Meadow Branch Animal Hospital

05/24/2024

Meadow Branch Animal Hospital will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024. We will reopen at 8:00AM Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

If you have a veterinary emergency, please contact your nearest veterinary emergency facility. In Wi******er, Valley Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center is located at 210 Costello Drive, off of Rt. 522 South, across from Costco. (540)662-7811.

03/15/2024

Have you seen our blog? We enjoy highlighting some of our adorable patients there and feature interesting cases. We've also started adding some content to help you learn more about the state of the art veterinary care we provide! This week we posted about how we perform surgical dental extractions. Check it out here: https://www.meadowbranchanimalhospital.com/announcements/surgical-dental-extraction-video

02/23/2024

Daisy is a 12-year-old, historically healthy patient that presented to Meadow Branch Animal Hospital on February 5th for a sudden onset of lethargy and decreased activity. Physical exam, bloodwork, and ultrasound findings contributed to a diagnosis of a liver mass as the cause of Daisy’s condition. A 6.5 x 9 cm tumor within the left medial liver lobe and secondary peritoneal effusion was identified on ultrasound. Dogs can present with a myriad of symptoms attributable to liver tumors, so a detailed physical exam and diagnostic work up is imperative for proper diagnosis. We are grateful that her astute owner pursued evaluation of Daisy despite vague and acute symptoms.
Surgery for certain liver tumors results in significantly improved survival times for patients. It is the treatment of choice for large, solitary liver tumors. Dogs have six liver lobes, and the left division of the liver is more amenable to surgical removal. Dogs tolerate removal of a large portion of their liver, and the remaining portion of their liver can grow to achieve almost normal capacity within 6-8 weeks. With a solitary tumor affecting a majority of a single lobe, liver lobectomy is often performed.
Most hepatocellular tumors in dogs are associated with a good prognosis following removal, even if malignant. Hepatocellular carcinomas are associated with low metastatic rates (less than 5% at time of surgery), low chance for recurrence (less than 6% of cases) and, in our opinion, incredible median survival times. Following surgical removal, typical median survival times for hepatocellular carcinomas are greater than 4 years!
Daisy underwent anesthesia for exploratory celiotomy and liver lobectomy. Her condition remained stable in the perioperative period and is recovering well. Biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. We expect Daisy to fully recover and return to normal life as a pet and a therapy dog.

About Daisy from her owner:

Daisy is a 12-year-old Aussiedoodle who lives with her owner and her ‘sister', a Westie named Bridget. Soon after the dogs and their owner moved to a senior living community recently, her owner discovered that Daisy has an innate affinity for older people, especially those who are impaired in some way. She shows endless affection for them when her owner takes her to the long-term and memory care residence where they live, and Daisy's friends look forward to her weekly visits. Here are Daisy and Bridget with their owner and then Daisy with some of her dear friends, whom she visits almost every week.

02/05/2024

Bob, a 1 year, 9-month-old, neutered male Domestic Shorthair, presented to Meadow Branch Animal Hospital in early January for chronic sneezing and nasal congestion that was not responsive to antibiotic therapy. A subsequent infectious disease panel was unremarkable and rhinoscopy was recommended. Rhinoscopy is a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the nasal passage(s) to visualize tissues and structures. This is an important diagnostic tool that allows us to obtain tissue samples, visualize masses and/or foreign material. In Bob’s case, we found and removed an approximately 1 3/8” long, 1/4” diameter, seed head that appears to be from Virginia Wildrye grass. This is quite a large nasal foreign body for any pet, but especially so for a feline. Bob recovered wonderfully from the procedure and is once again active and playful, living his best life! We thank Bob’s family for being vigilant and taking such wonderful care of him.

Here's a note from Bob's family:
Bob is back in his element after a month of not being able to go outside and the respiratory illness that was determined to be from the "object" extracted from his sinus. Bob came to us a year and a half ago from the road and had been slightly injured. His tail was broken and had to be amputated. He was actually named Bob before we knew the tail had to come off! He is a spark of adventure to our lives and always in to something. We are very grateful to you all for your excellent care and caring atmosphere.

