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Monday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Thursday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Friday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm

Mountain West Animal Hospital

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Springville, UT
Mountain West Animal Hospital

Mountain West Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary facility in Springville, UT. We have been serving our local community for nearly 40 years.
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Mountain West Hospital is a full service veterinary facility located in Springville, Utah. We understand the unique relationship you have with your pets. You can trust that your pets will receive the best care possible while at Mountain West Animal Hospital. Our mission is to provide the best possible veterinary care for our patients by maintaining and utilizing state of the art facilities and equ

ipment, and by employing and developing a well-trained competent and caring staff. We are dedicated to providing friendly, compassionate service to our clients in an atmosphere of professionalism, respect and concern. We advocate community and client responsibility in improving the welfare of animals. We seek to be a positive, contributing influence within the community we serve. At Mountain West Animal Hospital, we value life. We are advocates for those who have no voice. We believe that all animals have the right to a life free of pain and suffering. Everything we do is centered on this principle. We strive to provide the care that pets need and deserve.

08/21/2024

My Take Tuesday: Kent B. McKell, DDS

As a young child, I absolutely hated brushing my teeth. I remember wetting my toothbrush with a small amount of water to make it appear that it had recently been used and returning it to the stand near the bathroom sink. In my four-year-old mind, I thought the idea was foolproof. My astute mother figured this ploy out rather quickly and required that my older brother observe me brushing my teeth. Looking back now, I think my disdain for brushing my teeth was simply that it was boring. Playing with my newest He-Man toys required every spare moment possible, and it seemed like a waste of time to have to stand in one place for 120 everlasting seconds moving a toothbrush back and forth inside my mouth.

This all changed once I learned to read. One morning, while looking at my red Oral-B toothbrush, I saw the name, “Kent B. Mckell, DDS” engraved in gold lettering. I knew who Dr. McKell was. His dental office was located on the corner of 600 N. and Center Street in Castle Dale, UT. He was a very nice man. During a recent visit with him, he told me that it was very important for me to brush my teeth every morning and night. This was a game changer for me; an esteemed and kind man asked me to do my best, and I wanted to be sure that I did not let him down.

As a child, I had a significant speech impediment. I could not pronounce the letters “R” and “L”. I also stuttered horribly. I was completely unaware of these speech issues. Looking back at home videos, it is difficult to even understand anything that I said. The problem was so serious, that it took a couple of years of intense speech therapy to correct.

Dr. McKell knew my name. He always warmly greeted me and asked how I was doing. He spoke to me, even as a 4-year-old child, like I was a friend of his. He never once grimaced or looked away as I spoke. He intently listened and made sure that in the moment that I was in his dental chair that I felt valued and respected. He heard what I said, not how I said it. He attentively and patiently responded to me with his charismatic demeanor and smile. He had the unique ability to remember not only the names of all of his patients but also the small details of their lives. He knew the names of all of my siblings and would ask how each of them were doing at every visit. He was a hero to me.

As I grew up, his generosity and kindness continued. After graduating from veterinary school, I had the opportunity to see him frequently and treat many animals on his farm. He was always happy to see me. He would ask about my family and would genuinely listen to everything that I said. Much of my bedside manner as a veterinarian is but a replication of the example he set for me.

Exactly two years ago this month, sometime in between the flicker of a beautiful orange sunrise and a crimson fire sunset in Spanish Fork, UT, God reached out His tender hand and gently pulled this wonderful man home with Him.

Castle Dale, UT is a small town. There is no stoplight, no movie theater, no shopping center, and it has a population of less than 1500 people. It is a place where the paved roads grow ever smaller as the wide open desolate country begins. It would seem that such a small place would have little significance in the world of today. However, this notion is a prevarication. Folks like Dr. McKell prevent it from ever being so.

Dr. McKell was one of a kind. He was a champion in my life. If you were lucky enough to know him, chances are, he was a champion and hero in your life also.

And that is My Take!

N. Isaac Bott, DVM

08/07/2024

Mountain West Animal Hospital will be open tomorrow (August 8th), but we will not have any internet service. Unfortunately, our phone system relies on an internet connection and therefore will not be working. Comcast is performing some network construction in our area that they anticipate will be finished by the end of the day. We will be at the clinic and will see scheduled appointments but will not be available by phone. If an urgent need arises, please come into the clinic. Thank you!

