Jolly Road Veterinary Hospital

14/02/2025

💖 Fun Case Friday: A Heart-y Reminder About Heartworm! 💖
Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, but let’s talk about a heart condition you DON’T want to share—Heartworm Disease! 🪱💔

Meet Gabby & Petra, two of the most lovable rescue pups, here to spread awareness (and a little puppy love) about why heartworm testing & prevention are the best gifts you can give your furry Valentine. 🐾💕

💘 What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are parasites that live in a dog’s heart and lungs, causing coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and even heart failure. Mosquitoes spread heartworm larvae when they bite, making year-round preventative medication essential! It is way more affordable to give year-round prevention than treat heartworm disease!

💝 What Happens If Your Dog Tests Positive?
If Cupid’s arrow strikes with bad news (a positive test), don’t panic! While treatment is lengthy & costly, early detection gives the best chance for a full recovery. 🩺 Treatment involves strict rest (hence why our two pups are in the runs relaxing), injections to kill the worms, diagnostics (like the radiographs below showing some enlargement of the heart and the reverse D shape), and supportive care to protect the heart.

💕 How Can You Protect Your Pup’s Heart?
✅ Annual Heartworm Testing – Even if your dog is on prevention!
✅ Monthly Prevention – A little treat to keep the bugs away.
✅ Mosquito Control – Because no one likes uninvited guests!

So this Valentine’s Day, show your pet some real love—make sure their heart is full of love, not worms! 🐾💖

📅 Schedule your dog’s heartworm test today! Let’s keep those tails wagging and hearts healthy! 💘🐕

*Swipe all the way for some a little treat from Petra*

💖🐶

12/02/2025

❄️Attention Jolly Road Clients!❄️

We will be closing early today (2/12) at 4:00pm due to the forecast and predicted winter weather we are currently getting. We will re-open tomorrow as scheduled!

Thank you for understanding and please email us for any questions or concerns should they arise!

Stay safe and warm! ☃️🌬🌨

07/02/2025

🐾🎉 Fun Case Friday: Staff Spotlight – Cecil! 🩺🐾
This week’s Fun Case Friday is a bittersweet one as we shine the spotlight on one of our amazing team members, Cecil! 🌟

Next week marks Cecil’s last week with us at Jolly Road as she takes the next big step in her veterinary journey—starting her clinical rotations in vet school! 🏥🐾 We couldn’t be prouder of her drive, dedication, and passion for veterinary medicine.

From day one, Cecil jumped right into action whenever a client or patient needed help, bringing her incredible energy and care to every case—whether it was a routine puppy visit or an exotic pet in need of special attention. 🦎🐍🐰 Her love for our exotic patients was unmatched, and we know she will carry that same compassion and expertise into her future career.

Though we’ll miss her greatly, she is always welcome back anytime—and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next! 🌎💙

Good luck with the rest of vet school, Cecil! We know you’re going to do amazing things! 🎓🐾✨

Drop your well wishes for Cecil in the comments! ⬇️ 💬

31/01/2025

🐊🔬 Fun Case Friday: Super Secret Skink! 🦎👀
This week’s Fun Case Friday patient was a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink (🦎 Tribolonotus gracilis), a fascinating little reptile with a prehistoric look! These skinks are incredibly unique but also come with special care requirements that make them more of a project than a pet—definitely not your average lizard!

🦎 About Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks
🔹 Shy & No-Handle Lifestyle: Unlike other reptiles, they do not enjoy being handled and can become extremely stressed with frequent interaction, sometimes even dropping their tails and making unique vocalizations as a defense response.
🔹 Nocturnal & Secretive: They prefer hiding most of the day and thrive in a low-stress, quiet enclosure with plenty of leaf litter and hiding spots.
🔹 Humidity & Enclosure Needs: They need high humidity (70–90%), cool temperatures (72–78°F), along with other specific needs that make caring for this pet trickier than normal.

