York Vet

08/30/2024

What is tooth resorption?
Tooth resorption is a process by which the dentin (a hard tissue that lies beneath the enamel of the tooth) erodes and eventually becomes irreversibly destroyed. Over time, all areas of an affected tooth may become involved. In the past, tooth resorption was referred to as feline oral resorptive lesions (FORLs), feline odontoclastic resorptions, cavities, caries, cervical neck lesions, external or internal root resorptions, and cervical line erosions.

The most affected teeth are the premolars of the lower jaws (specifically the third premolars). In one study, 53% of cats had an obvious tooth resorption lesion and where no obvious lesion was noted clinically, X-rays (radiographs) revealed one almost 50% of the time.

yorkvet.net
803-675-6474
[email protected]
What causes tooth resorption?
The exact cause of tooth resorption is unknown. Diet is believed to play a role. Other factors theorized to predispose a cat to resorption include frequent vomiting, periodontal disease, and mineral excesses or deficiencies in food or water. Tooth resorption in cats refers to a specific and painful condition.

A cat's tooth showing the subtle signs of tooth resorption that may be seen on a physical exam.Once the sensitive dentin is exposed, tooth resorption is painful and manifests as muscular spasms or trembling of the jaw whenever the lesion is touched.

If your cat has tooth resorption, she may show increased salivation, oral bleeding, or difficulty eating. In many cases, without radiographic and clinical screening in an anesthetized cat, tooth resorption will go undetected, and the cat will be in pain in silence. Annual, thorough examinations are recommended for maintenance of oral health and early detection of disease.

08/29/2024

Our Senior friends need at least 1 exam each year but it is recommended for our aging pets to be examined every 6 months.

Dementia in pets, also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) or canine cognitive decline (CCD), is an age-related disease that affects a pet's cognitive abilities. It's caused by plaque buildup in the brain that can lead to problems with memory, learning, perception, and recognition. Symptoms are similar to Alzheimer's in humans and typically start to appear around age 9.

Behavior changes:
Pets may become more active and vocal at night, or they may seem aimless and disoriented. They may also forget learned commands or routines, or be slow to learn new tasks.

Social interactions:
Pets may have trouble remembering how to socialize, or they may struggle with social boundaries.

Sleep cycles:
Pets may not sleep through the night, or they may wake up at night. They may also pace around.

House soiling:
Pets may urinate or defecate in the house, even if they were previously house-trained.

Other symptoms:
Pets may develop new fears, stare blankly, or lack self-grooming. They may also lose their appetite.

One of our highly skilled veterinarians can diagnose CDS by ruling out other medical causes, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. There's no cure for dementia in pets, but medications can help slow the progression of the disease and reduce some symptoms. You can also help your pet by keeping them active and healthy with games that keep their brain engaged.

If you have noticed any of the signs, please reach out to schedule an appointment.

yorkvet.net
803-675-6474
[email protected]

08/29/2024

Welcome to York Vet, sweet boy! Rebel accompanied his big sister, Paris Mary Ann to her Vet visit with Dr. Ashley this week. He is precious🥰

08/29/2024

We have big things happening here at York Vet! We are so excited for the changes to come as they will better allow us to serve our growing community of small, large, and exotic patients!

08/28/2024

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is celebrated annually on August 28 to honor and remember pets that have passed away. The day is a time to reflect on the bond shared with pets, the joy they brought, and the hope of a future reunion.

Here are some ways to celebrate Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day:

🐾Share memories, photos, and stories of your pet
🐾Create an outdoor memorial
🐾Donate to an animal charity or pet shelter
🐾Volunteer at a shelter or foster animals
🐾Write a poem or journal
🐾Get a tattoo of your pet
🐾Compile a video of memories using iMovie or Windows Movie Maker and upload it to YouTube
Build a memorial page using an app like WordPress or Wix

08/27/2024

Inevitably, most dogs and cats will experience symptoms of skin problems at some point in their lives.

Fortunately, in most cases the underlying cause will not be serious and the condition can easily be treated.

Symptoms of Dog & Cat Dermatology Issues

Signs of skin problems in pets can include:

*Strange bumps or lumps on their skin
*Red, irritated skin or sores
*Excessive scratching or licking
*Obsessive biting or chewing of their skin
*Dry or flaking skin

Much like people, substances in your pet's environment (such as the chemicals found in cleaning products) can cause him or her to develop skin problems due to allergic reactions. Other pets may have reactions to pet food ingredients, parasites or underlying health conditions which can cause their skin to become itchy, sore or otherwise uncomfortable.

