#veterinarian in greeley colorado | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

yesilovehorses-blog1 · 7 years ago

Text

7 Conformation Flaws: Piecing Together What We Know

New Post has been published on http://lovehorses.net/7-conformation-flaws-piecing-together-what-we-know/

7 Conformation Flaws: Piecing Together What We Know

Good conformation is the foundation for good performance. Horses that are “well-built” and “put together correctly” are often among the top achievers in their sport.

Photo: Sara Landvogt/Wikimedia Commons

What impact do structural deviations really have on your horse’s soundness and performance?

Good conformation is the foundation for good performance. Horses that are “well-built” and “put together correctly” are often among the top achievers in their sport. They also tend to bring higher prices or stud fees. For these reasons, horsemen and women are on a search to find prospects with “perfect” conformation.

Spoiler alert: The search could be futile. Perfect conformation is both a subjective assessment and rarely found, and even those horses built by the book can develop problems. And a horse with conformation faults can still be athletic and perform well with proper care.

“It’s a mistake to ignore conformational weaknesses, but it’s also a mistake to write off a horse that has one,” says Carol Gillis, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, owner of Equine Ultrasound and Rehabilitation, in Aiken, South Carolina.

Rachel Gottlieb, DVM, an associate veterinarian at Northwest Equine Performance, in Mulino, Oregon, a practice that focuses exclusively on lameness and performance horse issues, attests that, indeed, “buying a horse with nearly perfect conformation is not a guarantee that soundness issues will not arise.”

The severity of a horse’s faults and his age, breed, and discipline all factor into whether his performance is compromised.

“Many mild deformities are usually manageable, while a severe exhibition of the same deformity may be life-threatening,” says Josh Zacharias, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, who practices at Countryside Large Animal Veterinary Services, in Greeley, Colorado. “Many people think of conformation abnormalities as the worst they can possibly be, and that’s not usually the case.”

Riding discipline can influence a conformation fault’s degree of impact. A horse that is back at the knees, for instance, might not be a suitable racehorse or show jumper, but he could make a great hunter pleasure mount. Likewise, a horse with straight, posty hind-limb conformation might be prone to stifle issues and unable to perform well in events that require hard stops and turns, but he might be well-suited as a trail horse.

“I have seen an individual with a severe swayback win a 100-mile endurance race, while a lesser degree swayback in a jumper may lead to significant back pain,” says Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, CERP, director of the Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Center at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Knoxville.

While certain breeds can be prone to specific challenges, our sources caution against making sweeping generalizations about conformation.

“I do not think you can say that there is one conformation fault that is good or bad across all breeds or all disciplines,” Adair adds.

We asked these four sport horse veterinarians which conformation faults they consider most common, most manageable, and most commonly misunderstood. They picked seven structural deviations; here are their suggestions for assessing and managing them.

Carpus Valgus, aka Knock Knees

Carpus valgus is a turning-outward of the knees that can increase strain on the bones and ligaments on the medial (inner) part of the leg. Veterinarians and farriers can correct mild cases with hoof care and shoeing, while severe cases require surgery.

“These conditions are better managed in foals when the growth plate is still active, because the development of the bone can still be altered—either directly by surgical methods or in a more conservative fashion by using prosthetic applications such as corrective shoeing or splinting,” Zacharias says. “Adult horses that have a mild to moderate degree of the condition cannot be corrected and should only be managed.”

For these horses, management strategies typically involve trimming and shoeing. Your farrier will pay attention to the hoof’s breakover—the pivot point of the toe as the heels leave the ground—as well as its medial to lateral (outer) balance.

If a horse has a condition where the lower leg is not naturally perpendicular to ground, such as carpal valgus, a sole that is square to the leg axis would not meet the ground evenly. “I try to get the foot to land flat on the ground rather than the typical perpendicular orientation of the sole to the axis of the leg,” Zacharias explains. “This allows for more even distribution of forces from the ground up through the leg.”

Knock knees can interfere with the horse’s stride and also lead to arthritis development or secondary knee injuries, such as bone chips, from abnormal forces on the carpal bones. Veterinarians can often manage or treat horses with arthritis medically and surgically (debriding bone chips or damaged cartilage with the latter).

Club Foot

Most horses’ hooves are asymmetrical to some degree. One hoof that’s a drastically different shape than the others, however, can adversely affect soundness. An example of this is club foot, when the angle the face of the hoof wall makes with the ground is greater than 60 degrees.

A club foot refers to an abnormally upright hoof with long, contracted heels and a prominent or bulging coronary band. The hoof on the left in this photo is an example of club foot.

Photo: The Horse Staff

Veterinarians can best manage, and even potentially correct, this abnormality in foals. First, they address any underlying problem, such as pain and reduced weight bearing. Then a farrier or equine podiatrist can add therapeutic trimming or shoeing.

“In neonatal and young affected foals, a treatment with oxytetracycline (an antibiotic with calcium-binding properties that relax muscles) can be implemented to help relax a tight deep digital flexor muscle/tendon unit that is often the cause (of the club foot),” says Zacharias. “More severe cases might require surgical transection (cutting) of the inferior check ligament or even the deep digital flexor tendon,” which runs down the back of the horse’s legs below the knee or hock.

It is more difficult to correct significant club foot in adult horses. Instead, veterinarians focus on reducing concussion on the toe of the coffin bone and lessening structural strain.

