Nixa Animal Hospital

11/01/2025

There are confirmed cases of rabies in Christian County recently ‼️

Make sure your pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date!

Skunk tests positive for rabies in Christian County

Keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.



Christian County, MO – A second skunk collected in Christian County has tested positive for rabies. The first skunk was collected in late December from the Clever area, and the second skunk was collected this week in the Billings area. There have been no reports of any humans being bitten.



The reports of these infected animals serve as a reminder that rabies is present and that residents should be cautious around wildlife Keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations is the best way to prevent infections in pets and their owners.



Rabies information:

In Missouri, the animals most often found with rabies are bats and skunks.

The rabies virus is found in the saliva and brain tissue of an infected animal.

Humans and pets can become exposed to rabies through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

· Rabies is deadly in people if medical care is not received before symptoms start.

· Rabies in humans is completely preventable after exposure by promptly seeking medical care and receiving treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis.

· Consult a healthcare provider regarding contact to an animal with possible rabies to determine if post-exposure treatment is needed.



The Christian County Health Department recommends the following actions:

Ensure your pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.

Avoid direct contact with wild animals or unknown pets.

Report animal incidents or potentially rabid animals, to prevent the spread of the disease to the Christian County Health Department or local law enforcement agency.

People bitten or scratched by an animal should clean the wound immediately with soap and water and seek any necessary medical care.

Contact your veterinarian for guidance if pets are exposed to an animal that could have rabies.



For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html

10/01/2025

Due to inclement weather, the clinic will be opening at 10:00 AM today to allow time for snow plows to work and employees to arrive safely. We will be reachable by phone and text at 417-725-8700 for normal business hours today.

Stay safe and warm today! ❄️

07/01/2025

With winter weather having finally arrived, many of our roads, sidewalks, and driveways are treated with ice melt. While super helpful for preventing slips and falls, ice melt products can pose a hazard to your pets.

❄️ Ice melt products, even ones marked as pet safe, can be toxic if ingested. While most ingestion is accidental, some pets like the taste. Avoid letting your dogs eat ice melt or snow that may have been treated with it.

❄️ Ice melt can irritate paw pads and large crystals can even cause cuts and scrapes. Wipe your dog's paws immediately after coming inside and treat dryness or cracking with a paw balm. For dogs with more sensitive paws, booties can be worn to protect their pads.

❄️ There are pet safe alternatives that can help reduce slipperiness outside your home. Sand, sawdust, or kitty litter can all be spread on your driveway and sidewalks to increase friction.

As temperatures drop and snow begins to fall in many parts of the country, you may be taking precautions to prevent slips and falls in the snow and ice. While products like ice melts can be helpful, they can be dangerous if ingested by your pets. Learn all you need to know to keep your pets safe thi...

31/12/2024

Happy New Year!! 🥂🎉 Reminder that the clinic will be closing early today, December 31st, at 3:00 PM. We will be closed all day tomorrow, January 1st. If your pet has an emergency, please contact the Emergency Veterinary Clinic at 417-890-1600.

We hope you have a joyous holiday and we'll see you in 2025 😎

23/12/2024

In observance of Christmas, the clinic will be closing at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24th and closed all day on Wednesday, December 25th. If your pet has an emergency, please contact the Emergency Veterinary Clinic at 417-890-1600.

Happy Holidays from the NAH pack! We hope your Christmas is peaceful and merry!! 🎄❤️

19/12/2024

Sometimes kittens can be a little squirrely, but our technician, Hannah, knows all the best snuggles to calm them right down 🥰

17/12/2024

Today is Chocolate Covered Anything Day 😋🍫 It's the perfect day to treat yourself to some sweets and to review why chocolate is dangerous for dogs!

The two main toxic components in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine. These are found in varying amounts in different kinds of chocolate. They cause stimulation of the immune system and act as diuretics, causing more water to exit your dog's body and leading to dehydration. Some chocolate can also cause GI upset and lead to pancreatitis due to high sugar and fat content.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea, tremors, restlessness, increased or irregular heartbeat, and overexcitability. Severe cases can lead to seizures.

If your dog has ingested chocolate, immediately contact the clinic or the Pet Poison Control Hotline if it's outside of business hours. Treatment and urgency depends on the type of chocolate, the quantity ingested, and the size of your dog.

13/12/2024

What a sweet face! 🥰 This little sweetie and her siblings came to visit for their first vaccines yesterday (and lots of cuddles, obviously)

02/12/2024

Time for a new winter Facebook cover!! Comment your favorite pet pics below to help us fill in the bubbles with our patients' adorable faces 🥰⬇️

28/11/2024

In observence of Thanksgiving, the clinic is closed today. We will reopen for regular business hours tomorrow, Friday 11/29. If you have an emergency, please contact the Emergency Veterinary Clinic at 417-890-1600.

We hope your holiday is filled with love and tasty food!! 🍗🧡

25/11/2024

As your Thanksgiving prep kicks into high gear and guests start arriving, take a moment to make sure you and your pets are ready for a joyful holiday! 🐶

🍗 Sharing is a key part of Thanksgiving, but sharing with your dog is not always a good idea. Avoid feeding your dog these things to avoid GI distress, toxicity, or intestinal obstruction. Plain, lean turkey, plain mashed or sweet potatoes, and plain green beans are all tasty tidbits your dog can partake in on Turkey Day.

🍗 A house full of guests is tons of fun, but can quickly get overwhelming to animals. Before guests arrive, prepare a quiet place your pet can retreat to if they need a break from all the festivities. Fill it with their favorite blankets and toys and introduce it before the party starts!

🍗 Make sure your gorgeous centerpieces are out of reach. Some seasonal decor can be toxic if ingested.

Take a few minutes today to prepare so you and your pet don't spend the day at the Emergency Vet!

22/11/2024

Amaya says “My exam might be over, but I’m not done getting treats from Dr. Molly!” 😋🍗

19/11/2024

We love Friday at NAH!! 💙💚 Nothing makes us happier than seeing our patients thriving out in the world. We know he'll make a great therapy dog for all the kiddos.

19/11/2024

The Holiday Season is just around the corner! 🍗🎄🎆 The clinic will be closed a few days around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's to allow our staff time with their families.

If you have an emergency and the clinic is closed, please contact the Emergency Veterinary Clinic at 417-890-1600.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!!

15/11/2024

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month 🎗 Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for domestic dogs in the US. Cancer can seem extra scary for pet owners because our furry friends can't tell us how they're feeling.

To help you feel more equipped, here are eight common signs of cancer you can watch for in your pets. If you notice one or more of these, don't panic! Many of these symptoms are vague and do not 100% mean your pet has cancer. If you're concerned about a symptom your pet is experiencing, always contact the clinic and discuss it with our team.

11/11/2024

How stinking cute are these gals? Jolene and Mazy came in for their annual visit this afternoon and both got a clean bill of health!

08/11/2024

November 8th is International Day of Radiology! 🩻
Radiology is a powerful diagnostic tool that our doctors use daily. In our practice, we use x-ray, dental x-ray, and ultrasound regularly both to diagnose pets and monitor their general health. Being able to peek inside your pet's body is invaluable to so many cases!

For curious minds: pictured below are actual images taken at NAH. The top row are Ultrasounds (left to right: kidney, bladder, large intestine). The middle row features dental radiographs (left to right: canine tooth and first two premolars in a dog, lower molars in a dog). The bottom row are x-rays (left to right: dog knee, dog abdomen, pregnant dog).