08/07/2024

My Take Tuesday: The Making Of A Legend

Dr Charles Leathers is the smartest person I have ever known. I had the privilege of meeting him during my first year of veterinary school. He taught the "Introduction to Pathology" class during my first spring semester in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University.

In early December of 2015, I traveled back to my alma matter as a guest lecturer. As always, I spent some time visiting with many of the professors that acted as mentors during my years as a veterinary student. I stopped in to speak with Dr Leathers on my last day at the school. He welcomed me in and spoke briefly with me. He was preparing for retirement after more than 30 years of teaching.

I cannot imagine my veterinary school experience without Dr Leathers. His class stands out for all of the veterinarians who were fortunate enough to have learned from him. He had a unique style of teaching. I still remember exam questions from his class 10 years ago. His lectures were legendary. He used an overhead projector like a boss. His style was one of a kind. His teaching inspired us. His assignments challenged us.

An example of this was shared by my entire veterinary school class. Dr Leathers spoke clearly and concisely. He desired all of his students to share in this quality. Nearly all of us use what are called fillers in our conversations. Filler can consist of words, such as “like,” or “you know,” frequently combined in the phrase “like, you know . . .” In these instances, the words are essentially meaningless except as conversation cues. A related phenomenon is speech disfluency, when one pauses in mid-sentence to try to recall the rest of the thought. Most of us are unaware of the extent we use fillers. The best way to become self-aware is to record a conversation or speech. This was Dr Leather's way of teaching us to be better.

The task seemed simple. Prepare a 1 minute speech. Only 1 minute. It could be on anything you wanted to talk about. This 60 seconds of material needed to be memorized and presented to the 100+ member class. Each student's speech was to be recorded.

Our assignment was to then take the tape home and play it back. We were required to write down exactly what was said (including the ums, sighs, coughs, grunts, ands, and other filler words we inadvertently use while speaking). This task is not a pleasant one. For most of us, these sounds are probably more common than the words between them. Following this, we were to correct the transcription and submit a final document stating what we should have said in the absence of filler words.

This exercise proved to be a learning experience. I became much more aware of my speech. I focused specifically on avoiding filler words. It changed the way I interacted with those around me. It helped me professionally.

Dr Leather's has taught and influenced thousands of veterinary students over the years. His legacy is unparalleled at Washington State University. I count myself privileged to have been taught by one of the best.

My final question for this revered professor was simple. I asked, “You have had a remarkable career. What advice would you give to young veterinarians just beginning this journey?”

His response is one that I will forever remember.

“Just focus on your sphere of influence. Just do the best that you can and expect that others are doing the same.”

I think it would be wise for all to follow this cogent and concise advice from Dr. Charles Leathers.

And that is my take!
N. Isaac Bott, DVM

08/02/2024

Theriogenology Thursday: At birth, an elephant calf may weigh around 100 kg (225 pounds). Gestation ranges from 20-22 months. No other land animal takes this long to develop before being born.

07/31/2024

My Take Tuesday: Sheep and Stoicism

Sheep can be stubborn. I remember as a child trying to herd our small group of ewes to a nearby pasture. Although it was only about a hundred yards away, it didn’t go well. As I turned the sheep out, they all began running in every direction. There was pure chaos. I ended up covered in sheep snot, lying on my back looking up at the blue sky. The sheep were all over town. Not one of them ended up in the desired pasture.

Not long after this, my very wise great uncle, Boyd Bott, taught me an important lesson. The trick was simple: “You can’t herd sheep. You have to lead them.” It is a lesson I will never forget.

Taking a pail of grain and walking out in front of the sheep will yield an opposite response than that described above. The sheep will literally run after you and follow where ever you want them to go. Every time I had to move the sheep from this time forward, it was easy.

Sheep have a strong instinct to follow the sheep in front of them. When one sheep decides to go somewhere, the rest of the flock usually follows, even if it is not a good decision. Humans are the same way. In the bible, humans are often compared to sheep. I find this comparison very accurate. We are stubborn. We resist when we are pushed. We follow when we are lead.