“I don’t try to make the foot look like the others. That too often leads to lameness,” says Adair. Instead, he trims each hoof in a way that lowers the heels to alleviate pressure on the coffin bone. He also applies special shoes or pads that can reduce tension on the deep digital flexor tendon and keep the toe and heel landing at the same time.

“If all the hooves are shod, I try to make sure the heels of the shoe do not stick out too far, which limits the chances the shoe can be stepped on and pulled off,” he says.

Typically, these horses require regular farrier visits spaced out over four-week intervals, because trimming too much, too quickly can become painful. “I don’t expect the heel height of the club foot to ever reach (lower to that of) a normal foot,” Zacharias says.

“I don't expect the heel height of the club foot to ever reach that of a normal foot. ”

Dr. Josh Zacharias

Over time, horses with a club foot that goes untreated or that fails to improve to a “normal” state might develop coffin joint pain. Your veterinarian can evaluate and address this with intra-articular treatments (joint injections), systemic joint therapies such as anti-inflammatories and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (including injectables such as hyaluronate sodium or polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), or one of many oral joint supplements.

Long Back, Short Croup

Many Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds are prone to having this conformation, which increases the workload on the back because more muscle activity is required to lift the front end while working. This conformation is a benefit for certain athletes—it allows them to jump higher. But for this conformation to work for horses, they require proper strengthening or they might be prone to injury.

“At the start of every ride, walk these horses for 15 minutes,” Gillis suggests. “This allows the joints (of the spine) to lubricate and signals to the horse’s system that it is time to work.”

Top 5 Stretches for Healthy Horses

You might also practice specific exercises designed to strengthen the horse’s back and croup, which, along with the muscles and joints of the rest of the spine, make up the horse’s core. Compression and extension exercises, such as frequent transitions from the walk to the halt, the walk to the trot, and the walk to the canter target the back muscles and strengthen the horse’s core.

Circles, especially spiraling circles that increase and decrease gradually in size, can also help these horses. Serpentines challenge the back muscles to perform laterally and help them become stronger.

For similar reasons, “bending exercises are also great,” Gillis adds.

Stifle Laxity, aka Loose Leg

Veterinarians sometimes attribute stifle laxity to the way a horse’s femur ("thigh") and tibia come together—often in too straight of an angle. This can allow the medial patellar ligament to catch in a part of the medial trochlear ridge of the femur.

Strengthening exercises are helpful for increasing stifle stability and ultimately improving weak hind ends. A combination of exercises in-hand and under saddle can improve these horses’ strength. “Tail-pull exercises, rounding exercises, and walking over raised poles are all beneficial,” Gottlieb says.

In addition to strengthening exercises, she notes some veterinarians might recommend therapies such as blistering or prolotherapy (injection of dextrose solution over the patellar ligaments to cause irritation).

“Blistering has fallen out of favor with some veterinarians due to the profound inflammatory response it induces,” she adds. “Prolotherapy is less widely recognized in the veterinary field, but has been used for years in human medicine and naturopathic medicine (for conditions such as tennis elbow and rotator cuff issues) to incite a healing response with a less significant inflammatory effect.”

If the laxity is causing a primary stifle joint soreness, the stifle joint itself might benefit from a therapeutic injection, but only after a careful physical exam, radiographs to rule out developmental orthopedic disease, and ultrasound if palpation indicates sore stifle ligaments. Again, in-hand and under-saddle exercises can help.

Low heels on the hind hooves can also aggravate stifle laxity, so have your veterinarian and farrier assess hind hoof balance.

Stifle laxity can indicate an underlying source of pain. For example, “We have had some horses with shivers tend to become sore in the stifles,” Gottlieb says. Your veterinarian can conduct an exam to rule these problems out.

Straight Hind Limb

Nearly any breed can have straight hind limbs, which predispose horses to suspensory ligament (which extends down the back of the lower leg between the cannon bone and the deep digital flexor tendon) injuries or degenerative conditions from repeated overloading. Horses that have straight hind limbs and long sloping pasterns or hyperextended fetlock joints are especially at risk for suspensory injuries.

“It’s a conformation abnormality that isn’t as widely recognized or regarded as a risk” as other faults, Gottlieb says. “It is a risk in many disciplines, but certainly for upper level dressage prospects,” as this discipline requires the horse to place more weight on his hind end. Movements such as piaffe and canter pirouettes, for instance, increase loading on the hind suspensory ligaments.

Leaving a straight-limbed horse barefoot behind can cause additional strain because without shoes, the heels might become so low that they cause undue tension on the already weakened ligaments and tendons.

“Hill work is contradictory to helping these horses,” Gillis cautions. “Even a 3% slope increases the strain on the stifle and suspensory ligament.” Instead, she recommends plenty of trot work on level ground to improve strength.

Toeing in, aka Pigeon-Toed

This conformation is most noticeable when viewing the horse from the front; one or both toes point inward. A horse that toes in swings his legs in a paddling motion in all gaits. As the horse increases his speed, however, the motion becomes less visible. Also, the more severe the toe-in conformation, the more severe the paddling or winging out.

Toeing in is undesirable in some disciplines, such as harness racing, because it typically causes the horse to slow down to avoid hitting his forefeet against one another (interfering).

Photo: Photos.com

“As a general rule, I consider toe-in conformation overemphasized,” Adair says.

This trait is undesirable in some disciplines, such as harness racing, because it typically causes the horse to slow down to avoid hitting his forefeet against one another (interfering). Owners and veterinarians can manage most pigeon-toed horses, however, to optimize their performance.

