Mountain West Veterinary Specialists

02/17/2025

Happy President's Day!

Here's to the best part of any President....their pets!

02/16/2025

Youth Futures in Ogden is an incredible resource for youth in need here in Northern Utah, and we have been so proud to support the work they do over the past few years. Right now they need our help! They are looking for food items (including eggs, bread, etc), personal hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, clothing, shoes, etc. to help support the young individuals they take care of.

Please help if you can, and please share to help spread the word so others can join in supporting this amazing nonprofit!

02/16/2025

02/15/2025

Did you know that a veterinary dentist is able to perform root canals?

The most common indication for a root canal is a fractured/injured tooth. Other indications are discolored (dead) teeth or abscessed teeth.

Although many people feel that root canals are a negative experience, in veterinary medicine they are a very positive procedure -- less painful than an extraction, allows the patient to maintain function of the tooth, and high occurrence of positive outcomes.

If your pet is in need of dental care you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Alterman, our board certified veterinary dentist, by calling us at 801.515.5011.

02/14/2025

Wishing you a safe and happy Valentine's Day!

02/13/2025

Did you know that dental radiographs are part of a complete oral health evaluation by a veterinarian?

February is Dental Health Month, making it the perfect time to evaluate your pet's oral health. If advanced oral care is needed for your pet our board certified dentist, Dr. Alterman, is available at our Bluffdale location.

A veterinary dental specialist is able to perform the same procedures as your regular veterinarian, such as dental cleanings, extractions, and full mouth radiographs. However, what sets a specialist apart is their ability to perform more complex treatments, including full mouth extractions, root canal therapy, orthodontics, and oral surgery.

To schedule a consultation with our dental team contact us at 801.515.5011.

02/12/2025

Did you know that annual examinations are recommended for all pets, including exotics?

Although exotic veterinary care can be different, routine examinations, bloodwork, parasite control and recommended vaccinations can help your pet live a long and healthy life.

Our exotics team is available 7 days a week from 9AM to 6PM for routine and emergency care.

02/11/2025

Collapsing trachea is a progressive disease of the trachea (windpipe) that typically effects older, small breed dogs. Unfortunately management is the only option as it is not curative.

If your pet is having complications from a collapsing trachea a consultation with Dr. Jeff Simmons at our Bluffdale location can help determine if tracheal stenting is an option for your pet.

If you notice any signs of respiratory distress -- labored breathing, blue gums, weakness, collapse -- it is important to seek medical care immediately.

02/10/2025

One question our blood bank staff members are asked is how much blood is drawn during a donation?

Because your pet's body weight correlates with the amount of blood circulating in their body, bodyweight requirements are in place to ensure donation is safe for pets.

For canines, the average donation volume is 450mls (approximately one pint of blood).

For felines, the average donation volume is 50mls (two ounces).

If you are interested in your pet becoming a blood donor please reach out to our blood bank at [email protected] or message them through our Wagging Tails Blood Bank page.

02/09/2025

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine this year? 😍

02/09/2025

02/08/2025

What does an emergency veterinary hospital do?

Emergency veterinary hospitals are available to provide care when your primary care veterinarian is unavailable, or unable to perform the needed procedure.

Emergency veterinarians and support staff are trained to handle everything from minor GI upset, minor lacerations, to major surgery or illness.

If you do experience an emergency with your pet, or need urgent medical care after your primary care veterinarian is closed, we are here to help and are always available 24/7.

02/07/2025

February is heart month!

Echocardiograms are a non-invasive diagnostic tool to evaluate the cardiac function and structure. Veterinarians may recommend an echocardiogram if a heart murmur, arrhythmia, or EKG abnormality is noted. An echocardiogram can help your veterinarian identify heart issues and evaluate the best course of treatment.

02/06/2025

When your pet becomes lame an exam by your primary care veterinarian is the first step in helping them feel better quickly.

But if that lameness is the result of an injury to your pet's cranial cruciate ligament (the "ACL" ligament in dogs), a consultation with a board certified surgeon can help determine if a surgery is the next step.

We are incredibly lucky to have three very talented and experienced surgeons on our team here at Mountain West Veterinary Specialists.

To schedule an appointment with our surgery department please contact us at 801.683.6201 (Layton) or 801.515.5011 (Bluffdale).

02/05/2025

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) is a sudden inflammation of the GI tract that results in vomiting and bloody diarrhea. If caught and treated early pets typically recover fairly quickly, though if left untreated pets can become severely ill and in some cases it can become fatal.

If you notice any GI upset symptoms that are not resolving within 24-36 hours, blood becomes present, or you are concerned with your pet's overall condition, it is important to contact your primary care veterinarian or seek attention at an ER hospital if after hours.

If you are unsure if your pet needs immediate care please feel free to call us at 801.683.6201 (Layton) or 801.515.5011 (Bluffdale) to discuss your pet's condition.

We are open 24/7 -- fully staffed and here to help you and your pet!

02/04/2025

02/03/2025

When examining our patients it is important to make it as stress-free as possible, especially for our exotic patients. By offering soft surfaces for them to stand on, treats and slow movements we can help keep them calm and happy during their visits with our team.

Our exotics department is available seven days a week at our Layton location from 9AM to 6PM for general care and emergencies.

*Please note that exotic patients can be seen through our emergency department after hours; however, our emergency doctors are not specialty trained to treat exotic patients and are there to stabilize and support critical pets. For non-life threatening conditions it is recommended to have exotic pets seen by our exotics department. If you are unsure if your pet is stable please feel free to bring them in or call us at 801.683.6201 to speak with someone regarding your pet.

02/02/2025

UPDATE: Pet transferred to Roy Animal Control.

This male dog was found in Roy, Utah sick. He does have a microchip but we have not been able to reach owners. Please share and let’s find his family.

If you believe this is your pet please share and let’s find his family. Proof of ownership is required.