01/19/2024

Due to inclement weather, Meadow Branch Animal Hospital will close at 4:30pm today so that our staff may get home safely. We will reopen at 8:00AM on Monday January 22, 20424.

If you have a veterinary emergency, please contact Valley Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center at 540-662-7811. They are located at 210 Costello Drive across from Costco in Wi******er.

Please be safe and have a wonderful weekend!

01/03/2024

December's Patient of the Month is Bentley W.! Bentley came to MBAH for vomiting and lethargy a few days after getting into his family's Christmas decorations. It was quickly determined that Bentley had a foreign body and had surgery that afternoon. Bentley is doing well at home. He would like to remind everyone that Christmas decorations are for enjoying with your eyes, not your mouth.

11/29/2023

Extraordinary Case of the Month is Peaches H.!

Peaches H. is a sweet 1 year old Domestic Shorthair kitten. She was brought in to the clinic due to having a distended abdomen, not wanting to eat, and lethargy. Our relief veterinarian, Dr. Liskey, discovered pyometra and free fluid in the abdomen after doing an abdominal ultrasound on the patient. Surgery to remove the infected uterus and flushing out the abdomen was promptly performed. After surgery, Peaches was taken to Valley Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center to have continued hospitalization throughout the night. On November 20, Peaches was brought back to the clinic for a follow-up and has shown an amazing level of recuperation.

11/27/2023

Patient of the Month is Leo F.!
Leo F., an English Bulldog, is a spunky six year old big boy. First diagnosed with radiolucent stones at Valley Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center. The patient arrived at Meadow Branch Animal Hospital in need of further care and a cystotomy. Upon induction for surgery Leo developed hypoxia and was soon diagnosed with pneumonia. The procedure was halted immediately and he was prescribed medication to treat the pneumonia. Leo, after his antibiotic therapy, was then brought back to the clinic undergo examination and possibly proceeding with the surgery. Once cleared for surgery, Leo's stones were removed, and the patient responded beautifully to anesthetic. Leo is healing nicely from his operation; like many dogs, he dislikes his medicine, but his mother has been taking excellent care of him.

11/23/2023

Meadow Branch Animal Hospital will be CLOSED Thursday November 23 and Friday November 24, 2023. We will reopen at 8:00AM on Monday November 27, 2023.

If you have a veterinary emergency during our closing, please seek care at a emergency veterinary facility nearest you. Valley Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center is located at 210 Costello Drive, across from Costco in Wi******er. (540)662-7811

11/19/2023

UPCOMING HOLIDAY HOURS:
Meadow Branch Animal Hospital will be CLOSED Thursday November 23, 2023 and Friday November 24, 2023. If your pet will be due for medication refills or prescription diets during this time, please call us before 6:00pm Monday November 20, 2023. Refill/prescription requests take up to 48 hours to process, so please plan accordingly.

If you have a veterinary emergency during our extended closing, please contact the veterinary emergency facility nearest you. Valley Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center is located at 210 Costello Drive in Wi******er, 540-662-7811.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

11/07/2023

We are pleased to offer to all of our patients at Meadow Branch Animal Hospital with Laser treatment, commonly known as photobiomodulation treatment. The way a laser operates is by administering therapeutic dosages of light energy to injured tissues. As a result, the tissues begin to gently heat up and the blood vessels dilate, increasing the amount of blood flowing to the affected area. While eliminating waste, the increased blood flow helps to nourish injured cells. This will then start reducing swelling and hastening our patients' recovery. Among the numerous benefits of laser treatment is the ability to help patients with their arthritis, healing areas where fractures occurred, and hot spots.

Claire M. is one of our patients who is presently receiving laser treatment. She is a stunningly huge eight-year-old Great Dane with a history of spinal arthritis. Due to the treatment's therapeutic qualities, Claire began receiving it in April and has not needed to take any pain medication for the last six months. Claire is more animated overall and has returned to her usual antics, according to the owner. A 16-year-old Pug mix, named Ruca C, is another one of our little ones receiving laser treatment. Laser treatment is a fantastic treatment for patients of all shapes and sizes.