“In young individuals, I try to improve them with corrective trimming or shoeing. In more mature individuals, I simply trim/shoe enough to keep them from hitting themselves,” Adair explains.

He says he also finds that half-round shoes allow the horse to break over at the toe in whatever direction is most comfortable. Forcing a correction, on the other hand, can put too much torque on the distal (lower) limb and lead to lameness.

Toeing Out, aka Splay-Footed

Again, this deformity is best visualized from the front. It can originate as high as the shoulder or hip, as well as in the lower limb, and as the limb advances it wings out.

“Usually, toe-out conformation is not a big issue and can be overly criticized,” Adair notes. “If the horse is not interfering or hitting himself as his legs swing inward, I do nothing.”

“Usually, toe-out conformation is not a big issue and can be overly criticized.”

Dr. Steve Adair

In cases where the abnormality interferes with the horse’s stride, he focuses on moving the breakover slightly to the inside toe. If that doesn’t work, he says he lightens up the medial branch or bevels or rolls the edge of the shoe from the medial quarter (inner side of the hoof wall) back to the heel.

What Does it All Mean?

Conformation certainly influences a horse’s athletic achievements, but it’s not the only ingredient for success. Many factors, including talent, will, and training, contribute to performance.

“What’s most important is to recognize a weakness and then take the steps necessary to help the horse achieve its fullest potential,” Gillis says.

Horses with mild conformational faults will potentially experience added stress or wear-and-tear on their bones, joints, and supporting soft tissues. “Owners need to be willing to address those areas through preventative measures such as icing, wrapping, diligent shoeing, systemic joint supplements among others before it becomes a full-blown lameness issue,” says Gottlieb.

About the Author

Katie Navarra

Katie Navarra has worked as a freelance writer since 2001. A lifelong horse lover, she owns and enjoys competing a dun Quarter Horse mare.

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 3 months ago

Text

Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Pet Owners

Starting your journey as a pet owner involves careful planning and preparation. Begin by selecting the right pet that fits your lifestyle, considering factors like allergies, space, temperament, time commitment, and budget. Prepare your home to be safe and welcoming, ensuring all necessary supplies are ready. Establish rules and boundaries for both your family and the pet to facilitate a smooth transition. Bond with your new pet through regular feeding and care, and consider the benefits of companion animals for reducing stress and aiding in recovery.

For further details, visit the full article here https://powellvets.com/caring-for-your-first-pet/.

#animal clinic greeley colorado #dog boarding greeley co #veterinarian in greeley colorado

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 2 years ago

Text

Pet Wellness Testing And Exams Are Performed On Cats And Dogs As A Preventative Measure, Ensuring The Prevention Of Diseases And Overall Pet Health

Regular pet wellness testing and examinations are necessary, even for healthy dogs and cats, to prevent illnesses and keep furry animals in perfect health. A wellness exam, similar to an annual checkup, is a general medical evaluation of a pet, to determine if the animal is in need of treatment, or is in general good health.

Qualified veterinarians, examining the pet to look for signs of potential problems, do these preventative examinations. Professional practices combine vaccination appointments with general health assessments. As part of the wellness exam, blood tests, teeth cleaning, urinalysis, parasite screening and other tests are done, to make sure that the pet’s vitals and general health is in order.

When visiting a well-established practice, microchipping and registration is usually offered as a standard service. According to the American Humane Society, lost or stolen pets are more likely to be retrieved and returned to their owners when microchipped and registered.

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted in a pet using a large-bore needle, and will have the same impact as a regular vaccination shot. Containing identifying information, the microchip allows that the owner can be contacted if a pet is lost and turned in at a veterinary clinic.

The testing and wellness exam may vary from pet to pet, depending on the species, breed, age and other aspects. An annual health assessment is sufficient for fully vaccinated adult pets in healthy condition. Senior pets with susceptibility to injury, illness, parasites, teeth cleaning and other problems, should be assessed every six months, to maintain good health.

When it comes to pet wellness programs, bespoke programs need to be developed for each individual client. Too often, pet owners use generic guidelines when having their pets inoculated and medically treated.

While vaccination is an effective tool in combatting and preventing a variety of infectious diseases and other health conditions, it does not mean however, the every puppy and kitten needs every vaccine. Well-trained veterinarians recommend vaccine titers to help determine the pet has individualized vaccine recommendations. Vaccination programs take into account, the type of pet, the breed, disease exposure risk, lifestyle and medical history.

Abnormal behavior, sluggishness, weight gain or loss, and abnormally aggressive behavior, are all telltale signs that it is necessary for a general health assessment. Experienced practitioners will be able to identify and treat a prevalent problem and stop the spread before the condition becomes worse.

Regular wellness checkups and preventive medicine are a vital part of ensuring that your pet lives a long and healthy life, but also analyzing a pet’s well-being. The examination includes checking the pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, heart and lungs for any abnormalities. It can also detect a musculoskeletal problem, neurologic conditions, belly pain, urinary tract problems, and skin or hair coat conditions.

A well-established veterinary practice can immunize pets and keep them healthy, based on their ages and exposure risks, as required by law in specific areas. Regular professional dental cleanings will keep a pet’s teeth and gums healthy, clean and strong.

It is imperative to choose am experienced veterinary practice with years of experience that bestows great attention on pet owners and their animals in need of care, whether it be preventive care or attending to an illness, injury or emergency. When visiting a well-established clinic, the same clinicians might be tending to a senior dog that has been treated since it was a mere pup.