🩺 The Case: Unexpected Parasites in a Bio-Active Setup!
After a thorough check-up, and performing of a f***l test, which came back positive for intestinal parasites, we had a day in clinic helping to evaluate the bio-active enclosure this skink was living in. Since this skink lives in a bio-active enclosure, we also tested the soil and inquired about the cleanup crew (isopods, springtails) to identify the source of the infection.

🌱 What is a Bio-Active Enclosure?
A bio-active enclosure is a self-sustaining, naturalistic habitat designed to replicate an animal’s wild environment. It includes:
✅ Live plants to regulate humidity & improve air quality.
✅ Microfauna (cleanup crew) like isopods & springtails that break down waste.
✅ Organic soil & substrate layers to support a natural ecosystem.

🐍 PROS of a Bio-Active Setup:
✔ Mimics a natural environment, reducing stress.
✔ Less frequent deep cleanings—the ecosystem helps manage waste.
✔ Holds humidity well, great for species like crocodile skinks.
✔ Visually appealing and fun to design!

⚠️ CONS & Challenges:
❌ Harder to monitor for parasites & bacterial growth—hidden dangers may persist in the substrate.
❌ Requires proper balance—if the ecosystem is off, mold, pests, or nutrient issues can arise.
❌ More expensive & time-consuming than traditional enclosures.

📢 Thinking About Getting a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink?
🔸 Do Your Research First! These little dinosaurs may look awesome, but they’re not beginner pets and require specific care to thrive.
🔸 Minimal Handling: If you’re looking for a reptile that enjoys handling, this is not the species for you!
🔸 Specialized Setup Needed: A properly maintained bio-active enclosure with humidity control and UVB lighting is a must.

📢 Looking to have a bio-active setup for your reptile? Make sure to monitor for hidden parasites to keep your exotic friend healthy and give us a call if you have any questions about them!

24/01/2025

🎉 Fun Case Friday: Lunch and Learn Edition! 🍽️🐾

We had an exciting opportunity to dive into cutting-edge veterinary diagnostics with a Lunch and Learn all about the Nu. Q Cancer Screening Test from Heska paired with their incredible Element i+ Analyzer! 🧪✨

🐕 What’s the Buzz About Nu. Q? 🐈
The Nu. Q Cancer Screening Test is a game-changer in early cancer detection. It uses a simple blood test to identify circulating nucleosomes, which can indicate the presence of cancer, even in its early stages. Here's why we’re so excited about it:

💡 Why It’s a Big Deal:
Early Detection Saves Lives: Spotting cancer early allows us to intervene sooner, improving outcomes for our furry patients.
Non-Invasive: No biopsy or invasive procedures required—just a simple blood draw!
Broad Utility: Screens for a range of cancers, including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, two of the most common and challenging cancers in dogs.
Time-Saving: Results are processed quickly using the Element i+ Analyzer, keeping diagnostics in-house and delivering answers faster.

✨ Benefits for Your Pet Patients:
Reduces stress with faster and less invasive testing.
Improves quality of life with early treatment options.
Provides peace of mind for owners looking to stay ahead of potential health concerns.

🌟 Our Takeaways:
The Nu. Q Cancer Screening Test is another step toward revolutionizing how we approach oncology in veterinary medicine. We’re thrilled to incorporate this into our practice and help pets live healthier, longer lives! 💕

🩺 Give us a call today to talk about the benefits and if it's the right time to have this diagnostic test performed on your pet! Let us know if you’d like to learn more about how Nu. Q can make a difference in your pet's life! Or just stop by next time—we promise we’ll save you a seat at the next Lunch and Learn. 😋🍕🐾

A big thank you to Dr. Lindsay for taking the time out of her schedule this week to teach us about the Nu. Q Cancer Screening test. Also a big hand to our staff members for bringing in the cutest test patients for us to trial running the tests in house!

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18/01/2025

⭐️🐾Oh. My. Gosh! 🐾⭐️

What a holiday break these past few weeks but we are back and rested and better than ever!

We hope you are all doing well and welcome the happiest of first installments of Fun Case Friday into the new year 2025!!!

