Brookview Animal Health Center

08/28/2024

Did you know that Monday, August 26th was National Dog Day!? 🐶 How did you celebrate with your pups? Show them off in the comments!

08/26/2024

This pretty Pet of the Week is Sadie! A 14 week old Boxer puppy, her mom says this sweet pup is very smart and mellow, except when she decides to destroy her toys. Sadie loves spending time playing outside!

08/23/2024

Heartwarming story alert! ❤️ This is a perfect example of why we recommend microchipping and keeping your information up to date.

A cat in South Carolina has been reunited with his owner after 11 years thanks to a microchip.

08/21/2024

We are featuring the Scottish Fold in our “Getting to Know Your Breed” segment today. We do not currently have any Scottish Fold patients at our clinic, but maybe someday! If you know one of these unique felines, please share their photo with us!

The Scottish Fold can be traced to Scotland in 1961 when shepherd William Ross discovered a folded-eared kitten named Susie on his neighbor's farm. Susie's mother was a cat with normal-shaped ears, but the father was unknown. He adopted a white kitten from Susie's litter and began to breed her with local farm cats and British Shorthairs to establish this lop-eared feline breed. In 1977, British geneticist Oliphant Jackson reported that one-third of kittens from the breeding of folded-eared cats developed osteodystrophy, a skeletal lesion. As a result, Scottish Fold breeding in Great Britain came to an abrupt halt. Reputable breeders in the United States have worked hard to w**d out the gene that causes osteodystrophy and now regard them as a very healthy breed.
At birth, all Scottish Fold kittens have straight ears. In some kittens, the ears begin to fold within the first month or so. Their unique folded ears are the result of a natural genetic mutation. The breed has a round face, round eyes, short neck, round whisker pads that curve forward and a round, sturdy body accented by a bushy tail. Scottish Folds often look like they are smiling. This breed's dense, resilient coat comes in shorthaired and longhaired versions and nearly every color and combination except for pointed colors. The shorthaired variety requires little grooming besides occasional brushing, but the longhaired variety requires grooming three to four times a week to remove dead hairs and prevent mats from forming. A Scottish Fold are prone to becoming overweight, so measuring food portions and controlling caloric intake are important to keep this breed healthy.
Typically, the Scottish Fold has a sweet, playful temperament and a quiet, soft voice. A fairly social cat, they love to perch on laps or next to their favorite people. This can also mean they may not enjoy being home alone and may benefit by being paired with another cat or other pet.

08/19/2024

How adorable is Pet of the Week, Mitzie!? This 12 week old Pomsky pup is all fluff! Her mom tells us Mitzie is a little Houdini, but is also the sweetest, cuddliest dog who loves playing with her poodle sisters.

08/14/2024

Did you know that tomorrow, August 15th, is National “Check the Chip” Day!?

Microchips greatly increase the chances that pets will be reunited with their families if they are lost or stolen, but a microchip only works if its registration information is accurate. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) joined together to create this day as a reminder for pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep the registration information up-to-date. We encourage you each year on Check the Chip Day to check your pet's microchip registration and update any incomplete or no longer correct information.
To update your pet's registration, you will need your pet's microchip number. If you haven’t already created an account with the manufacturer, this is an opportunity to do that as well. Make sure that all of the information is correct, especially your phone number and address. It is also important to ask your veterinarian to scan the microchip during your pet's annual wellness exam every year to make sure it is still able to be read.

08/12/2024

Lilly is our sweet Pet of the Week! Her parents tell us this 2y Maltese enjoys emptying her toy box, but then never seems to pick up after herself! Lilly also loves watching out her windows to bark and whine at people walking by her house.

08/08/2024

UPDATE: PONCHO HAS BEEN FOUND!

Lost pup near Rockford.

08/07/2024

“Getting to Know Your Breed” is highlighting the Dachshund today. We can’t wait to see all your Doxie pups in the comments!