Highly acclaimed veterinarian practices proudly offers holistic veterinary care alongside a full range of traditional, advanced veterinary and surgical procedures for dogs, cats, exotic animals, and pocket pets, using evidence-based, noninvasive treatments including acupuncture, herbs, nutritional supplements, and chiropractic care.

About Us

Powell Veterinary Services have been operational since 1991. Based in Kersey, CO, this phenomenal outfit offers pet clinic services to surrounding areas including Platteville, Greeley, Gilcrest, Nunn, Loveland, La Salle, Brighton and so many others. Combining a wealth of knowledge with years of experience and ultra-modern equipment, pets receive compassionate care and are helped to regain good health and longevity. Veterinary services include annual check-ups, vaccinations, surgery, radiology, dentistry, orthopedics, boarding, teeth cleaning, to name a few. Additional services include euthanasia and cremation services. Consultations and procedures are performed during office hours, while specifically scheduled home and emergency visits are available to regular clients. For more information, kindly contact http://www.powellvets.com

#veterinarian in greeley colorado #spay and neuter pets greeley

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 3 years ago

Text

Good Veterinarians Are Often Pets’ Best Friends

Lucky is the puppy and kitten, and the adult and senior pet whose owner(s) love them as if they were a family member. Pets react instinctively to love and being treated well and will, in return, show their owner’s their unconditional love.

That is why it is so difficult to say goodbye to them when they die, or when it feels as if one’s child is suffering when the pet is sick or injured. From the time the young animal joins the household it is important to know who the best veterinarian in town is, where he/she has rooms, and how to contact them for immediate attention via telephone or mobile.

It is important to know that the veterinarian offers experience with regard to all issues that impact pets’ health. This starts when the pet receives the first vaccines when they are still only a few weeks old, and it should be noted that bi-annual and annual visits to the vet are important to ensure ongoing good health. A good veterinary practice keeps proper records and will always inform owners when pets should visit for a routine check-up, for example. This approach will instil confidence in owners and help them to know their pets are in good hands.

It makes sense that the vet that shows this kind of care may well be the one, too, that treats animals and their owners with respect and high levels of care throughout – until the end of the animal’s life, which is what one wants, just as you expect from, say, your GP. Looking for the best veterinarian in your region or community is not that difficult, but is important to know what services he/she offers, how much experience they come with and how well they are received in their community whether this is in Toronto, or Boulder, or Greeley, Colorado or elsewhere.

You want to be sure, no matter where you live, that the veterinary service you deal with is the best with regard to diagnostics and treatment for your beloved animal, that they are the ones to be by your pet’s side during distress – also that terrible time when the pet may need euthanasia and even cremation thereafter.

Good veterinarians advertise in their communities, in the local press, among the citizens, they are referred by others – especially if they are known to be good and experienced. These days, of course, the internet is a great source for the pet owner to find the service that will best meet their demands and requirements. By looking at good websites it quickly becomes clear who the best ones are, what services they offer, what hours they keep, what their facility is like and how they are viewed by the community.

Most will agree that a good veterinarian service should, at least, offer them those services that pet owners may need often. Examples include regular routine check-ups to make sure the pet is in great condition and happy and healthy, to make sure their teeth are clean, that they enjoy general good health, that they do not have unnatural and cancerous growths, that they do not suffer from obesity and that owners feed them good diets to support a healthy disposition.

Good veterinarians perform different surgeries right from spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted pregnancies, they help pets recover after injuries to various parts of their bodies, they offer assistance and advice to help the animal recover afterwards and they will make sure owners know what needs to be done during the time the animal recovers.

All of these are important issues and help inform owners of the care that the pet needs. A good veterinarian never takes anything for granted and as thoroughly as he/she consults, he/she makes sure pet owners are offered all information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. The best amongst these are easy to find: talk to your neighbours and others in the community, and look at great websites.

About Us: At Powell Veterinary Service we offer all pet owners 30 years of dedicated, unrivalled service to ensure their pets remain healthy and happy. We offer great experience and are proud of the services we offer with regard to all aspects of animal care. We perform surgeries, we spay and neuter, we offer boarding facilities and we provide puppies for different activities that appeal to our clients. At PVS we also offer a wellness service for pets to ensure any conditions are picked up early. We are Kersey, CO based and serve the surrounding areas. We are available by appointment, but also for emergency situations. Pets are our passion and we ensure that your animal receives excellent treatment from our practice. For more about us please visit https://powellvets.com.

#veterinarian in greeley colorado

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 4 years ago

Text

The Pet Owner’s Expectations Of Their Veterinarian

Many families all over the world – if not most – have at least one pet in the household, and often more than just the one. Cats and dogs, even if not exclusively so, are normally the popular choices.

We keep pets because they’re cute when they’re little, we fall in love with them within the first few hours they spend with us, and before we know it they become lifelong companions, and soon our responsibilities no longer simply extend to the welfare of our children, but also to the cat, the dog, the parrot and any pet we love and cherish.

Looking after pets is not only about providing shelter and food, we also show them our love by making sure we introduce them to the family veterinarian when they are still very little, and we make sure they visit the practice, the animal hospital, or clinic for regular visits – or when an emergency comes up.

This also means that pet owners, much like one does with the family physician, will look around for the best, most often recommended veterinary service in the area where they reside whether that is Brighton or Greely, Colorado or Belsize Park, London – in fact, anywhere. Pet owners want to know that when their pet is sick when it needs care and attention, they can rely on the services of the best veterinarians in their neighborhood.

