sample collected to evaluate his internal organs to ensure that he was a good anesthetic candidate, as well as a pre-anesthetic physical examination.
When it was time for his procedure, Bowie was placed under general anesthesia. They took radiographs (or x-rays) of all his teeth to assess for periodontal bone loss, which may indicate the need to perform extractions. After the radiographs were performed, they removed all the tartar from his teeth using an ultrasonic scaler while monitoring his vitals.
The doctor then assessed Bowie to look for fractured or damaged teeth, gingival pockets, and oral masses. We are happy to report that Bowie came back with a clean bill of health! Yay Bowie!
Come along to get Lola spayed!
There are several reasons why it is important to get your dog spayed or neutered:
Health benefits: Spaying and neutering can have health benefits for your dog. Female dogs that are spayed have a lower risk of developing mammary gland tumors, uterine infections, and ovarian cancer. Neutered male dogs have a reduced risk of developing testicular cancer and prostate problems.
Behavioral benefits: Spaying and neutering can also help reduce certain behavioral problems in dogs, such as aggression, marking, and roaming. These behaviors are often associated with the natural instincts of intact male and female dogs.
Longer lifespan: Spayed and neutered dogs tend to live longer than intact dogs, as they are less likely to develop certain health problems and behavioral issues.
Overall, spaying and neutering your dog is an important responsibility that comes with pet ownership. It can help prevent unwanted litters, promote good health, and improve your dog's behavior and quality of life.
Unexpected illness or injury? We've got you covered with our urgent care services - open and
ready to help when you need it most for non-emergency cases. Give us a call to learn more!
That’s not where the kitchen sponge should be!
This Maltipoo pup was brought in after the owner noticed the scrub daddy sponge was missing.
They rushed in before the dog had any symptoms, and X-rays were taken to confirm that the
pup had the sponge in his stomach. The pup underwent surgery to remove the sponge and
made a full recovery!
Advanced imaging techniques such as x-rays are crucial to veterinary medicine because they
allow veterinarians to see inside an animal's body in a way that is not possible with traditional
diagnostic methods. With advanced imaging, veterinarians can obtain detailed images of an
animal's organs, tissues, and bones, which can help to identify and diagnose a wide range of
conditions and diseases – In this case, a displaced smile!
National Pet Dental Health month may be coming to an end but it's important to get your pet's teeth cleaned no matter the time of year! Periodontal disease is one of the most common problems your pet can face. Most periodontal diseases occur below the gum line, where it is hard to see, making regular cleanings vital to prevention. Give us a call to learn more!
Imaging techniques such as x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are important tools for veterinarians in the diagnosis of medical conditions in pets.
A 2-year-old Labrador Retriever mix had been battling anxiety issues and unfortunately was unable to be given any prescription sedatives. One day when her owners were at work, the pup ripped up some carpet in their home. The pup had been vomiting, so her owner rushed her into the veterinarian for radiographs and found a stomach full of carpet and 2 staples.
These imaging techniques provide detailed images of the inside of the body, which can help veterinarians to identify problems that may not be visible using other methods. It looked like nothing had passed into her GI tract, so they opted to try to have her vomit. They had success and she threw up lots of carpet and both staples!! The owner took the staples home to remind them that things could've been much worse. Now she is a happy and healthy dog who goes into a safe kennel when the owners leave!
What to Expect at the Vet!
Bringing your pet in for surgery can be nerve-wracking for you both. We want you to feel comfortable and prepared when surgery day comes, so here is what you need to know before bringing your pet in for surgery and anesthesia.
• Before Surgery:
Your pet will get a physical exam and bloodwork before undergoing surgery. Blood work will give the veterinarian information about how well your dog will heal post-surgery, predict any bleeding during surgery, as well as hydration levels. You will also be asked not to feed your pet for several hours before surgery. Small amounts of water are okay.
