We have been hearing a lot of news lately regarding canine influenza, and would like to address some of the more common questions we are getting. If you have additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are closely monitoring the situation, and are following guidelines from both the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center and the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and Board of Animal Health. Influenza virus, or the flu virus, is a virus that many animals can get, including dogs, cats, birds, pigs, and humans. Flu viruses are a type of virus that can change and mutate easily, meaning that there are often different strains circulating. This is why the flu vaccine for people is different every year, and sometimes doesn’t help prevent an outbreak like predicted. Symptoms of influenza are primarily respiratory in nature. Nasal discharge, coughing, fever, increased respiratory rate, or pneumonia can be seen. These symptoms can mimic other respiratory illness such as kennel cough, upper respiratory tract infections, or other causes of pneumonia for instance. If your pet is showing any signs of respiratory illness, they should not be allowed to be in contact with other dogs and they should be examined by a veterinarian. This isn’t the first time the veterinary world has […]
Learn MoreFebruary makes us all think of hearts, but probably not in the way we think of hearts. The heart is the pump for the body, circulating oxygen rich blood from the lungs to the body, and returning the blood to the lungs. One of the more common heart issues that we see with pets is a heart murmur. Heart murmurs are a noise that is heard while listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Murmurs indicate that blood flow is not smoothly following the normal path. Heart murmurs are graded in intensity from grade 1 to 6, with grade 1 being very soft, and grade 6 being very loud. This is not necessarily an indication of severity, and this number may vary slightly depending on who is doing the listening. Heart murmurs may be found in pets that are not showing any signs of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease can include weakness, exercise intolerance, or coughing. The most common cause of a heart murmur is a valve that is leaking. There are other congenital or genetic issues which can cause murmurs however. When we first hear a murmur, we will likely recommend a series of tests to find the cause. Chest x-rays or radiographs will help look at the overall size and […]
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.