News

Equine and Small Animal Dental Month February 2023

In February we will once again be offering a 20% discount on equine dental floats and small animal dental cleanings. In-clinic appointments only. Call us today 446-2815 to reserve your spot, we fill up quickly!

EQUINE DENTAL HEALTH:

Horses with dental problems may show obvious signs, such as pain or irritation, or they may show no noticeable signs at all. This is because some horses simply adapt to their discomfort.

For this reason, periodic dental examinations performed by your equine veterinarian are essential to your horse’s health. It is important to catch dental problems early. If a horse starts behaving abnormally, dental problems should be considered as a potential cause. Waiting too long may increase the difficulty of remedying certain conditions or may even make remedy impossible.

Look for the following indicators of dental problems from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to know when to seek veterinary attention for your horse:

 

  1. Loss of feed from mouth while eating, difficulty with chewing, or excessive salivation.
  2. Loss of body condition.
  3. Large or undigested feed particles (long stems or whole grain) in manure.
  4. Head tilting or tossing, bit chewing, tongue lolling, fighting the bit, or resisting bridling.
  5. Poor performance, such as lugging on the bridle, failing to turn or stop, even bucking.
  6. Foul odor from mouth or nostrils, or traces of blood from the mouth.
  7. Nasal discharge or swelling of the face, jaw or mouth tissues.

 

Oral exams should be an essential part of an annual physical examination by your veterinarian. Every dental exam provides the opportunity to perform routine preventative dental maintenance. Mature horses should get a thorough dental exam at least once a year, and horses 2 –5 years old should be examined twice yearly.

** Discount does not apply to sedation or other recommended services beyond the dental float, in-clinic appointments only and no rainchecks **

CANINE and FELINE DENTAL HEALTH:

The cause of gum disease is the same in cats and dogs as it is in people.

Gum disease is an infection resulting from build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. The bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if plaque is allowed to accumulate, which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth. Hard dental tartar (calculus) consists of calcium salts from saliva deposited on plaque. Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth surface that is not kept clean, and provides a rough surface that enhances further plaque accumulation. Once it has begun to grow in thickness, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments. – From VOHC.

Once tartar forms on the teeth, mechanical removal with an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments followed by high frequency polishing is required to return the teeth to a health state. Annual or bi-annual prophylactic cleaning is recommended to prevent the advancement of periodontal disease. 

** Discount does not apply to anesthesia or other recommended services (such as extractions and dental radiology) beyond the dental cleaning/polishing & no rainchecks **

Call us today! 406-446-2815

 

Equine Educational Seminar 2022 – Videos Dr. Gruber

Here are the three videos of Dr. Gruber’s talks from November 10th, 2022. Dr. Keene’s presentations were not recorded.

Video 1 – Dr. Gruber discusses our practice, introduces staff and begins the equine nutrition presentation.

Video 2 – Dr. Gruber continues discussing equine nutrition, supplements and feed recommendations.

Video 3 – Dr. Gruber discusses colic management, when to call the vet and what to do in the meantime.

 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch updates for future seminars! 

Equine Educational Seminar- Nov 10th, 2022

This November 10th join Dr. Rob Keene of Boehringer Ingelheim and Dr. Casey Gruber of Red Lodge Veterinary Clinic for an informative evening discussing equine nutrition and colic.

This year the event will be held at the Beartooth Elks Lodge in downtown Red Lodge on Thursday, November 10th.

Doors open at 5:30 and presentations will start about 6:15-6:30. 

Please RSVP early as we have limited seating and we have filled up each previous year! We will be providing dinner at this FREE event thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim and MWI Animal Health who help sponsor these great evenings.

Topics:

Equine Nutrition 101

  • Facts
  • Myths
  • Best Practices

Equine Colic

  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment
  • Prevention

Prepare some questions as we will have an open Q&A after the presentations as well as some interactive learning.