🐾 Fun Case Friday: Goldendoodle Family Visit! 🐾

This week, we had the absolute joy of welcoming a proud Goldendoodle mom, Dorothy, and her litter of adorable, wiggly puppies for their very first veterinary visit! 💕🐶

During the visit, we conducted comprehensive health exams for both mom and her pups to ensure everyone was off to a healthy start. These first visits are crucial for:
✔️ Checking for congenital issues in puppies.
✔️ Ensuring mom is recovering well post-whelping.
✔️ Starting discussion of vaccines and deworming for the puppies.
✔️ Offering guidance on puppy care and nutrition.

🐕 Breeding Dogs Responsibly:
Breeding dogs can be exciting but also comes with great responsibility. Here are some key considerations:
✅ Health Screenings: Breeding dogs should undergo health testing for genetic conditions common to their breed, such as hip dysplasia or heart issues.
✅ Proper Nutrition: Pregnant and nursing dogs need balanced, high-quality diets to support their pups.
✅ Whelping Prep: A clean, safe, and calm whelping environment is essential.
✅ Postpartum Monitoring: Mom should be checked for signs of infection, mastitis, or other postpartum complications.
✅ Vet Care: Puppies and mom need regular veterinary care to ensure everyone thrives.

If you’re thinking of breeding your dog or have questions about your pet’s health, we’re here to help! Let’s keep those tails wagging and paws happy! 🩺✨

Have you ever met a Goldendoodle pup? Tell us your favorite dog breed in the comments! 🐕👇

20/12/2024

🎄✨ Holiday Hours Announcement ✨🎄

As the holidays approach, we want to ensure all our clients and their furry, feathered, and scaly companions are well cared for during this festive season. Below are our holiday hours so you can plan accordingly for scheduling of appointments, medication refills, or questions:

📅 December Holiday Hours
⭐️Monday, Dec. 23rd: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⭐️Tuesday, Dec. 24th (Christmas Eve): CLOSED
⭐️Wednesday, Dec. 25th (Christmas Day): CLOSED
⭐️Thursday, Dec. 26th: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⭐️Friday, Dec. 27th: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⭐️Saturday, Dec. 28th: CLOSED
⭐️Sunday, Dec. 29th: CLOSED

📅 New Year's Holiday Hours
⭐️Monday, Dec. 30th: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⭐️Tuesday, Dec. 31st (New Year’s Eve): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⭐️Wednesday, Jan. 1st (New Year’s Day): CLOSED
⭐️Thursday, Jan. 2nd: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⭐️Friday, Jan. 3rd: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⭐️Saturday, January 4th: CLOSED
⭐️Sunday, January 5th: CLOSED

🐾 Regular Hours Resume: Monday, January 6th!

If you have an emergency during our closed hours, please contact the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. We recommend planning ahead for medication refills or routine care before the holiday closures.

We wish all of our wonderful clients and patients a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season! 🎁🐾

20/12/2024

🐾 Fun Case Friday: Our First Ever Emu Patient! 🐾

This week was a historic one for our clinic as we welcomed a truly unique patient—our very first emu! 🐦✨The excitement among the staff was palpable as this towering, feathered friend strutted into the clinic (and yes, it is as majestic as it sounds).

Our emu came in with some troubling symptoms, including upper respiratory issues and ocular problems. These signs had the owner quite worried. For a species as unique as an emu, diagnosing and treating such issues requires a special touch. With their sensitive respiratory systems and unique anatomy, emus present challenges that are different from the cats, dogs, and exotic pets we typically see. But our team was ready to rise to the occasion!

After a thorough exam, our doctors quickly got to work developing a personalized treatment plan. We took the time to ensure we understood the root of the problem, utilizing our knowledge of avian medicine to address both the respiratory and ocular issues. It’s not every day you get the chance to treat such an extraordinary species, and we were honored to provide this emu with the care it needed.

This visit was a great reminder of why we love what we do—it’s not just about treating animals; it’s about learning and adapting to new challenges, no matter the species. We’re so proud of our team for stepping up to care for this special bird, and we’re happy to report that our emu friend is on the road to recovery.