• During Surgery:
Anesthesia will make your pet unconscious and unable to feel pain. Fluids and medication may be given to support your pet's blood pressure, and an oxygen tube will be administered. All vitals will be monitored such as oxygen levels, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure to ensure safe and successful surgery.
• Post-Surgery:
When the operation is finished and it is time for your pet to wake up, they will be placed in a warm and secure crate where they will be closely monitored.
Depending on the surgery, your pet will likely be sent home that same day once they are awake and their pain is controlled. At this time your vet will send you home with discharge instructions, any appropriate medication, and answer any questions!
What to Expect at the Vet!
Bringing your pet in for surgery can be nerve-wracking for you both. We want you to feel comfortable and prepared when surgery day comes, so here is what you need to know before bringing your pet in for surgery and anesthesia.
• Before Surgery:
Your pet will get a physical exam and bloodwork before undergoing surgery. Blood work will give the veterinarian information about how well your dog will heal post-surgery, predict any bleeding during surgery, as well as hydration levels. You will also be asked not to feed your pet for several hours before surgery. Small amounts of water are okay.
• During Surgery:
Anesthesia will make your pet unconscious and unable to feel pain. Fluids and medication may be given to support your pet's blood pressure, and an oxygen tube will be administered. All vitals will be monitored such as oxygen levels, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure to ensure safe and successful surgery.
• Post-Surgery:
When the operation is finished and it is time for your pet to wake up, they will be placed in a warm and secure crate where they will be closely monitored.
Depending on the surgery, your pet will likely be sent home that same day once they are awake and their pain is controlled. At this time your vet will send you home with discharge instructions, any appropriate medication, and answer any questions!
Undergoing Chemotherapy
Meet Esox!
Esox is a 12-year-old lab mix who was recently diagnosed with cancer and is now undergoing chemotherapy. When it comes to prolonging your senior pet's life, there are many factors to consider, and there are no wrong choices. When considering chemotherapy for your pet, quality of life is going to be a topic of conversation.
Many assume that chemotherapy does not provide a good quality of life, and Esox is here to show that this is typically not the case! Animals undergoing chemotherapy can still run, play with their favorite toys, and maintain their normal behavior and personalities.
We are all rooting for Esox as he undergoes chemotherapy treatment!
Consult with your veterinarian about the best treatment options for your pet and their needs.
It's National Immunization Awareness Month!
It’s National Immunization Awareness Month!
What vaccines does your pup need at each stage of your life? Is your pup up to date on their vaccines? Here are recommendations on all the vaccines your dog may need throughout their life! Discuss with your veterinarian what they recommend for your pup based on their breed and lifestyle.
DAP*: This vaccine protects your pup against Canine Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, and Parvovirus. This is given in a 3 shot series during the first year of your dog's life. It is crucial to get this vaccine at the appropriate times as well as finish the whole series to make sure your pup is protected. A booster shot is given every 3 years after the initial series.
Rabies: The rabies vaccine is required by law in most states for all dogs. Rabies is a very dangerous and deadly disease, therefore getting your pup vaccinated at the appropriate time is vital.
Bordetella: Also known as kennel cough, is a contagious respiratory bacterial infection. If you board your pet or take them to group training classes or dog parks, you should consider this vaccine.
Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and can be passed from dogs to humans. Consider this vaccine not only for your dog's health, but your own as well.
Parainfluenza and Canine Influenza: Both illnesses are like kennel cough, and these vaccines will protect them from catching these illnesses and spreading to other dogs. These may be required if you want to board your pet.
Happy Pet Hydration Month!
Throughout the hot summer months, it’s important to keep pets hydrated and cool. We typically see an increase in heat exhaustion and dehydration cases, so here is what to look for:
- Excessive panting
- Dark-colored urine
- Lethargic and visibly tired
- Dry or chapped nose
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Sunken or dry-looking eyes
Help prevent dehydration in your pet by keeping water accessible, taking breaks from playtime, and keeping pets out of direct. Stay cool this summer!
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