HousePaws Austin Mobile Vet

09/01/2025

I've had some questions about bird flu and thought I'd give you some information. Right now, it seems to be carried by migrating birds, which infect cows, and other birds as they travel through areas. Cows are passing it to humans through their raw milk and raw meat. They have not found bird flu in pasteurized milk or cooked meat. Cats seem to be getting it from contact with raw meat, raw milk and for outside cats, wild birds that they catch. Dead birds in North Austin have tested positive for bird flu. I want to be sure those of you that have indoor/outdoor cats are aware of the risks of contact with birds when they are outside. https://www.austintexas.gov/news/state-agency-confirms-bird-flu-detected-wild-bird-within-austin-travis-county Cats seem to be more at risk than dogs. But here is some additional information about cats and bird flu. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat that hunts birds, it would be a good idea to keep them indoors for awhile. If you have backyard poultry, try to protect them from exposure to migratory birds. And be sure to wash your hands after contact with poultry. Feeding raw meat and raw milk increases their chance of exposure. I'll share more information as it comes through. https://sph.umd.edu/news/researcher-warns-pet-cats-risk-getting-bird-flu-and-possibly-infecting-people

AUSTI

26/08/2024

Last year, I posted some information about Kissing Bugs here in Central Texas. I found 5 dead ones my porch. Kissing Bugs carry a parasite called Trypanosoma Cruzi. That parasite sets up in the heart and eventually causes right sided heart failure and death with a disease called Chagas. I currently have 3 dog patients that are positive for Chagas. There is no treatment and all we can do is treat the symptoms of right sided heart failure. Today, as I went to my first appointment, I found a dead Kissing Bug on my client's porch. Fortunately, she only has indoor cats. It is a good time to remind you to watch for these bugs on your porch etc. There are look alike bugs, so if you aren't sure if you found a kissing bug or not, you can send a picture to the Chagas research lab and A&M and they will help you identify it. Also, if you find a bug, you can send it to A&M to have it tested for Chagas. 3 of the 5 bugs I found last year were positive for Chagas.

Texas A&M research on kissing bugs and chagas disease in the United States with the help of citizen scientists to uncover the distribution of different species of kissing bugs, their infection prevalence over time, and their interactions with host species.

08/04/2024

I am slowly starting to see some appointments. Last week, I tried to stay close to home, and see very simple appointments. I ended up having to cancel afternoon appointment on 2 days and still ended up in the ER on Thursday night. UGH! But, I feel better this week and will fortunately, be 100% weight bearing on my surgical leg on Wednesday! Yay! Thank you so much for your patience. I'm trying to catch up as quickly as possible, but I also am trying to stay out of the ER this week. I have been blessed with a fabulous doctor with incredible technology, as well as great support from my family, and the absolute best clients ever! I am looking forward to getting back to seeing everyone soon!

16/03/2024

Thank you for all the well wishes. I am in a regular room now and hope to go home tomorrow. I have been blessed with a fabulous doctor that was able to remove the clots in my leg. He also used fabulous new technology that helped dissolve the clots in my lungs so my heart is already better today. I came to the right place and I have felt all the love and prayers. My recuperation will be longer than I hoped. But I promise to get back on the road as soon as the time is right. I have the best clients ever! I want to get back to seeing you and my patients!

14/03/2024

UPDATE: Dr. Hunt had a successful surgery. Was able to remove the clot that was from her ankle to her groin, in the Cath lab. Is still on blood thinners to continue dissolving the remaining clots in her chest. Her leg already feels better. Thank you to everyone for the prayers and well wishes! - from Dr. Hunt's family.

As some of you know, I had a meniscal root repair on my left leg 3 weeks ago. I have been non-weight bearing on that leg since. It started swelling yesterday and it turns out I have an extensive blood clot, throughout almost the entire leg. I also have multiple clots in my lungs, and hopefully will have a procedure this afternoon to remove the clot in my leg. Unfortunately, we will be closed for a bit more. I am trying to get back to work ASAP but need to work through these complications. Allison will be monitoring emails, and we will let you know when I can get back to work.

04/01/2024

If you know anyone interested in adopting 2 male 9 month old guinea pigs let me know. I can connect you with the owner.

20/12/2023

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all our clients and patients. We have been blessed to help you keep your pets healthy this year. We will not be seeing patients Dec 23rd through Dec 26th to spend time with our families. I will be available by email the morning of the 23rd and 26th. We hope all of you have a joyous, restful, holiday.