Arizona Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Center- Buckeye

11/20/2024

Take the following safety precautions when traveling with your pets this holiday 🐈🐕:

🐶 No heads out the window of the car, it’s not safe. Pets should always be safely restrained.
🐾 Frequent pit stops for bathroom, hydration, and exercise breaks.
✔️ Ensure correct food intake, don’t be tempted to share your snacks.
🚗 Never leave pets alone in cars.
🐱 Ensure your pet is safe and comfortable, bring their favorite blanket or travel bed.

Where are you taking your pet this Thanksgiving? Comment below!

11/18/2024

Congratulations to Jenn - our November Employee of the Month!

My name is Jenn and I've been a technician for 3 years, and started my journey in veterinary medicine diving right into emergency and critical care. My passion for veterinary medicine continues to grow as I find myself intrigued with cardio cases. I have three adult children (all girls) that keep me busy with life, as well as a household filled with 4 cats and 1 dog. During my free time, I enjoy baking/cooking for my family, but my favorite thing is cuddling with my fur babies, and reading murder mystery books.

11/15/2024

Today is Happy National Clean Out Your Fridge Day! With Thanksgiving almost here, it’s important to understand which foods are toxic for pets.

Keep your cats and dogs away from:
🦃 Stuffing – as it may contain onions or garlic
🦃 Ham and other Pork – can cause pancreatitis, upset stomach, or diarrhea
🦃 Turkey – Dogs should only have a little bit of meat, no skin or seasoning
🦃 Turkey Bones – splinters may cause indigestion or bowel obstruction
🦃 Mashed Potatoes – may have been prepared with butter and dairy
🦃 Salads with Grapes/Raisins – can cause kidney failure
🦃 Chocolate Desserts – toxic to both cats and dogs

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic this holiday season call AVECCC Buckeye at (602) 805-1500, we are open 9a-9p.

11/14/2024

Congratulations to Oreo - our November Patient of the Month!
Oreo presented to AVECCC Buckeye with a large wound to the upper chest from a dog bite wound. After receiving a wound repair, Oreo made multiple visits back to AVECCC Buckeye for continued wound care and medical management. She quickly became a clinic favorite due to her shy and loving personality. We are thrilled to share Oreo is on the mend and doing well at home!

11/13/2024

Would you know if your cat was in pain? Cats will often hide the fact that they are in pain and are often more difficult to read than dogs. Our feline family members will show us how they feel through behavior changes.

Signs of pain in cats:

✅ Reduced activity
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Quiet/loss of curiosity
✅ Changes in urinary/defecation habits
✅ Hiding, hissing, spitting
✅ Lack of agility/jumping
✅ Excessive licking/grooming
✅ Stiff posture/gait
✅ Guarding behavior
✅ Lack of grooming/matted fur
✅ Tail flicking
✅ Weight loss

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, contact your primary care veterinarian as soon as possible.

AVECCC Buckeye is available 7 days a week from 9a-9p. | (602) 805-1500

11/11/2024

Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. We’re so grateful to all those who serve our country and help keep us safe!

From all of us at AVECCC Buckeye, thank you. ❤️

11/09/2024

A disease like Parvovirus in dogs is highly contagious and can have deadly consequences. Here’s what you need to know:

🐩 Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system
💩 The main way that dogs contract Parvovirus is through the f***s (stool) of infected dogs
🐶 Parvovirus can affect puppies too young to be vaccinated, puppies within their vaccination course, and unvaccinated adult dogs
🐕‍ Vaccinating your pet is the only way to protect them from the disease

Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating, fever or low body temperature (hypothermia), vomiting, and severe (often bloody) diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.

If your dog exhibits symptoms of parvovirus, take them to your nearest veterinarian to be tested immediately. Call AVECCC Buckeye at (602) 805-1500 we are open 9a-9p. The quicker they can be treated, the better the chance of recovery!

11/07/2024

Lymphoma is one of the most common forms of canine cancer and affects the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

The first symptom that dogs with lymphoma usually show is swollen lymph nodes. Dogs with lymphoma may also develop lethargy, fever, anorexia, weakness, and dehydration as the disease progresses. Awareness of symptoms can help catch serious diseases like lymphoma earlier which often leads to a better prognosis.

Always notify your primary care veterinarian if your pet exhibits unusual symptoms. If your veterinarian suspects that your pet may have cancer, they may refer you to an oncology specialist for advanced diagnostics and further treatment.

11/06/2024

November is . If left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of serious health issues. Factors that may lead to diabetes include middle to older age, genetics, breed, and obesity.

If you notice any of the following signs, you should reach out to your primary care veterinarian immediately:

🐾 Excessive water drinking and increased urination
🐾 Weight loss, even though there may be an increased appetite
🐾 Decreased appetite
🐾 Cloudy eyes (especially in dogs)
🐾 Chronic or recurring infections (eg. skin infections and urinary infections)

The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance your pet may have for a longer and healthier life.

11/05/2024

11/04/2024

Pets can be curious, and sometimes that leads to swallowing indigestible objects which can result in a bowel or gastrointestinal obstruction.