10/25/2023

Patient of the Month Mossy M.!

Mossy M. is a charming 9-year-old labrador mix. The owners reported that Mossy began to have a limp in her rear leg, which had lately become worse. Mossy was found to have a cranial cruciate ligament injury (CCL) , and surgery was advised. On Monday, Mossy had a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) operation to alter the stifle joint's load-bearing force. The owner stated that the patient is doing well and is getting enough rest when asked for an update on Mossy's condition. This surgery was performed by our talented Dr.Marcelo and outstanding technical staff. If you ever notice limping or change of pace in your loved one please give us a call.

10/21/2023

We finished out celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week yesterday with a dessert and mocktail bar!🥧🍰🍹

10/19/2023

Panera sandwiches for brunch to fuel our team!

10/18/2023

🎉🥯Today, we celebrated with a Bagel Bonanza! 🥯🎉 Sclafani's New York Bagels & Bread Official in Kernstown is always delicious!

10/16/2023

🎉It’s National Veterinary Technician Week! Each year, during the third week of October, we celebrate our veterinary nursing team and give special recognition to our Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs). Today, we're enjoying a Coffee Bar and pastries!

What do LVTs do? They wear many hats that include but are not limited to anesthetist, pharmacy technician, oral hygienist, surgical assistant, radiologist, and phlebotomist. LVTs are essential to providing high level veterinary care at Meadow Branch Animal Hospital.

LVTs have graduated from a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and in Virginia, must pass the National Veterinary Technician Exam to earn their certification. LVTs in Virginia are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of approved continuing education each year to maintain their licensure.

Please join us in celebrating our LVTs and veterinary assistants this week and every week! 💙❤️

10/06/2023

Wilson is gladly demonstrating a post-operative surgical covering option for our patients. He was dressed by Holly, LVT in a bodysuit to optimize recovery of his surgical wounds. He is healing well and his owner is happy.

10/03/2023

Extraordinary Case of the month Dipper C.!

Dipper C. is a 3 year old domestic shorthair cat. Dipper was brought to the hospital due to the inability to urinate. Meadow Branch Animal Hospital staff quickly sedated, placed a urinary catheter, and sterile saline was used to flush out his bladder. After the procedure, Dipper was kept in the hospital for a few hours to be monitored and given fluids. The owner notes that Dipper is back to his joyful, lively self a few weeks later. Owner also mentioned Dipper has had regular bowel movements. This patient was seen as an urgent care referral; at Meadow Branch Animal Hospital, we are able to see your animals in any urgent care-based circumstances if your regular veterinarian is unable to do so. An appointment is needed, so please feel free to call (540) 450-8090 to set up an appointment.

09/27/2023

Patient of the Month Moe R.!!
The veterinarians at Meadow Branch Animal Hospital identified Moe R., a domestic longhair cat who is 14 years old, as having Diabetes. Moe receives insulin injections twice daily, and his appetite and weight are monitored closely by his owners. Moe is taken to Meadow Branch Animal Hospital every six months for test work that is used to evaluate his health and make sure his insulin is being adjusted correctly. Following an insulin adjustment that was required a few months ago, Moe's owners say that he is eating well and is back to his playful self. Please read the information provided in the link below if you recently learned that a feline loved one has Diabetes.

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-diabetes

09/23/2023

Stop by for the Pet Adoption Fall Fest with Hampshire County Pet Adoption Program (HCPAP) and Dakota's Dream Animal Rescue today from 12:00-4:00pm! Proceeds from the event benefit HCPAP!

09/20/2023

Our annual fundraiser is quickly approaching 💜

09/01/2023

Patient of the Dexter J.!!!
Dexter J., a vivacious 1 year old German Shepherd. He was brought in the Meadow Branch Animal Hospital due to significant weight loss, lethargy, and decreased appetite. After radiographs were taken, a possible foreign body was discovered. Dr. Marcelo and staff carried out an endoscopy, which facilitated that retrieval of the foreign body. Dexter made a great recovery after surgery. The owners updated the hospital letting us know that Dexter is doing terrific and is back to his spunky self.

