Animal Emergency Center - Rochester (2024)

11/07/2024

Summer Emergency Preparedness

Summer is here!! Time for being outside, enjoying the sun, and taking vacations!! Though we like to think of all the positives and fun of the summer, being prepared for emergencies can save the day and your pet! These are some of the common emergencies we see in the summer and how to avoid them:

HYPERTHERMIA (aka over heating/heat stroke)
If your pet is in a situation where their body temperature gets too high it can be deadly. If this does happen you should take a re**al temperature. If it is over 103 F they should be seen immediately by a veterinarian. In an hyperthermia situation you want to SLOWLY cool your pet by placing cool, wet towels over them, wetting their ears and feet, and placing them in front of a fan. Please don’t shock cool them. Transport your pet promptly to an emergency veterinarian.

To avoid this situation take preventative measures such as: not leaving your pet in the car; not walking them on hot and humid days; getting your dog a small pool or sprinkler; having a fan for your pet; and carefully monitoring your pet on hot days.

LACERATIONS
Cuts, scrapes and punctures are common during the summer. Cuts are a pathway for infection and many need surgical repair.
Avoiding these accidents can be difficult since they are usually just that, random accidents. Check out your yard and identify any possible hazards for your pet including sharp edges of decks and lawn furniture; damaged fences; sticks or branches at your pet’s level, etc.

TOXIN INGESTION
During the summer animals often spend more time outside and in the garage. Dogs will find rat/mouse bait, antifreeze, recreational drugs, and many other substances.

BUG / SNAKE BITE and ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Our pets are very skilled at finding things to get into, especially if that thing is moving on its own. Bug bites and stings and snake bites can become an issue in the summer months. Pets are exposed to more things outside and therefore can also have allergic reactions to environmental antigens, including bug bites. Identifying where bees, wasps, and other stinging bugs live and helping your pet avoid these areas or removing nests can limit exposure.

Michigan only has one venomous species of snake, the Eastern Massasauga. If you avoid the areas they like for their habitat (wet areas including marshes, meadows and low areas along rivers and lakes) than you will avoid the snakes. If you pet is ever bitten by a snake and you are concerned about what bit it, try to get a picture of the snake for proper identification. Don’t try to catch the snake unless you are 100% sure it is not dangerous.

HIT BY CAR
With windows open, more traffic in and out of the house, and families spending more time outside, we see an increase in the number of "hit by car" dogs we see in the hospital. Keep your dog on a leash when you’re outside and make sure window screens are secure (can’t be pushed out if a pet hits it) to avoid escapes and potential injuries.

FIREWORKS / THUNDERSTORMS
If your pet is afraid of fireworks, then you understand the potential for things going wrong in the summer. Many pet species will become stressed in these noisy situations and will try to escape. Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and other pets can all become highly stressed and anxious. Dogs and cats are especially known to try to run away from the noise, which leads to many lost and injured pets. If your pet doesn’t tolerate loud noises, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications; place your pet in a room without windows and play the radio or TV to drown the sound out, and eliminate any possible structures that could potentially cause an issue if they panicked (e.g. getting stuck behind furniture or under the bed, knocking something over, etc.)

GET YOUR FIRST AID KIT READY / RESTOCKED AND LEARN BASIC PET FIRST AID
You probably have a first aid kit for your family, but do you have what you need for a pet emergency?

Many of the things in a human first aid kit are also needed for a pet first aid kit. Here is a basic list of what you want to have in your kit.
• Your Veterinarian’s Phone Number
• ASCPA Poison Control Phone Number (888) 426-4435
• Local 24hr Emergency veterinarian’s phone number
• Quick Stop for broken toenails
• Bandaging Materials including Gauze pads, Medical tape, Gauze rolls, and Sterile non-stick gauze pads
• Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
• Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Ice pack
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• Re**al thermometer (your pet's temperature should be between 99°F and 103°F)
• Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
• Bandage scissors (with blunt ends)
• Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
• Tweezers
• A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
• A pet carrier
• Eye Wash
• Benadryl and accurate information on how to dose it for your pet

To learn pet first aid, the Red Cross has an online course that can be very educational and can help you prepare for pet first aid emergencies.
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/cat-dog-first-aid

Here at AEC we deal with a variety of medical emergencies daily and we understand the stress of having a sick or injured pet. If your regular veterinarian is unable to see your pet, please give us a call. We are always open to help with your pet’s emergencies.

