York Animal Hospital

02/01/2025

01/24/2025

Pyometra

Pyometra is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus that causes it to fill with bacteria and pus. Many dogs/cats with a pyometra may have vaginal discharge and may feel very sick with a poor appetite, lethargy, vomiting and sometimes increased thirst or urination. The most effective treatment for pyometra is surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries, also known as a spay or ovariohysterectomy. Any female dog/cat that has not been spayed can develop a pyometra, but they are more common in middle-aged to older female dogs/cats who have been through multiple heat cycles. Most dogs/cats have a good prognosis if diagnosed and treated promptly, but it can be deadly if left untreated. Pyometra can be easily prevented by spaying at a young and healthy age.

01/23/2025

With the cold weather we have had lately, we enjoyed a wonderful “Fun In The Sun” lunch today!

01/22/2025

☀️Just a little sunshine to brighten up your day!☀️

01/19/2025

The results are in!!! The Top 10 Toxins for Cats and Dogs in 2024!!!

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/media-releases/top-10-pet-poisons-of-2024/

01/14/2025

🦠DO YOU VACCINATE AGAINST CANINE PARVOVIRUS? 🦠

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious, widespread virus that can be fatal if not treated. It primarily attacks dogs' gastrointestinal systems and can also harm puppies' hearts. The virus causes such severe symptoms that, without treatment, it can kill within just two to three days of symptoms. But there's good news! A parvo vaccine exists that's so effective, it's recommended as part of every puppy's core vaccination series.

🦠What is parvo?
Parvo is an illness caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). This virus was first identified in 1978 when it caused a worldwide pandemic in dogs. It's believed to have emerged as a mutation of the feline parvovirus responsible for feline panleukopenia.

Today, CPV-2 has mutated into three variants: CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c. All three variants produce similar symptoms and are collectively known as parvo. Modern vaccines are effective against all three variants.

🦠Causes of parvo
How do dogs get parvo? The virus is ubiquitous worldwide, very hardy in the environment and very easy to catch. This is why it's so important that all dogs get vaccinated.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected dogs or contaminated surfaces, objects or f***s. The resilient virus can be found on collars, leashes, food and water bowls—even on a person's hands or clothing. It survives in both hot and cold climates, and can infect wild canines like foxes, wolves and coyotes. It's also been found in raccoons, skunks and even pigs.

Can humans get parvo from dogs, too? Fortunately, canine parvovirus doesn't infect humans. A different strain (parvovirus B19) infects humans but typically only causes mild symptoms.

🦠Parvo symptoms
Because death can occur just 48 to 72 hours after the first symptoms, it's important to start veterinary treatment in the early stages of parvo. Common signs of parvo are:

*Bloating and abdominal pain
*Appetite loss and weight loss
*Severe diarrhea (often bloody)
*Vomiting
*Lethargy and weakness
*Dehydration and fever
*Refusal to drink water
*Drooling
*Gums that are pale, gray or white
*Low body temperature (hypothermia)
🦠Parvo diagnosis
After getting your dog's medical history and symptoms, veterinarians will usually employ an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) f***l test to confirm parvo.5505
These parvo tests use a technology similar to home pregnancy tests or COVID tests, and results usually take just 15 minutes.

In some cases, a f***l polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test may be necessary. This is more accurate, but it has to be sent to a laboratory.

Your veterinarian may also run a white blood cell count. A positive ELISA and a low white blood cell count can deliver a confident parvo diagnosis.

🦠Treatment options for parvo
Unfortunately, there is no antiviral that works against parvo. Instead, parvo treatment focuses on providing supportive care to help puppies survive until they can fight off the virus. Without intervention, the survival rate is only 9%. With treatment, this figure rises to between 60% and 90%.

Dogs infected with parvo need intensive care with IV fluids to combat dehydration and replace lost electrolytes, proteins and fluids. Veterinarians also need to control vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, dogs might need blood transfusions because parvo can infect the bone marrow. Antibiotics can treat secondary infections.

