*Posted with owner’s permission*
We had a young golden retriever in for a ROUTINE dental cleaning and look at what was under all that plaque. A fracture that exposed the pulp of the tooth!!! Ouch! These injuries are painful and can lead to serious infections. Luckily, we found it, and he won’t be hurting anymore. ❤️🐶
Next month is dental month! So, dental cleanings are 10% off. Feel free to call today to schedule.
Happy first visit to these sweet, frenchie babies! Today, this crew received their first vaccine and lots of cuddles by our team. 🥰
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!
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!
Our feline clients are some of our favorites to care for. Here are 5 fun facts about cats!
1. Cats have a remarkable ability to rotate their ears up to 180 degrees, allowing them to locate sounds with incredible precision. This keen sense of hearing helps them detect even the faintest noises, making them skilled hunters.
2. Despite being carnivorous, cats have taste buds that are not particularly attuned to sweetness. They lack the taste receptors for detecting sweet flavors, unlike humans and many other mammals.
3. Cats are highly acrobatic and have a flexible spine that enables them to twist, turn, and squeeze through narrow spaces. Their exceptional agility is attributed to their collarbone, which is free-floating and allows for increased flexibility in navigating tight spots.
4. While cats are known for their independent nature, they are also capable of forming strong social bonds. Cats have been observed engaging in various forms of communication, including purring, rubbing against their owners, and even blinking slowly, all of which are considered signs of affection and trust.
5. Cats have an extraordinary sense of balance, aided by their highly sensitive inner ear structures. This remarkable balance allows them to land on their feet when falling from heights, a skill known as the "righting reflex." They can twist their bodies in mid-air and adjust their limbs to ensure a safe landing.
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!
Did you know?! Grass seeds can be dangerous for dogs in several ways.
When dogs run through fields or roll in grassy areas, grass seeds can become lodged in their fur, between their toes, or in their ears. If the dog then licks or bites at the area where the seed is lodged, it can become embedded in the skin and cause an infection. In severe cases, the seed may even travel through the skin and enter the dog's body, causing more serious health problems.
If a dog inhales a grass seed, it can become lodged in its nasal passages or lungs, causing respiratory problems. If ingested, it can become lodged in their throat or digestive tract, causing blockages. In severe cases, grass seeds require surgery to remove the seed.
It’s important to take precautions when walking them in areas with long grass, check their paws for any seeds, and seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has encountered a grass seed and is showing signs of discomfort or illness.
Bowie came in this month for a dental cleaning!
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dental problems such as plaque buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay. These issues can cause pain, discomfort, and even lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent these problems from developing or worsening.
Bowie started his day with us by getting a blood sample collected to evaluate his internal organs to ensure that he was a good anesthetic candidate, as well as a pre-anesthetic physical examination.
When it was time for his procedure, Bowie was placed under general anesthesia. They took radiographs (or x-rays) of all his teeth to assess for periodontal bone loss, which may indicate the need to perform extractions. After the radiographs were performed, they removed all the tartar from his teeth using an ultrasonic scaler while monitoring his vitals.
The doctor then assessed Bowie to look for fractured or damaged teeth, gingival pockets, and oral masses. We are happy to report that Bowie came back with a clean bill of health! Yay Bowie!
Come along to get Lola spayed!
There are several reasons why it is important to get your dog spayed or neutered:
Health benefits: Spaying and neutering can have health benefits for your dog. Female dogs that are spayed have a lower risk of developing mammary gland tumors, uterine infections, and ovarian cancer. Neutered male dogs have a reduced risk of developing testicular cancer and prostate problems.
Behavioral benefits: Spaying and neutering can also help reduce certain behavioral problems in dogs, such as aggression, marking, and roaming. These behaviors are often associated with the natural instincts of intact male and female dogs.
Longer lifespan: Spayed and neutered dogs tend to live longer than intact dogs, as they are less likely to develop certain health problems and behavioral issues.
Overall, spaying and neutering your dog is an important responsibility that comes with pet ownership. It can help prevent unwanted litters, promote good health, and improve your dog's behavior and quality of life.
No, this isn’t an April’s fools prank 😉Staring tomorrow, save up to $160 when you buy Heartgard and Nexgard! If your pet isn’t on monthly preventions, now is the time to start. Call our office today for more information or to put in your preorder!
February Dental Month Giveaway Winner announced!!
This month, our team is focusing on healthy gums and fresh breath by offering discounts on dental cleanings, extractions, and dental products! Just like people, pets need regular dental cleanings to promote healthy, long lives. Dental disease can be linked to a variety of health issues like heart problems and kidney or lives issues. If your pet is over a year old and has not had a dental cleaning, schedule a consult with one of our veterinarians today!
February Specials:
10% off dental cleanings for dogs and cats
10% off extractions (if needed)
10% off Leba Dental Spray
Free goody bag with all dentals
Max says “Happy Friday!!” 😍😍😍