Can’t wait to see you there! Click HERE to be forwarded to the Facebook Event

 

Halloween with the Horses – October 31, 2022

You are invited to Aspen Ridge Ranch for Halloween with the horses! 
 
For the fourth year in a row, we are partnering up with the awesome team at Aspen Ridge Ranch to host a FREE, fun & safe Halloween event!
 
Geared towards kids under the age of 13, yet all horse lovers are welcome! The evening will include Trick-or-Treating, games and the opportunity to meet some of their equine partners.
 
Monday, October 31st from 5-7 pm at Aspen Ridge Ranch 144 Fox Road in Red Lodge.
 
Contact us today with any questions! 406-446-2815
 
 
Halloween With The Horses!  Click HERE to visit the Facebook Event

Welcome Dr. Tara Griffin!

 

We are thrilled to announce we have added another doctor to our team! 

Dr. Griffin is a New Jersey native, and currently residing in Red Lodge with her husband, two sons, two dogs, cat, and three horses.  After graduating from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, she pursued a degree in veterinary medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland.  She has been practicing small animal medicine since 2014. 

Dr. Griffin knew from a young age that she wanted to become a veterinarian because she delighted in caring for her own pets.  She quickly recognized that she had a passion and love for animals and an interest in medicine.  Her goals are to keep all pets healthy and educate owners to make good decisions for both their pets and families. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors.

She is currently available part-time for small animal appointments, call us today! 406-446-2815

Equine and Small Animal Dental Month – February 2022

In February we will once again be offering a 20% discount on equine dental floats and small animal dental cleanings. In-clinic appointments only. Call us today 446-2815 to reserve your spot, we fill up quickly!

EQUINE DENTAL HEALTH:

Horses with dental problems may show obvious signs, such as pain or irritation, or they may show no noticeable signs at all. This is because some horses simply adapt to their discomfort.

For this reason, periodic dental examinations performed by your equine veterinarian are essential to your horse’s health. It is important to catch dental problems early. If a horse starts behaving abnormally, dental problems should be considered as a potential cause. Waiting too long may increase the difficulty of remedying certain conditions or may even make remedy impossible.

Look for the following indicators of dental problems from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to know when to seek veterinary attention for your horse:

 

  1. Loss of feed from mouth while eating, difficulty with chewing, or excessive salivation.
  2. Loss of body condition.
  3. Large or undigested feed particles (long stems or whole grain) in manure.
  4. Head tilting or tossing, bit chewing, tongue lolling, fighting the bit, or resisting bridling.
  5. Poor performance, such as lugging on the bridle, failing to turn or stop, even bucking.
  6. Foul odor from mouth or nostrils, or traces of blood from the mouth.
  7. Nasal discharge or swelling of the face, jaw or mouth tissues.

 

Oral exams should be an essential part of an annual physical examination by your veterinarian. Every dental exam provides the opportunity to perform routine preventative dental maintenance. Mature horses should get a thorough dental exam at least once a year, and horses 2 –5 years old should be examined twice yearly.

Call us today! 406-446-2815

 

** Discount does not apply to sedation or other recommended services beyond the dental float, in-clinic appointments only and no rainchecks **

 

CANINE and FELINE DENTAL HEALTH:

The cause of gum disease is the same in cats and dogs as it is in people.

Gum disease is an infection resulting from build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. The bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if plaque is allowed to accumulate, which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth. Hard dental tartar (calculus) consists of calcium salts from saliva deposited on plaque. Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth surface that is not kept clean, and provides a rough surface that enhances further plaque accumulation. Once it has begun to grow in thickness, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments. – From VOHC.

Once tartar forms on the teeth, mechanical removal with an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments followed by high frequency polishing is required to return the teeth to a health state. Annual or bi-annual prophylactic cleaning is recommended to prevent the advancement of periodontal disease. 