The good news is that once a dog recovers from parvo, they will have lifelong immunity. The bad news is that treatment can cost up to several thousand dollars. A good pet insurance plan can help you cover the cost, so you don't have to worry if you can afford to save your dog's life.

🦠Vaccination protocols and schedules
Because parvovirus is so widespread, vaccines are vital. They also help create herd immunity, which can protect the small percentage of dogs that don't respond to vaccines.

It's recommended that puppies get their first parvovirus vaccine at six to eight weeks of age, and then boosters every three to four weeks. The vaccine is given in a series in order to time it with the decline in maternal antibodies, which can inactivate the vaccine. Puppies' mother's antibodies typically go away between eight and 16 weeks of age. Although there is not immunity if the mother wasn't vaccinated herself.

No matter when they start their vaccinations, puppies should get a dose at or shortly after they're 16 weeks old.

Adult dogs need periodic boosters in order to stay protected—typically every three years after getting a shot between six months and one year of age.

There are a few situations in which the vaccine may be less effective, and your veterinarian can help you try to avoid these situations. These include an incomplete vaccination series, a series stopped before 16 weeks of age, or a series done in puppies whose moms had very high numbers of circulating antibodies.

🦠Prevention of parvo
In addition to vaccination, good hygiene plays a critical role in preventing parvo's spread. This means not letting your puppy or dog have any contact with p**p from other dogs when outside.

You have to be especially careful with puppies because their immune systems are still developing. Before they get their booster at around 16 weeks of age, they're at higher risk. You should be extra cautious about taking your puppy to places like obedience classes, kennels, dog parks, groomers or pet stores.

🦠Limiting exposure after an infection
If a dog is infected, take significant steps to limit exposure to other dogs. Disinfect all surfaces and items your dog touched with a solution of one part bleach to approximately 30 parts water. This includes bedding as well as food and water bowls.

While you can't disinfect your backyard, watering it can help dilute the virus over time. It may take a few weeks for the virus to reduce to a safer level outside. Because of this, only allow fully vaccinated dogs or puppies into your home for about three to four weeks.

01/02/2025

We love starting our New Year off with a beautiful litter of yellow lab puppies!!!🐶

12/31/2024

❄️Preparing to Celebrate a Pet-Safe New Year’s Eve❄️
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, with fireworks, parties, and midnight toasts. But while the night is full of excitement for people, it can be stressful and potentially dangerous for pets. The loud noises, party guests, and tempting treats can make keeping your four-legged friend safe and comfortable a challenge. Luckily, a little preparation can go a long way in creating a pet-friendly New Year’s celebration. Here are some tips to ensure your furry friend starts the new year off safely and happily

🐾Pet-safe New Year’s Eve tip #1: Provide a quiet, safe space

Fireworks, music, and party sounds can overwhelm pets, especially dogs and cats with anxiety issues or sensitive hearing. Create a quiet, cozy space away from the action where your pet can retreat if they feel anxious. Set up their favorite bed or blanket in a secluded room and consider adding a noise machine or soft music to muffle outside sounds. You can also provide a food-puzzle toy as a distraction from the excitement. A safe spot will help reduce stress and keep your pet comfortable throughout the night.

🐾Tip #2: Keep pets indoors

Keep your pet indoors on New Year’s Eve to prevent them from being frightened and running away. Pets are more likely to go missing on New Year’s Eve because sudden loud noises can cause them to panic and escape. Ensure doors and windows are securely closed, and ask guests to be mindful when entering and exiting your home to prevent accidental escapes. Also, ensure your pet is microchipped and that they always wear a collar with up-to-date, legible identification tags.

🐾Tip #3: Avoid party hazards

New Year’s Eve parties can expose your pet to certain hazards. Alcohol and some foods, including chocolate, xylitol-containing baked goods, grapes, onions, and garlic, are toxic to pets. In addition, decorations, such as confetti, tinsel, and balloons, can cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed. Ensure trash is securely closed to prevent curious pets from sneaking dangerous leftovers, and pick up all party debris as quickly as possible.

