Southport Animal Hospital

11/23/2023

Today and every day, we're thankful for the trust you place in us to keep your furry family members happy and healthy. Wishing you and your pets a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Found on Google from pinterest.com

03/07/2023

Have you heard of Leptospirosis in dogs? Lepto is a bacterial infection that spreads through their bloodstream, infiltrating their bodies by burrowing into their skin. Our sweet pups can get leptospirosis from puddles or bodies of water that carry urine from infected wildlife. This disease can be serious, even fatal.

Luckily, we have a vaccine to help protect canines. The leptospirosis vaccine protects against infections from the Leptospira bacteria. This vaccine contains inactivated pieces of the bacteria from four strains. Since it contains bacteria that are deceased, it will not cause lepto, but rather prompt a dog's immune system to produce antibodies that will help combat the bacteria should they come into contact with it.

We strongly recommend this vaccine for all of our canine patients, but particularly for our hunting and sporting patients, those who live near wooded areas, dogs that live on or near farms, and also dogs who have spent time in a kennel. Call us at (816) 525-7387 to schedule your vaccine appointment today!

03/07/2023

There has been talk of more dogs becoming infected with Leptospirosis locally. Here is a fact sheet to stay informed and try to keep your dog as protected as possible:
• What is it: a bacterial infection with multiple strains: Leptospira Canicola, L. Grippotyphosa, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, L. Pomona are common strains
• What carries Lepto: rodents-mice, rats, raccoons, opossums, etc
• How does the dog become infected: ingestion-usually stagnant water or swimming. Wetter weather can spread it more easily and allow it to collect in puddles.
• What signs would my dog show: can be from mild to severe-fever, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, drinking more/urinating more, stiffness/soreness. There mucous membranes can change to a yellow tinge (jaundice) in some circumstances
• Can it be treated: Yes, it can be treated with antibiotics, but can be life threatening in many dogs since they may not show signs until extreme damage to their organs occur, leading to organ failure.
• Can it spread to other dogs/people in house: Yes! Unfortunately, it can spread to other people in the house esp the people cleaning up the dog’s accidents that they often have due to damage occurring in kidneys. Other dogs in house can get it from the urine as well or from the original source of contamination.
• How can I keep my dog safe: best course of action is protection, which comes from the Leptospirosis vaccine. It is can be included in the Distemper/Parvo vaccine, but some give it separately or not at all for some dogs that have a severe allergic reaction.
-Some dogs seem to be more sensitive to this vaccine and/or may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Giving a medication like Benadryl or steroid prior to the vaccine may be elected to continue the vaccine, or it may be decided to not give it again if it is a severe allergy. Pain and lethargy are not severe reactions.
-This vaccine is needed yearly to stay protected
-Also best to not allow them to drink stagnant water/puddles.

08/02/2022

07/16/2021

This would be a great job for someone that would like to get started in the Veterinary world. You would be caring for the animals as well as helping the Doctor.

01/23/2021

Your New Year's resolution was to exercise more, but what about your pet? The AVMA provides some helpful tips on how to work with your pet to prevent and manage unhealthy weight gain and, most importantly, to keep your pet healthy and energetic.

Is your pet looking to shed some pounds this year?

01/21/2021

Dogs need lots of exercise all year long, even if that means throwing on a winter coat and gloves! On super cold days, take your dog on a short walk near your home to get some activity — it'll mean better health for you and your dog in 2021!

Don't let the cold weather keep you inside!

12/18/2020

The holiday season is in full swing, and it wouldn't be the holidays if your furry friends weren't participating in all the fun! However, there are some key healthy and safety concerns that it's important to keep in mind to make sure you have a truly happy holiday season.

Pet-safe holidays are the best holidays!

12/14/2020

The holidays are about every member of the family, including the furry ones! Recommend a low-fat stocking stuffer for your pet owners that their pets will love — not just for the taste, but for helping to maintain that holiday figure!

Healthy Rewards Canine Low-Fat Treats.

12/08/2020

To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, check out this super helpful advice from the experts at the ASPCA.

