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 MoreWhile the temperatures have finally turned cold enough that ticks are a fleeting memory, this is one of the times of year where we see our highest prevalence of tick borne illnesses (spring being the other time). While there are a number of tick borne illnesses, one of the more common ones is Lyme disease. Lyme disease, or Borrelia burgdorferi, is a common tick borne illness in the Northeastern United States. It is carried by the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis. An infected deer tick must bite an animal and attach itself for 24-48 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease, so finding unattached ticks or using a product that kills ticks within 24-48 hours should prevent infection. If an animal does become infected, it takes many weeks to months before signs become apparent. Animals do not tend to get a target-like rash from the original tick bite like humans do. When they do show signs, they are often nonspecific such as fever, inappetance, lethargy, limping, especially shifting leg lameness, and just not acting like themselves. Often this is because of multiple joint arthritis, or joint inflammation and pain. Since it can take months to see these signs, a bite in early spring before the first dose of tick preventative is applied is usually […]
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.