19/06/2024

Summer Emergency Preparedness:
Avoiding Heat Stroke / Hyperthermia

Summer is here - so of course in Michigan this week we are feeling it full blast!! Though we like to think of all the positives and fun of the summer, being prepared for emergencies can save the day and your pet!

Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke) is more likely to occur in dogs since they tend to be exposed to more situations that can increase their body temperature (such as being in a car, going for walks, or playing outside). That being said, cats and other pets can also suffer heat stroke and the associated damage it causes.

HYPERTHERMIA CAN BE LIFE THREATENING – PROMPT VETERINARY CARE IS CRITICAL

WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?
Heat stroke is a condition where the body temperature has elevated to a point of causing damage. Your dog or cat should have a body temperature between 99F and 103F. A body temperature higher than this is considered a fever. A temperature higher than 106F is associated with tissue damage, inflammation, organ failure, and heat stroke. Heat stroke may not kill your pet immediately, but without treatment, damage to organs can be fatal within a day. When the body temperature has risen above 106F your pet can experience problems ranging from difficulty clotting the blood, renal failure, seizures and death. Heat Stroke is not a condition to be taken lightly and treatment must be prompt for any chance of survival.

WHEN CAN MY PET DEVELOP HEAT STROKE?
Though there are physiological reasons for the body temperature of an animal to increase (similar to a fever related to an infection or pain) most severe cases of hyperthermia are related to environmental causes. In the summer, people continue to jog, play, and do other activities that can cause their body temperature to increase, but we generally adapt to different clothing, increased water intake, finding shade when we’re hot, etc. But we don’t always adapt our pet’s world to the same degree. Keep in mind that if the heat is affecting you, it is also affecting your pet.

During hot weather follow some basic guidelines for keeping your pet safe and comfortable:

• DO NOT leave them in the car – even when the windows are partially open – this may be the most common cause of hyperthermia in dogs
• Cut back on the walk – don’t take that jog with Fido – consider that your pet is wearing a fur coat and can only sweat through their feet and tongue – how would you feel on that jog?
• Realize that your pet may not limit themselves – if you keep throwing that ball, they will keep retrieving it without regard for their physical condition
• Offer cool spaces – shade, fans, air conditioning, and wading pools are just as pleasant for your pets as they are for you
• Watch your pet for any signs of hyperthermia and act quickly

IS MY PET AT RISK FOR HYPERTHERMIA?
All pets are at risk in the right situation, but some breeds are more likely to suffer from hyperthermia.
Brachycephalic Breeds: does your pet have a squished face and short nose? Then breathing is already difficult for them, when they get warm they are not very effective at panting and can overheat easily.
Older Pets: older dogs and cats can have trouble dealing with the heat
Young Pets: puppies and kittens cannot regulate body temperature
Sick Pets: especially pets with heart disease or lung diseases. Pets that have thyroid disease are also prone to overheating. Avoid putting these pets into hot situations.
Obese Pets: the extra layer of fat is not helping your pet
Thick Coated Pets: that extra fur traps heat well, which makes them perfect for cold environment. However - the summer heat is their enemy.

HOW CAN I TELL MY PET HAS OVERHEATED?
If you pet has been exposed to excessive heat and you suspect they may have overheated, your first move is to take their temperature. An inexpensive fast read, digital thermometer works great and should be part of your first aid kit for your pets. If the re**al body temperature is over 103F then there is reason for concern. If the temperature is over 106F your pet is critically ill and needs to get to a veterinarian ASAP.

In general, if your pet is acting ill after playing outside or being in a car, you should check their temperature. But other symptoms that can occur include:

For minor cases – panting, drooling, dry/tacky gums, lethargy, reddened gums, quickened heart rate, muscle tremors and not acting like themselves
For moderate cases – depression, they may be hiding and avoiding people, injected (very red) gums, diarrhea, vomiting, and quick or irregular heartbeat
For severe cases – vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, internal bleeding, seizures, coma, and death