There is no better way to learn patience than having a small herd of sheep. They require much attention, protection and care.

Next time you find your patience running thin, think of exercising oversight instead of compulsion. It will most certainly yield a better result.

And that is my take.
N. Isaac Bott, DVM

This photo is of Dr. Bott holding a newborn lamb on his family farm in 1985.

07/24/2024

My Take Tuesday: The Society for Theriogenology

Greetings from Oklahoma City! I am here to attend the annual conference of the Society for Theriogenology. This conference is an annual event that I have attended since 2007. Each year the meeting is held in a different city around the country. I eagerly await this conference each summer.

What is Theriogenology? Theriogenology is the branch of veterinary medicine concerned with reproduction, including the physiology and pathology of male and female reproductive systems of animals and the clinical practice of veterinary obstetrics, gynecology, and andrology. It is a**logous to the OBGYN, Neonatologist and Andrologist of human medicine – all combined in a single broad specialization. From antelope to zebras, Theriogenologists work on all species of animals. It is a challenging, unique and rewarding discipline.

I became interested in theriogenology as an undergraduate at Southern Utah University. A professor and mentor named Dan Dail introduced me to this most unique area of veterinary medicine. I learned a lot from him. He entrusted me with a research project looking at the correlation of body condition scores and first service conception rates in heat synchronized beef cattle. His mentorship, along with this research contributed to my acceptance into veterinary school.

At Washington State University, I had the privilege of working extensively with Ahmed Tibary, a world renowned theriogenologist. He has made endless contributions in teaching, published books, chapters and scientific articles. His comparative approach taught me how to think and reason through difficult cases. He also entrusted me with the animals under his care. We published a significant amount of information on reproduction in alpacas. I remember with fondness my time working with him.

My theriogenology work has made me a better veterinarian. My clinical approach has been shaped and molded by the examples of so many mentors and teachers.

What drives me is the comparative medicine; that’s what makes my brain move. Whether I am in the clinic working on dogs or cats, or out working with bighorn sheep, elk, alpacas or water buffalo, I am doing what I love.

Upon a cabinet in the lobby of Mountain West Animal Hospital, a small statue sits. The statue depicts a bull named Nandi. Nandi is the white bull which symbolizes purity and justice in Hindu art and serves as the symbol of fertility in India. It is a Bos indicus bull anointed with gold and silver jewelry and its association in Hindu art and scriptures can be traced to the Indus Valley Civilization where dairy farming was the most important occupation. There are numerous temples in India dedicated solely to Nandi.

This statue was awarded to me after serving as president of the Society for Theriogenology in 2018. It is one of my most prized possessions. I am humbled by the opportunities that have come my way over the years as I have interacted with this unique group of veterinarians.

Kindness is a commonality among veterinarians who are reproductive specialists. They are approachable and humble. In a profession where arrogance often is the norm, they are a refreshing example of the best of the best. They are among the leadership at nearly every veterinary school in North America. They are leaving a lasting impression on the profession.

I am so proud to be a member of this group.
This is by far my favorite conference to attend. I look forward to learning from the best in the world this week and I can’t wait to apply what I learn at my own veterinary practice.

And that is my take.
N. Isaac Bott, DVM

07/19/2024

Theriogenology Thursday: The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is a large antelope and one of the two species of wildebeest. The gestation period is about eight and a half months. Although the breeding season lasts for 6 weeks, over 90% of the calves are born within a one week time period. This synchronicity is very unique and a similar phenomenon occurs with reindeer, saiga and alpacas. The reason is simple - fewer offspring are lost to predators.
Female wildebeest give birth in the middle of a herd rather than alone, and typically in the middle of the day. This allows time for the newborn to become steady on its feet before night falls and the predators become more active. Calves weigh about 19 kg (42 lb) at birth, and can usually stand on their own within a few minutes of birth. To escape predation, calves remain close to their mothers for a significant time, and may continue suckling until the next year's calf is nearly due.

07/17/2024

My Take Tuesday: “Doc, whatever she has, I’ve got the same thing too!”

Animals and people dictate what happens every day for me. Simple routine appointments can turn out to be complex once the unpredictable, yet potent potion of human personality is added to the mix.

