TruVet Specialty and Emergency Hospital

12/07/2024

TRUVET ANNOUNCEMENTS-
Donation Drive!!!!
From now until January 1st, we will be collecting donations for animals in need in Sonoma County. If you are interested in participating, please drop off unopened kibble or canned food, unused or gently loved toys or bedding and blankets in our "Gift Box" in the front lobby! We will periodically drop them off at rescues and shelters accepting donations. Thank you for helping us make the Holiday Season a little merrier for those pets that need a little extra loving this winter!

12/06/2024

Special Delivery from the North Pole!🎅
There's a particularly fiendish friend making the rounds in our treatment room this year. Luckily he won't be performing any surgical procedures- his instruments are made of peppermint! From his pin striped pants to his puff-ball hat, this magical, mischievous and mythical being will be prancing his way through TruVet Emergency offering educational information regarding various machines and their functions in treatment or procedures performed in specialty departments. He's sassy, he's sensible, he's Santa's #1 Doctor Elf..... Introducing: Dog-tor Scoots!

12/06/2024

The holidays are upon us and with them are a plethora of household hazards to your pets to watch out for.👀 Trust us, you'll thank us later for the 5 minute read now to avoid unnecessary and costly hospital bills. From tinsel to poinsettias flowers, the FDA has written a phenomenal article geared towards keeping your pets safe this holiday season.

From tinsel to table scraps, holiday hazards for pets abound. Here are some tips to help you keep them safe.

12/04/2024

December is here, with temperatures fluctuating and days getting darker earlier. With the change in seasons, however, comes the risk for different toxicities to pets. While that pile of leaves might look like grand fun to run full speed into, dried and dead leaves pose risk of being moldy, which may introduce mycotoxins that are harmful to pets if ingested.
Acorns and Oak leaves contain tannins which can cause gastrointestinal upset, kidney damage, or more severe health concerns.
Wild mushrooms can grow in lawns and wooded areas. Some variations are highly toxic and can cause gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and may even prove fatal. Symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and abdominal pain.
Pest/Herbicides: Fall is a common time for lawn treatments. These chemicals can cause a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal upset to more severe reactions depending on the type and amount ingested or contact.
If you suspect your pet to have come into contact with toxic chemicals or plant life and they are showing symptoms, take your pet to a nearby emergency room or call the ASPCA poison control line at (888)426-4435.
Thank you!

12/03/2024

It's a bit early for Santa to be passing out Coal, don't you think? CHARCOAL that is! 🎅🏻
Toss back to November 22nd when technicians Nora and Nydia showed us what it means to have grit in the face of a challenge- in this case, a large dog with a case of toxicity that called for the administration of some activated charcoal gone hilariously askew. Thank goodness for gowns and a good sense of humor! Luckily, the patient had a successful stay in hospital and went home with a positive outlook and follow up appointments scheduled to make sure they are on the right track!
Thanks Nora and Nydia for being part of our superstar team! You two really are at the top of the nice list in our book.

11/28/2024

We at TruVet would like to express gratitude to you, our clients, who motivate us to providing the service we do every day.

Turkey Day is finally here! Gathering round the table, expressing gratitude for our loved ones and lives, and best of all- the feast. Whether you partake in turkey with stuffing or get the nearest takeout to avoid the hassle, the AVMA has released an article detailing foods and other hazards to avoid this Thanksgiving.

Many popular food items can cause digestive system damage or be toxic to your pets- Turkey skin can cause major organ upset and the bones can cause obstruction or splinter after being chewed, becoming lodged. Other foods such as onions, grapes and raisins are highly toxic to pets and should be avoided.

If you'd really like your pet to feel the love this holiday, be sure to prepare a pet safe snack in advance for them to have at dinnertime. Trust us, the holidays are more fun *without* a trip to the Emergency Vet.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/thanksgiving-pet-safety #:~:text=Keep%20the%20feast%20on%20the,onions%2C%20raisins%2C%20and%20grapes.

Thanksgiving can carry some hazards for pets. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.

11/27/2024

Insurance for your pet might seem silly at first, but when it comes to emergency visits or specialty procedures, it's no laughing matter. The AVMA has written this helpful article regarding pet insurance and whether it may benefit you for any number of reasons. Many insurance companies will reimburse policy holders for a large portion of their client's hospital bill retroactively, and in some cases clients can even submit for pre-approval if they know a procedure is going to be costly and is scheduled in advance.

