Emergency Animal Hospital of Crystal Falls

11/05/2024

Porcupine Season in Central Texas! 🦔

From autumn through early winter, porcupines are on the move, seeking food and shelter. They’re drawn to areas with trees, fallen logs, and—often—the same places where our pets love to explore. Our clinic has seen several cases in the past few weeks, as these prickly encounters become more common in Central Texas.

How to Keep Pets Safe:

Leash Up at Night : Keep pets on a leash during evening and nighttime walks.

Teach “Leave It” : Reinforce commands to help dogs steer clear of wildlife.

Check Your Yard : Signs like chewed wood or stripped bark may mean porcupines are nearby.

What to Do if Your Dog Gets Quills:

If your dog has an unfortunate encounter, try to keep them calm and avoid removing the quills yourself. Quills are barbed and can cause more harm if pulled out incorrectly. Seek veterinary care right away; our team can safely remove the quills, help prevent infection, and provide pain management (for your pup’s poor life choices 😬🫣)

Let’s work together to keep both pets and our cute porcupines safe this season! 🐾

10/21/2024

🌮-Bout a Great Week!

We want to give a HUGE shoutout to our favorite local restaurant, Chuy's for making Vet Tech Week extra special by treating our team to some of the best food in town! 💙

While we always love to indulge in Chuy's deliciousness (especially those Mexican martinis—hello, after-work relaxation!), last week’s surprise was a real treat at the hospital!

Our techs work around the clock to care for pets, and having the community's support means the world to us. To show our appreciation, some of our team members and a few adorable patients decided to dress up as tacos and bring the fiesta to life as a thank you for our favorite restaurant!

We’re so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community that cares for us just as much as we care for your pets. Thank you again, Chuy’s, for making our week unforgettable, and thank you to all of YOU for supporting what we do! 💙

10/14/2024

💙Happy National Veterinary Technician Week!

This week, we honor the incredible veterinary technicians and assistants who make our 24/7/365 emergency and critical care hospital the compassionate and skilled place that it is!

Our team of techs and assistants are the backbone of our hospital, tirelessly working around the clock to provide expert care to pets in need. From comforting patients in the ICU to performing life-saving treatments during emergencies, their dedication, skill and compassion is unmatched!

We couldn’t be more thankful for our amazing tech team! The compassion and care they give to each and every pet truly shines, bringing peace of mind to our pet-loving community. When your pet is in our care, they are treated like family💙

Join us in celebrating our amazing team this Tech Week!

10/09/2024

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

As pet parents, we all want the best for our furry companions. Today, on National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, it's crucial to recognize the impact that obesity can have on our pets' health and wellbeing. Here are EAHCF, we see firsthand the consequences of excess weight on our beloved animals, especially when it comes to emergency and critical care.

Obesity can lead to a range of serious health issues, including musculoskeletal injuries. Extra weight puts unnecessary strain on joints, which can result in painful conditions like arthritis and ligament tears. This not only affects your pet's mobility but can also lead to long-term discomfort and a decreased quality of life.

Moreover, overweight pets are at a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Just like in humans, carrying excess weight can result in metabolic disorders that require ongoing management and can dramatically affect your pet's lifespan.

As we observe this important day, we urge all pet parents to take proactive steps in managing their pets' weight. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and consistent exercise play vital roles in ensuring our pets live long, healthy lives.

There are many risks in pet obesity that a Texas pet owner should be aware of; learn to manage your pet's weight by looking at the following tips.

10/08/2024

Exciting News for Our Pet Loving Community!

As your locally owned and operated emergency veterinary hospital, our mission is simple: to be here for you when the unthinkable happens, providing the care your pets need to stay happy, healthy, and by your side. 💙

We know that emergency care or surgery can come unexpectedly, and we want to do everything we can to ease the financial stress during these tough times. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve added a third flexible payment option— All Pet Card

This card is designed specifically for pets, offering flexible payment plans and considering other approval categories beyond CareCredit and Scratchpay, giving families even more options when you need them the most.

Don't worry! We still proudly accept CareCredit and Scratchpay, which continue to be great options for financial assistance. We’re simply adding the All Pet Card to provide another choice with to help even more families in our community.

Your pets are family, and we’re here to help you keep them healthy and safe. If you ever find yourself in need of emergency care, know that we’ll be here with more ways to support you and your pets.

🐾

09/30/2024

A Cautionary Tale of Misadventures & Diagnostic Powers ⚡️🧙‍♂️

Meet Dumbledore, our brave little wizard-in-training who recently found himself in a real-life potions class gone wrong... by getting into the trash!

What started as a few minor spells of vomiting led Dumbledore's concerned owners to bring him into the EC.
Thankfully, they took the wise advice of our doctor and ran some bloodwork just to be sure this was not anything more than upset tummy from the trashcan mealtime.

Well, it's a good thing they did, because not all dangers show up right away. Sometimes, they lurk in the shadows like a dark spell and that was exactly the case with Mr. Dumbledore!