If there is any chance that your pet has become hyperthermic, veterinary attention is highly recommended regardless of the severity.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH HEAT STROKE?
First and foremost, prompt veterinary care will be very important. Transport your pet to the veterinarian in an air conditioned car. However, there are some measures you can take at home to help slowly cool down your pet.
• Get into air conditioning – get your pet out of the heat
• Put rubbing alcohol on the paws – these are the areas where you pet usually release heat and the alcohol evaporates more quickly
• Place your pet in front of the fan – help dissipate the heat around your pet
• Moisten your pet’s fur with cool, not cold water – the water evaporates and takes heat with it
• Place ice packs on your pet’s abdomen and neck – make sure any ice packs are wrapped in towels and not in direct contact with the skin/fur

It is critical that the cooling process be SLOW. Do not douse your pet in ice water. DO NOT allow your pet to drink large amounts of water, small sips are fine, but drinking lots of water will lead to vomiting.

Hyperthermia / Heat Stroke is a real danger in summer but if you take precautions and know what to look for, it can be avoided and caught early, increasing the chance of survival and recovery.

If your pet has any health problems and your regular veterinarian is unavailable, please feel free to call us at AEC 24/7. We are always here to help!

11/03/2024

Seizures are Scary!! What should you do?

There are few things scarier than seeing your pet have a seizure. A seizure can be as minor as facial twitching and a “spaced out” kind of episode, or can involve uncontrolled trashing, loss of bowel control, urination, and an unresponsiveness that last after the convulsions end. Any form of seizure activity is of concern and should be evaluated, but when do you rush into an emergency veterinarian?

Regardless of the kind of seizure, there is important information your veterinarian will need, so try not to panic (we know that will be hard) and be observant. Time how long the seizure lasts. What was happening immediately prior to the seizure? What exactly happened during the seizure (legs stiff?, defecating?, urinating?, vocalizing?, etc.) ? How did your pet act after the seizure (this is called the postictal phase)? How long before your pet was acting normally again?

If you pet has never had a history of seizures and has a single seizure that only last a couple minutes, you don’t necessarily have to get into the emergency veterinarian immediately (though if you are concerned, you should follow your gut and at least call for advice). Monitor your pet closely. There are many cases where a single seizure, which often remains unexplained, may occur and is never repeated. Follow up with your regular vet and have your pet examined as soon as you are able.
If your pet has multiple seizures, or if your pet is having a sustained seizure lasting more than 5-10 minutes, then they need to be seen immediately at your regular veterinarian or at an emergency facility. Your pet may need medication to stop the seizures. If you pet seizes for an extended period of time, their body temperature will increase and they have secondary complications from hyperthermia.

The reasons for your pet having seizures are varied, and in many cases there is never a clear diagnosis to explain them. A couple of the conditions that can cause seizures include epilepsy and brain tumors. Other reasons for seizures include toxins or electrolyte imbalance. It will often be recommended to follow up with a veterinary neurologist for seizure cases. Epilepsy can be treated with medications. Brain tumors don’t necessarily respond well to medications and the pet will continue to have seizures.

04/03/2024

MARCH IS PET POISON PREVENTION MONTH

“WHAT’S IN YOUR MOUTH????” A familiar phrase uttered almost daily by some pet parents. Our canine and feline kids just love to grab things they aren’t supposed to! Here are a few hints to help keep the curious little buggers safe from ingesting something poisonous.

HIDE YOUR CHOCOLATE, HIDE YOUR SUGAR-FREE CANDY
Don’t think your dog can get that off the back of the counter?? Don’t think your cat will eat that?? We in the emergency vet med field can tell you that a lot of owners are shocked at the decisions their pets make. So be super sure that everything is secure and out of reach. If there are kids in the house, extra diligence is needed since kids love their pets and LOVE to feed them things.

CLEAN UP THE GARAGE
Various fluids used in motor vehicles can be dangerous to our pets. Makes sure any leaks or spills are cleaned up immediately and that any containers are stored safely away from kids and pets. Chemicals like antifreeze actually taste good to your pet, so they will lap it up willingly, not knowing its risk. Also, yard chemicals that are often stored in the garage need to be stored appropriately to avoid accidents.

TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS WITHOUT AN AUDIENCE
Many incidents of pets ingesting the owner’s medications are the result of the owner accidently dropping a pill and the pet snapping it up like it’s a treat. Depending on the medication, this could be a very bad situation. A closed door between you and your pet is an easy way to avoid this problem.