Please note that factors like age and pre-existing conditions may raise your pet's premium and/or make it harder to secure a policy. The younger you start, the better!

Pet insurance can offset some of the costs of your pet's healthcare. Talk to your veterinarian and research your pet health insurance options.

11/26/2024

Has your pet been struggling with an ongoing condition that seemingly won't resolve? Is your primary Vet scratching their head to find a diagnosis? Then it might be time to seek out a specialist. Our Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Freya Kruger and her team are here, at the ready to help tackle your pets chronic or unresolved conditions. Whether your pet suffers from Gastrointestinal distress, Endocrine Disorders, chronic urinary and kidney issues or unmanaged diabetes, book a consultation to see if there are more options available to your pet.

11/26/2024

LATEST IN TVSH EVENTS:
***HOLIDAY CLOSURES REMINDER***
In order to recognize our hard working staff that works so tirelessly to provide patient care, we will be **closed** for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We will close at 6:00PM on November 27th, and reopen at 8:00 AM on November 29th.

In December, we will close at 6:00PM on December 24th. We will reopen at 8:00AM on December 26th.

We recommend calling PESCM in San Rafael, or VCA Animal Care Center in Rohnert Park during these closures for any emergency needs you may have, and we appreciate your support. Thank you!

11/23/2024

Happy Friday followers and friends alike! We're rounding out our staff patient spotlight series featuring Shawndell with a heartwarming story about her beloved fur baby, Zaida.

"I brought Zaida, my 16 year old pitty that I have had since she was 5 weeks in to Doctor Kruger in November of 2023 when I noticed she grew weak and lost her appetite. Dr. Kruger performed an Ultrasound and found a mass on her spleen.
Two days later, Dr. Lisa Alexander (one of our Surgeons) performed a Splenectomy. The Spleen was sent out for a biopsy and it came back as a rare type of cancer called Stromal Sarcoma. I was very concerned and knew I might have a short amount of time left with her. I have been following the medical recommendations from Dr. Kruger and Dr. Alexander and I am happy to say Zaida is doing amazing !
I am beyond grateful, each day is one more I get to still have my baby in my life a little longer thanks to my amazing co-workers."

Thank you Shawndell for sharing your experiences with us, and for your dedication to all the patients that make their way through our doors. Your heart and service are part of what make TruVet great!

We hope that this series has given you a glimpse into the heart behind our most fearless technicians. Most of our staff have been on the treatment side of the client table, and they know firsthand how hard it can be to go through. Each and every one of our staff is here to care for your babies as if it were their own.

11/21/2024

📣TruVet Announcement!📣
Among our ever growing team of superstars, TruVet is pleased as punch to welcome Dr. Daniel Ben-Aderet as our Boarded Veterinary Anesthesiologist!
Take a moment to welcome him aboard with us, and be sure to check out his bio on our webpage!

https://truvetspecialty.com/daniel-ben-aderet/

11/20/2024

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, which means traveling distances great and small to be with our family and loved ones. If you're planning on taking Fido or Captain Sparkle Pants on vacation with you, the aspca website has compiled a few helpful safety and comfort tips for any occasion. Make an informed decision this season, and let's all enjoy the holidays safely.

Traveling by Plane?

✈Book a direct flight whenever possible to reduce risks of mishandling and exposure to extreme weather.

✈Visit the veterinarian for a pre-trip checkup and ensure vaccinations are up-to-date. Obtain a health certificate within 10 days of departure. Avoid tranquilizing pets unless explicitly instructed, and discuss ways to calm them if needed.

✈Check travel requirements if going outside the continental U.S., including additional health documentation; contact the destination country's foreign office for specifics.

✈Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate:
Large enough for pet to stand, sit, and turn around.
Lined with bedding to absorb accidents.

✈Attach a pouch of dried food for layovers.
Freeze a dish of water to prevent spillage.

✈Ensure the crate door is secure but not locked.

✈Mark the crate with identification:
Label with "Live Animal," your name, cell phone, destination number, and a photo of your pet.

✈Notify airline staff at every point of travel (ground and in-air) about your pet in the cargo hold.

✈Monitor your pet’s welfare:
If delays occur, insist airline staff check on your pet.
In some cases, removing the pet from the cargo hold may be necessary.

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips

For some pet parents, a trip is no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come along. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your pets. If you’re planning to take a trip with pets in tow, we have some tips to help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for everyone.