The Culprit? Xylitol and Raisins!
Dumbledore's liver values were dangerously elevated when we ran his bloodwork. After a quick conversation, our doctor realized that during his trashcan adventure, Dumbledore had not only eaten some raisins (which are toxic to dogs!), but also xylitol. This is a common sweetener found in many household items; and while it may sound harmless, xylitol is a serious threat to our canine friends, causing rapid drops in blood sugar and liver failure if not treated in time. These elevated numbers usually start to show up about 12hrs after ingestion, and that is just about the time Dumbledore came to see us.

Thanks to his devoted Muggles, early diagnostics, a week of aggressive hospitalization, treatments, and lots of TLC, Dumbledore is now on the road to recovery. Inspite of his long stay with us, that tail never stopped wagging, and his spirits were always high. We grew quite fond of this little guy, and he was soaking up all the extra love and photo ops! (Just look at him in his wizard hat and beard! 🧙‍♂️)

⚠️ Remember‼️

Raisins and grapes? No-go for dogs.
Xylitol (also known as “birch sugar”) is Extremely toxic. Even a small amount can lead to liver damage or worse.
If your pet gets into anything suspicious, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Diagnostics can save lives, just like they did for Dumbledore!

Send Dumbledore and his Muggles lots of love! He is home, but still has more rechecks and continued medications to ensure his health. Heed his wise advice, and remember to keep those mischievous trashcan explorations under a lock and spell!!!

09/26/2024

🚨 **UPDATE: 10:15 AM** 🚨

We are pleased to inform you that the issue with our phone lines has been resolved! All systems are now functioning properly. If you left a voicemail or sent a text and haven't received a response, please feel free to give us a call anytime. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

---

Feel free to adjust any part of it to better fit your style!

📞 Phone Service Update 📞

We are currently experiencing issues with our phone lines at the Emergency Animal Hospital of Crystal Falls. Our team is working diligently to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

If you need to reach us, you’re welcome to call and leave a voicemail, or send us a text at 512-817-3474.

Thank you for your understanding and patience!

09/25/2024

We had a special repeat offender this week!

The beautiful and mischievous Roxy!
This sweet 1.5-year-old golden girl first visited our clinic almost exactly one year ago, and she just couldn’t resist making a return appearance this week.

Roxy’s first trip to see us was after she thought a single grape made for a delicious snack grape 🍇 . Then, just a few weeks later, she was back after munching on her small human’s baby bib – who can blame her with all those tasty crumbs? 👶👕

Now, nearly one year from those first visits, Roxy made her grand return, this time after inhaling some grease-soaked paper towels right in front of dad, with zero remorse! Dogs really do know how to keep us on our toes, don’t they 🤦🏻‍♀️

Swipe to see Roxy's "shame" photos from her emergency snack adventure visits with us. Please, don’t worry – she’s doing great, and we’re always happy to be part of her story, and keep her from a longer hospital stay! 💙💙💙💙 .

Does your pet have a snack habit like Roxy’s? Let us know in the comments below!

09/17/2024

Can you spot the 🌽?!

Meet Hank, a young, sweet, and goofy Doberman who recently paid us a visit after swallowing something he definitely wasn't supposed to – a whole corn cob! This handsome boy is just shy of 2 years old, and despite his best intentions, he's got a bit of a habit of eating things that aren't on his menu.

After realizing there was something not right with their boy, his family brought him to see us. Our team assessed the situation and knew surgery was the best option to get this boy back to his happy, goofy self. We're happy to report that the surgery was a success, and Hank is now recovering like a champ! 💙

Corn on the cob might seem harmless, but it can cause serious blockages in our furry friends. See if you can spot the corn on his x-rays!!

Wishing Hank a speedy recovery and hoping he sticks to dog-friendly snacks from now on!
And yes, allll the cuddles were very much apart of his treatment plan🥰💙.

09/12/2024

Happy Discharge Tippy Tappy Dance 💙

Lizzy is the sweetest 11.5yr old girl that came to us end of last week feeling far from her usual self with vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It was tough seeing her not at her happiest, and her mom was pretty worried!

But earlier this week, she was not only back to doing her signature happy tippy tap dance, she's also walking herself out to her mom with the biggest smile at discharge 💙

The reunion was absolutely heartwarming, and we’re so thrilled to see her feeling better and heading home where she belongs.

It’s moments like these that make all the difference. We’re so proud of this girl for her amazing recovery, and we know her mom is beyond happy to have her back! 💕

09/04/2024

Meet Luna, a recent Princess Patient 👑

This sweet Weimy girl is no stranger to being spoiled at home, and of course, we couldn’t let that change while she’s with us! Weimaraners are known for their regal and often demanding personalities, and this little lady is no exception—she's made it clear that only the best will do!

From extra comfy blankets to endless head scratches, we’re making sure she’s treated like the royalty she is. After all, every princess deserves the royal treatment, right?

We’re so glad we could pamper her just like she’s used to at home. Sending lots of love to her family—she’s is always in good hands with our team 💙

08/30/2024

A Visit from Our Local K9 Hero! 🐾

We had the pleasure of hosting LFD K9 Dixie and her incredible handler, Fire Marshal Cubit, at our hospital yesterday!