Keep your furry friend safe this winter!

11/13/2020

We see it every year: winters can be long, winters can be cold, but for dog owners, they're never lonely! Are you and your pet all prepped for the months ahead? What fun outdoor activities do you have planned?

11/09/2020

Pet MD and Christina Fernandez, DVM, answer one of the most asked questions on search engines — and veterinarian clinics — nationwide.

The answer is clear.

11/07/2020

With many pet owners still working from home, these last six months have created an ideal time to train, raise, and just spend time with a new puppy or two... or three. Stock up on iVet — our most-recommended puppy food — today. Your pups will love you even more!

Crafted specifically for young, growing dogs.

11/06/2020

Our pet food is manufactured in certified organic facilities, we have NEVER had an FDA recall, and we only use selectively-sourced ingredients so that your customers never have to overpay for things their pets don't need. As a vet-owned brand, we're here to exceed your standards.

09/17/2020

When you realize that our new normal has been their normal all along… Here’s to learning from our best patients, your best friends.

09/17/2020

From day one, we've been in this for those extra special members of your family — your pets. Because when it comes to keeping them healthy and safe, there's no one we'd rather show up to work for every single day. From all of us, we stand with you!

We couldn't do this without you!

09/05/2020

Faces you can't say no to... https://t.co/u8kV5uk41K

04/17/2020

WE CAN GROOM AGAIN. GIVE US A CALL.

04/06/2020

Thanks so much to our local Lee's Summit Minskys pizza. They donated pizza to our hungry hard working staff. This means so much to us. Please everyone support local during this pandemic. Prayers to all.

03/24/2020

Just wanted everyone to know Dr Placke and the staff at Southport Animal will remain open during the next 30 days. We will be offering full services. However please call ahead for appointments and medication refills. We will try and get to everyones needs as quickly and safely. Prayers to all.

03/16/2020

A Message About COVID-19
from Southport Animal Hospital

Dear Pet Parent,

The steady stream of news and information about COVID-19 (coronavirus) has impacted each of us. At Southport Animal Hospital, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our patients, staff, and community is our number one priority.

As a tertiary care provider in the community in which we operate, we are committed to keeping our hospital open as long as we can continue to staff our hospital. Our goal to provide seamless and available service for you and your pets remains unchanged.

We are committed to offering a safe and healthy environment for your pets, and our hospital team. To do this we are implementing the following procedures Southport Animal Hospital.

For Any Pet Visit

It is essential that anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) or who has traveled internationally in the last 14 days or to an area in the United States with high incidence of COVID-19 call from the car to discuss the situation. We have plans in place to help ensure your patient receives the care they need. This can include having a staff member in personal protective equipment meet you outside to bring their pet into the hospital.

New Policy for Inpatient Visits

• Visits to hospitalized patients will be limited. The only patients who can receive visits are those specifically being cared for by our critical care service AND hospitalized in the ICU and whose owners do not have any respiratory symptoms.
• No personal items can be kept with the pet while hospitalized and Boarding, including blankets, toys, collars, leashes, etc. Also DO NOT bring personal food containers. All food must be in a ZIP LOCK BAG with your pet’s name.
• Please clean your carrier, leash, and collar as carefully as possible before arrival with an alcohol-based solution.
• Please use the sanitizing agents at the front desk upon arrival.
• Please respect the ‘social distancing’ recommendations and maintain a distance of 6 feet from others, and refrain from shaking hands.

Thank you for your understanding and please do not hesitate to call us with any questions. We’re here for you, your patients, and the communities in which we live. We will continue to keep you informed as news and information becomes available.

Thank you for being part of the Southport Animal Hospital family.

Sincerely,

Keith Placke DVM and Staff

12/02/2019

12/02/2019

Welcome to the new Southport Animal Hospital Page. We have reopened the original location with new ownership and staff. Please pardon our construction mess, as we remodel the hospital to better serve you and your pets. Also note the new number of 816-525-7387 (PETS).

12/02/2019