Lester Prairie Vet Clinic

11/18/2024

November is also ! Over the next couple weeks, we will share facts about diabetes and some tips on how to prevent and manage this disease.

What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your cat or dog’s blood. Diabetes occurs when their body makes too little insulin, stops producing it completely, or has an abnormal response to insulin.

11/16/2024

This is Freddy!
Yes, he is named after the infamous Freddy Krueger👻Although he is the furthest thing from scary!
He was so happy to explore the clinic, meet everyone, and get all the snacks! ❤🐾

11/15/2024

Nail trims, as simple as they may seem, are very important to our pets’, especially our senior pets’ health. Long or overgrown nails can lead to a myriad of problems such as:
-Discomfort
-Paw pain
-Balance issues
-Problems with ‘gripping’ the floor
-Difficulty walking
-Increased risk of infection
-Joint issues
If you have questions about trimming nails or would like one of our technicians to help you get your pet a “mani/pedi”, please contact the clinic!
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11/14/2024

Exercise can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain and inflammation, strengthen your dog's muscles, and keep them active — not to mention help with weight loss (or maintaining a healthy weight) and boosting the bond between you.

This article will provide you with guidance to set up a safe and effective exercise program for a dog with OA.
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Keep your senior dog young at heart and feeling good with these senior dog exercises, like daily walks, balance and strength-building activities, and more.

11/13/2024

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One study showed that 100% of cats over age 10 showed signs of arthritis on x-ray!

Recognizing osteoarthritis in cats is difficult. Cats, unlike most dogs, can hide signs/symptoms of bone and joint problems. Signs of osteoarthritis are more subtle in cats than in dogs. Signs of the disease in cats include:

-Weight loss
-Loss of appetite
-Decreased activity level
-Change in attitude (grumpier or quieter than usual, for example
-Decreased grooming
-Urinating or defecating outside the litter pan
-Not being able to jump as easily as before

Surprisingly, lameness (limping) is not as commonly reported by owners. In a study of 28 cats with osteoarthritis, less than half limped but almost three-quarters didn’t want to jump and two-thirds jumped a shorter distance.
Flexadin is one of our favorite joint supplements to use for cats. It is designed to slow the progression of cartilage loss, help retain mobility, and reduce stiffness. Click the link below to see how it works!

https://youtu.be/Ph6CXNvBqIc?si=i0eXNEC4h9hpDUW5

11/13/2024

Silent auction items will be available for online & in clinic bidding, Thursday November 21st starting at 8am! Stay tuned - photos of items will be posted to our page soon💗

T-shirts can be purchased online at the link below! 👇🏻
http://www.ladyjembroideryapparel.com/shop

11/12/2024

Proper nutrition for each life stage is very important. As our pets age, not only do they physically & mentally change, (i.e. joint health, cognitive function) their bodies’ nutritional needs also change. Highlighted today is one of our clinic’s favorites, Purina Pro Plan Bright Minds.

Bright minds diet is designed to target brain health. Brain health gets little attention until owners notice neurological or behavioral problems in pets. By the time these changes are observed, there may already be potentially irreversible damage to the brain. But what if we could intervene earlier?

11/12/2024

T-shirts in support of Susie are now available to purchase!
Click the link below 👇🏼👇🏼

http://www.ladyjembroideryapparel.com/shop

11/11/2024

To all of those who have served our country, a HUGE “thank you” from all of us at LPVC!

11/10/2024

This week is practice manager appreciation week!

Our practice manager, Kelly, is amazing!! She helps the practice improve in all aspects. She helps everything run smoothly and is responsible for creating a safe, welcoming environment for all clients, patients, and staff members. Be sure to give her a big “thank you” next time she answers the phone or helps you in the clinic.

11/09/2024

This is Tango! Such a handsome little guy! 🐾❤
He LOVES snacks 🍫🍩 (same dude) 😅

11/08/2024

What is cognitive dysfunction? Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is an irreversible degeneration of the brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, characterized by progressive cognitive impairment beyond that expected to occur with aging. CDS has a slow onset, can be difficult to manage, and affects an estimated 14% of dogs 8 years and older.

Click the link below to learn more about CDS!

https://www.purinainstitute.com/science-of-nutrition/advancing-brain-health/cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome

Fill out the assessment tool in the link below (and bring it to your appointment) if you are concerned that your pet is exhibiting signs of CDS.

https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/DISHAA-Assessment-Tool.pdf
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11/07/2024

This is Bentley!
He came to see us for his first puppy visit- so adorable! ❤
It's soooo hard to sit still when you're a puppy!! 🐾😂

11/07/2024

11/06/2024

AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) has now updated their recommended core vaccines!

"🚨 Important Update: Leptospirosis Now a Core Vaccine for ALL Dogs
The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines have been updated to classify the leptospirosis vaccine as CORE for all dogs starting at 12 weeks of age – regardless of lifestyle, location, or breed.
Why the change?
🌆 ALL dogs are at risk—urban, suburban, and rural.
⚠️ Potentially fatal, even with treatment.
🔄 Zoonotic—it can spread from pets to humans.
🏢 Dogs in daycare and kennels also face exposure risks.
You can find the full update in the Nov/Dec issue of JAAHA, or check out the full 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines here: aaha.org/canine-vaccinations"

11/05/2024

Did you know… Research shows that including diagnostic testing in a wellness visit can uncover potential issues in up to 40% of dogs and 60% of cats?

No matter their age, it’s never too late to start screening! A wellness exam & Prevent Panel (diagnostic screening tests) help us evaluate your pet’s health based on the following:

11/04/2024

Wellness visits for senior pets are recommended every 6-12 months.

Why so often? Well… our pets’ bodies undergo changes a lot faster than ours do, especially as they get older!

What happens during your pet’s wellness visit?

A typical visit might include a physical exam, diagnostic screening tests, and a subsequent review of results to track your pet’s overall health and identify early warning signs of health problems.

11/03/2024

"Hi, I'm Raven!" ❤
Raven is a GIANT schnauzer pup who came to visit us for her initial exam & vaccines. 🐾
She had lots of stories to tell us and we can't wait to hear more! 💬