Central Carolinas Animal Hospital, LLC

09/04/2025

URGENT PLEA
We are in need of a home for 2 young cats that were left behind by Dr. Nan’s sudden passing. Two of her four cats have been adopted, but there are two more in need of a forever home. They cannot stay with their foster much longer. Stripey and Brother are 3 years old, neutered male shorthaired cats. They are fully vaccinated and had a recent exam in August with Dr. LePardo. If you can open your home to a pair of loving cats, please call us at 803-985-2224.

09/03/2025

We brought Rock Hill Police Canine Officer, Apollo, a care package yesterday. Apollo was injured in the line of duty while capturing a fleeing suspect. We are glad he is recovering nicely, and we are happy to hear he will be back to work after a hard-earned rest. But he may have to share some of his new toys.

09/03/2025

Take Your Dog Out to the Ball Game
Do you love dogs? Do you love baseball? Did you know some minor league baseball teams in the Carolinas allow dogs to go to the field for certain games? As the season wraps up, you can still catch a game or two with your dog. Bark in the park is still available at some Carolina stadiums, including the Hickory Crawdads tonight! Or take a road trip with your pup to see the Myrtle Beach Pelicans tomorrow, September 3rd. Or you and your dog can catch the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on September 4th or the Durham Bull on September 11th. What could be better than an afternoon spent at a ballpark with your dog?

09/01/2025

Who knows what the official dog of South Carolina is? That’s right! The Boykin Spaniel.
This dog is a medium-sized hunting and retrieving dog known for its rich liver-colored coat. The Boykin Spaniel is an avid, tenacious bird dog that is eager to train, always merry, and a great family pet. This web-toed breed is a terrific swimmer. Boykins were bred to work in the lakes, waterways, and swamps of their native South Carolina. This mellow housedog and was once South Carolina's best-kept secret. For years, Boykins were only known to hunters of Carolina waterfowl and wild turkey. But lately, their worldwide popularity has grown.
Boykin Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, and should be screened for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, and exercise-induced collapse. The Boykin's medium-length, wavy coat requires only minimal maintenance. Early socialization and training is recommended to help ensure that the Boykin grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered, and moderate to high energy companion that requires lots of exercise every day. The Boykin Spaniel should do well on a high-quality dog food. These dogs can be prone to getting overweight, so a balanced diet and moderate calorie consumption and weight level are necessary. This tough, energetic, and enthusiastic hunting dog is gentle and content in the home. A loyal and affectionate personality is a hallmark of the breed, and Boykins make wonderful family pets. So, even if you are not out in the woods and wetlands, a Boykin may be the family dog for you.

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day to all the working dogs, and those who work like a dog! We will be closed today for the Labor Day holiday. If you have an emergency, please contact Carolina Veterinary Specialists at 803-909-8300. Have a safe and happy holiday.

08/29/2025

Our hearts go out to the RHPD and K9 officer Apollo. We are wishing him a full recovery and a quick return to active duty. Please keep the RHPD family and Apollo in your prayers.

Updated: Apollo’s surgery was successful and he is currently recovering under observation.

For Immediate Release:

A Rock Hill Police K9 is hospitalized after being stabbed while apprehending a suspect armed with a knife. The incident began on August 28, 2025, at 10:07 p.m. when officers responded to a home in the 900 block of Martin Avenue.

The 56-year-old female victim called reporting Travonte Tate attempted to stab her with a knife. Tate was in the yard and ran away when officers arrived. Several officers began pursuing after Tate. K9 Apollo was released to assist with the chase. Apollo was able to catch Tate and take him to the ground. While Apollo actively engaged in holding Tate for officers, Tate used a knife to stab Apollo several times. A Rock Hill Officer intervened grabbing Tate’s arm to stop him from further harming Apollo. Tate was disarmed and taken into custody. Apollo was rushed to the emergency vet where his treatment began.

The victim told officers Tate chased her to her bedroom with a knife while threatening to kill her over belongings he stored in the home. Two other individuals inside the home were able to pull Tate away allowing the victim to call police.