🐾Tip #4: Be mindful of fireworks

Fireworks are a common source of fear and stress in pets, as the sudden loud noises can trigger anxiety. If you expect fireworks near your home, distract your four-legged friend by closing the curtains to block out flashing lights and playing calming music or a pet-friendly television show. For extreme anxiety, consult your veterinarian in advance about options such as sedatives or anti-anxiety medications. Behavior modification techniques, such as counterconditioning and desensitization, can also help, but must be started weeks or months before the event.

🐾Tip #5: Stick to your pet’s normal routine

Pets are creatures of habit, so try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible on New Year’s Eve. Feed them at the usual time, take them on their regular walks, and make time for play and cuddle sessions, because a familiar routine can help them feel more at ease during the excitement. Extra exercise during the day may also help tire out your pet, so they will more easily relax when the festivities begin.

With a bit of preparation, you can ensure that your New Year’s Eve is safe and stress-free for your four-legged friend, and these tips can make a big difference in how your pet handles the holiday.

Cheers to a happy and pet-friendly new year!

12/30/2024

Remember our record breaking C-section??? 🐾❤️These 16 beautiful puppies came to visit us before they go to their new homes. 🐾❤️

12/28/2024

❄️☃️🐾Cold Safety for Pets🐾☃️❄️
As winter brings days with colder temperatures and snow, it’s important to remember that pets need extra care to stay warm and safe. Cold safety for pets is an important consideration as the temperatures dip below freezing. While some breeds are more cold-tolerant, every pet faces unique cold weather dangers, such as icy sidewalks, frigid winds, and frostbite. Use these tips to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable as the temperatures drop. Limit time outside

All pets, including those with thick fur coats, are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Pets left outside for extended periods are at risk for hypothermia and frostbite, especially on their ears, nose, and tail. Monitor your pet closely when outside and limit their time—for example, in extremely cold temperatures, take short, frequent walks with your dog rather than long excursions. For small-breed and older dogs, who are more cold-sensitive, consider carrying them outside for bathroom breaks to shorten their time in the cold as much as possible.

Recognize cold-related health problems

During extreme weather, pets are at risk for cold-related health issues, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Cold safety for pets involves recognizing the signs so you can address problems before significant damage occurs. Signs include:

❄️Frostbite — Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged from prolonged exposure to extreme cold and most commonly affects areas with less fur, such as the ears, tail, paws, and nose. Signs include shivering, skin discoloration, swelling, and pain when the affected area is touched. If you suspect your pet has frostbite, take them indoors immediately and gently warm the affected area with warm—never hot—water. Avoid rubbing or massaging the frostbitten area, which can further damage tissues. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible to prevent infection and assess the extent of the damage.
❄️Hypothermia — Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that occurs when a pet’s body temperature drops significantly below normal because of exposure to cold temperatures. Left untreated, the condition can affect organ function, lead to shock, and be life-threatening. Early signs include shivering, weakness, and pale or cool skin, and then lethargy, confusion, shallow breathing, and a slow heart rate as the hypothermia worsens. If you suspect your pet is hypothermic, take them inside immediately and wrap them in warm blankets. You can also use warm—not hot—water bottles wrapped in towels to help raise their temperature gradually. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to get further guidance and prevent complications.
Dress your pet for the weather

Many pets benefit from an extra layer in the winter. If your dog has short fur, such as a Chihuahua or greyhound, a sweater or jacket can make them much more comfortable outside. Ensure the coat fits well and covers their chest and back, but still allows them to move easily. Not every dog takes to clothing right away, so introduce sweaters or jackets gradually to help them adjust to the idea.

Protect your pet’s paws

Winter weather can be tough on your pet’s paws. Snow, ice, and rock salt can cause irritation and cracking, which is not only painful, but also increases your pet’s infection risk. After each walk, wipe their paws with a warm, damp cloth to remove chemicals and debris. Apply a pet-safe paw balm before going outside to create a protective barrier and help prevent dryness and cracking. Booties also are excellent for keeping paws warm and protected, if your pet will tolerate them.

