Animal Clinic in Sussex

08/27/2024

We're obviously a hospital focused on the health and well-being of your pets, but we also like to spoil them!
Check out our ever-changing selection of treats, toys, and other goodies for your feline or canine friend!
Is there something specific you'd love to get when you visit the clinic? Drop it in the comments below! 👇

08/26/2024

Here at the clinic we perform dental cleanings almost every day, and extractions are pretty common. Here's just one of the many cases we see!

This patient was an 8-year-old male neutered Dachshund, and this was his first professional dental cleaning. Looking at the pictures the teeth are definitely coated in tartar, but would you necessarily think they need to come out? Let me tell you... they definitely did. The vast majority of these teeth were loose, and the others were abscessed underneath the gumline. This is why we take radiographs of the entire mouth. Problems lurking under the surface are more common than you think and the constant flow of bacteria into the body can have negative effects on the immune system, GI tract, and heart.

Never fear, this guy recovered without a hitch and is feeling fantastic now that his mouth no longer hurts. A healthy mouth equals a healthy body, so if you think your pet's mouth needs some TLC give us a call and we'll be happy to evaluate their needs!

08/13/2024

It doesn't matter what species they are...babies are the cutest!
This is Buttercup, a 9-week-old Hermans Tortoise. She will grow to 5-7 inches and live 70 to 100 years!!
We love her. Tomato for size. 😍

08/01/2024

Sometimes we do get to snuggle with our furry patients! Maple has been working hard and decided a nap with Dr. Rachael was in order. 🥰🐾

08/01/2024

The clinic will be closing at 4:00 today. We will resume normal hours tomorrow morning at 8:00am. Thank you!

07/23/2024

Cats are incredibly stoic creatures by nature and will often hide illness until it's pretty advanced. While we often think of arthritis as being a human or dog problem, our cats are also affected.
The pain doesn't just go away, and over time it will get worse. The signs can be subtle at first, and many will attribute these changes to "just getting older". But just like in people, as we age joint problems can being to occur.
Solensia is a once monthly injection that helps control arthritis pain in our cats and can greatly improve their quality of life. It is a protein, not a chemical and works just like your cats naturally created antibodies to reduce pain signals.
If you have questions or would like to get your feline family member started on Solensia, just give the clinic a call!

06/19/2024

Today's Breed of the Week is a bit of a mouthful- the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever!
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The smallest of all the retrievers, these dogs are intelligent, willing to please, and affectionate. Their trademark coat is a stunning crimson with white markings.
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Tollers are strong and agile with ENDLESS energy. They'll play fetch until your arm falls off! These red tornadoes definitely require a home that will provide adequate outlets for all their energy. If you're into hiking, camping, or swimming, these dogs might be for you!
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When it comes to training, Tollers respond well to reward-based training. They generally want to know what's in it for them and enjoy "learn to earn" opportunities. With consistent training, these sweet dogs make fantastic family members.

06/05/2024

Today's Breed of the Week is a silly little dog- the Miniature Bull Terrier!
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The Miniature Bull Terrier is really just the smaller version of the Bull Terrier. We don't see them very often, but when you come across one, they're easy to identify with their egg-shaped heads and square little bodies.
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Mini Bull Terriers are known as the "Class Clowns" of the doggy world and their compact bodies are filled with mischief and high spirits. They are incredibly strong, active, fearless, and endlessly entertaining.
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Because of their penchant for spiciness, early socialization and consistent training are definitely key. Letting them get away with too much as puppies is asking for lots of trouble in adulthood!

05/29/2024

Today's Breed of the Week is a sweet little German breed- the Löwchen!!
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"Löwchen" is German for 'little lion' and these dogs have been a popular breed among Continental Europeans for over 500 years! They are known to be affectionate, lively, and brave as the lions they are named for.
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Löwchens are small dogs with big hearts and thrive on being active participants in family life. They are strong and sturdy but have an elegant and balanced appearance.
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The coat is traditionally kept in a 'lion cut,' in which most of the hindquarters and tail are clipped close to the skin. The overall effect is that of a mini lion with a full mane and plumed tail.

05/20/2024

Hello Facebook friends, we have a case for you! It's also a PSA to anyone who owns a dog (permission to post granted by the owner).

Puddles is a 7 month old Labrador puppy who got herself into quite the situation. She jumped out of the car window and fractured her femur.

Now before you jump to judgement (no pun intended), this isn't the first patient we've seen who has done this. In most cases, Puddles included, the window isn't down all the way and it's hard to believe they can get their body through it. Dogs do silly things and accidents happen, but it's a good reminder to keep your dog safely contained or harnessed during car rides.