We can’t wait to see how this emu’s story unfolds, and we’re grateful to its owner for trusting us with such an extraordinary patient. Have you ever met an emu or been close to one? If so, we’d love to hear your stories! 🐾

Fun fact about emus: These incredible birds are not only the second-largest bird in the world (right after ostriches), but they’re also remarkable runners. Emus can sprint at speeds of up to 30 mph and use their powerful legs to cover 9 feet in a single stride! Their legs are so strong, in fact, that they can easily kick predators away when threatened. Thankfully, this emu was much more cooperative and seemed happy to let us take care of it.

20/12/2024

Learn how Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Rudolph, and the rest of Santa’s reindeer are doing—straight from North Pole’s official veterinary team.

17/12/2024

ATTENTION JOLLY ROAD CLIENTELE!

Comcast is down and predicted to come back up by the end of the day! We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes, however, we do not have working internet, phones, or the ability to cash out via credit or debit cards. We will try our best to make sure your veterinary needs are met today, however, please be patient with us for today!

Thank you,

JRVH Staff and Doctors

13/12/2024

Who’s Feeling 'Kink-a-cool' Today For Our Fun Case Friday!? 🐾✨

Content Warning: This post discusses surgical procedures for exotic pets.

This adventurous little kinkajou (Milo, who we have met before,) came in for a neuter, and he’s officially part of the neuter club! 🌴🐒

Neutering exotic pets, like kinkajous, helps promote better health and less aggressive behavior, making life even more fun for them (and their humans).

After a quick recovery nap and some tasty snacks, he’ll be back to swinging into his playful routine. 💙 "

*Photos and videos posted with owner consent*

11/12/2024

⭐️Hello fans of Jolly Road!⭐️

Due to the worsening of the winter weather tonight (12/11), Jolly Road Veterinary Hospital will be closing early! We will re-open for services tomorrow at 8am and conduct normal business hours assuming no other drastic changes in weather!

❄️❄️ Stay safe and have a Jolly rest of your day! ❄️❄️

07/12/2024

No "Fun Case Friday" this week! After the holidays, we had quite a busy week, especially with our first real snowfall! Stay safe and have a great weekend everyone!! ❄️⛄️

Send a message to learn more

03/12/2024

🎄🐾 Join Our Giving Tree This Holiday Season! 🐾🎄

This year, Jolly Road Veterinary Hospital is proud to host our Giving Tree to spread love and support to the pets and animals in need! 💕🐶🐱

Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Stop by the clinic and choose a Giving Tree tag from our holiday tree. The tree can be found in the middle of the lobby, you can’t miss it! Each tag lists a much-needed item for pets in shelters, rescues, or wildlife organizations that we work with! 🛒
2️⃣ Purchase the item on your tag.
3️⃣ Bring the item back to us any time from after you pick the tag up to the end of December, and we’ll ensure it gets delivered to the right paws and claws! 🎁

Your kindness can help provide food, toys, blankets, and other essentials to animals who need it most. Let’s make their holidays as joyful as they make ours every day!

📍 Stop by today and be part of this season of giving!
📍 517-977-1095
📍 3276 East Jolly Road Lansing, MI 48910

03/12/2024

🎄🐾 Join Our Giving Tree This Holiday Season! 🐾🎄

This year, Jolly Road Veterinary Hospital is proud to host our Giving Tree to spread love and support to the pets and animals in need! 💕🐶🐱

Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Stop by the clinic and choose a Giving Tree tag from our holiday tree. The tree can be found in the middle of the lobby, you can't miss it! Each tag lists a much-needed item for pets in shelters, rescues, or wildlife organizations that we work with! 🛒
2️⃣ Purchase the item on your tag.
3️⃣ Bring the item back to us any time from after you pick the tag up to the end of December, and we’ll ensure it gets delivered to the right paws and claws! 🎁

Your kindness can help provide food, toys, blankets, and other essentials to animals who need it most. Let’s make their holidays as joyful as they make ours every day!

