Dirofilaria Immitis aka Heartworm 🪱
Take a look at this video of a microfilaria (Heartworm larva) moving around in a blood sample of a heartworm positive patient today.
Heartworms are parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes to dogs and cats. Heartworm disease can damage your pet's heart, lungs and arteries. Treatment is expensive, involving months of medications and injections. Even after parasites are gone, the damage done by the filaria can affect quality of life for your pet.
Prevention is key and will make you and your pet much happier in the long run!
Flexor tendon injuries are a result of the tendons stretching beyond their elastic capabilities. This type of injury may also be referred to as a bowed tendon if the injury occurs near the mid-cannon bone. Depending on exactly where the injury occurs, clinical signs may include swelling, heat and pain, alongside lameness. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact your horse health team at St. James Veterinary Clinic! We are here to help.
Ph#: (507)-260-8100
A hoof abscess can be caused by bacteria entering the hoof through a crack in the sole or hoof wall. Often seen during muddy conditions, a horse with an abscess will likely be hesitant to put any weight on the affected hoof. Work with your veterinarian and farrier if you suspect your horse may have a hoof abscess. Call or text us with any questions or concerns.
Clinic Phone#:
(507)260-8100
Suspensory ligament injuries occur most commonly in performance horses and racehorses. Generally, signs of a suspensory ligament injury can include swelling and pain at the injured site alongside lameness, though clinical signs may vary. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact us today!
Call or text us:
Ph#: (507)260-8100
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive deterioration of the structures of the joint causing lameness that can be a gradual onset or happen acutely. Early recognition and intervention can prevent permanent changes. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact us today! We are here to help.
Clinic phone#: (507)260-8100
Traumatic injuries can include anything from a wound or laceration to a fracture. Wounds or lacerations are typically visible and easy to identify, though something that appears minor may be more life-threatening, depending on the location. A horse that has sustained a fracture from a traumatic event will typically be exhibiting non-weight-bearing lameness. Call or text us immediately if your horse has experienced a traumatic injury, or is otherwise exhibiting signs of severe lameness.
Ph#: (507)260-8100
Have a great weekend everyone 🙌
Surfing into the weekend 😎
There's nothing like a dogs love ❤️
Home is where the cat is ❣️
Spring is upon us(we can only hope sooner than later!), and you know what that means: vaccination season! Protecting our four-legged friends against disease is key to a healthy and happy herd. Contact us for vaccine recommendations for your horse.
Animals make life better 🥰
Happy Friday everyone!
"If you've had a ruff day, I'm here to make you feel better."
- Our dogs 🐶
Trust a dewormer as premier as Zimecterin® Gold (ivermectin 1.55% / praziquantel 7.75%) paste for your horses. Contact us to learn more today.
Make sure you're keeping your pets up to date! ✅
We hope you all are having a wonderful winter!
Running into the weekend like 🐴
St. James veterinary clinic staff would like to wish you a fun and safe #NewYearsEve!
What are you planning to accomplish in 2023? Let us know in the comments! 🎉
Earmites!!
Have you ever wondered what ear mites look like? Here’s a video to have a peek of what we found today in one of our patients. ~Beware you might get the creepy crawlies!~
The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, is a surface mite that lives on cats, dogs, rabbits, and ferrets. It is usually found in the ear canal but it can also live on the skin surface. Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal. The mite is barely visible to the naked eye and may be seen as a white speck moving against a dark background.
It takes approximately 3 weeks for a mite to develop through a total of 5 stages. Adult ear mites live about 2 months during which time they continually reproduce. The entire ear mite life cycle takes place on the host animals, although mites can survive for a limited time in the environment.
Clinical signs of infestation vary in severity from one pet to another, and may include combinations of:
1. Ear irritation, leading to scratching at the ears or head shaking.
2. Dark waxy or crusty discharge that looks like dirt in the ears.
3. Areas of hair loss.
4. Crusted rash around or inside of the ear.
5. An aural hematoma (a large blood blister on the ear, caused by rupture between the skin & cartilage)
Your veterinarian will determine what the most appropriate treatment may be given the situation and your preference.
If you suspect your pet(s) may have mites give us call today! 1(507)375-4441