Dachshund is a German word meaning 'badger dog,' and the breed's German history goes back over 600 years. As the breed name suggests, the Dachshund was developed to dig into a badger den and dispatch its occupant. The Dachshund's long, low body was custom-made for this dirty subterranean work. The cleverness, courage, perseverance, and strength that are hallmarks of today's Dachshund were first bred into their long-ago ancestors to best equip them for battling a tough foe. Their surprisingly loud, houndy bark is also a throwback to the Dachshund’s working roots as it allowed their above-ground human hunting partner to mark the dog’s underground location. In addition to the breed's short, smooth coat, selective breeding produced types with wire coats for work in thorny brier patches, and long coats for cold climates. Dachshunds of various sizes were bred to work on different kinds of quarry. Today’s Dachshunds still come in standard or miniature sizes and in three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired, of various colors and patterns.
Like most dogs with drop ears, Dachshunds can get ear infections if their ears aren't kept clean. All Dachshunds should have their nails trimmed every month. It is extremely important that a Dachshund not be allowed to become overweight. This is not only because of general health reasons, but also to avoid strain to the Dachshund's long back, which can lead to slipped or ruptured (herniated) discs. Ignore the pleading eyes, and give only the recommended amount given by the manufacturer of a quality dog food. Avoid giving table scraps, especially cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Remember that the Dachshund's nose can get him into trouble, and always keep food well out of his reach.
Many owners think that because they are a small dog, Dachshunds don't require more exercise than just running around the house. However, they do need regular exercise not only to stay fit, but also to build strong muscles to support and protect their back. Two walks every day of moderate length should be sufficient. To avoid injury, never allow your Dachshund to run up and down stairs or jump on or off furniture.
Dachshunds are very intelligent but are also independent and often stubborn, so they can be a challenge to train. They love to give and receive affection and do best with positive, reward-based training. They are sensitive and will not react well to harsh commands or punishment. Patience and consistence are key. Dachshunds have an excellent sense of smell as well as a strong prey drive. Because they were bred to stay focused and follow a trail without distraction, if they are busy with something more interesting they may not always pay attention to you.
The famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, vivacious personality of the Dachshund make them a popular choice for a pet. While Dachshunds aren't built for distance running, leaping, or strenuous swimming, these tireless hounds are otherwise game for anything. Smart and vigilant, with a big-dog bark, they make fine watchdogs. Bred to be an independent hunter of dangerous prey, they can be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn, but their endearing nature and unique look has won millions of hearts the world over.

08/05/2024

Our Pet of the Week, Copper, was all smiles and tail wags at his appointment! Copper is a 2 year old Chihuahua mix. His mom tells us that he loves playing with his doggy siblings and runs around the house with rope toys.

07/31/2024

Pet safety is one of our top priorities, so today we are featuring some common household toxins and dangers on our “The More You Know” segment.

Many edible and non-edible dangers for your pet may exist in or around your home. Knowing about these dangers can help you make your home a safer place for your pet. The potentially dangerous items featured can vary in how toxic they are to pets. Some may be only mildly toxic while others may cause severe illness or even death. Also, the degree of toxicity often depends on several factors including the type of animal, how much the animal ate, and which part was eaten when dealing with plants.
Although they’re not necessarily toxic, some food items can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction if your pet swallows them. For example, avocado pits, corn cobs, and bones can get stuck in your pet’s esophagus, stomach, or intestines. While not edible themselves, food bags, especially the mylar-type potato chip bags, cereal bags, and snack bags, can be a danger for pets. These bags are thin enough that if your pet puts their head far enough into one and breathes in, the bag can wrap around their nose and mouth, ultimately suffocating them. The more your pet breathes in, the tighter the bag gets around their face making it difficult to pull the bag off with their paws.
If you think your pet has eaten something potentially dangerous, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away. You can also find complete toxicity information for specific toxins on the website of a pet poison control center.

07/29/2024

Our Pet of the Week, Max, may not look impressed in his photo, but we promise you that he is enjoying himself! Weighing in at 16 pounds, this 2 year old kitty is a big sweetie! He LOVES his human and insists on laying in her Barbie house and sleeping with her. That said, it is only fitting that playing dress up is also a regular part of his day. When he isn’t entertaining his girl, Max likes to play with his ice cream toy.

07/24/2024

We are honored to once again be nominated for Reader’s Choice Awards! Voting ends Friday and we appreciate you all! Thank you for supporting our office!