MUSHROOM CHECK YOUR YARD
Mushrooms can be toxic… and apparently yummy, too. Regularly check your yard for any mushrooms. If you find any, make sure to find out what species they are. There are a variety of groups on Facebook that can help you out. If they are non-toxic, no worries. If they are toxic, then exclude your pet from that area. The mushroom you see is just the fruiting body of a large subterranean complex. Complete elimination can be difficult. If your pet eats a mushroom that you are not familiar with, get good pictures of the mushroom and check out “Poison Help: Emergency Identification for Mushrooms and Plants” on Facebook for an identification, then call poison control.

KNOW YOUR PLANTS
Inside the house; in the yard; on your normal walking routes - get to know the plants around you. That way if your pet eats one you will know what you are dealing with. For some plants, like lilies, just the pollen from the flower can be enough to cause problems. If your pet eats a plant you can’t identify, check out “Poison Help: Emergency Identification for Mushrooms and Plants” on Facebook for an identification, then call poison control.

RAT/MOUSE BAIT – JUST DON’T DO IT
Rat/Mouse bait is flavored to entice the target species, however, dogs and cats like that flavor too. Depending on the kind of bait used, there may or may not be an antidote treatment available to save your pet. Be aware that poisonous bait does not yield an instant kill in the rats/mice either, so they can ingest it, then get caught by a hawk, owl, or other raptor with the poison in their stomach, which can result in killing the bird. Using electric or snap traps is more humane and less dangerous for other animals in the area.

MOLE BAIT – SERIOUSLY, PLEASE DON’T
If you think rat/mouse bait is bad, mole bait takes things to a whole new level. Due to chemicals in the bait, when ingested it reacts with the stomach acid to make a toxic gas. So not only is your pet poisoned, they are breathing out toxic gases that effect you and your family. If a pet eats mole bait and is brought into the clinic, we have a respirator and other required PPE we wear while we try to induce vomiting, which we do outside. Its bad, really bad.

If your pet ever gets into something you think is toxic, your first call should be to ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Though there is a $95 charge, it can be well worth it. They will let you know if your pet requires treatment and will give you a case number so the veterinarian can call them for advice. Most veterinarians do not have all medications, toxins, and appropriate treatments memorized as there are far too many and new products coming out all the time. We routinely call poison control to consult on many toxicity issues, so make the call immediately if you are concerned. You will probably be on hold for a bit, but so would we. The faster you respond to a possible toxin ingestion, the better the odds of your pet surviving and recovering.

If you have a pet that has ingested something poisonous, contact your regular veterinarian immediately or us here at AEC if after hours. Do not wait for symptoms.

03/12/2023

“New” Respiratory Disease Heading to Michigan:
What do dog owners need to know?

Many people have heard there is a “new” respiratory infection in dogs that is “sweeping the nation.” There have been no confirmed cases in Michigan as this article is being written but there have been cases in Illinois and Indiana, so it’s probably just a matter of time before it crosses the border.

Before anyone panics, lets look at what is known and not known about Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC):

1) CIRDC is a complex of multiple respiratory viruses and bacteria. The possible players in this game include canine adenovirus 2, canine distemper virus, canine influenza viruses, canine herpesvirus, and canine parainfluenza virus. Common bacterial causes of CIRDC include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, and Mycoplasma spp.

Good News: These aren’t “new” viruses and bacteria – we’ve met these guys before. Many of these (distemper, parainfluenza, adenovirus, bordetella) are part of your dog’s normal vaccination routine, so if your pet is fully vaccinated, they have coverage. Vaccines are available for influenza but are not always given routinely. Talk to your veterinarian about getting all possible vaccines up to date.

Bad News: Since most of the players in this complex are viruses, antibiotics are not effective for treatment. The dog’s body needs to fight the infection and produce antibodies. To do this, the dog may need a significant amount of medical support, which may include hospitalization in severe cases.

2) CIRDC is spread by contact and droplets. When dogs are in contact with an infected dog (especially if that dog is coughing and/or sneezing) there is a chance of transmission of the disease.

Good News: Anyone that has lived on Earth for the last 4 years already knows how to decrease the chance of transmission of a virus though contact, coughing, and sneezing. We’re experts on this stuff now. Just apply this information to our canines. Avoid congregations of many dogs, if possible (especially if you don’t know if those dogs are vaccinated). Think social distancing for puppers – good luck getting them to do the hand washing thing, though.

