VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center

08/30/2024

Our cat patients are even better than dogs at hiding early signs of disease so don't wait to get that annual check up booked. Call 412-364-5353 today.

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08/29/2024

Radiography, (commonly called X-ray), is a frequently used diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. We have left film behind and have been fully digital for over a decade, but the principles of radiograph interpretation have not chnged. There are 5 different densities seen. In this radiograph we see 1. Air (black/mostly black like the lung tissue), 2. Water (light grey) - the space around the organs/fat tissue, 3. Soft tissue (grey) - muscles, organs, 4. White - bone/stones, and 5. Absolute white (metal marker). Take a guess on the species in this radiograph! # VCA

08/28/2024

Coughing and wheezing aren't normal behaviors for our kitty friends; especially when seasons change. Feline asthma can be a reason for such behavior - and it's one that is manageable with proper diagnosis and treatment from your vet.
And if you find your cat open-mouth panting - this could be an emergency as cats pant only rarely. Call today if concerned.

08/27/2024

Thanks for your patience as we have been extra busy this month. School is returning for both kids and our staff. With everyday research, the field of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. Staff keep up with new medical knowledge by attending conferences each year. Sometimes the conferences are at fun locations allowing staff to keep their kids entertained too!

08/26/2024

Sally recently came in due to having some bad breath. Tooth resorption was noted on her exam. Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions or FORL for short is a condition in which the ‘dentin in single tooth (or several simultaneously) erodes and eventually becomes irreparably destroyed’. The condition is also known as Tooth Resorption. You can see on the X-ray how one root is almost completely missing from the 2 rooted upper premolar. After removing what was left of this tooth, Sally feels better and her breath is much improved. If you’ve got a cat older than 3, it’s probably worth bringing them in to get their teeth checked out because dental disease can start that early!

08/23/2024

Here's another opportunity to swim with your pup: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cranberrytownship/activity/search/detail/11015?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

08/22/2024

Spring/summer is kitten season. Did you get a new kitten? Socialization is very important to help prevent anxiety. Anxiety causes all sorts of problems, but most recently has been associated with litter box problems. Talk to us today for a kitten socialization check list!

08/21/2024

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccines are just as important for animals as they are for people. Behind on vaccines? Got a new pet you want to get up-to-date? Give us a call to make an appointment today! 412-364-5353.

08/20/2024

Tickets for this event sell out quickly. Share a photo if you take your pup to the pool! https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Events-directory/Parks/Pooches-in-the-Pool

08/19/2024

Fall allergies are just getting started. Allergies and ear infections can go hand in hand. One of the most common ear infections = Yeast. When you look closely, these little guys look like peanuts under the microscope (or footprints, snowmen, etc. depending on who you ask). They usually cause your furry family member’s ears to have thick black gunk in them and a stinky smell to boot!

08/16/2024

We want to express our deepest gratitude and admiration for Sandy's 30 years of exceptional service to our patients and clients, and for being an amazing colleague! Time sure flies when you're having fun. If you see her, please be sure to give her a shout out.

08/14/2024

Vaccines and Immunization are important and necessary to help prevent hospitalization and stress to your pet. Make sure to speak with your veterinarian on which vaccines are right for your pet's age and lifestyle.

08/13/2024

We're almost through the summer, but the heat is still here. Heatstroke is no joke! Look out for these signs to keep your pet cool this summer.

08/12/2024

This little guy wins the prize for best name of the day. Welcome to Mr. Squiggle Muffins! Share a photo if you have a tuxedo cat at home too.

08/09/2024

Hikes are a great way to spend time with your pet, but they can pose some dangers.

If something pops up on your next hike, make sure to check out our VCA Urgent Care services.

Learn More: https://vcahospitals.com/urgent-care

08/08/2024

Happy ! 🎉😺 To celebrate, we're spotlighting some of our Associates' adorable furry friends!

08/08/2024

Share a photo of your cat to help celebrate today!

08/06/2024

Disasters can strike at any moment so it's important stock up on emergency supplies and consider your pet’s needs. Lastly, be sure to download the myVCA app to have access to your pet's medical records.

Download Now: myvca.app

07/31/2024

Thank you Sampson for being a great tour guide on a tour of our VCA Urgent Care hospital! When care can’t wait, go to VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care for same-day pet care.