They will therefore want to know who to turn to for the best attention. Of course, word of mouth plays an important part in helping individuals and families decide who to go to. What is certain is that, at the very least, the following characteristics and abilities should be present before one visits a specific practice – and to be sure you go back there in the future:

Compassion and love for animals – without this important quality it would be hard for pet owners to show trust, and for animals to relax and form a bond with the veterinarian. It is easy to pick it up: look and listen to how the veterinarian speaks to the pet, how he/she touches it and how the animal responds. This is important to ensure pet and professional are comfortable with each other;

Experience – no pet owner would want to visit a practice that does not offer the services of knowledgeable, experienced veterinarians and personnel; the higher their level of expertise, the better the chances are people will take their pets to them. Also, a veterinarian that shows great dexterity with their hands are normally those that quickly take charge and work with confidence, ensuring that both owner and animal feel safe and comfortable;

Effective diagnostics and treatment – of course, pets may be suffering from many ailments or injuries, just like their humans, so the owner wants to have the confidence that the veterinarian knows what to look for, what treatment to prescribe – even surgery when needed – and what medicines if applicable;

Follow-up – the veterinarian that shows interest in their clients, and in the well-being of their pets, will most likely build up a great following if they make sure they do a good follow-up to check that sick pets show improvement and that their owners feel relaxed about the situation.

The above is a mere indication of the very basic qualities that pet owners are looking for when they need the assistance of a professional. Still add to that a good name in the region, the fact that they work from upscale, modern rooms and that they remain abreast of the latest technological advancements in their industry and chances are you are dealing with a good clinic known for their the quality of their service and an interest in the well-being of your pet.

About Us: At Powell Veterinary Service we offer all pet owners almost 30 years of dedicated, unrivalled service to ensure their pets remain healthy and happy. We offer a great experience and are proud of the services we offer about all aspects of animal care. We perform surgeries, we spay and neuter, we offer boarding facilities and we provide puppies for different activities that appeal to our clients. At PVS we also offer a wellness service for pets to ensure any conditions are picked up early. We are Kersey, CO-based, and serve the surrounding areas. We are available by appointment, but also for emergencies. Pets are our passion and we ensure that your animal receives excellent treatment from our practice. For more about us please visit https://powellvets.com/.

#veterinarian in greeley colorado #animal clinic greeley colorado #animal hospital greeley

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 4 years ago

Text

Your Pets Deserve And Need Your Love And Care – At All Times

Pet owners all over the world, whether they live in Asia, Australia, or Greeley CO, normally share this: they love their pets and cherish their well-being, they look after them by offering them love and care, a good home where they are safe and happy, they do their best to prevent that harm comes to the animal, they hurt when the animal is not well – they go out of their way to ensure the pet’s well-being.

Part of the care you show your pet refers to the role of the vet in its life, not only when they are unwell, but also to help prevent unwanted situations. Finding a great vet or animal clinic for your pet is important as it lays the foundation for their future medical care, essential for the owner that cares about and loves their pets.

Therefore one should, as soon as you welcome a pet into your home, make sure you know where the nearest animal clinic in your region is situated; this is true for the person that lives in a small village, as well as for pet owners in cities: you need to find the best veterinary service in your region.

It is the same as finding a good doctor: you want to know that the vet will relate to your pet, make it feel comfortable, offer perfect diagnoses, prescribe the appropriate meds, and will be able to perform all those surgeries that pets need – either as an emergency or from time to time.

Many happy pet owners form a bond with their vet early on, a bond that stretches over all of the years of the pet’s life. This will only happen if you find a professional, passionate and caring, experienced vet to take your pet to, right from the time they are tiny and young to the time when you have to say goodbye to it.

Every pet needs, from time to time, a scheduled visit to the vet to ensure they are well – the so-called wellness test visit – and to make sure they get their inoculations, vaccinations, and all those shots they need to remain well. Of course, you also need the vet for emergencies such as injuries when they suffer broken legs, bones, may have been bitten by a snake or suffered any other injury – or from a regular ailment.

To know a good vet that can help immediately is a great assurance, a vet that is available when you call on them. In addition to regular check-ups and emergency care for pets, owners want to know that they are dealing with a vet that performs regular surgeries such as say, neutering, and spaying, to help prevent unwanted puppies and kittens.

Finding the best vet requires some homework upfront: talk to your neighbours and friends about who they would recommend you visit for your pets’ health issues, or look at the internet, or the local press – even a community center nearby. Good vets have good websites today so you can be informed of their services. Having the contact details of a recommended vet on your mobile certainly helps to reduce stress during emergencies but also when you need to book your pet’s first visit, for their 6-monthly or annual check-up.

A good vet will be known in the community, for their experience and expertise, for their availability when you require their services, for their good name and positive profile among pet owners. In addition to the mentioned services, the best ones are always willing to offer free advice, also about diets and what exercises work best for what type of dog – and they very often can point you in the right direction when you are looking for puppies and kittens, as well as facilities to board your pet in your absence. In short: the good vet offers great services, lots of experience, and a good name as a leading vet in their community.

#veterinarian in greeley colorado #spay and neuter pets greeley #pet surgery greeley

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 4 years ago

Text

Make Sure You Know Where To Find The Nearest Animal Hospital For Your Pets

Our pets, for most of us, are like family members, and rightly so: they depend on us for a home with food and clean water provided, as well as safety and protection – and our love.