Even if it's only open halfway so they can poke their heads out, a persistent dog will manage to squeeze out or even break the glass which is just as dangerous. A kennel is the safest place in the car, especially in the event of an emergency. They also make doggy seatbelts and harnesses which provides a good level of safety.

Fortunately, the fracture did not involve the growth plate and Puddles had surgery to plate the fracture. She will be in a sling for several weeks with many vet visits in between, but we're optimistic she'll make a full recovery!

05/16/2024

Hello Facebook Family! If you're looking for something to do this weekend and want to support a good cause, check out FredFest!
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Fred was an active Waukesha county resident and firmly believed in supporting local businesses. He was passionate about giving back to his community and frequently gave the gift of music in the form of benefit concerts.
FredFest will be TOMORROW Friday, May 17th and you can follow this link to their page👉 https://www.facebook.com/p/FredFest-100064479501038/
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The money raised via donations and raffle items goes towards the "Frederick C. Christensen Memorial Fund" which lends financial support to one or more graduating Waukesha High School seniors on an annual basis. Applicants for this scholarship must participate in the school band, be active in the community, and demonstrate integrity, kindness, and service-mindedness.
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05/15/2024

Today's Breed of the Week is a Hungarian powerhouse- The Komondor!
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We don't see them very often, but they're hard to miss! Komondor's are known for their distinctive profuse white cords from head to tail. Their coats require very specific care, so this dog isn't for you if you want a low-maintenance companion!
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These dogs are independent guardians and need solid training and handling from the beginning. Males can weigh in over 100 pounds, with heavy bone, a deep chest, and plenty of muscle.
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Despite their thick bodies, Komondors move with surprising grace and agility and require routine exercise. These dogs were bred to guard livestock, so a secure yard is important to ensure a perceived threat to their "flock" doesn't cause problems.

05/13/2024

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this project. Because of you VOWS put together 102 gift bags and they've all found a grateful home. We couldn't have done it without you!!

What a beautiful day it was today! ☀️ We hope all the wonderful mom’s of our community enjoyed their day. On behalf of VOWS we would like to take a moment to thank the following businesses who helped make this year's Mother’s Day Gift Bag project a success.

To our collection sites, without your hard work, dedication and support this project wouldn’t be possible:

The Animal Clinic in Sussex who hit the ground running by promoting this project through both emails and Facebook notifications, thank you! Through your support by graciously donating a service of a nail clipping for any donations that were brought into the clinic, your response was overwhelming and led you to collect 21 bins resulting in 148 nail clippings!! 👏 Thank you to Dr. Mackenzie and her staff for going above and beyond to support our project.

The Waukesha State Bank who worked to communicate this project with customers who either came in or went through the drive-thru. Thank you for supporting our project not only with donations but also providing us with a location to sort and assemble these special bags. Thank you to Matt Fischer and the staff for helping us with this project.

To the businesses who supported us through monetary donations, this allowed us to purchase additional items needed to help fill areas or buy items to help our mothers feel special. Chuck's Main Street Auto, Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home, and Wee Welcome Inn-Child Care thank you for your support through monetary donations.

To our community, it takes a village. Without the love and support of the these businesses and our community this project wouldn’t be possible. VOWS thanks you for your continued support over the years and for making this Mother’s Day special. 💐

05/08/2024

Today's Breed of the Week is the aristocratic Japanese Chin.
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This charming toy breed is a fantastic companion for the avid homebody. They are generally a quiet dog and often described as "feline".
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Typical of Asian breeds, Chin's have a luxurious mane and plumed tail arching over the back. They also flaunt a set of fluffy pants or "culottes", giving them an exotic and elegant appearance. They require routine brushing and occasional bathing, but aren't as high-maintenance as some other breeds out there.
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While happy to be your snuggle buddy, Japanese Chin's are active little dogs and appreciate a good walk. They can be reserved when it comes to new people, so early socialization is key to a well-rounded companion.

05/01/2024

Today's Breed of the Week has a very unique look. We present to you the Ibizian Hound!
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Lithe and leggy, these beautiful and ancient dogs were bred for rabbit coursing on the shores of Spain's Balearic Islands. With legs that long, they need plenty of space to run!
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Their aerodynamic bodies and heads resemble Egyptian motifs, and they are often referred to as deer-like. They can be solid red or white, but are most often seen as a blend of the two, and their amber eyes complement the coat perfectly.
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If you bring an Ibizian into your home, be prepared! They need plenty of exercise in a very secured place or on leash due to their high prey drive. They have been known to jump 5 or 6 feet from a standing position so a tall fence is definitely a must! However if running is your preferred form of exercise, this is a perfect companion for you!