Learn More: https://vcahospitals.com/urgent-care

07/31/2024

Have a new pet in the house or visiting family with cats summer? Especially when you don't know the cat well, it's important to establish trust between you and the cat.

Every cat is an individual, so when interacting with them it’s important to figure out what they like or dislike. Learn how to understand the kind of interac...

07/30/2024

We are currently booking August and September for dentistry procedures here at Northview. Contact us if you are worried about your pet's oral health.

07/29/2024

Let's go to the beach-beach, let's avoid heat waves! 🛸

07/29/2024

Have questions about why the CDC rule has new rules for dogs travelling into the US? Here is a great source of information:

Our oversubscribed CVMA webinar on the new US dog importation rules coming into effect on August 1 showed just how many questions are still out there

07/26/2024

Good news! The CDC has (AGAIN) changed the rules for dogs traveling back into the US after a trip out of the country. If you are travelling from Canada or Mexico, an additional certificate is no longer required. You will still need the CDC import form, a microchip, valid Rabies certificate and your dog needs to be over 6 months old. Talk to us today if questions!

07/24/2024

Can you guess that pet? 🐾 Answer in the comments 👇!

Hint: They make a clownish and fun-loving companion.

Comment below and let us know if you guessed correctly!

07/23/2024

With heat waves sweeping across the country, blue-green algae is appearing in new areas and posing an increased risk to pets.

Found in lakes, ponds or any source of standing water, it’s extremely toxic and consuming it can be fatal. The best way to prevent accidental poisoning is to keep a close eye on pets when they’re around water.

If you think your pet has been exposed, take them to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and contact the ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435.

07/23/2024

Did you know that some pet insurance policies will cover a prescription diet, acupuncture, and rehabilitation therapy?
Ask a staff member about pet insurance for your pet today.

07/18/2024

If the pavement is too hot for you, it's too hot for them. Make sure to be aware of the dangers hot pavement can have on your pet's paws.

07/17/2024

Tornadoes form during intense thunderstorms and can reach wind speeds of 200+ mph. Although tornadoes can occur anywhere, they are prevalent in the Southeast and Midwest. Stay informed by downloading the FEMA app and signing up for weather reports and evacuation notices.

Keep a list handy of pet-friendly shelters and contact information for your local animal control office and ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) in case of evacuation.

07/16/2024

Not sure whether to visit VCA Urgent Care or VCA Emergency Care? We've got you covered.

Make sure to call your local VCA Animal Hospital to ask if you are uncertain.

07/12/2024

Heatstroke is no joke! Make sure to keep your pets properly cool and hydrated to avoid overheating.

07/11/2024

Hurricane season is here and keeping pets safe is our top priority. Help prepare your pets for when disaster strikes with these Hurricane Safety tips.

Get your FREE Hurricane Preparedness Playbook Now: https://vca.mobi/HurricanePreparednessPlaybook

07/10/2024

Just itching to have your questions about pet allergies answered?

We're answering everything you need to know about pets and their allergen & dermatological needs.

07/10/2024

We don't recommend raw food for a variety of reasons, but there have been more recalls this month. Be sure to check the recall if you know someone feeding raw food.

A recent recall of a raw pet food diets in the US due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes has sparked some concern about the risks to people (and

07/09/2024

Attention pet owners leaving the US with your dog! If returning after August 1st, 2024 talk to use today about the CDC’s new rules and requirements to re-enter the US.

07/08/2024

🐶: P-R-E-V-E-N-T(ION). Find out why it’s key for me🎶

07/04/2024

Have a happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 Wishing you and your pets a safe holiday weekend!

Tips for a safe Independence Day: https://vca.mobi/FourthofJulySafety

07/04/2024

We will be closed July 4th for the Independence day holiday. If your pet has an emergency you can contact Blue Pearl at 412-364-3400 or AVETS at 412-373-4200. Feel free to share a photo of your pet staying cool and enjoying the day off!

07/03/2024

Here are top safety BBQ tips for this holiday weekend.

07/02/2024

Who doesn't love a good fireworks show? Pets, that's who! 🎆

We're sharing tips and tricks to help prepare your pets for this week's holiday celebrations.

More Tips for a Safe Independence Day: https://vca.mobi/FourthofJulySafety