Some of the most common causes of skin problems in pets include:

*Environmental allergies
*Food allergies or sensitivities
*Skin allergies
*Hives
*Parasitic bites
*Bacterial infections
*Hot spots
*Ear mites
*Scooting
*Constant rubbing of the face or ears
*Loss of hair/fur

Skin irritations can range from mild or temporary to the development of serious infections. Taking your pet to the vet for early diagnosis and treatment may help to prevent more serious skin conditions from developing.

The cause of your pet's skin problem will dictate the type of preventive measures you can can take. Once your dog or cat has been diagnosed and treated, our veterinarians will be able to recommend steps you can take to help prevent the issue from recurring.

Changing your pet's diet, soaps and/or grooming products are all possible actions you can take to help keep your pet's skin healthy and free from irritations. Your vet may also recommend parasite prevention, grooming changes, or creating a quieter environment for an anxious pet.

If your pet has scratched or bitten themselves to the point that sores have appeared or bleeding has occurred, you should make a dermatological appointment with the vet as soon as possible. Lesions can quickly lead to infections.

08/26/2024

Whether mixed or purebred, embrace the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe, and abuse-free life. They all give us companionship. Additionally, they keep us safe, and they aid those in need. Dogs play. Well, they play many roles in our lives, too! They keep us healthy, both physically and mentally.

🐶

08/23/2024

08/22/2024

National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day!

Taking Better Care of Our Cats:

It seems that cats are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to veterinary care. Research has shown that cat owners are taking their cats to the vet less often. Research sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association determined 83% of dogs see a veterinarian annually while only 64% of cats see a veterinarian annually.

Cats are medically underserved, in part because owners are unaware how sick their cat is. Cats, being the clever creatures that they are, can hide illness until it has reached catastrophic proportions.

Annual examinations are recommended for all healthy younger cats and for senior cats (>7 years of age) twice annual examination. During the examination, our veterinarians will monitor your cat’s weight and body condition score as a measure of his/her overall health. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends the minimum database in senior cats include a complete blood count, chemistry screen, and urinalysis. Once cats pass their 10th birthday, testing thyroid function and blood pressure are recommended. Together, you and our veterinarians will discuss your cat’s lifestyle and decide on what preventive healthcare measures are required to keep you cat in tip top condition. The preventive measures include: vaccinations, parasite prevention, behavioral interventions and nutritional recommendations. Our veterinarian may suggest testing for occult infections such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus and feline heartworms.

08/21/2024

Thinking of a bunny as your new pet?

Rabbits are wonderful companions with distinctive
personalities. They are intelligent and litter-box-trainable,
and they enjoy being included in their family’s daily life.

Rabbits require as much commitment as a dog or cat. They are sensitive to changes, so their daily routines should be consistent and under the care of an adult.

• Daily care: feed, spot-clean enclosure, supervise one to
two hours exercise (minimum)

• Weekly care: deep-clean enclosure, grooming

• Yearly care: vet visit

In addition to the time commitment, owning a rabbit
requires that you provide a large indoor space, keep fresh
veggies on hand, keep hay in your home (which can be
messy), find pet sitters when you go on vacation, and
accept that rabbits naturally chew and dig—and will likely
cause damage to your possessions at some point.

As prey animals, rabbits do their best to hide any symptoms of illness or injury. Thus, people who live with rabbits need to be particularly attuned to subtle changes
in their rabbit’s behavior, activity level and droppings. If you ever have a question about your rabbit’s health, call us at 803-675-6474.

08/20/2024

🐾Why is Play So Important for Your Relationship with Your Dog?🐾

Isn’t playing with your dog just the best?

Playing with your dog is something that can be done anytime, anywhere. We can use play as a great way of bonding with our dogs, and also use it as a motivator for training.

Bonding with Your Dog Through Play

Here are our thoughts on why play is so good for strengthening the relationship between you and your dog:

It gives your dog a workout. Play is a great way to exercise with your dog, help them burn off some energy and keep them fit.

Play builds trust . It takes two to tango, and playing with your dog often involves trust that you won’t tug too hard, or fling the toy back at them. It also teaches your dog that you’re safe and fun to be around.