The bond between owner and pet is often a special one of mutual love and appreciation. This means, too, that the owner should always pay attention to their animals’ health as well. Much like humans pets can benefit from regular, scheduled visits to the vet and the animal clinic or hospital to be sure they are in good health and that they are not candidates for preventable illnesses from developing.

In other words, schedule visits as a form of preventative care for your pet so the vet can check them over and advise of any – even future – problems. Good examples would be to take them in for their regular vaccinations, of which the vet keeps records and often sends owners reminders, or checkups for dental problems and teeth cleaning and any other tests the vet carries out to make sure the animal is in good condition.

Good vets and animal clinics will also offer different wellness tests for pets such as, for example, PennHip X-ray tests and evaluations to establish whether or not your dog may develop hip dysplasia (a degenerative condition of the hip socket that may lead to lameness and arthritis) at some stage; they will if this looks like a possibility, perform procedures to help correct this at a young age. These are only examples of the preventative measures that vets can take to give pet owners peace of mind – by making sure you schedule regular checkups for your pets.

It is fairly easy for owners to notice that their cat or dog is not their normal self and that they may need medical attention. Therefore it is important to know the vets in your neighborhood, and where to find the best clinic or animal hospital when you need them. Vets can get very busy; therefore one schedules appointments, but a good vet will always help out in an emergency such as a sudden injury to your pet and make sure they see you as soon as possible. Some may even visit you and your pet at home if it is too difficult to load the pet in a vehicle and transport it to the hospital – especially if the vet knows you and your pet well because of regular contact.

Of course one would expect of a good vet to work from modern, presentable rooms where they have access to the services of trained assistants and professional personnel, where they use the latest technologically advanced equipment for surgeries, good X-ray facilities, good areas where animals can recuperate after surgeries, as well as loving care at all times when the animal is separated from their owners.

Unwanted pregnancies in pets can lead to problems too for many pet owners; of course, it is different for the breeder that does want their pets to get pregnant, but if you are suddenly faced with a pregnant pet that you were not prepared for, you have unexpected frustrations. So the answer is to talk to the vet and find out about spaying and neutering for pets, the best age for this procedure, and the aftercare that may be necessary.

What may be part of their daily routine for vets, can be intimidating for pets and their owners when it concerns health issues. Therefore: make sure you know the best vet in your area, and where you will find their clinic or hospital to treat your sick pet – or help them to prevent an illness from developing.

About Us: At Powell Veterinary Service we offer all pet owners almost 30 years of dedicated, unrivaled service to ensure their pets remain healthy and happy. We offer a great experience and are proud of the services we offer about all aspects of animal care. We perform surgeries, we spay and neuter, we offer boarding facilities and we provide puppies for different activities that appeal to our clients. At PVS we also offer a wellness service for pets to ensure any conditions are picked up early. We are Kersey, CO-based, and serve the surrounding areas. We are available by appointment, but also for emergencies. Pets are our passion and we ensure that your animal receives excellent treatment from our practice. For more about us please visit https://powellvets.com.

#animal clinic greeley colorado #animal hospital greeley #veterinarian in greeley colorado

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 4 years ago

Text

Selecting The Right Veterinarian In Greeley Colorado

Selecting the right veterinarian in Greeley, Colorado to help you take care of your pet care needs is important. You need a provider with experience, friendly staff, and a convenient location. They should be able to provide both preventative care and emergency services. The provider needs to offer fair prices.

Being able to effectively communicate and work with your veterinarian is essential. You should always feel welcome and listened to. You know your pet better than anyone, so when you share that something isn’t right they need to help you discover what is taking place. You should be able to rely on them to help keep your pet healthy as well as to resolve any issues.

Experience

Look into the background of the veterinarian to find out what they have to offer. Where did they complete their education? What credentials do they have and when did they obtain their license? Do they have any complaints listed about them which could make you hesitate to trust them with the care of your pet? As you make such comparisons, you will find some great options in the Greeley, Colorado area to check out further.

Many Happy Customers

It is encouraging when you find a veterinarian that has many happy customers. Ask your friends, family members, and people you work with who they count on. They can share stories with you that can help you further narrow down who you will consider for the needs of your pet or pets. You can also read information online from others who have used such services in the area.

Convenient Location and Hours

Check out the location and hours of service for the veterinarian. It needs to be a location that is within a reasonable distance of your home. Their hours should be flexible enough that you would reasonably be able to get in there for office visits around your responsibilities and daily schedule. Do they offer after-hour services in the event you have an emergency?

Preventative Care

You should be able to count on this veterinarian to guide you and assist you with best caring for your pet. This includes preventative care such as shots, routine exams, diet, and exercise plans. All of this allows you to have a happy and healthy pet. Reducing the risk of health problems is encouraged, and that all begins with them getting proper preventative care.

This also allows for early intervention should any type of health issue be found. The diagnosis is going to be better when treatment can be started early. Should your pet have an ongoing health issue, your veterinarian should customize a plan to help monitor and control it. The goal is to reduce the chances of it progressing over time.

Emergency Care

There are times when your pet may need emergency care. It can be difficult to wait until the weekend is over or even the following morning. In such an event, will they come in and take a look at your pet? Not all providers in the Greeley area offer such services, but many pet owners want to have that available to them.

Fair Prices

The veterinarian you rely on in this part of Colorado should have fair prices for the services they render. This allows you to budget for the care and needs of your pet. You don’t want to stress about the bill you will get from them. You don’t want to have to avoid such care either because you can’t afford the cost. The cost of services depends on the provider and what is needed.