📍 Stop by today and be part of this season of giving!
📍 517-977-1095
📍 3276 East Jolly Road Lansing, MI 48910

27/11/2024

*FUN CASE FRIDAY CONTENT WARNING*

🐾🦃 A Gobble-tastic Thanksgiving Reminder! 🦃🐾

This Thanksgiving, we’re extra thankful for.....spaying and neutering! 😉 Introducing our clinic’s latest masterpiece: The Testiclurkey, or the Turkesticle, complete with a one-of-a-kind wattle! 🎨 (Don’t ask where we got the idea... let’s just say it was a neuter success story. 😂)

Remember:
Thanksgiving Tip #1: Keep the turkey on the table, not anywhere under it! 🐶🐱
Tip #2: Call us to schedule your pet’s spay or neuter—because nothing says “thankful” like fewer surprises under the tree this year! 🎁
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Jolly Road Veterinary Hospital! 🍁🐾

25/11/2024

📢 Holiday Hours Update! 🦃🐾

Our clinic will be closed on Thursday, November 28th, for Thanksgiving and Friday, November 29th, for Black Friday so our team can enjoy some quality time with family, friends, and plenty of pie! 🥧💛

We’ll resume regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd. If your furry, feathery, or scaly friends need assistance during the holiday, please contact your nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

Wishing you and your pets a safe and happy Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and a little treat (but not too much turkey! 😉).

🍂 Thankful for our wonderful clients and their amazing pets—Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁🐾

22/11/2024

🌟 Fun Case Friday: Meet Rah, an adorable Leopard Gecko! 🌟

This week’s star patient is Rah, a leopard gecko who’s as feisty as he is unique! Rah came in for something called tail rot, and while he was a little spicy during his visit, we’re here to spill the (reptile-safe) tea on what tail rot is and how to prevent it. 🦎✨

📌What Is Tail Rot?
Tail rot is necrosis of the tail that occurs when part of the tail tissue begins to die due to poor blood flow. In reptiles like leopard geckos, this is often caused by:

📌Infections: From injuries or unsanitary habitats.
📌Trauma: A tail injury from rough handling, a fall, or even a tussle with a tankmate.
📌Shedding Issues: Retained skin can cut off circulation, leading to necrosis.
📌Poor Husbandry: Inadequate diet, hydration, or temperature gradients can weaken immune responses, increasing the risk of infections.

When tail rot is noticed it is usually when the tail turns a dark black color and becomes brittle. This was the right call—tail rot doesn’t get better on its own and can spread if left untreated. After an exam (and some spicy side-eye from Rah), we developed a treatment plan to save what we could of his tail and ensure he stays healthy moving forward.

🎄How to Prevent Tail Rot
Here are some tips to keep your reptile happy and tail-rot-free:

🎄Maintain a Clean Habitat: Remove waste and leftover food promptly. Deep-clean the enclosure regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
🎄Provide Proper Husbandry: Ensure the habitat has the right temperature gradient, UVB lighting, and humidity levels for your species. Offer a balanced diet with appropriate supplements (e.g., calcium with D3).
🎄Watch for Shedding Issues: Monitor for retained skin around the tail, toes, and eyes. Use a shallow warm water soak or moist hide to help loosen stuck shed.
🎄Handle With Care: Always support your reptile’s body during handling, and avoid pulling or grabbing their tail.
🎄Monitor for Injuries: Check for any cuts, swelling, or discoloration on your reptile’s tail. Address minor issues early to prevent infections.

✨Fun Fact About Leopard Geckos✨
Did you know leopard geckos can drop their tails as a defense mechanism? While it’s a natural survival trait, the regrown tail is never quite the same. Proper care ensures they keep their original, beautiful tails intact! 🦎✨

If you notice anything unusual with your reptile—like Rah’s tail turning dark or brittle—don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention makes all the difference. Let’s all give Rah a round of applause for being a champ and remind our scaly friends that a little prevention goes a long way! 🧡