04/24/2024

Today's Breed of the Week is the absolutely precious Havanese!
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These cheerful little dogs are the only breed native to Cuba and have a sweet and sociable personality. Their compact little bodies make them ideal for any lifestyle and command attention anywhere they go!
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They come in a wide variety of colors and have a distinctive curled over tail. Their silky coat can be styled in a variety of ways. Some choose to cord it like a Puli, and others clip it short to reduce the maintenance required. No matter the style, they're always adorable!
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The Havanese is incredibly intelligent and makes a natural trick dog. Like all dogs, they require routine exercise, but can overheat pretty easily.... so long hilly hikes aren't their forte!

04/22/2024

Euthanasia is a sad but realistic part of our job. We work with a fantastic cremation service that handles all our pets with the utmost respect and care. As part of their services, they offer personalized clay paw/footprints for any pet that comes to them. And it doesn't just apply to cats and dogs.

This owner gave permission to share a picture of their beloved bearded dragon's footprint. The detail in the scales is phenomenal and we're so grateful that we can offer this last gift to our clients. 🐾🦎

04/17/2024

Our Breed of the Week is one we don't see too often in the clinic, and almost NEVER as puppies- the Greyhound!
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The champion sprinter of the dogdom, the Greyhound is a sweet-tempered and gentle soul. They are graceful and noble with an independent spirit.
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Greyhounds embody the phrase "form follows function". They have aerodynamic heads, a deep chest, and a tightly tucked waist perfectly designed for a high-speed chase.
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These cheetahs of the dog world obviously require routine exercise and room to run at full tilt, but also have no problem perfecting their couch potato skills. Be careful though, they need to be securely enclosed or they may just run off in pursuit of perceived prey.

04/15/2024

This case is WILD!! And we can't take credit. This occurred in a different practice and the owners gave permission to share.
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A feisty rooster landed a well-aimed kick at this poor dogs face right through a coop fence!!
This dog is incredibly lucky. The rooster missed all vital structures, and the pup kept his eye and the roosters spur as a souvenir! 🐓

04/10/2024

Today's Breed of the Week is one of the world's most popular small-breed dogs- the French Bulldog.
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The Frenchie resembles a Bulldog in miniature, except for their classic 'bat ears' which is the breeds trademark feature. Compact and muscular, they sport heavy wrinkles above a short and smooshy nose.
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With their comical faces and charming personalities, they will happily adapt to life with singles, couples, or families, and enjoy being part of the pack.
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Their short noses predispose them to breathing issues, and care must be taken during very hot or humid weather. But don't be fooled! These chipper little dogs still require routine exercise to make sure they don't turn into small footstools.

04/08/2024

Did everyone get to see the solar eclipse today?! We did too! Check out our super fashionable staff taking it in! 🌒🌞

04/03/2024

Today's breed of the week is the English Springer Spaniel, a sweet-faced dog with endless energy!
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These sporting dogs are perfectly built for long days in the field. They're bred to be hunting companions and make fantastic companions that are eager to please.
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Springers are tough and muscular, with long lush ears and kind eyes. They move with a ground-covering stride and are extremely intelligent. If left alone for long stretches of time they can become quite miserable as they crave company.
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Because they're so people-oriented, Springers make great family dogs for those with children. They have boundless energy and will happily join in on all the family activities such as hiking, swimming, and games of fetch and catch. If you're thinking of adding a Springer to your family, just make sure you have the time to spend with them, as destructive behaviors can easily arise from boredom.

03/31/2024

Wishing everyone out there a heartfelt Happy Easter!! Have a beautiful and restful day!!

03/27/2024

Today's breed of the week is the French Dogue de Bordeaux. This ancient breed was around even before France was France!
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This Mastiff-type dog has a very distinctive fawn colored coat and can weigh up to a whopping 110 pounds. Their massive heads resemble a Bulldog, with expressive eyes, deeply furrowed brow, and undershot jaw.
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Although stockily built and close to the ground, these dogs can move quick when necessary! They are gifted guardians and make great companions.
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They generally have a sweet and sensitive temperament, but they can be incredibly stubborn and dominating, so firm and consistent training is necessary from puppyhood and beyond.

03/25/2024

Check out this wild case. It is not one of ours- This case is actually from a Veterinary Ophthalmologist located in Paris, France- Clinique Vétérinaire Ophtavet. They took some great pictures and we wanted to share! The description below has been translated from their site..
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Pretty rare case of sudden blindness.
This 6-year-old Cocker presented for what appeared to be blindness within hours. The eyes had suddenly turned white.
It was a lipid outbreak in the anterior chamber following ingestion of a large amount of fat (butter plate).
Eye ultrasound allowed them to eliminate the assumption of fibrin (hyperechogenic) instead of fat (hypoechogenic).
Blood centrifugation allowed them to immediately notice the milky aspect of the serum.
No treatment is necessary. A simple low-calorie and low-fat diet helped the eyes to be healed and the animal's vision returned in a few days.