07/22/2024

Look at this beautiful Pet of the Week, CoCo! CoCo is an 11 year old Ragdoll who is just as soft as she looks! Her mom tells us CoCo likes her Ragdoll brother, but will sass at the other kitties at home. CoCo can be shy around strangers, but loves her mom and is a big sweetie!

07/17/2024

We’re highlighting the Vizsla in our “Getting to Know Your Breed” segment! Remember to share photos of your Vizsla furkids with us also!

The Vizsla has an ancient history going back to the Magyar barbarian tribes that invaded central Europe during the Dark Ages. Their dogs fulfilled the role of companion and hunter to the Magyar warriors. Early 10th century etchings show a Magyar warrior and a dog resembling a vizsla. The breed was readily adopted by Hungarian nobility who developed them into the Vizsla dog we know today. The Vizsla is a medium-sized, versatile, red-coated gundog built for long days in the field. A Vizslas long, silky ears frame a facial expression that is sensitive and loving around the house and intense when at work. As a hunter expected to work closely with humans, Vizslas form a tight bond with their owners and often hate to be left alone. Athletes of many talents, Vizslas excel at various sports and activities. They are eager and graceful trotters with great stamina, making them ideal jogging or biking companions.
Responsible Vizsla breeders screen their dogs for health conditions such as such as seasonal allergies, eye disorders including melanosis and entropion, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. The Vizslas have a short, sleek coat with no undercoat, so they don't require complicated grooming. They do shed, and occasional brushing with a rubber grooming brush is helpful along either regular nail trims.
Vizslas were bred to be active hunting dogs, meaning they need both physical and mental exercise. In addition to leash walks and games of fetch, most Vizslas need opportunities to run hard on a regular basis. Mental exercise is as important as physical activity, so consistent, positive training, starting in puppyhood should be part of their routine.
A highly intelligent, curious, and sometimes manipulative breed, Vizsla owners need to establish solid communication and teach good behavior starting when they bring home their pup. Untrained Vizslas are hard to live with as they can find many creative ways get into trouble if they don't have a 'job.' Fortunately, Vizslas typically love training and thrive on the attention they receive. This is a sensitive breed, so early and ongoing socialization is important to make sure the dog has the confidence to enjoy various activities. If properly socialized, Vizslas tolerate other dogs and cats well. This breed is ideal for owners who want a medium-sized, active dog for hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

07/15/2024

Lola the Dachshund is our Pet of the Week! This pretty girl is 9 years old and the sweetest pup! Her mom tells us Lola has the “softest heart” and takes her fur siblings right under her wings. Lola loves snuggling in blankets and being with her family.

07/10/2024

Our “The More You Know” feature today is highlighting a project on which our own Dr. Bella has assisted, Iowa State’s Crow Creek Service Project.

For 14 years, Iowa State University faculty, alumni, veterinary students, and community volunteers have organized and carried out the Crow Creek Reservation Service Trip. Team members travel to Fort Thompson, South Dakota to provide veterinary services to tribal members of the Crow Creek Reservation.

Veterinary services are not easily accessible or affordable to many animal owners on the reservation. Most years, more than 300 animals will be seen during the small animal and equine clinics. When the project first began, it was common for dogs to present with heartworm, mange, and tick infestations. Now, our veterinarians who provide services for the trip have noticed a marked decrease in the incidence of these medical problems.

Dr. Bella first attended the service trip as a 4th year veterinary student, but has now been back the past two summers to volunteer as a doctor. She helps to run the anesthesia table by calculating and drawing up drugs for each of the surgery patients as well as popping over to do spays and neuters in surgery.

This years totals:
☑️ Vaccines and preventatives for 196 dogs 🐕
☑️ Vaccines and preventatives for 88 🐈
☑️ 25 canine spays 🐕
☑️ 34 canine neuters 🐕
☑️ 25 feline spays 🐈
☑️ 12 feline neuters 🐈
☑️ Vaccines and deworming for 129 horses. Some of which received dentals or castrations 🐎
Grand total of 509 animals serviced ❤️

If you are interested in learning more information about the program or donating to future projects, you can go to https://fundisu.foundation.iastate.edu/

07/08/2024

Meet our Pet of the Week, Bella, who stole our hearts with her sweet face and bravery during her blood draw! Although those Chihuahua eyes give puppy vibes, Bella is actually 2 years old. Her mom tells us she loves people and hiding under blankets!

