Our Babcock Hills Elf's are working hard to make sure your pets are happy and healthy during this holiday season! ❄🎄
#lakefieldvet #vettechs
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!
Here for you when it really counts 🐶 😺 Meet our team members, clients, and pets at Babcock Hills Veterinary Hospital. Proudly serving pet parents and their furry companions!
Video Credit: Chasing Time Motions
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!
Spring is right around the corner! Let us watch your furry friend while you’re away. We offer flexible boarding options to meet the needs of your pet. Give us a call today to book!
That’s not where the kitchen sponge should be!
This Maltipoo pup was brought in after the owner noticed the scrub daddy sponge was missing. They rushed in before the dog had any symptoms, and X-rays were taken to confirm that the pup had the sponge in his stomach. The pup underwent surgery to remove the sponge and made a full recovery!
Advanced imaging techniques such as x-rays are crucial to veterinary medicine because they allow veterinarians to see inside an animal's body in a way that is not possible with traditional diagnostic methods. With advanced imaging, veterinarians can obtain detailed images of an animal's organs, tissues, and bones, which can help to identify and diagnose a wide range of conditions and diseases – In this case, a displaced smile!
That’s not where the kitchen sponge should be!
This Maltipoo pup was brought in after the owner noticed the scrub daddy sponge was missing. They rushed in before the dog had any symptoms, and X-rays were taken to confirm that the pup had the sponge in his stomach. The pup underwent surgery to remove the sponge and made a full recovery!
Advanced imaging techniques such as x-rays are crucial to veterinary medicine because they allow veterinarians to see inside an animal's body in a way that is not possible with traditional diagnostic methods. With advanced imaging, veterinarians can obtain detailed images of an animal's organs, tissues, and bones, which can help to identify and diagnose a wide range of conditions and diseases – In this case, a displaced smile!
National Pet Dental Health month may be coming to an end but it's important to get your pet's teeth cleaned no matter the time of year! Periodontal disease is one of the most common problems your pet can face. Most periodontal diseases occur below the gum line, where it is hard to see, making regular cleanings vital to prevention. Give us a call to learn more!
Imaging techniques such as x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are important tools for veterinarians in the diagnosis of medical conditions in pets.
A 2-year-old Labrador Retriever mix had been battling anxiety issues and unfortunately was unable to be given any prescription sedatives. One day when her owners were at work, the pup ripped up some carpet in their home. The pup had been vomiting, so her owner rushed her into the veterinarian for radiographs and found a stomach full of carpet and 2 staples.
These imaging techniques provide detailed images of the inside of the body, which can help veterinarians to identify problems that may not be visible using other methods. It looked like nothing had passed into her GI tract, so they opted to try to have her vomit. They had success and she threw up lots of carpet and both staples!! The owner took the staples home to remind them that things could've been much worse. Now she is a happy and healthy dog who goes into a safe kennel when the owners leave!
Ezra and Meliodas are loving having their teeth brushed. Brushing your pets' teeth a few times a week, or ideally once a day, can greatly reduce the amount of tarter and plaque buildup on their teeth. We carry many flavors of dog and cat toothpaste as well as toothbrushes. Let us know how we can help improve your pet's dental hygiene. #PetDentalHealthMonth
NYE Firework Safety!
Do you have a pet that isn’t a fan of fireworks?
Here are a few tips to help keep your pet calm and safe during the 2023 celebrations. If you think your pet would benefit from further solutions, please contact us to discuss. We wish you and your pet a Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays! We wish all our amazing clients and patients a safe and happy holiday season! We appreciate you!
Is your pet a healthy weight?
Is your pet a healthy weight?
Having excess weight can affect your dog or cat’s overall health. If you notice your pet gaining weight or suspect they are overweight we encourage you to consult your veterinarian on how to better their lifestyle. Some common ways to help your pet stay at a healthy weight are diet or prescription food, preventing overeating, eliminating any table scraps, and increasing exercise. Give us a call to learn more or book your pet a wellness exam!
Meet Lola!
Meet Lola!
Lola is a 5-month-old golden retriever puppy that broke her leg in an accident while playing. After showing signs of distress and pain, Lola was immediately taken to the veterinarian, where they took X-rays, and diagnosed her leg broken. Her leg was splinted to stabilize it until she was able to have surgery.
The Surgeon used a plate and screws to align and support the bone and facilitate proper healing. These implants were carefully placed to ensure that Lola’s growth plate would not be damaged. After surgery, Lola and her family had to follow strict rules to make sure she healed without complications. She had to be confined and have limited activity. This isn't easy for a young active puppy, but 6 weeks post-op, the hard work paid off.
Lola is back to running, playing and using all her puppy energy again!
Happy Senior Pet Month!
Happy Senior Pet Month!
As your pet ages, its health needs may change and you may need to start making different accommodations. Here are a few tips for keeping your senior pet healthy and comfortable in their later years!
Thanksgiving Safety!
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, here are some reminders of what you can and cannot feed your pets off your dinner plate! We wish you a happy and safe holiday!