08/29/2023

Now available at MBAH: NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets)! One tasty chew, once a month, protects your dog from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites.* We are excited to offer this new one-and-done product! If you would like more information, please call us at (540)450-8090. *Annual negative heartworm test and physical exam are required. Dogs over 7-months-old must have been on a heartworm prevention product year-round.

Please note: Once our current stock of Heartgard Plus and NexGard are depleted, we will not be restocking at MBAH. These products (and other parasiticides and medications) are always available to purchase on our online pharmacy for home delivery! https://meadowbranchanimalhospital2.securevetsource.com/site/view/site/view/HomeDelivery.pml

08/14/2023

Extraordinary Case!!
On July 11, 2023, Minx M., an Australian Shepherd who is 10 years old, arrived at Meadow Branch Animal Hospital for a sedated ultrasound and fine needle aspirate cytology. This was due to the patients primary veterinarian finding a mass on the lung. After the appointment it was determined that surgery would be required. Both Dr. Swisher and Dr. Marcelo performed a lung lobectomy on July 19, 2023. To completely remove the tumour, a lung lobe had to be resected. The patient was then brought in for their recheck appointment. At the appointment we were informed the patient was doing great and healing well. The Owner then informed the clinic a month later that Minx was back to being her happy, silly self. Meadow Branch Animal Hospital strives to perform above and beyond for ours patients.

07/31/2023

Patient of the Month Kenya M.!!!
She is a goofy and loveable 11-year-old labrador retriever mix. Kenya M. was brought in at the beginning of the month after a mass on the patient's spleen was discovered by Valley Veterinary Emergency & Referral Clinic. Kenya came in lethargic and could barely walk. Our Dr. Swisher and two talented technicians performed a splenectomy on the patient. While performing the surgery, there were a few difficulties, but Dr. Swisher and our technicians were up to the task. It was discovered that the mass on the spleen was a benign hematoma. Following surgery, Kenya returned to the clinic for two follow-up visits. At each visit, the patient was content and barking. The staff at Meadow Branch Animal Hospital are overjoyed to see our patient Kenya M. content and making a full recovery!

07/19/2023

Please welcome Dr. Amanda Házy to Meadow Branch Animal Hospital!

Dr. Házy traveled around the United States with her family as a child before settling in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. She received a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Liberty University before going to Virginia Tech to enter the dual DVM-PhD program in 2015. She studied traumatic brain injury at VT and earned a PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences in 2019, publishing ten papers related to her work. After completing her DVM degree in 2022, Dr. Házy worked as an Associate Veterinarian at Valley Equine in Ranson, WV, for a year. This gave her experience in both routine and emergency equine medicine, and she is excited to apply her knowledge and experience to small animal medicine.

Dr. Házy enjoys all aspects of veterinary work including medicine and surgery. She prioritizes excellent patient care and is excited to join the team at Meadow Branch. Dr. Házy enjoys riding horses, reading, running, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Házy officially joins the MBAH team July 24, 2023. She will be our primary veterinarian for wellness/preventive care appointments. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Házy and the knowledge and experience she brings to our practice!

07/13/2023

06/29/2023

Patient of the Month is Bo W.!!!
A foreign object was extracted from Bo, a very handsome 5-year-old Mastiff's stomach. The foreign object was a silicone slow feeder for pets. Our talented technical staff & brilliant Dr. Swisher performed a gastrotomy to be able to retrieve the pieces of silicone. Bo is now back to being his young, goofy self nine days after this procedure. Owners stated that he simply reverted to his laid-back, fun-loving nature. At Meadow Branch Animal Hospital, we work hard to give each patient the best treatment possible. Bo’s remarkable recovery and his happy family have brought the staff much joy. Important fact to remember: Just because it's not edible, does not mean it’s not ingestible.