Our Veterinary Blog | Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC) Food Bloat in Pets You know that feeling of polishing off your third plate at Thanksgiving dinner, when you lean back in your chair, rub your full stomach, and swear you won’t be able to eat again for a week? Well, food bloat in pets is sort of like that — minus the silverware and cornucopia centerpiece — with […] Read More 5 Steps of Your Pet’s Cataract Surgery | Veterinary Ophthalmology Like humans, our pets can also experience cataract formation! Cataract formation is a common and correctable cause for changes in a pet’s vision. Before we dive in though, let’s first back up and explain this eye disease. Normally, the lens of the eye focuses light onto the retina to create a clear image of the […] Read More Tips for Managing a Pet with a Chronic Illness Having a pet diagnosed with a chronic disease can be overwhelming. The following are some tips to help navigate your pet’s chronic illness. 1. Ask Questions Make sure you understand the diagnosis. Seek information from your veterinarian and staff so that you fully understand your pet’s disease process, expected treatment, and prognosis. The more you understand your pet’s condition, the better able you will be to provide […] Read More Fur-Tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode VI: Every Small Dog Owner’s Greatest Fear *WARNING: This blog contains graphic images. Please continue at your own discretion.* A larger dog picked up Bentley, an 8-year-old Yorkie, by the neck, and shook him. If your eyes are wide, chest feels tight, and your pulse is racing after reading that, then you may be a small dog owner! Having your beloved pet attacked […] Read More Onions, Garlic, Chives, & Leeks: Allium Poisoning in Pets If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested onions, garlic, chives, or leeks, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to […] Read More Mothball Toxicity in Pets If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested a mothball, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If […] Read More Tremorgenic Mycotoxin Intoxication in Pets If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet was exposed to tremorgenic mycotoxins or anything else found in the garbage or compost pile, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic […] Read More Head Tilts in Rabbits and Rodents It’s a normal day at home and your rabbit is romping around in the other room. Suddenly, you hear a crash. You run in to find your bun rolling on her side, unable to stand up. You’re able to get her right-side-up, but her head is tilted to one side! Is she having a seizure? Is there something wrong with her brain?!? A head tilt can be scary to see in your […] Read More Urinary Crystals in Pets Urinary crystals are one type of “bling” that even fashion-conscious pet owners do not want! Urinary crystals and stones are caused by a buildup of natural minerals found in your pet’s urine. There are several types of urinary crystals and stones with the most common being struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium oxalate. Occasionally, cysteine conglomerations are seen. All these minerals can form crystals that resemble tiny, microscopic […] Read More Why Are Veterinarians So Busy Right Now If you’ve sought veterinary care during the pandemic, you may have been surprised that your veterinarian’s appointment schedule was booked out for 3-4 weeks for anything routine. If you’ve needed emergency veterinary care, the comparison to pre-pandemic life may have been even more dramatic. Normal wait times of 2-3 hours have ballooned to 6-8 hours, and emergency hospitals often have to stop receiving patients. The intention […] Read More Older Posts Newer Posts
Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care
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