About Us: Your pet is family to you, and we will treat them that way too! Getting quality care for your beloved pets is important to us. You can trust us to offer the best service possible for affordable prices. We have a well-trained staff that is friendly and ready to answer your questions. We can help you with routine checkups, shots, emergency care, surgery, and much more. We realize it can be tough to make decisions for care, and we will always give you the options to consider. Our team is dedicated to helping your pet have a long and healthy life as your companion! Please visit us at https://www.powellvets.com to learn more about us and the services we offer.

#veterinarian in greeley colorado #house call vet greeley #animal hospital greeley #animal clinic greeley colorado

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 4 years ago

Video

tumblr

Emergency Vet Care By Powell Veterinary Service

Powell Veterinary Service provides emergency services to identify problems and remedy ailments in order to get your pet the real time care it needs in an unexpected situation. Our facilities include an extensive array of superior technology to provide fast and accurate health assessments as well as the highest quality of care.

For more information visit https://powellvets.com or contact us on 970-352-9164.

#veterinarian in greeley colorado #vet care #animal hospital greeley

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 4 years ago

Text

Treat Your Pet Like You Treat Every Family Member

All pet owners understand that from the first moment they lay eyes on their new pup or kitten – or older animal that is re-homed for whatever reason - that a bond of love and mutual respect is quickly formed, a bond that lasts for the entire lifespan of the animal under your care.

This is a great responsibility, and therefore many pet owners, rightfully so, treat that pet as another family member that deserves to be loved, to be cherished and looked after, given safety and shelter, food – and medical care when and if required. But, it is not good enough to show care and offers medical services only at those times that the animal is unwell and suffers: preventative medical care is equally important.

So you take it for its first check-up when it is only a few weeks old so the little one and the vet form their important bond too. A good vet that bonds well with all those pets that come in for consultations and care is one you stay with. We choose a GP and stay with them if we trust and like them; the same should apply to you, your pet, and the vet of choice. The vet gets to know the pet, keeps its records, keeps track of its development, and is aware of any possible ailments they may be suffering from – or may be susceptible to in later years.

Therefore a regular visit should be scheduled as a routine visit every so often, say, every year unless the vet thinks the pet should see them more often. During these routine check-ups the vet will check the animal’s current health, how it responds to, for example, previous treatments - and also to check them for future problems.

One such example which is performed on dogs everywhere, in London, in Amsterdam, Los Angeles or Greely in Colorado concerns the so-called PennHip evaluation for signs of dysplasia which can be done on young dogs of even 4 months old as a first test to see if the dog suffers from hip looseness and maybe a future candidate for dysplasia, for example. This is often done as a preventative measure to make sure the vet picks up any early signs of possible future problems and illness.

The test assesses hips to make sure there are no signs of possible degenerative joint disease, and it also looks at the laxity in each of the joints. The test is an early method to predict the possibility of, for example, osteoarthritis developing later on and, if discovered early enough, there is a very good chance the vet can help prevent this by offering a procedure devised for this eventuality: it is called Juvenile Pubic Symphodiesis and is a great way to help prevent problems from developing later on.

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is one of the most common reasons for lameness in dogs’ hind legs and can, to a large extent, be avoided with early intervention, such as the PennHip consultation. It is a great service a pet owner can do for their young canine friends, much like humans go for mammograms and prostate check-ups to help prevent serious issues from developing in the future.

Of course, you want to know that for PennHip and other preventative measures you are employing the services of a well-respected vet that offers, preferably, years of service to animals, experience with all issues related to their health whether preventative or about surgeries and medicines, and a good name among community members.

Make sure you take your young dog for this test – and other preventative visits – so you offer your pet a good chance at a happy long life, much as we would go to the doctor to have ourselves checked regularly.

#pet surgery greeley #veterinarian in greeley colorado #pennhip colorado

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 5 years ago

Text

Pets And The Uncertainty Surrounding Corona

The year 2020, and even the years to follow, will be marked as one of the most uncertain times in modern history. Of course, nobody can deny the heartache – and hardship – caused by Covid-19, or the Coronavirus. Not only does it impact our lives and relationships with those closest to us – and others. It also has to bear on how we interact with our pets, and even more specifically our dogs.

People are scared their dog or cat could be a carrier and transmit the virus to them or their children. Even though many ideas are expressed, there has been no evidence of spread from pet to owner, or vice versa, according to WHO reports. So, having your pet at your side during these trying times is not dangerous or negative; it can be, actually, a wonderful time for owners to further cement the bond between themselves and their favorite cat or dog.

Governments worldwide enforce strict measures such as social distancing, and lockdown in many countries such as the US, the UK, the rest of Europe – in fact, everywhere – has been the result of the spread of the virus. How we handle our relationship with our pets during this time may impact our future relationship with them. Pets pick up on our feelings: are we happy or sad, are we worried or in control? We know they do, and we know they show their feelings too, no matter whether it is the little kitten or the senior dog. If you’re stressed, they stress, if you’re in command like they know you always are, they feel safe.

So, to keep equilibrium and make sure your pet is happy, you should, firstly, acknowledge that your pet’s emotional life is important to ensure that you and the pets’ relationship does not change, not to an extent that the animal becomes unhappy, confused – even unruly and uncontrolled – because of what they pick up about your own emotions. Be natural around them as much as you can, show them you love them, that you care so they remain calm and unfazed during this time.