A few months back an elderly woman came into the clinic. Her cat had been suffering for weeks with non-stop itching. As I examined the cat, I noticed that this itch was insatiable. The poor cat had scratched and irritated nearly every inch of its body in an effort to satisfy the intense itch. The scratching was so intense, that nearly her entire body was covered with bleeding sores.

A diagnosis of mites was made after taking a skin scrape and looking at it under a microscope. This particular mite is elusive and difficult to find even for the most experienced veterinary dermatologists. However, it is highly contagious.

As I began speaking with the owner about the severity of the diagnosis and the need for immediate treatment, I could tell that her mind was wandering. She was clearly not focusing on what I was saying. I politely asked if I had said something that did not make sense or if she had any questions. Often, the open-ended questions will allow a client to discuss their concerns, however, I was not prepared for what happened next.

“Doc, do you think I have what she has?”, her voice was inquisitive.

“Excuse me?”, I replied, “What do you mean?”

Before I could say another word, this elderly woman dropped her pants. Literally right to the floor. Her legs were covered in large red lesions. The marks were evenly spaced like squares on a checkerboard.

I am easily embarrassed, and when this happens my face turns a deep red. I stammered, “I…. I’m… a… I am sorry ma’am; you will have to go to your doctor for that”. The beet-red shade on my face persisted even after I exited the room.

I learned that day, albeit involuntarily, what “granny panties” look like.

As crazy as this may seem, I have had worse things happen while going about my daily appointments. However, those are saved for another My Take Tuesday.

My job is never boring. The two-legged creatures that come in keep it from ever being so.

And that is my take.

N. Isaac Bott, DVM

07/09/2024

My Take Tuesday: Skunked

A few months back, a Boy Scout troop stopped by the clinic at the end of the day for a tour. As I showed them around and answered their questions, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my time as a boy scout.

The year was 1995.

Boy scout troop 306 of the Castle Dale 1st Ward embarked on a week-long 50-mile hike during the month of July. The hike began on a Monday at Ferron reservoir and ended on Saturday at Indian Creek Campground in the beautiful Manti Lasal National Forest.

As a 14-year-old kid, I was just like most of the other boys in my troop: wholly naive and completely unaware of my ignorance. My sense of adventure far outweighed sound logic and I was prone to encounter trouble because of my mischievous nature. My little brother Caleb and my best friend Zac were my partners in crime and were witnesses to myriads of situations that shaped our imaginative Boy Scout days working on merit badges, monthly camp outs and high adventure events that eventually led to each of us earning the rank of Eagle Scout. These experiences consequently helped make us into the men we are today.

On the second night of this long hike, we made camp at a place called Cove Lake. This beautiful lake is just a few miles from the scenic skyline drive and is nestled in a large grove of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa pines.

As Boy Scouts do, we set out to set up camp and explore the lake. We soon found out that we were not the only species inhabiting the camp on this night. We shared the campsite with one of the most widely distributed mammals in North America, Mephitis mephitis, or the common striped skunk. The fecund creatures were everywhere. As we floated around the lake on a makeshift raft, we could see dozens of them around the water’s edge.

We clearly had a dilemma. Almost immediately, the skunks began ransacking our tents and food supply. These smelly striped critters were endlessly curious about the bipedal invasive species that had entered their territory.

Passive in nature, skunks will avoid contact with humans and domestic animals; however, when challenged they are amply prepared to protect themselves.

If a skunk feels threatened, it will give a warning which includes hissing, stomping of feet, and elevation of the tail. Failure to heed the warning signs will result in the unlucky aggressor being sprayed with the skunk’s a**l gland secretions. Skunks are highly accurate in their aim and can spray 7 to 15 feet away!

A dozen rambunctious boys were immediately perceived as a threat by the striped beast. They seemed to coordinate the invasion of the camp, approaching from all directions.

A scout watching the skunk rodeo spoke to me, “Hey Isaac, if you hold a skunk by its tail, it can’t spray you.”

The notion had some truthiness to it, after all, if it can’t plant its feet, it likely wouldn’t be able to empty its scent glands.

Without any further thought, I reached out and grabbed the nearest skunk by the tail. I lifted it directly in the air and held it suspended with my arms straight out.