Bad News: Not all dogs that have this disease show symptoms. With the holidays coming up, many people are planning on boarding their pets at facilities or taking them to visit family, so actual avoidance of something you cannot see can be very hard.

3) CIRDC is highly infectious. It is very easily spread between dogs.

Good News: The outbreaks we are seeing in other states tend to be in hotspots. So, we are seeing lots of cases close together but not a fast, uncontrolled spread across large areas.

Bad News: We do not know how our area will be impacted. There is no way we can predict if this will be a significant health concern in southeast Michigan or if we will only see a few cases. This unknown factor can make it hard to plan and prepare for an outbreak. At AEC we are doing our best to get basic protocols in place to deal with a potential outbreak (but really hope all our efforts are wasted).

4) Current recommendations from the AVMA state that any coughing dogs should be seen within 2-3 days of symptoms starting, or sooner if there is any respiratory distress. Generally, making an appointment with your regular veterinarian is sufficient. Mild symptoms do not need to come into ER – only if severe, worsening quickly, or respiratory distress. Any dog showing any respiratory symptoms should stay away from any other dogs.

Good News: If the cough is dry and no pneumonia is noted by your regular veterinarian, the infection should run its course and your dog will probably be fine. Since Kennel Cough has similar symptoms, your veterinarian may start your dog on antibiotic which will treat the kennel cough.

Bad News: Many veterinary clinics (both day practice and emergency) are understaffed and overbooked. Getting an appointment can be delayed a bit, so please be patient and do not wait to call your veterinarian for an appointment. If more severe signs develop (difficulty breathing, bluish/pale gums/tongue, blood-tinged phlegm) then you may need to see an emergency veterinarian and hospitalization with oxygen support may be needed while your pet recovers. Emergency clinics are doing their best to get everything seen but at times are overloaded and must turn cases away. Also, contact the clinic when you arrive by phone – don’t walk your dog into the clinic until they ask you to come in – protocols are in place to protect other pets from possible exposure as well.

5) This is not considered a zoonotic disease (a disease that is passed to humans).

Good News: The strain of Bordetella that is part of the complex can very rarely infect humans so there is little concern. In addition, Bordetella is a bacterium and is treatable with antibiotic.

Bad News: Cats can be infected with Bordetella – though rarely. CIRDC is not considered a risk to cats but if your dog has a respiratory infection, keep an eye on your cat for signs and get them treated as well. Again, unlikely but something that is good to be aware of.

31/12/2022

AEC Rochester has MOVED!!

We hope you and your families had a very Merry Christmas!

We are pleased to announce that AEC Rochester already has a head start on a great new year! Earlier this week we moved into a beautiful new facility without skipping a beat.

Our amazing new hospital is located at 278 E. Auburn Road in Rochester Hills. We are just east of the Meijer located at the corner of Auburn Road and Rochester Road. Our phone number, fax, email and commitment to outstanding patient care all remain the same!

Best wishes for an amazing New Year in 2023!!

11/10/2022

October marks the time in which the veterinary world recognizes its technicians.

At AEC, we make it a month of recognizing our entire amazing staff. I would like to say THANK YOU to each and every team member that works tirelessly to take care of our patients and allows AEC to practice amazing medicine!

I am blessed to have staff members that pour their heart and soul into what they do!!!! Our team is an amazing group of talented, caring, hardworking, compassionate and empathetic people. They are the unsung HEROES which are so vital to our facility, and to the profession in general.

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to each of you, and give you all a standing ovation. THANK YOU FOR BEING SO AMAZING!!!!! I APPRECIATE YOU ALL MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Dr. Heather Robertson

04/09/2022

Parvo Virus in Michigan – An Update

Social Media has been talking, and as is often the case, not all the facts are presented. So, please let us clarify what is going on with regards to the “new strain” of Parvo in Michigan...

First - the big question: Is there a “new strain” of parvo virus that started in the Upper Peninsula that is killing more dogs and is spreading to the south? NO (we will explain in a moment).

Next question. Why is there such a big increase in the number of parvo virus cases in Michigan, and why did the rumor that it’s a new strain start? Simple answer: parvo vaccines work when done properly, but don’t work when they aren’t given, or are given improperly (again, more to explain).

OK – so lets unpack this a bit farther.