07/03/2024

Our office will be closed tomorrow, July 4th. While we hope you all enjoy the holiday, we know it can also be a stressful day for some. Here are some tips to help keep your pet safe over the holiday!

07/01/2024

With the upcoming holiday, Liberty Belle was an easy choice for Pet of the Week! This pretty girl is a 14 week old German Shepherd. Her mom says Liberty is very “helpful” and enjoys pushing her walker around the house and helping with laundry.

06/26/2024

Did you know that more pets go missing over the 4th of July Holiday than any other day of the year? Today on “The More You Know” we will be discussing microchips and how they can help bring your pet home!

The best reason to have your animals microchipped is the improved chance that you'll get your animal back if it becomes lost or stolen. A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the size of a grain of rice. A microchip is placed by injection under the skin using a hypodermic needle. It is no more painful than a typical injection, although the needle is slightly larger than those used for routine injection. Both dogs and cats can be microchipped. A microchip can be implanted during a routine veterinary visit or when your pet is already undergoing anesthesia for a procedure, such as neutering or spaying. It's very important that the microchip is implanted properly under supervision of a veterinarian to ensure the chip can be detected and read if needed in the future. This microchip itself does not have a battery, but rather is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area. The radio waves put out by the scanner activate the chip, then the chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays the number on the screen.
When an animal is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, one of the first things the staff does is scan the animal for a microchip. If they find a microchip, and if the microchip registry has accurate information, they can quickly find the animal's owner. The microchips presently used in pets only contain identification numbers, though some microchip registration databases will allow you to store your pet’s medical information in the database for quick reference. The microchip is not a GPS device and cannot track your animal if it gets lost. Make sure to keep your contact information updated with your veterinarian and the manufacturer of the microchip to ensure your pet can be reunited with you as quickly as possible.

06/24/2024

Mochi is our purr-fect Pet of the Week! This beautiful kitten is 18 weeks old and charmed us with her adorable ear curls! Her mom tells us this mischievous kitten enjoys picking on her greyhound sister and shredding any paper she can find; whether it’s tissues, paper towels, or toilet paper, Mochi will make it into confetti!

06/19/2024

We are back to “Getting to Know Your Breed” with the Basset Hound this week! Remember to share your Basset’s with us in the comments!

Basset Hounds were originally bred in France and Belgium. The word bas is French for “low,” befitting the basset hound's stature. It is thought that the friars of the Abbey of St. Hubert were responsible for crossing strains of older French breeds to create a low-built scenting hound that could plod over rough terrain tracking rabbit and deer while being followed on foot by a human hunting partner. Their accuracy and persistence on scent made Bassets a popular choice for French aristocrats.
This low-slung and low-key hound can be stubborn, but charming. Despite its low height of under 15 inches, the Basset Hound is a medium to large dog, weighing in at anywhere from 40 pounds for a small female to 80 pounds for a large male. Although short in height, these dogs have remarkably heavy bones, powerful little legs, and massive paws, giving them big-dog strength and stamina. Bassets are famous for a large, domed head that features extremely long, velvety ears, mournful eyes, and a wrinkled brow. Built more for endurance than speed, the Basset moves in a deliberate but effortless manner. The breed's scenting ability is second in accuracy only to the Bloodhound's nose.
The Basset's ears are long and droopy, so it's important to check them frequently to ensure that low air circulation hasn't led to an infection. Shaking the head or scratching at the ears may indicate the need for a vet visit. Responsible breeders check for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, bleeding disorders, and luxating patella.
Although they have short, smooth hair, regular grooming sessions are an important part of keeping the breed healthy and happy. The Basset's short hair can shed profusely. Shedding can be kept under control by gently going over the dog at least once a week with a soft brush or a shedding tool. As well as removing hair that is ready to shed, grooming is like an all-body massage that benefits a Basset Hound’s skin and overall health. Their loose lips lead to a fair amount of drooling and many owners keep towels strategically placed around the house for cleanup. The Basset will also need nails trimmed regularly, and an occasional bath will help to keep their coat clean and shiny.
Basset Hounds are not as active as some breeds, but they do require regular, moderate exercise. Usually a daily walk at a moderate pace will satisfy their needs. Exercise will help to keep the Basset healthy and prevent them from becoming overweight. Basset hounds need a firm person in charge of their feeding as they have a definite tendency to become obese, which can cause serious problems with their long backs and joints.
A very independent breed, training can be a challenge. Over the centuries, scenthounds of this type were developed to hunt and to follow a track without distraction. Because of this, they can seem aloof and not interested in following your commands. However, a Basset definitely can be trained with time, consistency, and persistence. Using treats and early socialization in puppyhood is crucial, and as the Basset matures he and his owner can benefit from continued positive obedience training. While treats can be an important aid in training, giving too many can cause obesity. Bassets left alone to their own devices can easily become nuisance barkers or diggers. Since the breed was developed to work in a pack with other dogs, Bassets typically enjoy canine company, and the breed can be quite playful.