Based on the investigation, Tate, 35 of Rock Hill, was charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon During a Crime of Violence, Resisting Arrest with a Deadly Weapon, and Unlawful to torture, mutilate, injure, disable, poison, or kill police dog or horse.

Apollo is stable and scheduled for surgery this afternoon. Expectations are Apollo will recover and return to duty when healed.tent e

08/29/2025

Happy Friday y'all.

08/26/2025

National Dog Day 8/26/25

This day is dedicated to celebrating dogs, but also raising awareness of the presence of animal abuse and neglect, unethical breeding worldwide, lack of medical care, lack of population control, and the plight of shelter animals.
According to Dogster magazine, National Dog Day is celebrated primarily in North America, though International Dog Day is also celebrated on August 26. But for many of us dog parents, we don’t really need an excuse to celebrate and appreciate our pups!

08/23/2025

International Blind Dog Day 8/23/25
Some dog breeds are prone to losing their eyesight due to defects introduced through breeding. Old age is another common cause of blindness in dogs as their eyes simply wear out over time. The some common reasons for blindness in dogs are injury or accident, cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, or acute retinal degeneration. Dogs adapt surprisingly well to their situation with the proper support, leading a happy life while missing one of their senses.
For a blind dog, maintaining consistent routines can help them adjust. Do not redecorate; keep your furniture in the same spots. Try to put shoes away and not leave items in walking paths. This makes it easier for your dog to navigate your home. If you bring your dog to a new place, carefully lead them around the new area to show them any obstacles. Be sure that any potential dangers such as staircases or swimming pools are blocked off with fences or dog gates. Always keep visually impaired dogs on a leash to minimize accidents. You can utilize leashes and collars that say “blind dog”. Don’t stop engaging in activities that your dog has always loved. Your dog may need guidance but can still enjoy their favorite past-times. Regular enrichment will keep your dog happy, healthy, fit, and confident that their missing sense doesn’t mean missing out.
Caring for a blind dog requires understanding, patience, utilizing some new strategies and adaptability. By creating a loving, safe environment, you can ensure your blind dog lives a safe, loved, and happy life. Remember, your dog’s happiness is built on the love and care you provide.

08/22/2025

National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day 8/22/25
Everyone knows who runs the household in their family. The Cat! So why do some cat servants not get regular checkups for their boss? The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) realized that household bosses (cats) are often neglected when it comes to their veterinary care, partly because they are more self-sufficient than their hairy housemate, the dog, and partly because they don’t show any signs of illness or injury. So, the AAFP dedicated this day to cat servants around the world. Encouraging feline servants to bring their boss (cat) to the vet.
Most bosses (cats) do not like going to the vet for several reasons. It raises their anxiety levels. It changes their environment, exposes them other smells, and can make them very nervous. They may also suffer from an illness or are painful, making the trip even worse. Here are some tips for cat servants that may make the trip easier.
Get your boss (cat) familiar with their carrier and car rides. Make the car carrier a part of their environment every day. Spend some time with your boss (cat) before putting them in a carrier. You can coax them with a favorite snack. Use a suitable carrier. Make sure the carrier is car safe and well secured while you are on the road. If you have a particularly scared boss (cat), your vet might prescribe medication to reduce your boss’s (cat’s) anxiety. Consider a calming supplement or spray.
Vet care is critical to a long, healthy life for your boss (cat). Taking your pet to the vet will ensure that you get ahead of any developing health conditions and ensure they’re treated promptly. Often, a lack of care may allow diseases to progress until they are untreatable. You should always take your boss (cat) to the vet yearly for their annual checkups. So don’t let your boss’s (cat’s) resistance deter you from going. It might be a task, and they might not like it, but they definitely need it.

08/21/2025

It is nice to have the sun out, and it is not as hot. It is a beautiful day to keep pets healthy.

08/20/2025

Prevent a flea infestation with continuous coverage that outlasts the flea life cycle. Ask us how you can deliver longer-lasting flea and tick protection at your next visit.

Ensure your dog stays safe.