What is parvo?? Well, this is a virus, which means antibiotics don’t touch it and the body needs to develop antibodies to beat it. It is very easily spread to non-vaccinated or incompletely vaccinated puppies and dogs. It is passed through contact with anything contaminated including f***s, people, surfaces, etc. The virus does not require direct contact between a sick animal and a healthy animal since it can survive for up to 7 months in the environment for a new dog to pick up. This virus is easily spread in dog parks, kennels, and even pet stores where other dogs may visit. Parvo is not new. It’s been around for a very long time and we have been vaccinating for it starting back in 1979.

Parvo virus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea and can be fatal, especially if left untreated. Treatment for parvo does not cure the virus, it supports the dog’s systems while their immune system fights the virus. When a dog has parvo, they will become severely dehydrated, suffer terrible diarrhea with blood, and are unable to keep food down. They will become lethargic and depressed very quickly. In addition, their white blood cells crash (which are the ones that fight off infection) and they become susceptible to secondary infections. There is currently no antiviral that helps treat parvo.

Next question, how do I protect my pet from parvo?? There are 2 things you need to do to protect your dog. First, vaccinate. Vaccinations must be given properly, with the appropriate boosters at the appropriate intervals. Think of the immune system as the army that defends the body from invaders and vaccines act as a call of duty for your immune system. If your pet has received the proper vaccines, the army is ready to deal with any attack from the parvo virus (by producing antibodies) and can beat it. If your dog is not vaccinated, the army is caught off guard and isn’t prepared. The surprise attack means the army’s response is slow (they have to develop the antibodies on the fly) and while they are getting their act together, the virus gets into the body and multiplies.

Especially for puppies, the vaccine will normally include a total of 3-4 shots given at intervals of about 2-4 weeks. If a puppy receives only the first shot or two, they may not develop sufficient immunity to beat the virus if exposed. For adult dogs, initial vaccination and boosters are recommended. If the vaccine is overdue, the body does not have the full immune response needed to beat the virus.

In addition to vaccinating, keeping your unvaccinated dog away from possible situations where they can pick up the virus is key. Don’t take your puppy to daycare, dog parks, pet stores or other places where dogs hang out until they are completely vaccinated. If they need to be boarded, choose a reputable facility that will keep your puppy away from the rest of the dogs as well as possible.

So, what’s different now to make this news? Two factors are at play here:

First, during the pandemic lots of people got lots of puppies. At the same time, the veterinary field has been overwhelmed and understaffed in general. So, take increased number of puppies and combine that with not enough appointments… you get increased potential for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated pets. This leads to more cases of parvo.

Second, the testing for parvo is usually done in the clinic using one of a variety of antigen tests. These antigen tests are looking for the signs of the virus in the f***s. These are generally good tests but may not be sensitive enough to pick up all infections. We know that this isn’t a new strain or new virus because testing done in the laboratory (which is far more sensitive) has confirmed that it’s the same parvo virus, it’s just not being picked up on the in-house tests.

What next?

If your pet has issues with vomiting and diarrhea, they should be assessed by a veterinarian. If your pet is not completely vaccinated, they should be tested for parvo. If your dog tests negative in the clinic for parvo, testing should be sent out to a laboratory for confirmation and you should initially assume parvo until proven otherwise.

Veterinary clinics are very aware of the situation and are responding appropriately. If unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, your dog may be treated as if they have parvo initially - which means they will be treated as if they are highly contagious. They will be kept isolated from other dogs and you might note the staff wearing gowns and gloves while handling your dog. This is not an attack on your pet ownership skills, it is just a precaution taken to protect the other pets in the hospital. The clinic may ask you to keep your dog in the car and come out to your car with the test to avoid possible contamination in the hospital as much as possible. Each clinic has protocols in place to fit their facility, but in all clinics the goal is to protect all patients from illness and injury first and foremost.

Keep in mind, vomiting and diarrhea are the symptoms for a wide variety of health issues in dogs, so parvo is not the default diagnosis. If your pet is suffering from these issues, contact your veterinarian to get them assessed and treated as soon as possible. If you are unable to get into your regular veterinarian in a timely manner and your pet is doing poorly, give us a call at AEC and will do all we can to help your fur baby.

Animal Emergency Center - Rochester

11/07/2024

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11/03/2024

04/03/2024

03/12/2023

31/12/2022

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