Watch out for winter hazards

Winter brings unique dangers that are often overlooked when considering cold safety for pets. Antifreeze has a sweet smell that attracts pets but is toxic, so keep all antifreeze containers tightly sealed and clean up spills immediately. Snow-covered ground can also conceal hidden dangers, such as sharp objects or holes, so keep an eye on your pet as they explore the winter wonderland. If you’re near frozen lakes or ponds, leash your pet to prevent them from wandering on the ice, which may not be thick enough to support their weight.

Winter can be a fun and cozy season for you and your pet, but you must take extra care to ensure your four-legged friend’s safety and comfort. These few simple precautions can help your pet stay warm, healthy, and happy, no matter how low the temperature. If your pet experiences a cold-weather health issue, contact your AAHA-accredited veterinarian to ensure they receive the care they need.

12/25/2024

🎄🎁Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!!🎄🎁

12/24/2024

Happy Holidays from York Animal Hospital!

12/23/2024

The holidays are approaching and we have a couple of days with modified hours to allow our staff to spend time with their families for Christmas and New Years. Hours for the rest of the week are:
Tuesday, Dec. 24th closing early at 2pm
Wednesday Dec. 25th CLOSED
Thursday Dec. 26th we resume normal hours 8am-8pm
Tuesday, Dec. 31st closing early at 4pm
Wednesday, Jan. 1st CLOSED
Thursday, Jan. 2nd we resume normal hours 8am-8pm
If your pet is experiencing an emergency while we are closed, please call
🎄Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services 585-775-0020
🎄Green Acres Veterinary Center 716-694-0122
🎄Blue Pearl Pet Hospital 716-839-4043
🎄Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center 716-662-6660
We hope you and your families have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

12/05/2024

To Our Clients and Friends,
We know scheduling an appointment for your pet is of the utmost importance to you, especially when they aren’t feeling well. We strive to provide the best and most efficient service possible for our community and all the loved pets in our lives. We are continuously adjusting our daily schedule to best accommodate our clients and patients to provide outstanding care for them. Below are some guidelines to help our staff schedule appointments day to day.
• For routine wellness/vaccine exams please schedule them as far in advance as possible, at least 4-6 weeks in advance of the vaccine’s expiration. There are limited time slots per day for wellness/vaccine exams. We provide reminder emails and mail postcards 4-6 weeks prior to when your pet is due.
• For routine surgeries (neuters, spays, or dentals) please schedule appointments 3-4 weeks in advance.
• For minor illness appointments or medical conditions (ear infections, lumps, allergies/itching, or diarrhea), we ask that you call as soon as possible as it may be several days before an appointment is available.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate everyone that calls to get in the same day, especially on Saturdays. We have a limited staff and only one veterinarian.
• Kindly give 24hr notice if you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment so it allows us to accommodate others.
• Emergency cases (vomiting multiple times, lacerations, hit by car, seizures, or broken limbs) will be triaged, and an appointment may be scheduled ASAP or we may recommend an urgent care or emergency facility that your pet be taken to. When we recommend another facility, it is not because we don’t wish to see your pet. We have limited appointments or services within the time of your pets’ needs.
• We have a dedicated, kind, and professional team. They deserve to be treated as such. Aggressive behavior and verbal abuse towards our staff will not be tolerated.
• Medication refills require 24hr notice. We are unable to fill medication or process written prescriptions on the same day that they are requested, especially on Saturdays.
Following the guidelines above will allow our team of caregivers to better serve your pets’ needs in a timely manner. We greatly appreciate your support and allowing us to be your pet health care team.
Sincerely,
The Staff at York Animal Hospital

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11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving to your family and loving pets!!!

11/27/2024

🐾Just a reminder…We close today at 5pm🐾

11/26/2024

To our dear clients,
Due to the holiday approaching we have a couple of days with modified hours to allow our staff to spend time with their families for Thanksgiving. Hours for the rest of the week are:
Wednesday, Nov 27th 8am-5pm
We will be CLOSED Thursday, Nov 28th
Friday, Nov 29th 8am-6pm (Normal Hours)
If your pet is experiencing an emergency while we are closed, please call one of the emergency facilities provided here.
We hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kaye Morgan, Dr. Dan Yanik, Dr. Bruce Ingersoll, and the staff at York Animal Hospital