11/14/2024

Staff Patient Highlights with Superstar Shawndell 📣

In this edition, we thought we'd highlight a familiar face- you might recognize "Ocean" as the winner of our 2024 Costume Contest! Well, this little ball of s***k comes with a heartwarming backstory that Social Media Gremlin Evvy learned in an exclusive interview with Ocean's mama and our very own Superstar Shawndell! Check it out⬇

“ A French bulldog was brought into TruVet in 2023-a 4 month old female that had a re**al prolapse, was relinquished by owners and in need of a home.
I was on leave from work and received a text from Dr. Kaiser with a picture of her- I of course said I would take her!
The adorable puppy was spayed and got a colopexy to resolve her re**al prolapse and she is doing amazing. She has been a great companion for me, I have fallen in love!
I will forever be grateful to my amazing co-workers.

Every shift , I'm amazed by the dedication, skill and compassion that this team brings to our furry patients and their families. From handling intense cases to providing comfort and support, each one of them plays a vital role in making a difference. The teamwork and resilience inspires me every day. Grateful to be part of such an amazing group of professionals!"

11/12/2024

November is well underway, with temperatures fluctuating and days getting darker earlier. With the change in seasons, however, comes the risk for different toxicities to pets. While that pile of leaves might look like grand fun to run full speed into, dried and dead leaves pose risk of being moldy, which may introduce mycotoxins that are harmful to pets if ingested.
Acorns and Oak leaves contain tannins which can cause gastrointestinal upset, kidney damage, or more severe health concerns.
Wild mushrooms can grow in lawns and wooded areas. Some variations are highly toxic and can cause gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and may even prove fatal. Symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and abdominal pain.
Pest/Herbicides: Fall is a common time for lawn treatments. These chemicals can cause a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal upset to more severe reactions depending on the type and amount ingested or contact.
If you suspect your pet to have come into contact with toxic chemicals or plant life and they are showing symptoms, take your pet to a nearby emergency room or call the ASPCA poison control line at (888)426-4435.
Thank you!

11/08/2024

Traveling with your pets can be fun, but comes with a number of hazards if you haven't made proper preparations. The humane society organization website has put together a helpful guide in keeping your pet safe during transport for any scenario, and we'll be educating you and ourselves together one mode of transportation at a time!

Today's chosen mode between planes, trains and automobiles is- cars! Make sure you and your pet are ready for anything on that cross country trek, or ensure their security on every 10 minute long drive over to the dog park. There is no such thing as caring too much about your pet's safety!

11/08/2024

📣TruVet Announcement:📣
Due to patient needs, we will begin admitting patients at 9:30AM on Friday, November 8th. Technicians will be able to triage your pet and determine their stability. If you feel your pet is in critical condition and in need of immediate attention before 9:30AM, please seek assistance at Animal Care Center in Rohnert Park or PESCM in San Rafael.
Thank you!

11/07/2024

At TruVet, we think it's important to know the faces of our wonderful team behind the treatment doors. Along with being a powerhouse Team Lead, technician Shawndell has had her fair share of occasions on the client side of our practice. In this Q&A series we will learn a little about her pets' stories and how her experience impacted her perspective as both a technician and client.

Staff Patient Highlights- Superstar Shawndell.
"Kilo"
My dogs were brought in October 06th, 2022 after my house fire and were treated for smoke inhalation and bronchial pneumonia. They boarded with the hospital while I was hospitalized for burns. Dr. Kruger took in my dogs no questions asked and made sure they were taken care of as if they were her own. Dr. Marcus, Dr. Kaiser, Dr. McEvoy and Dr. Miller and all the amazing Technicians took care of them and made sure they received the best care possible during the almost 5 weeks they stayed at the hospital. It meant a lot knowing my co-workers were taking care of my dogs and I could focus on my recovery. The care and love they received during that time was above and beyond.

I think being a technician and taking care of critical patients, and then having to be on the other side of the table when your own pet is experiencing an emergency gives you great empathy and compassion for the pet s and pet owners that you help in those difficult times. Being able to relate and understand what they are going through can have a impact on communication between owners and staff.

Thank you Shawndell for sharing your story with us. Please keep your eyes open for further installments with this superstar technician that goes above and beyond for every client that comes through our doors with her compassion and care!

11/05/2024

Every rose has it's thorns, and every costume contest has it's honorable mentions. It would be criminal not to post Nora's darling cats in their hilarious costumes, and this media gremlin wants to make up for missing out on getting their submission in on time for fan votes! Take a moment to complement Layla and Phillip on their festive wardrobes, and share your favorite moments from this past Halloween in the comments!