The little guy simply twirled slightly and lined his backside to my face and fiercely sprayed with all that he had.

It went directly in my mouth and up my nose. It covered my entire face, and some even got in my eyes.

I immediately began vomiting uncontrollably. By eyes burned and my vision became blurry.

What a lesson! Take my word for it, a skunk can certainly spray when its feet aren’t on the ground. This equivocated logic is dangerous.

As Mark Twain once observed, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”

The odeur fetide that I experienced is a thick, volatile, oily liquid that obtains its pungency from sulfur-based thiols. There in nothing that smells worse than skunk spray inside your nose!

It took weeks before I stopped smelling skunk.

Frantically, I raided the food tent in search of cans of tomato juice. I found 8 cans and a can opener. I then took a tomato shower. I scrubbed my head and every inch until my whole body was covered in tomatoes. You haven’t lived until you take a shower in tomato sauce.

The rest of the week proved to be much less adventurous. I was forced to sleep in my own tent, and I walked behind everyone else along the trails.

Now when I see a skunk, I give it plenty of space. And I tell everyone that I can that contrary to popular myth, a skunk can spray even when being held off the ground by its tail!

And that is my take!
N. Isaac Bott, DVM

07/02/2024

My Take Tuesday: The Southeastern Utah Junior Livestock Show

Black smoke bellowed vertically, cutting through the blue Castle Valley sky. The news was difficult to process. The images were seared into my mind. On Monday night, June 24th, the stockshow barn at the Southeastern Utah Junior Livestock show was gutted by a raging inferno. Within minutes, the destruction was complete.

This large red barn in Ferron, Utah occupies many of the ravines and ridges in the canyons of my memory.

I exhibited lambs at my first show in the summer of 1988. Each summer of my childhood included a week inside this barn. I can still smell the wood shavings and hear the hustle and bustle of the show barn. I can taste the snowcones and cheeseburgers. I hear the voice of the auctioneer and the bid callers surrounding the arena yelling, “YEEEPPPP!” with each increasing bid.

Life can change in an instant, leaving us standing alone, wounded, with only our memories to comfort us.

During the past week, I have thought much about this tragedy. I have wondered why this stings so badly. What about this building is so difficult to let go?

Much of who I am today is because of this small community. This stockshow builds character, fosters discipline, educates youth about agriculture, and promotes sportsmanship. Caring for animals brings out the best in us. Whether it is a piglet, a lamb, a calf, a puppy, or a kitten, with events like these children learn what it feels like to have a living creature rely on them. This teaches responsibility in a way little else can. Caring for a pet creates a sense of empathy and a respect for life. It teaches commitment and consistency, builds self-confidence, and provides immense joy.

I remember as a 7-year-old, how attached I became to my own lamb during my first show. I cried on the day of the sale as I hugged my lamb goodbye.

One of the greatest values of this livestock show provides is the opportunity for youth to gain confidence by caring for something that is completely dependent on them. I remember a young child who was hesitant to enter a pen with the lamb he was preparing for the stock show that year. The previous year, he had been injured by a ram while feeding the sheep with his dad, causing him to develop a fear of sheep. Even standing near a pen of sheep made him shake with fear.

Despite his fear, he had to confront it because without his care, the lamb would not be able to eat, drink, or have a clean and tidy living space. Gradually, this young boy grew more comfortable around livestock. I see a reflection of this timid boy every morning when I look in the mirror.

This unforeseen event occurred just weeks before the stockshow was to take place. The committee that organizes this event was resolute in finding a way forward following this tragedy. Fortunately, this year’s show will still be held at an arena just 10 miles away in Castle Dale.

I am sharing a photo from inside this barn from 1988.

The smile on my face right now is just as big as I remember this exciting day.

And that is my take!
N. Isaac Bott, DVM

06/28/2024

Theriogenology Thursday: Crocodile (Subfamily Crocodylinae) embryos do not have s*x chromosomes to determine s*x genetically. S*x is determined by incubation temperature, where at 30 °C (86 °F) or less most hatchlings are females and at 31 °C (88 °F), offspring are of both s*xes. A temperature of 32 to 33 °C (90 to 91 °F) produces mostly males.

