Another year, another successful #nationalpetdentalmonth! Removing rotten, broken, loose teeth and providing our patients with a clean, healthy mouth is such a great feeling. A lot of times, we tend to feel bad for a pet who has had most of their teeth removed, but it can actually provide them with an incredible amount of relief!
"Dental Month" may be over, but dental hygiene remains important for your pet all year long so make sure to speak with your veterinarian today about a hygiene plan to keep your pet's mouth happy and healthy througout the year!
It’s flea and tick season! One of technicians found this guy crawling in our patient’s fur during a laser therapy session. Fortunately, the tick had not latched on to its host yet, and our technician was able to easily remove it without any issue! After a fun day of hiking, camping or even just lounging in the yard - make sure to check your furry friends for any unwelcome guests and use preventative products to help reduce their risk!
Dental Month is in full effect!
Happy Monday!
It's raining cats and dogs today...don't step in any POODLES! 😀
Meet Nikki!
Nikki's wonderful family brought her in to see us a little over a month ago for being suddenly unable to use her back legs. They were worried for not only her wellbeing, but her ability to do continue to do one of her favorite things: RUN!
Nikki visited Dr. Laura Veals for acupuncture, E-Stim, and laser therapy several times per week. Nikki has slowly been regaining movement and sensation in her hind limbs.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very small needles into specific points on the body to produce a physiologic response. Stimulation of acupuncture points affects the nervous system and can lead to an increase in circulation, decrease muscle spasms and pain, and release chemicals known as neurotransmitters and hormones.
This is enhanced by the use of electro-stimulation (called E-Stim) where nerve pathways are stimulated with tiny, non-painful electrical impulses. You can see some of the needles in the videos- watch her back leg move as it is stimulated!
Laser therapy is an immensely helpful addition to acupuncture. The laser uses focused light of various wavelengths to stimulate tissue at and below the surface of your pet’s skin. Laser therapy affects tissues at the cellular level, increasing the metabolism of cells, which leads to improved circulation, decreased inflammation and release of the body’s natural pain relievers.
Today, Nikki is much more comfortable, zooming around in her mobility assistance cart, and loving life more than ever. The look on her face says it all!
In case you're curious... teeth are NOT suppose to move like this. This loose tooth was caused by a rotted and broken root found during a dental cleaning. Fortunately, Dr. Lucas Ware was able to remove the tooth without issue!
Eyeworm
WARNING: Video may be disturbing to some viewers.
Last week, a Border Collie named Dodger came in for a visit to check his eye, which looked like he had developed some inflammation of the conjunctiva (known as conjunctivitis). A fluorescein stain was performed to evaluate the cornea for scratches or ulceration that could have caused the inflammation, but instead of damage to the surface of the eye, a live worm was found! This ocular parasite is mostly likely Thelazia californiensis, a worm found in dogs, cats, and deer in the Western U.S., and is spread via fly larvae laid in the dogs tears. Once they become adults, they move in a quick, serpentine motion across the eye that we can see visibly (aided by the stain as seen in our video). The eyeworm can cause secondary problems such as excessive tearing, conjunctivitis, or infection of the eye. Although this eyeworm is unlikely to affect humans, make sure to use fly repellent in heavily affected areas to protect you and your pets from any diseases transmissible by flies!
**UPDATE: Hermes has been adopted!**
MEET HERMES!
Hermes came to us a few months ago with two fractured back legs. After a few months of TLC and strict confinement, Hermes is running around like all puppies should! As you can see, Hermes is still getting used to all the activity, but we’re confident he’ll get the hang of it soon!
Did we mention he’s up for adoption at All Valley Animal Rescue? All adoptions inquiries can be made at [email protected]!
Lucy sure loves her hydrotherapy sessions!
All Valley Animal Care Center voted one of the best Veterinary Hospitals in the Treasurer Valley
