Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital

12/07/2024

Please keep your pets safe this holiday season!

12/06/2024

Visit our website and check out our team of Fear Free veterinarians! We understand that vet visits can be stressful for both you and your pet.

12/06/2024

XYLITOL INGESTION! We have been warning of the dangers of xylitol ingestion. Here is Cash's Story. Cash is a one year old Labrador Retriever who ingested Sugar Free Gum that contained xylitol. He presented to our emergency for having a seizure and his owners reported he had eaten 39 pieces of sugar free gum that day. Some symptoms of xylitol poisoning include: Vomiting, dull/decreased activity, weakness, staggering/incoordination, collapse, seizures, bleeding problems and liver failure. Some symptoms have been reported to appear as quickly as 30 minutes after consumption, but may not appear for hours. We started treating his seizures right away and then diagnostics were performed to monitor bleeding issues, liver values and other systemic signs. Liver protectants were started and intravenous support. He spent 3 days in the hospital and showed improvement. He was then discharged with recommended instructions to check his liver values with his primary. On his follow up call his owner reported he was eating, drinking and doing well. His follow up liver values at his primary are returning to more normal values. Please she some well wishes so Cash and his family can see how supportive our followers are! Way to go Cash! Stay safe buddy!
**Xylitol is also advertised as Birch Sugar and can be found in Peanut Butter, Sugar free products and as a low calorie sugar additive.

12/05/2024

Antifreeze poisoning is serious. The sweet taste attracts pets, but it can cause kidney failure. Keep containers sealed and stored safely. Get veterinary assistance immediately if you notice symptoms like vomiting or lethargy. We are available open 24/7/365! Be safe this winter!

12/04/2024

We are open 24/7/365! We are here to help if you should have an emergency. Please visit our website to see our available services.

12/04/2024

Don’t forget we have boxes ready for the filling!

12/04/2024

Millie is an adorable one year old Goldendoodle that was brought to our emergency services due to Tylenol (Acetaminophen) ingestion. It can take 4-12 hours after ingestion to show toxicity signs. Acetaminophen toxicity can cause liver damage, and it can decrease the red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen.
Some of the symptoms include: Depressed or weak, elevated heart rate, panting, rapid breathing, vomiting and or drooling. The gums or tissue around the globe of the eye, may develop a bluish color due to lack of oxygen. Some dogs may develop swelling in the face, paws, and forelimbs.
Liver damage may be delayed for up to one week. Some signs of liver damage include dark urine, yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin, an enlarged abdomen, increased drinking and urination or discolored f***s.
This rambunctious pup showed no symptoms but the owner was sure she got hold of a full bottle. It was recommended to induce vomiting, hospitalization and monitor for anemia along with IV fluids and activated charcoal to help reduce absorption of the toxin. We started her treatment right away and as long as she show no symptoms in 12 hours it would be possible to send her home later that day. She did well, no signs were noticed as we monitored her closely. Her owners may have caught her early enough to prevent side effects. She is not out of the woods yet! The plan is to continue monitoring her once she is home and repeat Liver blood work at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours with her primary after her discharge. On her follow up call her owners reported she had been doing well, eating and drinking and showing no signs so far. Here are some pictures of Millie getting some TLC from Vet Tech Brie. Please send this sweet pup some well wishes for her owner to read and share with Millie.

12/03/2024

IT'S GIVING TUESDAY!
We have two donation boxes set up in our lobby for anyone to come and drop off some items for the cats and dogs of Main Line Animal Rescue and Kitty Cottage Adoption Center. We will have our boxes up until the Jan 3rd! Thank you for participating with us this year!

12/02/2024

We are open for emergencies 24 hours a day 7 days a week and 365 days a year! Visit our website for more information about our veterinarians and services! https://bit.ly/3YASDSA

12/02/2024

Let's help keep the number of unwanted pets in shelters down. Spay or Neuter your pet when they are at the right age. We can discuss the pros and cons of spay/neutering on your next pet's well visit.

12/01/2024

Today we feature our Veterinary Technician Annette Rivera. She started her journey with Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital 7 years ago. She covers many areas of the hospital - OutPatient setting up appointments, pedicures and giving treats, InPatient caring for hospitalized patients, feeding and giving TLC, Emergency triaging patients, comforting clients and patients and Surgery monitoring anesthesia, dental cleanings and post surgical care! What a journey it has been, she is originally from Queens NY and have been in living in Pennsylvania for almost 10 years now. She started her veterinary interest by studying to be a Veterinary Technician at LaGuardia Community College. Her interested in veterinary medicine started when she found herself wanting to be a veterinary technician to help treat her own family dog that was sick. Annette says one of her challenges is when she is invested in a patient's care and gets attached to the patient who is sick. Some days can take a toll on your heart and mind. She finds comfort in her family, hobbies and personal pet. She's is learning to play the clarinet and has experience in human pedicures too! She has three beautiful young children, a parrot names Bluey Louie and a rambunctious dog name Mozzie sticks. Annette also volunteers at Mitzvah Circle helping moms and babies in need with translation services and support. If you would like to learn more about the Mitzvah Circle you can visit mitzvahcircle.org https://bit.ly/3YM0JZ5 and donate to help those in need. BY THE WAY THIS IS HER BIRTHDAY MONTH!! Let's wish Annette a Happy Birthday!! 🐾🩺🎂🎁🎉

11/30/2024

We have our donation boxes ready! For the last 3 years we have been offering our staff and clients an opportunity to donate items to the Main Line Animal Rescue and Kitty Cottage Adoption Center. Puppy and Kitten food is always needed, especially canned food. If you are interested, please stop by and donate some items. Thank you for helping us make this a successful opportunity every year!

11/30/2024

Tuna is a 10 month old Flame Point Siamese Cat who had his neuter procedure few weeks ago. Siamese cats became popular in Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. They were first recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1906. Siamese cats are known for being sociable, playful, and intelligent. They are also known for being vocal and wanting to be close to their people. Tuna recent wellness cleared him for his neutering and his owner elected to have him microchipped. Did you know we carry microchips that have temperature scanning. This sweet fella won't need any re**al temperatures on his exams. We can scan him with our microchip readers to get his temperature. This is a new feature with microchipping to help reduce stress associated with re**al temperatures. On his follow up call his owners reported that he is back to his old ways. Please share any well wishes or sweet comments for this handsome fellow.
"Blue eyes up close are a celestial phenomenon." - Laini Taylor

11/29/2024

11/29/2024

As we come close to the end of November here's a friendly reminder. November is National Senior Pet Month, also known as National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. The age at which a pet is considered senior depends on its breed and size:
Small breeds: Senior age is around 10 to 12 years old.
Medium breeds: Senior age is around 8 to 9 years old.
Large and giant breeds: Senior age is around 6 to 7 years old.
This is a great time to schedule your semi annual wellness visit so we can keep your well seasoned pet comfortable, happy and healthy. Adopt a senior pet and bring them home for the holidays. They already know the ropes, warm bedding, family gatherings and toys/treats are what they've been missing.

11/28/2024

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life, on this day of thanks, may you be surrounded by the love of family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Every year there are many human emergencies around this holiday. Please practice pet safety and avoid the emergency room this holiday! Just know we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. We are here for you!