On a more practical level: cats are often more independent and roam around freely whereas dogs mostly are bound by routine. One very important issue is the regular walk by the sea, in the park, in the open – the time every day you take them out for exercise and fresh air. During the lockdown, however, this is simply not possible. Owners should be aware that extra care must be taken to keep the dog busy, to entertain it so it does not become stressed and anxious as it will not understand the new routine.

If you have space, play more games, throw and let them fetch balls or other objects, keep them busy and occupied. By the way, many cats love this too. It is more difficult in an apartment but even so: keep them busy, invent a game or two that will not wreck the furniture.

Other issues to consider: make sure that you stock up on their favorite foods whenever you can, just in case the lockdown lasts longer or factories can no longer produce like they normally do: make sure you have enough. This applies to all pets, whether it is the dog, the cat, the parrot, or the goldfish. Also, if your pet takes medication, be sure to have a good supply at hand. Cat owners should remember the litter, especially those that live in apartments. You do not want to run out of this essential.

Make sure, always, that the pets wear ID around their neck, just in case they escape during this stressful time so you can be contacted when someone finds them. Losing your pet during Corona is not additional stress you want to deal with.

You want to make sure you have someone to look after your pets should you get sick with Covid-19 or any other illness. So, designate a family member, a friend or colleague to take responsibility for the welfare of your pets if you are unable to. These are mere tips. Remember: love is what your pet needs during this time – show them care all the time so they know they are safe and their presence cherished. Make sure you have enough food and treats. Play with them.

#animal clinic greeley colorado #animal hospital greeley #veterinarian in greeley colorado #pet care #pet health

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 5 years ago

Video

tumblr

SPAYING & NEUTERING SERVICES BY POWELL VETERINARY SERVICE

Owning a pet is extremely rewarding, although it also requires years of responsibility and dedication. Getting your dog or cat spayed or neutered is an easy way to ensure each animal receives the attention, and that you are not overwhelmed by the needs of young animals. For more information visit https://powellvets.com/spay-and-neuter or contact us on 970-352-9164.

#spay and neuter pets greeley #veterinarian in greeley colorado #animal clinic greeley colorado

0 notes

powellvetsservice · 5 years ago

Text

About Having Your Pets Cared For In Your Absence

Pets often complete people, you will hear animal lovers say. Different people keep different pets, from unusual little reptiles to those that most people prefer: cats and dogs. Every responsible pet owner also makes sure their pets are loved and cared for, given a safe home, an area where they can play, sleep, eat – and access to clean water, for example.

Caring for one’s pet is a big job: you want the best for them and you want to protect them from harm and adversity. Therefore, from a young age, the pet visits the vet – also when they are not sick, but to make sure there are no underlying issues that could indeed threaten their health and happiness sometime in the future. Many pets grow old with their owners, which means it is a lifelong responsibility to ensure your cat and dog are loved, cared for, given safety and a great environment in which to thrive.

There also comes a time for many owners that they may be temporarily separated from their pets; think, for example, of times that you go on holiday to a destination where pets are not allowed, or when you have to attend an out-of-town conference, or any circumstances when you have to leave home for a few days, or even quite a while. What happens to your pet?

If you have a house-sitter that gets on well with the pet, you may be sorted. But, in many instances that is not the answer, for individual reasons – also, because your pet may not be happy with the arrangement. Individual circumstances will dictate.

For many people, the answer is a pet hotel or pet boarding facilities such as kennels and catteries, whether you live in Berlin or Greeley, Colorado. Pet owners everywhere have the same expectations. The good ones among these offer great facilities for owners and pets to ensure that the animal is taken care of during one’s absence. And, of course, owners want to know how exactly their pet will be looked after too. What follows here, are a few tips or issues to look out for when you are forced to find accommodation for your pet while you’re away:

Find a good, recommended service for your pet, one that is well-known in your region, one that others speak highly of. Ask around, ask your vet – chances are they will be able to direct you. The best vets may have their boarding facilities, or they may be affiliated to a pet boarding service anyway. They, the vet, are often a good start, whether it is the vet you and your pet visit regularly – or a good one you found via a website on the internet;

Be assured your pet will be happy and comfortable. Choose dog kennels that offer not only food and water – even if you provide the specific food yourself, which many owners want to do – but also good, safe sleeping arrangements, a good place for the dog to play outside, also opportunities to socialize with other dogs. Make sure someone is assigned to play with your pet, groom them, show them, love. It reduces their separation anxiety;

Catteries should be equally appealing: you want a soft place for your cat to sleep, you want them to be able to look out into pleasant surrounds, even a tree where they can climb if it is in a safe enclosure and they won’t fight with others. Stroke them, play with them; soothe them. They miss their owners. That is what you want for your cat, just like you want for your dog.

Separation from one’s pets is often part of life. But, owners can make it softer on both themselves and their pets by finding them the best boarding facilities during their absence. Look for a place that offers great accommodation – and love and care.

About Us: At Powell Veterinary Service we offer all pet owners almost 30 years of dedicated, unrivaled service to ensure their pets remain healthy and happy. We offer a great experience and are proud of the services we offer concerning all aspects of animal care. We perform surgeries, we spay and neuter, we offer boarding facilities and we provide puppies for different activities that appeal to our clients. At PVS we also offer a wellness service for pets to ensure any conditions are picked up early. We are Kersey, CO-based and serve the surrounding areas. We are available by appointment, but also for emergencies. Pets are our passion and we ensure that your animal receives excellent treatment from our practice. For more about us please visit https://powellvets.com.

#animal hospital greeley #dog boarding greeley co #veterinarian in greeley colorado

0 notes