06/17/2024

This cute Pet of the Week, Red, stole our hearts at his first puppy visit! Red is a 15 week old Labrador/ Corgi mix. His mom tells us his name is short for “Redemption Juice.” We can’t wait to watch this happy puppy grow up!

06/12/2024

Today we’re excited to bring you another “Getting to Know Your Staff” segment with our newest employee, Kenzi!

Kenzi joined the Brookview team in May. A graduate from Central Springs, Kenzi worked at a few other vet clinics before settling back near her hometown. Her previous experience makes her confident in helping pets and their owners. Kenzi has 3 Labradors and a cat at home. When she isn’t working, Kenzi can be found riding horses or training dogs with her dad.

Fun facts about Kenzi: Kenzi is involved in a three generation dog training program started by her grandpa who taught her dad, who then taught Kenzi. They also compete with their Labradors in AKC field trials.

06/10/2024

Grizzly is our Pet of the Week! This cute boy is 11 weeks old and full of fluff and love! His mom tells us Grizzly loves his kids and 2 Bully dog siblings. A
typical kitten, Grizzly is very playful and likes keeping his family on their toes by climbing up trees when he runs outside.

06/05/2024

Dante wants to make sure he has your full attention for this announcement: Did you know that June is “Adopt a Cat” month!? June typically marks the height of “kitten season” when large litters are born and often end up in shelters looking for homes. All of our clinic cats are adopted or rescued and we think they are pretty great!

06/03/2024

This sweet and silly Pet of the Week is Finn! Finn is a 7 month old Labrador who loves attention and cuddling- when she isn’t digging holes in her mom’s yard!

05/29/2024

For our “The More You Know” segment today we are focusing on something seen daily at our office: Retractable leashes.

Although popular, retractable leashes are not advised by most veterinarians or trainers. While retractable leashes, or Flexi leads, can provide benefits to dogs when used in the right environment, they also have several dangerous aspects to consider. These types of leashes are designed to give dogs the freedom to roam and explore, but this design can cause problems in enclosed spaces, situations where you cannot give your dog your full attention, or areas that are shared by other families with pets.
The thin rope-like cord of the retractable leash can cause severe burns, deep cuts, entanglement or strangulations. It can even cause amputation to limbs and fingers of both humans and pets. The leash can cause people to trip and break bones. If two dogs on retractable leashes get tangled, there is an even higher risk of injury to the dogs or to the humans attempting to untangle them. Tangled dogs are more fearful and unpredictable, creating an increased risk of bites or cord injuries. The cord can also become wrapped around a neck or leg subsequently cutting off circulation of blood flow and oxygen.
When scared, excited, or trying to chase an animal, some dogs will suddenly bolt forward. This sudden force of a dog pulling can jolt a leash from a hand or damage your pet’s throat and neck. The built in locks on a retractable leash tend to break easily or wear out allowing loss of control. The combination of loss of control and a split second pulling of a dog can allow them to break free and end up on the middle of oncoming traffic or in contact with another dog, resulting in a potentially serious or even fatal injury.
Using a sturdy 4-6 foot leash when walking your dog and in public spaces will help keep you and your canine companion safe.

05/27/2024

Our office is closed today in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!