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!
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.
Happy Vet Tech Week!
IT’S VET TECH APPRECIATION WEEK!!
We are so thankful for our amazing veterinary technician staff who work so hard to make our hospital such a wonderful place for clients, pets, and fellow colleagues. Their high level of care is what makes our hospital run smoothly and gives us the ability to give amazing medical care to your pets. Help us thank them this week for all their hard work and dedication!
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!
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.
Booking appointments takes only a few moments with our online booking tool! Save time and schedule a non-emergency appointment with a doctor or technician today.
Simple – Quick – Easy! Book Online Now: https://us.vetstoria.com/5e5fdc8aabce3/?r=6
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!
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. If they go outside and are around other cats, your veterinarian may also recommend the Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine (FeLV).
April is Pet First Aid Month!
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month!
Just like people, pets have accidents. Staying knowledgeable about what to do in these moments and how to get your pet to a veterinarian safely is essential for pet owners.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 25% more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied before getting emergency veterinary care. Staying prepped for any emergency could save your pet’s life.
Purchasing a pet first aid kit, taking a first aid course, and staying prepared for emergencies relevant to your region are the best ways to ensure your pet's safety.
Help us spread awareness on pet first aid and share this post!
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.
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!