Having fun creates positive associations. Play is fun for your dog, and can be used to give your dog confidence in situations or locations that they may have had negative experiences in previously.

You can inspire each other. You can play with toys , of course, but they’re not required to have fun and play games with your dog!

Play releases endorphins. You can help to raise a dog’s mood and put them in a positive emotional state, which helps them be happier day-to-day.

Play can be a great motivator and reinforcer . You can use play as a training reward, and many dogs actually enjoy play as a reward more than food.

Play may improve your dog’s memory. Yep, research has indicated that a play session at the end of a training session can help dogs retain that information better, and perform better in the next day’s session.

08/19/2024

Cushing's disease (also known as Cushing’s syndrome) is a condition in which the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones. The medical term for this disease is hyperadrenocorticism.

The adrenal glands are located near the kidneys and produce several vital substances that regulate a variety of body functions and are necessary to sustain life. The most widely known of these substances is cortisol, commonly known as cortisone. Decreased or excessive production of these substances, especially cortisol, may be life-threatening.

There are three types of Cushing’s disease, each with a different cause. Identifying the cause is important because each type is treated differently, and each has a different prognosis (expected outcome).

🔴Pituitary gland tumor
🔴Adrenal gland tumor
🔴Excessive cortisol from prolonged use of steroids

What are the clinical signs of Cushing’s disease?

Regardless of the type, the clinical signs of Cushing’s disease are essentially the same. The most common clinical signs are increased appetite, increased water consumption, and increased urination. The increased appetite is a direct result of elevated cortisol levels, which stimulate appetite. Lethargy (drowsiness or lack of activity) and a poor hair coat are also common in pets with hyperadrenocorticism.

Many of these dogs develop a bloated or “pot-bellied” appearance to their abdomen because of an increase of fat within the abdominal organs and a stretching of the abdominal wall as the organs get heavier. The pot-bellied appearance also develops because the muscles of the abdominal wall become weaker and eventually atrophy (shrink in size). Other common clinical signs include panting, thin skin, chronic skin infections (pyoderma), dark-colored spots (hyperpigmentation), skin mineralization (calcinosis cutis), poor skin healing, and persistent bladder infections.

Several blood tests are used to diagnose and confirm Cushing’s disease. Once a confirmation has been made, treatment can begin.

08/15/2024

National Check The Chip Day!

National Check The Chip Day is a special event celebrated on August 15th each year. It reminds pet owners of the importance of microchipping their furry friends and ensuring their microchip information is up to date.

If your pet isn't microchipped, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

803-675-6474
yorkvet.net
[email protected]

08/14/2024

Our sweet Riley is learning so much and we will miss her like crazy while she's away at college! She is going to be an amazing Veterinarian!

08/14/2024

WORLD LIZARD DAY!

Every year on August 14th, World Lizard Day celebrates a specific type of reptile. The day also encourages us to show appreciation for lizards and to learn more about them.

A lizard is considered a reptile, which is characterized by its scaly skin. Other features all reptiles have include long bodies and tails, four legs, and moveable eyelids. Most lizards lay eggs. However, there are some lizards that give birth to live babies.

Interesting Lizard Facts:

*There are about 6,000 species of lizards.

*Lizards are found on every continent except Antarctica.

*Most kinds of lizards absorb water from their food, which means they don’t need to be near water.

*Lizards are cold-blooded, which means they need sunshine in order to survive.
A lizard diet consists of a variety of foods including plants, insects, and eggs of small animals.

*Lizards range in size from two inches in length to over eleven feet.

*A lizard has a tail that regenerates, which means it grows another one if it breaks off.
Some lizards can change colors.

08/13/2024

If your pet is not current on heartworm prevention, call us today to schedule an appointment! There are so many options available so let us help you decide what works best for your furry loved one.

803-675-6474
[email protected]
yorkvet.net

08/12/2024

We had a wonderful time today at the York County 4-H Expo! We are excited to continue to partner with other local businesses and the many 4-H clubs to educate students and our community. Thank you for the invite!

08/12/2024

Contact us today to schedule a dental consultation for your pet!

803-675-6474
yorkvet.net
[email protected]

08/10/2024

UPDATE!

Both our of our sweet boys went to their new home this weekend! We are so excited for them and their new family!!!