The treatment for bowel obstruction can vary and depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases, a blockage may pass on its own. In others, surgery may be required.

Obstructions can be very serious and may even result in death, so it is important to see your veterinarian if you discover or suspect your pet swallowed something indigestible. AVECCC Buckeye is open 9a-9p for emergencies: (602) 805-1500

11/03/2024

Many pet owners are nervous if anesthesia is needed for a surgery or procedure. However, anesthesia or sedation may be the best way for your pet to receive high-quality care without pain, stress, or discomfort.

🐾 Our team is trained to carefully select, dose, administer medications, and monitor your pet while they are at the hospital.

🐾 Some pain medications can last for 8-12 hours in dogs and up to 24 hours in cats. Your pet may act groggy and confused within this timeframe after their procedure.

🐾 Keep your pet from climbing, jumping, or running around for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will instruct proper recovery time to prevent injury.

🐾 Call your us if your pet isn’t eating within the anticipated timeframe, or if your pet vomits, develops diarrhea, or refuses to eat or drink for more than 12 hours.

Remember, it takes time for the effects of anesthesia to wear off. Don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian questions and more importantly, don't delay treatments that could help your pet have a healthier, happier life!

11/02/2024

November is .

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 50% of dogs over age 10, and 25% of all dogs will develop cancer. Although there is less information for cats, our feline friends also commonly develop cancer.

Cancer can develop in any body system. Symptoms vary according to the organs affected, but may include:
• A lump or mass anywhere on your pet's body
• Difficulty eating or chewing, or a decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Persistent vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from the nose or mouth
• Abdominal swelling
• A wound that will not heal
• Limping or lameness
• Excessive drinking/urinating
• Straining to defecate or urinate

Other diseases may cause similar symptoms, but reaching a diagnosis as quickly as possible is important. Cancer will not resolve on its own and early detection is critical for successful treatment.

If you have any questions about your pet’s health, please contact your veterinarian.

11/01/2024

The holiday season is a great time to serve our community!

AVECCC and ARISE Veterinary Center will be hosting a "Feeding Pets of the Homeless" community event from November 1st through December 10th to gather pet food and supplies for unhoused families in our area! Each of our locations will have a designated donation bin in the lobby and we are collecting unexpired pet food, beds, toys, and other items. All items will be collected from our hospitals and delivered to Lost Our Home Pet Foundation in Tempe. New or gently used items are welcome!

For more information, visit Feeding Pets of the Homeless: https://buff.ly/4f8KV9K

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween! Our hospital will remain open today 9a-9p. We hope your day is filled with fun, spooky vibes, and wagging tails! 👻🎃🦇

Are your pets in costume this year? Comment a picture below!

10/29/2024

Rodenticides become more commonly used as the weather continues to cool down so we want to remind you of the dangers of using this poison. ☠ Rodenticides are effective due to their ingredients that attract rodents - and unfortunately these ingredients can attract dogs and cats as well. This incredibly toxic poison can cause bleeding, kidney failure, seizures, or even death.

Ultimately, we recommend avoiding using rodenticides and calling a local pest control professional. If you do decide to use rodenticides in or near your home, here are our tips to ensure your pet stays safe:

1. Keep the original packaging or receipt of the product. Many rodenticides look alike so the appearance cannot always be used to identify them. If you do not have the packaging or receipt and you are unsure of which type of rodenticide was ingested, treatment is still possible.

2. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a rodenticide, contact AVECCC Buckeye at (602) 805-1500 to bring them in ASAP. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for further instruction.

3. When using any kind of poison, do your best to keep track of the following and write down these details: the room it was used, the exact location you placed it, and how much was used. Check these areas regularly to ensure the poison hasn't been moved or eaten by your pet. Before using, ALWAYS consider if your pet has access to the location.

4. NEVER mix a rodenticide with human or pet food as an attempt to attract rodents. That will only further increase the chances of your pet ingesting the poison accidentally.

10/27/2024

Halloween is just around the corner! Are you ready? We recommend taking a few extra precautions to keep your pets calm and safe this holiday:

1) Make sure your pets are wearing their collars and identification tags.
2) Keep them clear of the door (in a separate room) if you expect a lot of new visitors or unusual activity. This will prevent them from darting outside.
3) Watch out for decorations that can be hazards like lit candles, glowsticks, wires, cobwebs, or other items.
4) Have a dress rehearsal. Check your pet’s costume to ensure they have full mobility and can breathe properly. Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted and may lead to injury.

If you encounter any emergencies with your pet over Halloween contact AVECCC Buckeye at (602) 805-1500. Our hours are 9a-9p.

10/25/2024

As the holiday quickly approaches, it’s important to remember that several popular Halloween treats are considered toxic to pets. Some of these include:

🎃 Chocolate
🎃 Sugar-free candies or gum containing xylitol
🎃 Raisins (especially chocolate-covered)
🎃 Candy Corn
🎃 Caramel Apples
🎃 Macadamia Nuts

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact AVECCC Buckeye at (602) 805-1500. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.