Cancer is a disease that touches many of our lives. Unfortunately, our four legged furry friends are not immune to it either. According to www.petcancerawareness.org, about 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer in it’s lifetime, and being the number 1 natural cause of death in older pets, about 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will die of cancer. Just like in humans, early detection is key. Symptoms of cancer can vary widely, as cancer can affect almost any system or area of the body. Things such as vomiting, diarrhea, straining to defecate, weight loss, swelling or weight gain, non-healing sores, pale gums, limping, weakness, lethargy, lumps or bumps, bleeding, or coughing could all indicate a tumor. It should be noted that many of these signs are very non specific however and may indicate many other illness or issues as well. For this reason, we recommend yearly to semi-annual examinations in all pets, regardless of whether they are “due for shots”. A yearly to twice yearly exam allows us to look in your pet’s mouth, feel the skin and subcutaneous layers for masses, check lymph node size, weigh your pet, perform a rectal examination, and palpate the abdomen for internal changes. We also recommend yearly to semi-annual bloodwork. Lab tests can […]
Learn MoreAs July rolls around, many of us start to see fresh produce from our gardens. Who doesn’t enjoy some fresh greens, or watching the fruits of our labors start to ripen into the produce we will pick next month. While spending time in the garden is good for us, there are some hidden hazards to pets in there. Many plants in the garden may be potentially poisonous to your pet, and any plant if eaten in large enough amounts can cause issues such as obstructions. Most toxicities are mild and include gastrointestinal (GI) upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. However, a few of the ones listed below may be more serious. If your pet eats something out of your garden and you are not sure if it’s safe or not, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please note that this list is not a complete list, just a few of the more common potentially hazardous plants seen in gardens. Tomatoes Tomatoes are a part of the nightshade family, which contains a number of toxic plants. Green tomatoes, leaves and stems, and flowers can all contain the toxin, though ripe tomatoes tend to have very little toxin left. Signs of toxicity can include GI upset, increased salivation (drooling), cardiac effects, and nervous system signs including […]
Learn MoreHeritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
12624 Base Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.