Meet Jessica, our lead technician and certified ultrasound technician. Watch Jessica perform an ultrasound while getting to learn about them ๐พ
Here are some common reasons our doctors will recommend an ultrasound. This list includes but is not limited to:
๐ฉบ Preventative medicine
๐ฉบ Suspicions of cancer or tumors
๐ฉบ Assessing for free fluid
๐ฉบ Monitoring/measuring lymph nodes
๐ฉบ Visualizing bladder stones
Did you know VRPC offers a full surgical service? We perform soft tissue procedures such as cystotomies and mass removals, orthopedics (excluding TPLO and fracture repairs), eye procedures, routine spays/neuters, and dental cleanings to name few! ๐ฉบ๐พ
Do you see the little squiggle in between all the red blood cells? Thatโs a baby heartworm (microfilaria).
๐ชฑ What is heartworm disease? Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in our pets. Itโs caused by foot long worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated vessels.
๐ชฑ Why is heartworm disease bad? Affected pets can have severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs of the body. Serious heartworm burden can cause death (caval syndrome).
Symptoms to watch for: mild persistent cough, exercise intolerance, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss
๐ชฑ How is heartworm disease transmitted? Heartworms are transmitted via mosquitoes. It only take 1 mosquito to bite and infect your pet.
Mosquitoes are plentiful here in Texas. Because infected mosquitoes can come inside, both outdoor and indoor pets are at risk. Because of this, yearly heartworm prevention is highly recommended and is significantly less in cost than treating your pet for heartworms.
Please visit https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs for more information about heartworm disease.
Come tour our newly renovated side of the hospital where Dr.Capps sees her appointments! ๐ฅ
Eye see what you did there ๐๏ธ๐
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A schirmer tear test is done when we suspect a patient might have keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). The testing strip is applied to the lower eye lid for 60 seconds and is then read. If the tear production is over 15mm/minute, this is normal.
๐ Grapes & raisins
Grapes and raisins have an unknown toxin (recently considered to be tartaric acid) that causes acute renal failure only in dogs. Symptoms include gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting followed by signs of acute renal failure.
๐ซ Chocolate
Chocolate contains methylxanthine alkaloids. Dogs are the most susceptible and are sensitive to toxicosis. Cats are sensitive, but intoxication is less common. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, cramping, tachycardia, tachyarrhythmias, hypertension, central nervous system stimulation, restlessness, panting, hyperactivity, muscle tremors, hyperthermia, ataxia, weakness, seizures, and coma.
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Onion
Onion contains the toxin propyl disulfide. Disulfides produce oxygen free radicals which cause damage to red blood cell membranes, hemolysis, and Heinz bodies. Symptoms include anorexia, ataxia, tachycardia, tachypnea, dyspnea, and icterus.
Have 3 puppies in the office they said ๐ฅฒ
๐พHe tried his best๐พ
๐พDisclaimer: We know how to treat an ear infection, and she loves us๐พ