08/09/2024

Let one of our experienced veterinarians help you choose the right heartworm preventative for your loved one.

Call to schedule- 803-675-6474
[email protected]
yorkvet.net

08/08/2024

August 8 is International Cat Day — a day to celebrate one of man’s most common and ancient pets. They have even been worshiped as gods (we see you, Egypt.) Well, it is not surprising, Cats are one of the coolest beings on the planet: they are independent, inquisitive, adventurous, have an amazing physiognomy, and the power to heal by themselves — at least most of the time.

08/07/2024

We want to give a huge Thank You to Riley and Aidan for working so diligently on their college summer breaks! These 2 amazing humans are headed back to college in a few short weeks! Good Luck with the new semester and we look forward to your return 😊

08/07/2024

“Looking for an easy program that will help you save on pet care? Learn more about Rewards and all the points you can earn from purchasing your pet’s products!”

08/06/2024

“Have you spotted these signs in your pet? Schedule an exam with the one of our veterinarians for a skin health check!”

8003-675-6474
[email protected]
yorkvet.net

08/05/2024

Work Like a Dog Day, a day to work hard and to reward people who work day and night and are very productive. Work hard like a dog - or not at all - today. The unofficial holiday celebrates the English language phrase, working like a dog, meaning to work very hard.

08/04/2024

This week is International Assistance Dog Week. This annual event honors the many specially-trained service dogs who perform a wide variety of tasks.

Man’s best friends are called so because of their loyalty and dedication toward their owners. Service dogs take that dedication even further, helping people with disabilities navigate their everyday lives. International Assistance Dog Week, celebrated from August 4 to August 7 this year, is meant to honor service dogs and their trainers. Together, they have improved countless lives across the globe.

08/02/2024

Better care means dogs and cats are living longer now than they ever have before—and, as pets get older, they need extra care and attention.

It's important to remember that age is not a disease. Although senior pets may develop age-related problems, you can help your pet live a happy, healthy, and active life in their senior years by providing for their physical, mental, and health care needs.

Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets, before those problems become serious or life-threatening, which can lead to a longer, healthier life for your pet.

If your senior pet has not been evaluated, please call to schedule an appointment.

803-675-6474
yorkvet.net
[email protected]

08/01/2024

Primate & Exotic Pet Ownership:

Primates are long-lived, intelligent, socially-complex animals. They engage in
imaginative problem-solving, form intricate social relationships, and display
complex patterns of behaviour. Being social is a striking feature of primates, and perhaps the most important in terms of meeting their needs. With few exceptions, they live in complex societies that can comprise tens of individual animals.
In relation to their total life history, primates have long infant and juvenile phases, with social independence occurring long after nutritional weaning. This period is crucial for learning about the physical and social environment, parenting,
survival, and reproduction. All primate species are long-lived, and need to be managed in old age. It is highly likely that primates have an awareness
of pain, suffering and distress, and at least in some species an ability to think and reflect on these things. Such abilities could enhance their capacity for suffering.

Primates share human emotions such as depression, happiness, loneliness, jealousy, anger, love, and grief from the loss of family members or friends. Like humans, monkeys choose their own friends.

Their innocent appearance and human like features when they are infants makes them appealing to those considering a pet. There’s nothing cuter than a baby monkey!

However, Primates have unique and complicated health care needs. Nonhuman primates require specialized diets to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition.

Before getting a monkey or any other exotic pet, remember that these are relationships for life. Most primates have a life span between 15-45 year and due to their social nature, they require a lot of special care and attention. Just like human primates, monkeys can often be unpredictable and absolutely require a lot of time, dedication, and care.

Primate owners need to have the financial resources to cater for their animals’ needs throughout their lives. Keeping primates is an expensive activity. The initial high purchase price is only the first item on a list of costs that will need to be met throughout the long life of the primates concerned.

Requirements include an appropriately constructed and sized enclosure which
will require year-round heating, specialist veterinary services, a wide variety of foods and supplements, and environmental enrichment.

Primate owners should have both the time and the aptitude to observe their animals closely, and on a regular basis. Primates must be carefully observed, more so than for many other animals. Recognising good physical condition and normal behaviour when healthy will ensure that early signs of inappropriate behaviours and
deterioration in physical health will be detected, so that remedial action can be taken.