06/26/2024

My Take Tuesday: Hazel and the Skunk

As a teenager growing up in the small town of Castle Dale, I looked forward to summers at the end of each school year. Summer meant freedom from both homework and sitting at a school desk.

For me, a perfect summer day would have to include vanilla ice cream, snow cones and strawberry shortcake. The tranquil Castle Valley evenings provided frequent opportunities to cook hot dogs, hamburgers and steaks on the grill, corn on the cob on the stove, and juicy Green River watermelon slabs with each meal.

Summertime also meant hard work. Apart from the irrigating and farm chores, there were a number of elderly widows in Castle Dale that would hire my siblings and I to mow their lawns each week during the summer.

Hazel was my favorite. Her small house stood just north of the new recreation center in Castle Dale. Hazel was like family to me. Her friendly demeanor and kindness were manifest each and every time I mowed her lawn.

She had a small but verdant lawn that surrounded her small gray house. Along the south end of her property, huge trees stood as sentinels protecting the house from the frequent Castle Valley wind. The deep green leaves of the tall trees overlooked a perfectly manicured garden with straight rows of Swiss chard, chives, radishes, peas, carrots, spinach and lettuce.

Her lawn was difficult to mow. The frequent flowers and bushes required extreme care and precision with the lawn mower and edger. I would frequently graze her chives and the onion smell would instantly give away my error.

“On no, you hit my chives!” she would say. I anticipate that she planted larger quantities each year knowing that some would certainly fall prey to my mower.

After finishing the mowing, Hazel would prepare red punch and cookies. I would sit on a couch in her living room as I savored the snacks week after week. Hazel would ask about how my life was going, and she would tell stories of her Seely and Livingston pioneer ancestors that helped settle Utah and build the iconic Salt Lake Temple.

Hazel loved cats. She had a cat door that would lead out to the back yard from her kitchen. She would place a large bowl of cat food in the center of the kitchen and the cats could enter and leave as they please.

On this particular day, Hazel commented about how much cat food she had been going through. She noted that she would have to fill the cat dish 3 or 4 times a day and that each time she entered the kitchen, the bowl would be empty.

As I sat on the couch, I had a clear view of the cat bowl in the kitchen. As Hazel spoke, from the corner of my eye I noticed some movement near the bowl. As I turned my head and looked into the kitchen, the biggest skunk I had ever seen wobbled over to the food bowl and began gorging.

“Hazel!” I exclaimed. “That is not a cat, it is a big fat humongous skunk!”

“My laws!” she gasped. “Get it out of here!”

As I jumped up, the startled skunk made a dash for the door. Its overweight body condition inhibited it from any appreciable speed. The large belly nearly dragged on the ground as it meandered away. As it leaped for the cat door, the front half of the body exited perfectly, however, its back half didn’t quite make it. As the obese animal heaved its back end though the door, it simultaneously and voluminously sprayed the contents of its scent glands in my direction. This wallop of its defense mechanism filled the entire kitchen.

If you haven’t experienced the mephitic smell of a skunk from up close, the odeur fétide is actually a thick, volatile, oily liquid that obtains its pungency from sulfur-based thiols. There in nothing that smells worse than skunk spray inside your nose!

Hazel and I exited out the front door. We propped open the kitchen door and placed a fan on the floor to help air out the house. We laughed about it for hours.

Hazel passed away shortly after Memorial Day in 2003. I sure do miss her.

Each and every summer day brings back the fond memories of Hazel, the obese skunk, and the all-you-can-eat Mephitis buffet.

And that is my take!
N. Isaac Bott, DVM

06/21/2024

Theriogenology Thursday: The giant schnoz of the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) has a purpose: It purportedly acts as an echo chamber, amplifying the male's call to potential mates.

06/19/2024

My Take Tuesday: Community

It was a cold mid-February day on the Palouse. I had traveled to Pullman this day for an interview at Washington State University. My chances were slim. I was applying for a nonresident position in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s class of 2009. My palms began to sweat as questions were asked about my qualifications and application. Organic Chemistry. Yeah, I had received my lowest grade in this class during undergrad and knew that I would be asked about it. I did my best to answer the question in a satisfactory manner.

The next question was unexpected.

“Isaac, what purpose does a veterinarian serve in a community?”

I paused as I thought about this inquiry.

My mind returned to my teenage years when I served on the Youth City Council for the small town of Castle Dale, UT. This rewarding time allowed me to give back to the community that formed so much of who I am today.

My answer was as follows: “A veterinarian has the obligation to be an example and a good citizen. The amount of good accomplished through this entirely depends on the effort a veterinarian puts into the community. Effort is reciprocated many times over when someone donates their time and talents through community service.”

I promised that, if I were lucky enough to become a veterinarian, I would do my best to give back to the community that I reside and practice in.

They apparently accepted this answer and a few months later I began veterinary school.

I have done my best to keep the promise I made in that interview nearly 20 years ago. I have grown to love Springville, the surrounding Utah Valley community and enjoy running my own small business. I look forward to coming to work each day.

Several years ago, I began volunteering at local rescues and animal shelters through a variety of services. One service is providing low-cost vaccination and licensing clinics in local communities. We have been able to provide vaccines for over 1000 pets in Utah County this year alone. This requires us to close the clinic over a dozen Saturdays we would normally work. Despite this, we are extremely grateful for our understanding clients that remain loyal without this periodic Saturday availability.

I also have helped train Animal Control Officers and animal shelter employees from all over the state the technique of humane euthanasia. This requires both in-class and hands-on training to properly learn to administer intramuscular and intravenous injections.

These opportunities have been so rewarding for me! I very much enjoy getting to know all of the people that dedicate their lives to caring for those without a voice. The immense joy that I have felt volunteering my time has rejuvenated my passion for veterinary medicine and has helped my become a more patient, kind and caring person.

Last year, I was invited to speak at the annual conference for the Utah Animal Control Officer Association. An awards banquet was held in the evening of the opening day of the conference. I was completely surprised to receive the association’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award.

This award is something that I am very proud of. It has been such an honor for me to work with such wonderful people. From my team at Mountain West Animal Hospital to every single animal control officer and shelter employee, I thank you for your often overlooked efforts that you make every single day. Many of the lives you change are the animals that you care for. You make the world a better place and I salute you for it.

Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about is something you will never regret. It will enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to people and ideas that will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life. Helping your community is an opportunity for you to grow as a person and to better understand how you fit into the world around you.

I am excited for the future and for further opportunities to be able to share my knowledge and expertise with this wonderful community. I am my happiest when I am helping others.

I encourage everyone to consider serving the community in your respective spheres of influence. It is something that will provide you with unparalleled contentment and sense of purpose.

And that is my take!

N. Isaac Bott, DVM

Address

410 S 450 W
Springville, UT
84663

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 12pm
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Tuesday	8am - 12pm
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Wednesday	8am - 12pm
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Saturday	9am - 1pm

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My Take Tuesday: The Macabre Mite As a veterinarian, I see and treat a variety of pet diseases. Skin diseases are very common at my practice. Some of these skin conditions are caused by parasites. I recently diagnosed a pet with a condition called sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mange is caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrows just beneath the surface of the skin. Sarcoptes scabiei mites bury into the skin of healthy adult dogs and puppies and feed on material in and on the skin. Sarcoptic mange is also known as scabies and is zoonotic, which means it is transmissible from pets to people. Mites are distant relatives of ticks, spiders, scorpions and other arachnids. Over 48,000 species have been described. Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is an infectious and contagious type of mange mite often picked up from other dogs or unclean environments. Symptoms of sarcoptic mange may include intense itching, scabbing and hair loss of most commonly thinly haired areas of the coat such as the ears, elbows, legs and abdomen. While diagnosis is made by performing a skin scrape, these mites are often difficult to find. However, when I see them, they are unforgettable. I imagine that many horror movies were inspired by staring at this mite under a microscope. Even though we see it commonly, seeing it under a microscope makes me itch. A lot. Just writing about it makes my scalp and arms itch. Watch this short video clip. Does this not make you itch? And that is my take! N. Isaac Bott, DVM

Reindeer Grunting

Reindeer communicate through a series of unique grunts. Here is a short clip of Sven saying what I assume translates to, “Where is my food?”

Merry Christmas

Preparations have begun for tonight’s long flight!

Reindeer birth occurs in three stages. During the first stage, cervical dilation occurs. Often, a female will be anxious during this phase. She may separate herself from the herd. It lasts from 12-24 hours. The second stage is expulsion of the fetus. This occurs rapidly (15-30 minutes). The third stage is passing of the placenta. It typically occurs within 1-12 hours following birth. In this short video, Flower, one of our resident females gives birth to a healthy baby girl.

Reindeer calves are precocious. They stand within an hour after birth and learn to run shortly thereafter. In this video, LumaLee, a female calf born this spring at Mountain West Animal Hospital, shows us what reindeer games look like. She is less than 24 hours old in this video.

Clicking

Reindeer make a clicking sound when they walk, and not just when up on a housetop. Tendons snap over sesamoid bones in their feet, and that's what makes the click. Experts think the clicking helps the members of a herd stay in contact, especially in snowstorms or, say, when it's foggy. Listen closely to this video. Apart from the vocalization (grunting), a distinct click is heard with each footstep.

Reindeer Eating Breakfast

Reindeer smack their lips when they eat. Sven is pretty adorable when he eats breakfast!!!!

Dr. Bott discusses some of the challenges with reindeer herd health and reproduction.

My Take Tuesday: The Macabre Mite As a veterinarian, I see and treat a variety of pet diseases. Skin diseases are very common at my practice. Some of these skin conditions are caused by parasites. I recently diagnosed a pet with a condition called sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mange is caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrows just beneath the surface of the skin. Sarcoptes scabiei mites bury into the skin of healthy adult dogs and puppies and feed on material in and on the skin. Sarcoptic mange is also known as scabies and is zoonotic, which means it is transmissible from pets to people. Mites are distant relatives of ticks, spiders, scorpions and other arachnids. Over 48,000 species have been described. Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is an infectious and contagious type of mange mite often picked up from other dogs or unclean environments. Symptoms of sarcoptic mange may include intense itching, scabbing and hair loss of most commonly thinly haired areas of the coat such as the ears, elbows, legs and abdomen. While diagnosis is made by performing a skin scrape, these mites are often difficult to find. However, when I see them, they are unforgettable. I imagine that many horror movies were inspired by staring at this mite under a microscope. Even though we see it commonly, seeing it under a microscope makes me itch. A lot. Just writing about it makes my scalp and arms itch. Just watch this short video clip. Does this not make you itch? And that is my take! N. Isaac Bott, DVM

Lumi, one of our resident reindeer gave birth this week to a healthy baby girl. At only 36 hours old, she is running and jumping! We are absolutely in love!

We had a brazen thief break into an employee’s car this morning at 8:47 AM. Here is the camera footage of the disturbing incident. If you recognize this distinct car or the person wearing red sandals; please notify the Springville Police department. Thank you! – Dr. Bott

These girls are warming up for their big night!

Reindeer communicate through a series of grunts. This video shows how a mother communicates with her young calf. Calves are very precocious and are usually trying to stand within 10 minutes after birth.

Reindeer communicate through a series of grunts. This video shows how a mother communicates with her young calf. Calves are very precocious and are usually trying to stand within 10 minutes after birth.

Ready. Set. Go!!! Reindeer games at Mountain West Animal Hospital

Reindeer Express 2022

Cache Valley friends, we are excited to participate in the Reindeer Express event on December 2nd at the USU Animal Science Farm. Come by and interact with some of the resident reindeer from Mountain West Animal Hospital. Event info can be found here: https://vetmed.usu.edu/reindeer-express?fbclid=IwAR1XaX4hQxBBR9V2Db4FoMUc-4a1kR9L-hrFSkesAAtcg1SMPi53IRyP0EY Proceeds from admission build a scholarship endowment for students of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University.

Theriogenology Thursday: The dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) displays some very unique rutting behavior. The male has a specialized inflatable diverticulum of the soft palate that is called the dulaa. During rut, this structure is ejected and protrudes from the mouth. The size of of the male's dulaa is thought to indicate a male's virility to females. Here is a video of this phenomenon. This is a portion of the soft palate that is inflated and exteriorized. Wait for it.......