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!
What to Expect at the Vet!
Bringing your pet to the veterinarian should be a pleasant experience for both of you. If you are a first-time pet owner of a rescue or a new puppy or kitten, here is what you should expect at your first exam.
Weight: We will weigh your pet to make sure they are in a healthy range for their age and activity level.
Exam: We will then examine your pet for any abnormalities all the way from their head to tail to paws.
Vitals: We will take your pet's temperature, listen to their heart and lungs, as well as look for any eye abnormalities.
Vaccinations: With a brand-new patient, we want to review vaccination history and make sure your pet is up to date with all their shots.
At-Home Care: We will discuss with you any routine care your pet may need at home and be sure to set you up for success!
Get Summer Ready with Vaccinations!
Your pet may not understand why they’re getting poked and prodded, but with summer right around the corner, it’s time for vaccine boosters! With pets spending more time outside, they are likely to be exposed to harmful diseases. Below are the recommended vaccines to keep your pet healthy all year long!
Please consult with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is current on the following vaccinations appropriate for their lifestyle:
- Rabies Vaccine
- Canine Distemper/Parvo
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella
- Canine Influenza
Lastly, don’t forget about our cats! Cats need their core vaccines Rabies, Feline Distemper too. It they go outside and are around other cats, your veterinarian may also recommend the Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine (FeLV).
Happy National Pet Month!
For National Pet Month we wanted to share our appreciation for our clients and patients. Providing compassionate care for your pets is our number one priority, and we thank you all for allowing us to do what we love!
Does your pet get anxiety going to the veterinarian?
Does your pet struggle with anxiety when visiting the veterinarian? Anxiety can be caused by many underlying things; fear, separation, lack of socialization, and trauma are a few. Here are some tips and tricks to help your dog ease anxiety during veterinarian visits.
1) Learn your pet’s triggers and emotional patterns. Work on non-threatening, and calming techniques leading up to the exam such as bringing out the cat carrier days in advance and placing treats and toys in it. Try taking pets in the car for a ride a couple of times before the vet to show them that the car is not a bad thing. It is also helpful to bring your pet’s favorite treats in hand at the time of the appointment as well for something you know they will enjoy.
2) Use positive reinforcement during your veterinary visit. Hospital staff is there to help you and your pet feel safe and comfortable but be sure to also use a soft tone of voice, stay calm, and use treats as comfort. You can even call ahead for additional tips, calming agents, and possible medications in preparation for the visit.
3) Build confidence by slowly facing fears at your pet's pace. The best way to face fears is to overcome them by staying positive and consistent with yearly exams, social visits, vaccinations, and teeth cleaning to help familiarize your pet with your regular veterinarian.
Why microchip your pet?
STORY TIME:
One evening, a good Samaritan witnessed a Blue Heeler Pup get struck by a car, and the driver of the vehicle not stopping to render aid to the pup. It was obvious to the Samaritan that the pup was hurt with an injured leg and several abrasions to the head. This Samaritan quickly picked up the pup and brought her to the ER.
The ER technicians promptly scanned the pup for a microchip. They were able to attain the chip information and quickly contact the pup’s owners. They were able to send a notification to the owners within minutes.
The owners were visiting their family when their pup got out! She was in an unfamiliar area and was unable to find her way home. The owners were reunited with her 15 minutes after receiving the microchip notification. As soon as they walked through the hospital doors their pup perked up with excitement! The Samaritan that saved the pup’s life was also there to meet the owners.
The pup was treated for her injuries and sent home safely with her family all thanks to the Samaritan and the help of her microchip. 🐶
We want to hear from you!
We want to hear from you!
Our clients are the most important thing to us, let us know who we’re doing and how we can better serve you! Receive a review stamp when you leave feedback via our app!
We appreciate you!
Pet Dental Health Best Practices!
As Pet Dental Health Month comes to a close, we want to make a few easy suggestions on how you can implement dental health practices in your pet’s life. It’s never too late to make your companion’s dental health a priority. Forward book your pet's wellness exams each year so your pets' dental needs are addressed with your veterinarian.