 

** Discount does not apply to anesthesia or other recommended services (such as extractions and dental radiology) beyond the dental cleaning/polishing & no rainchecks **

 

 

Holiday Closure Dec 24th – January 3rd – Emergency Only

We at Red Lodge Veterinary Clinic want to thank all of our clients for their business and trust in us. We’re also fortunate to have a great team that goes above and beyond for our clients and patients. 

2021 was a very busy year and in honor of our hard working team, we will be providing a well deserved break. Our office will be CLOSED from Friday, December 24th at noon until Monday, January 3rd at 8:30 am to EMERGENCY ONLY.

If you have an urgent question or emergency during this time, please call the clinic 406-446-2815 to speak with Dr. Casey Gruber who will do his best to be available to address your concerns.

Please schedule all non-urgent appointments including prescription / pet food refills before or after this time. 

We hope you have a safe, healthy and happy holiday and we look forward to 2022!

Dr. Casey and Dominique Gruber

 

 

Halloween with the Horses at Aspen Ridge Ranch!

You are invited to Aspen Ridge Ranch for Halloween with the horses! 
 
For the third year in a row, we are partnering up with the awesome team at Aspen Ridge Ranch to host a FREE, fun & safe Halloween event!
 
Geared towards kids under the age of 13, yet all horse lovers are welcome! The evening will include Trick-or-Treating, games and the opportunity to meet some of their equine partners.
 
Sunday, October 31st from 5-7 pm at Aspen Ridge Ranch 144 Fox Road in Red Lodge.
 
Contact us today with any questions! 406-446-2815
 
Safe Halloween Party!

FACEBOOK EVENT LINK

Preventing and Treating Heatstroke in Dogs

Unlike humans who sweat, dogs eliminate heat from their bodies by panting. When panting isn’t enough, a dog’s body temperature rises, and they can experience heat stroke, which can become fatal if not treated immediately.

What causes heat stroke in dogs?

Any hot environment can cause heat stroke in dogs. The most common cause is careless action by a pet owner, like leaving a dog in a car or forgetting to provide water and shade when they are outdoors.

Some dogs are more prone to heat stroke than others. Dogs with thick fur, short noses or those suffering from medical conditions are predisposed to heatstroke. Even dogs who enjoy constant exercise and playtime should be closely monitored for symptoms of heat stroke, especially on hot and humid days.

What are the symptoms of dog heat stroke?

The most telling symptom of heat stroke in dogs is excessive panting. Other symptoms may include signs of discomfort such as drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse. 

Heat stroke in dogs can indicate a serious medical problem and cause unseen problems, such as swelling of the brain, kidney failure, intestinal bleeding and abnormal clotting of blood. For this reason, immediate veterinary care is highly recommended. 

What should I do if I think my dog has heat stroke?

Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital and tell them you are on your way. On the way to the veterinarian, travel with the windows open and the air conditioner on.

Until you can get to the veterinarian, be sure to:

  • Remove the dog from the hot environment immediately.
  • Do not give the dog aspirin to lower its temperature and can lead to other problems.
  • Let your dog drink as much cool water as they want without forcing them to drink.
  • Cool your dog off with cold water by placing a soaked towel on their back.
  • Wet their paws with cool water.

How will the veterinarian treat my dog’s heat stroke?

With cases of heatstroke in dogs, treatment will include intravenous fluid therapy to replace fluids and minerals. 

Your veterinarian will also monitor your dog for secondary complications such as kidney failure, development of neurologic symptoms, abnormal clotting, changes in blood pressure and electrolytes abnormalities. 

How can I prevent my dog for developing heat stroke?

As a pet owner, it is important to be aware of the outside temperature and take appropriate measures to prevent heat stroke, especially during hot and humid conditions.

When outdoors, always make sure your dog is in a well-ventilated area with access to plenty of water and shade.

While traveling in cars, make sure that your dog is kept in crates that has good ventilation, and never leave your dog in a car with the windows closed.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If your dog is showing any signs of heat stroke, contact Red Lodge Veterinary Clinic right away.

 

Credit for this article goes to Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency