McGee gets his cherry eye repaired!
“Cherry eye" is a common term for prolapse (or popping out) of the third eyelid gland. In some dogs, especially certain breeds and often in younger animals, the gland of the third eyelid can become swollen and pop out of its normal position, making it visible as a reddish-pink mass in the corner of the eye, resembling a cherry. That's why it's called a "cherry eye."
In this case, surgical repositioning was needed to correct the cherry eye. This is the most common treatment; veterinarians surgically tack the gland back to normal. This approach is favored because it preserves the gland's function while maintaining healthy tear production.
McGee is expected to make a full recovery in just a few weeks!
Annual wellness exams are essential for pets to detect illnesses early, stay up to date on vaccinations, obtain parasite prevention and control, dental health, and much more!
As pets age, their needs change. Regular exams help tailor care recommendations to the appropriate life stage, whether it's puppy/kitten, adult, or senior. Knowing that a trained professional has examined your pet and given them a clean bill of health (or provided guidance on managing any health issues) can provide significant peace of mind to pet owners.
Give us a call to book your pet’s wellness exam today!
When selecting bones and chews for dogs, it's essential to consider the size, age, health, and chewing habits of your dog. Raw, cooked, or smoked bones, hooves, antlers, and ice cubes are NOT recommended as they are too hard and notorious for damaging teeth and the GI tract. Be aware that many other options on the market are damaging to your dog's digestive health as well due to rich flavors and high calories. The general rule for chew toys and treats is that they are safe if they soften up while being chewed on or if the toy indents when you push your fingers into it.
Here's a list of some generally safe chews, along with things to keep in mind:
- Dental Chews: Various dental chews on the market are specifically designed to clean a dog's teeth while they chew such as Greenies, Tartar Shield, OraVet Chews, VeggieDents, and CET chews.
- Artificial Bones: These are often made of rubber and try to avoid nylon or plastic bones due to their hardness which can break teeth. A good example is Kong Toys. Ensure the chew is size-appropriate for your dog and isn't wearing down too quickly.
- Raw Hides: rawhide strips or rolls without a knot on the end are great, just remember there are a lot of calories in these so give them to your pup in moderation.
Happy chewing!
Is your pet in need of a wellness exam, a dental cleaning, or a health issue that needs to be addressed? We have available appointments that will work with your schedule! Give us a call with any questions and to get booked!
Meet Millie!
Millie is a bulldog who was playing with some kids on the hot pavement, and all the chasing and sliding, unfortunately, rubbed off Millie’s paw pads, ouch!
The medical staff worked diligently to ease Millie’s pain by first removing any dead skin from her paw pads, then soaking them in an antiseptic solution before wrapping them in a clean bandage. She is expected to be back to her normal self in a few weeks. Millie was a trooper during her treatment and gave the staff kisses the whole time!
Keep in mind that asphalt temperatures are much hotter than the air temperature during hot days. If the air temperature is 77°F the asphalt temperature is 125°F, increasing as the air temperature increases.
Bloodwork is an important diagnostic tool used by veterinarians to assess the health of pets and to detect any underlying medical conditions and should be done annually with your pet's wellness exam. This procedure is especially important for middle-aged to senior pets in order to catch and treat any diseases early. Ask your veterinarian about bloodwork at your next visit!
Dental care for your pets is extremely important in preventing tooth decay, removing harmful bacteria, and ensuring they live a long life. Just like humans, dogs need to get their teeth cleaned regularly. If your pet is cooperative, we recommend dental care at home to help keep their teeth clean and healthy in between visits to the veterinarian. If your pet is due for a dental cleaning, book an appointment today!
Keeping your dog's joints healthy is a surefire way to give them a longer life. Providing regular exercise to maintain muscle strength and promote joint flexibility, giving them a balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine, along with weight management, can help support healthy joints and reduce the risk of joint-related issues later in life!
Our feline clients are some of our favorites to care for. Here are 5 fun facts about cats!
1. Cats have a remarkable ability to rotate their ears up to 180 degrees, allowing them to locate sounds with incredible precision. This keen sense of hearing helps them detect even the faintest noises, making them skilled hunters.
2. Despite being carnivorous, cats have taste buds that are not particularly attuned to sweetness. They lack the taste receptors for detecting sweet flavors, unlike humans and many other mammals.
3. Cats are highly acrobatic and have a flexible spine that enables them to twist, turn, and squeeze through narrow spaces. Their exceptional agility is attributed to their collarbone, which is free-floating and allows for increased flexibility in navigating tight spots.
4. While cats are known for their independent nature, they are also capable of forming strong social bonds. Cats have been observed engaging in various forms of communication, including purring, rubbing against their owners, and even blinking slowly, all of which are considered signs of affection and trust.
5. Cats have an extraordinary sense of balance, aided by their highly sensitive inner ear structures. This remarkable balance allows them to land on their feet when falling from heights, a skill known as the "righting reflex." They can twist their bodies in mid-air and adjust their limbs to ensure a safe landing.
When is it time to get your cat vaccinated? Vaccinating your cats is crucial for their health and well-being, as it helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases among feline populations. Vaccines protect cats from potentially life-threatening illnesses such as feline distemper, rabies, and feline leukemia virus. By ensuring your cats are up to date on their vaccinations, you are not only safeguarding their health but also contributing to the overall welfare of the feline community. Give us a call with any questions!
Leaving a pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes, can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket quickly, reaching deadly levels within minutes, even with the windows cracked open. Pets can suffer from heat stroke, organ failure, and even death in these conditions. It is crucial to never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, ensuring their safety by keeping them at home or bringing them along with you if necessary.
Why your pet needs Annual Bloodwork!
Annual Bloodwork: What it means and why your pet needs it.
•What is blood testing?
Blood testing informs your veterinarian of your pet's complete blood count or CBC. This tells them how many red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets. The other portion of the blood work, called the chemistry panel, helps evaluate the blood glucose level, liver function, kidney function, electrolyte balance and protein level in your pet’s body.
•Why does blood cell count matter?
Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen through the body, making them critical to a healthy life. The size, color, and appearance of red blood cells indicate many different diseases. Blood testing can help predict and prevent these diseases before they get critical.
•What about white blood cells?
White blood cells are responsible for immune system responses in the body. A high amount of white blood cells indicates infection or certain types of cancers. White blood cells also tell your veterinarian your pet's stress level, and if any inflammation is present.
•Do blood tests also test platelets?
Yes, platelets are responsible for healthy clotting to prevent bleeding. A low number of platelets can indicate an immune deficiency or disorders and other serious health problems.
•Why is the chemistry panel important?
This portion of the blood work helps the veterinarian evaluate how the internal organs are functioning and if there are any medications, diet, or lifestyle changes your pet may need in the future.
Blood testing is very important to understand your pet’s overall health (especially senior pets), predict and prevent disease, and develop a detailed health history. With annual testing, you can learn exactly how to care for your pet based on its unique health needs.
Ask your veterinarian about bloodwork at your next annual exam!
What to Expect at the Vet!
Bringing your pet to the veterinarian should be a pleasant experience for both of you. If you are a first-time pet owner of a rescue or a new puppy or kitten, here is what you should expect at your first exam.
Weight: We will weigh your pet to make sure they are in a healthy range for their age and activity level.
Exam: We will then examine your pet for any abnormalities all the way from their head to tail to paws.
Vitals: We will take your pet's temperature, listen to their heart and lungs, as well as look for any eye abnormalities.
Vaccinations: With a brand-new patient, we want to review vaccination history and make sure your pet is up to date with all their shots.
At-Home Care: We will discuss with you any routine care your pet may need at home and be sure to set you up for success!
Fireworks can be stressful for pets. Here are some at-home remedies to help them through this Fourth of July:
•Muffle the noise by putting your pet in a room with music or white noise playing to drown out the sound of fireworks.
•Talk to your veterinarian about using a calming supplement or pheromone spray to relieve anxiety.
•Take your pet on a long walk or play with them a lot early in the day to release energy, so that they are more likely to sleep during the evening firework show.
•Comfort your dog by staying near them and gently petting them to help calm them down until fireworks have ended.
We wish you and your pet a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Common Summer Dangers for pets!
Summertime is a great time to enjoy being a pet owner with sunny walks, backyard BBQs, swimming, and holidays! There are also dangers during the summer that your pet isn’t exposed to all year round. Be mindful of these summer health risks and how to protect your pet.
1) Hot Sidewalks: If cement is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is also too hot for your dog. Go on walks early in the day to prevent burnt paws.
2) Sunburn: Short-haired and light-colored pets are susceptible to getting sunburn. Keep an eye on how much time your pet is spending in the sun or purchase pet sunscreen for hot days.
3) Dehydration: When hiking, camping, or spending a lot of time outside be sure to pack water for your pet. Dehydration happens quickly and can cause serious health complications.
4) Stinging Insects: Pets can have dangerous reactions to stinging insects which can cause swelling, lethargy, vomiting, and other allergic reaction symptoms.
5) Storms and fireworks: Summer heat may bring thunderstorms in many parts of the country and loud sounds such as thunder or fireworks can cause pets a lot of distress. Talk to your veterinarian ahead of time if you know your pet doesn’t respond well to loud sounds to discuss their recommendations.
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We want to hear from you!
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We appreciate you!
February is Pet Dental Health Month!
February is Pet Dental Health Month! When was the last time your pets' teeth were cleaned? Here are some things you should keep in mind at each stage of your pet's life when it comes to dental care. We are here to answer any questions and help keep those pearly whites healthy!
We ❤ Pet Selfies!
We ❤ Pet Selfies! Have you downloaded our hospital app? Get organized this new year with our all-in-one platform – upload pet selfies, schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and earn paw points rewards for future use! 📲 🐾
Happy Senior Pet Month!
Did you know that most dogs are considered to be senior pets by age 7?
November was National Senior Pet Wellness Month and we love any reason to celebrate them! Often times we have cared for our senior pet patients since they were young pups or kitties and thanks to advancements in veterinary care, pets are now living longer and healthier lives. Regular wellness exams help detect and treat issues early and are essential to your pet’s health as they age.
Give a senior pet a little extra love and we look forward to seeing them soon!
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Vet Tech Appreciation Week - October 2021
🎉 National Vet Tech Appreciation week is upon us! 🎉 This week we are celebrating all of our hard-working support staff that make our hospital the place you know and love. Thank you for your time, dedication, and commitment to pet care and for putting a smile on our face.
Cheers to you!
