Sentinel Veterinary Specialists & Emergency

07/24/2024

Who doesn't LOVE a shaved ice on a hot summer day? Join us on Friday from 3pm-5pm and have one on us! We will ever have them for your pooch!

07/08/2024

07/04/2024

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Sentinel!

07/03/2024

A quick paws in our summer celebrations to share some helpful reminders when thinking about pet safety during this holiday! Please share any patriotic pics that you snapped with us! Happy Independence day!

04/25/2024

This week we are celebrating our amazing Client Service Coordinators! These are the beautiful faces behind the voices you hear on the phones when you call. They give 110% to our patients and our clients while trying to manage about 28 different things going on at the same time. We appreciate everything they do for our hospital and this community!

02/06/2024

We are so grateful we get to partner with incredible organizations like The Humane Society of Western Montana!🐾

Missoula, Mont: Four puppies were who recently contracted the deadly disease, parvovirus, likely had their lived saved by a brand-new treatment that was administered at a local vet clinic.

11/24/2023

Canine respiratory disease update:

There is a new form of canine respiratory disease that is being reported in the U.S. which you may have seen reports on in the news. There have been NO reported cases in Montana, however we want to share the current facts.

What we do know:
*Clinical signs include cough, inappetence, nasal discharge, lethargy, and fever
*Often these dogs have been exposed to other dogs via dog parks, boarding, grooming, etc.
*Symptoms tend to last for weeks
*Typical treatment for kennel cough is often not effective
*Some cases can progress to pneumonia

What we don't know:
*The exact cause - this is under active investigation

What we can assume:
*It is contagious and is probably spread through aerosol transmission and direct contact
*It is likely bacterial, based on current research

What we are doing:
*Taking additional precautions when handling any dogs with these clinical signs including; triage in the car, PPE, disinfection, and isolation protocols
*Working with the state veterinarians to report any potential cases and following their recommendations for testing and handling

What to do if your dog is showing clinical signs:
*Contact your primary veterinarian to determine appropriate diagnostics and treatment
*Avoid contact with other dogs until cleared by your primary veterinarian

We will continue to keep you updated as more information comes to light. As always, we are here if you need us.

Dr. Buisson

09/30/2023

Come see us at the homecoming parade! We have treats for your furry friends!!

09/27/2023

Our Emergency Department will be closed tomorrow from 7am-6pm.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.

09/23/2023

Our friends at Missoula Animal Control are drowning in adorable kittens! We work with MAC all the time, usually on sick and injured animals that need more care than the shelter can provide. But today we neutered these healthy cuties to help get them ready for adoption. If you or anyone you know is looking for a new kitten, stop by the shelter or Petsmart and adopt. MAC is always looking for foster homes, so if you’re not looking for a permanent addition but want to help, apply to be a foster home at the shelter.

08/12/2023

Remember this little guy? Que came to see us back in March because he was not feeling his best. He stopped by a few weeks ago to say hello and to show us how much he has grown! He is such a sweet boy and we were so happy we got to love on him!

08/11/2023

Today is the day! Stop by for a treat!

07/13/2023

ETA 7/17/23: water testing from DEQ has not found any harmful microorganisms in the Clark Fork.

Dog owners of Missoula,

There have been reports on social media of dogs becoming ill and dying from being in the Clark Fork River. We extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost their canine companions. Here at Sentinel Veterinary Specialists & Emergency we are monitoring these reports closely and want to share the most up to date information to keep your dogs safe.

*We have reported this information to our state veterinarians. They are monitoring the situation and will advise as more information becomes available.
*There has been no conformation of any toxin in the Clark Fork as of now. However, DEQ has performed water testing which is pending. We will know more when this testing is complete. You can view the results of all water testing they perform here:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/12f8eb354a51402e9a4732269c515c53
*One of the concerns that has been shared is that there is blue-green Algae in the Clark Fork. This has NOT been confirmed. However, blue-green algae can arise is water sources at any time given the right conditions. If there is ANY concern about algae in the water, stay out of the water. There is no specific testing or treatment for algae exposure - treatment is supportive.

What can you do to protect your dogs?
*Stay out of the Clark Fork until more information is available from the DEQ water testing.
*Avoid any water that has evidence of algae blooms. There is no way to tell by looking if the algae is harmful.
*If your dog is showing any signs of illness, see your primary veterinarian right away. If it is after hours or they are not available, we are always available to help.
*Be aware of the temperatures outside. We have Montana dogs. They are not acclimated to the hot temperatures we have been experiencing and are susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The signs that have been reported are very similar to heat stroke. Take frequent breaks. Make sure your dog has access to clean drinking water. Avoid the hottest parts of the day. And if you have a brachycephalic breed (french bulldog, boxer, pug, or any other smushed faced pup) - please avoid exercise and the heat. These breed are extremely susceptible to overheating and respiratory distress. We are here if it happens, but we would prefer you and your smush faced dogs are relaxing at home in the A/C.

Stay safe and healthy,
Caroline Buisson, DVM, ER Medical Director

Scroll down in this app to access the Report Form and Interactive Map Viewer

07/12/2023

The Missoula City-County Health Department hasn't gotten any first-person reports of dogs dying due to drinking Clark Fork River water.

07/07/2023

While the world may be celebrating , we thought we would approach the topic of chocolate a little differently.

07/04/2023

Here are a few safety tips to keep pets safe for the 4th: Make sure that gates, fences, and kennels are well secured. Take time to exercise pets well before the festivities. Double check that contact info is up to date on collars. Give your pet some treats that will occupy their time through the evening.

07/03/2023

*Cute animal post*

Just before midnight, the 311 crew was requested to rescue a kitten from a storm drain. The three legged kitten was carried out of the storm drain, then with assistance from .vse was contacted and agreed to take the kitten in for the night. Sentinel employees recognized the kitten from a missing cat Facebook post and are working on reuniting “Salem” with his owner.