Dixie, our local K9 hero, wowed us with stories of her work in search and rescue, and we were thrilled to learn more about the challenges and rewards of her job (well, her Dad translated 😉) . We also got to hear about their favorite activities outside of the job—spoiler alert - Dixie loves her playtime and sunbathing just as much as she loves her work!

Stay tuned for a more detailed interview with Dixie and her Dad in our upcoming September issue of "Critter Chronicles." Don't miss out! Subscribe on our website and check out past issues under the “About” section at
https://www.eahofcrystalfalls.com/

Thank you, Dixie and Fire Marshal Cubit, for all you do for our community! 💙

08/27/2024

Meet Maverick, the goofy 18month old, curious pup who gave his mom a slightly innocent scare 💙

Maverick decided that a shiny safety pin on the table was the perfect snack (not the best choice, buddy!). One gulp later, and his mom was rushing him straight to our ER, worried sick.

But don’t worry! Our amazing team was ready. After some careful monitoring and a little bit of medical magic (apomorphine magic 😉); Maverick is back to his playful self, safe and sound and probably was in need of second dinner

We’re just glad Maverick is okay and back to causing the right kind of puppy/teenage mischief. Remember, even the most careful pet parents can have their furry friends find trouble, so keep those shiny objects out of reach.

Has your pet ever eaten something they shouldn’t? Share your stories in the comments! ⬇️

08/22/2024

Heat Safety Alert for Pets with FOX 7 Austin

Yesterday, our Dr. Pearce sat down with the Fox7 Austin team to share important information regarding the dangers of heat-related illnesses and injuries in pets. This follows a heartbreaking incident in Manor reminding us all how crucial it is to be aware of the risks posed to our pets by high heat indexes.

As temperatures soar, it's vital to take extra precautions to protect our furry family members. We discussed the signs of heat stress, preventive measures, and what to do if your pet shows symptoms.

Thank you to FOX 7 Austin for helping us spread this essential reminder. Together, we can keep our pets safe during these hot summer days.

Manor police are investigating a severe case of animal cruelty after officers found nine dogs left in cages outside in the Texas heat. One dog has died.

08/21/2024

We couldn’t have said it better! Great information Cedar Park Police Department! Thank you for sharing 💙

🥵132° on the pavement!!🥵
Our Animal Control Officers are seeing folks walk their dogs across the hot concrete in the middle of the day and it's WAYYYY too hot for that🌡️
Remember: If you can’t put the back of your hand on the pavement without it feeling hot, it's too hot for your dog's paws!!
🐾🔥🐾 🔥🐾

08/20/2024

Caution/Not so Caution Alert!

We recently had the pleasure of caring for a sweet dachshund named Kermit, and his wonderful owners gave us a heads-up:
"He might be a bit of a caution."

But Kermit had other plans. Turns out, this little guy was an absolute sweetheart and couldn't resist some good head massages. He won over our hearts faster than you can say "good boy!" 💙

We ALWAYS appreciate when pet parents look out for our safety (seriously, thank you!!!), but we also love those moments when a patient surprises us with their sweetness. Kermit, you're a perfect example of why we**ie dogs have a special place in our hearts. 🐾
Because let’s be honest, we all know how wiener dogs can be 😉... but this time, we were the ones who were smitten! 💙

**iedoglove

08/17/2024

‼️Stoner Alert ‼️- Doggo Style🐾

Lately, we've noticed a growing trend - our furry friends getting into those legal THC/Delta gummies that are popping up everywhere. While it might seem funny to imagine a "chill dog”, the reality can be quite serious when they get into gummies (or other forms).

What happens when dogs ingest THC?
Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans, and even a small amount can lead to some pretty alarming symptoms.

Here's what we're seeing:

• Extreme lethargy (your pup might seem like they're "out of it )
• Wobbly walking (like they've had too much to drink)
• Disorientation (acting confused or out of character)
• Vomiting and drooling
• Dribbling urine (loss of bladder control)
• Low heart rate and low blood pressure
• In severe cases, they might even become unresponsive or slip into a coma.

Why is this a problem?
In many cases, dogs will come into the vet for being disoriented in some way, and they are stable enough to go back home and sleep it off and cuddle on the couch with their owners.
However, in more cases recently, they are not able to “just sleep it off”, and medical intervention, including fluids, IV medications, and sometimes even intralipids are needed. Intralipids absorb and neutralize the fat-soluble THC, reducing its toxic effects and facilitating recovery.

What should you do if your dog gets into THC gummies?
If you suspect your dog has ingested any form of THC, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Early treatment can prevent more severe symptoms and reduce the need for an extended hospital stay.

We know it can be tough to keep an eye on everything your pet might get into, but keeping these products out of reach is the best way to avoid an unexpected trip to the ER.
And because we believe in turning even the most "ruff" situations into something "paws-itive", here are some pictures of our cutest "stoned" patients from over the years. Don't worry-they're all doing just fine now!