03/21/2024

It's that time of year again!! We're collecting donations for the Annual Mothers Day Gift Bag Project.
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During the month of April, your pet will receive a free nail trim with a donation for VOWS. Nail trims are by appointment only and easily accommodated if your pet is already here for an examination.

Technician nail trim appointments will be scheduled according to availability. We appreciate your flexibility during this busy month and we'll make sure to get you in! Please bring donations with you at the time of your appointment (New and unused only please!) Call today to secure your spot!!

03/20/2024

Today's breed of the week is the pride and joy of Wonalancet, New Hampshire....the Chinook.
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These beautiful dogs are known for their intelligence, patience, and eagerness to please. They are rugged working dogs and fantastic family pets.
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Chinook's were originally bred to haul freight to and fro as they have both strength and speed in their wheelhouse. Because they are so eager to please and learn, they can excel at sledding, obedience, agility, search-and-rescue, and herding.
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They are very people-oriented and make great family dogs for those with children. While they are calm and relaxed by nature, they still have boundless energy and make great companions for the outdoor enthusiast!

03/13/2024

Time for another Breed of the Week!!

Today we're highlighting the Basenji. Hailing from Africa, they're known as the "Barkless Dog". They are compact, but gracefully built with a short coat, wrinkled forehead, and tightly curled tail. They're very fastidious dogs, and can be seen grooming themselves like a cat.
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And while it's true...they don't bark, but that doesn't mean they're silent. When they vocalize, it sounds like something between a chortle and a yodel.
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As with most dogs, early training and socialization is crucial. Basenji's are very energetic and intelligent with a penchant for mischief. With positive-reinforcement they learn fast, but at the same time they tend to lose interest quickly so keep training sessions short and sweet.

03/11/2024

March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, and to help raise awareness of common hazards and toxins to pets, Animal Poison Control Center has put together a list of the top 10 most commonly reported pet toxins!
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Each year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) works to provide important and sometimes lifesaving information along with handy safety guides to pet parents nationwide.
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1. Over the counter (OTC) meds make up 16.9% of APCC calls. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, joint rubs and herbal supplements all fall within this category.
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2. Human Food makes up 15.2% of cases. Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and protein bars make up the majority.
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3. Cardiac, ADHD, thyroid, and antidepressant medications make up a significant amount of human medication cases.
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4. Chocolate toxicity averages almost 5 cases per hour per day!
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5. Plants make up 8.6% cases and were related to indoor and outdoor plant ingestion.
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6. Home improvement projects can expose pets to many potential toxins such as paint, adhesives or spackle. Disinfecting wipes remained a common item of exposure.
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7. Chewable veterinary medications are tasty, and dogs will eat the entire container!
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8. Rodenticide exposure is a big one. Depending on the type, mouse and rat baits can cause bleeding, kidney failure, seizures or even death.
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9. Insecticide exposure cases dropped this year. Safer product alternatives and better handling of these types of products will help keep pets safe around these types of toxins.
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10. Recreational Drugs, for the first time ever, have made the list, knocking out gardening products in the tenth spot. Recreational drugs include ma*****na-based drugs, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and co***ne. The APCC team fielded nearly 11% more calls related to ma*****na ingestion than the previous year, and a 300% increase in calls over the past 5 years. The most common cases seen at the APCC were pets that ingested ma*****na-laces baked goods.

03/07/2024

Did you know that the American Kennel Club currently registers 200 dog breeds? Established in 1884, the AKC maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. Do you think you could name all 200 breeds? Don't feel bad.....we can't either.
So we'll all learn together! Each week we'll highlight a different breed for you, some common...some not so much. If you own the breed of the week, feel free to share a pic in the comments!! 👇
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Starting things off, we have the American Eskimo! These eager-to-please fluffy wonders come in 3 different sizes and are generally a bright clean white. They're incredibly smart and thrive when given a job to do. They are very family-oriented and insist on being a central part of family life. You can run into some behavioral issues if they are under-trained or bored, so if you're thinking of bringing an Eskimo into your house make sure you have plenty of time to work with these clever dogs.
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An Eskimos skin produces oil to help prevent dirt from sticking to the skin. However, routine brushing is critical as this double-coated dog does shed pretty much all the time. Occasional bathing may be necessary, but if overdone can dry out the skin and coat.
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Fun Fact- Back in the day when traveling circuses and vaudeville shows were popular, Eskimos were mainstays of trained-dog acts because they learned routines and tricks so quickly!