 At EVS Pet Urgent Care, we believe in laying the groundwork for the next generation of compassionate and skilled veterinarians. In a world where choices abound and instant gratification is the norm, young minds often find themselves overwhelmed by decisions about their future. That's why we've made it our mission to create a nurturing environment for the inquisitive minds of our youth, guiding them through the possibilities of a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine.
From preschoolers to pre-vet college students, to veterinary students, EVS is dedicated to assisting young individuals in discovering the diverse facets of a veterinary career. We understand that the journey to choosing a profession can be daunting, and we are here to offer support, advice, and a hands-on experience to help them make informed decisions. EVS Pet Urgent Care goes beyond traditional mentorship by actively engaging with students in various ways. We conduct classroom visits to share insights about the veterinary field and offer a glimpse into the daily life of a veterinarian. Additionally, we open our clinic doors to welcome students, allowing them to shadow our experienced professionals and immerse themselves in the dynamic world of veterinary care. As an integral part of this mentorship program, EVS Pet Urgent Care is honored to contribute to the development of future veterinarians. By providing real-world exposure and mentorship opportunities, we aim to shape the minds of aspiring individuals and equip them with the knowledge and passion needed to excel in the veterinary field. If you are interested in brining EVS Pet Urgent Care to your school either in person if local to one of our locations, or remotely, or, if you are interested in any hands on experience, or shadowing, please contact us at info@evs.pet!
0 Comments
Meet Max, a 6-year-old Goldendoodle who's your typical happy and healthy pup. He gets his annual check-up, and his vaccinations are always up to date. But one morning, Max is not his usual self. He's relentlessly scratching his left ear and shaking his head, clearly uncomfortable. His concerned owner makes the call to the vet's office for help, and here's where the story gets interesting. The receptionist answers with a warm hello but quickly asks, "If this is not an emergency, can I place you on hold?" Before you can even respond, you find yourself listening to a recording about heartworm prevention. When you finally get to explain Max's predicament, you're met with an apology – they're fully booked for the day. Your options are to wait for another day, possibly several days, or rush to the emergency room down the street. Not exactly the choices you had in mind, right? Now, let's dive deeper into what's been happening in the veterinary world. Let's rewind to 2020, the time of COVID-19 when the world was in turmoil. Many people found themselves working from home, and their kids were attending school via Zoom in the living room. The family decided it was the perfect time to bring a pet into their lives. As more and more families welcomed pets, the demand for vet visits soared. But it's not just the increased demand. The cost of pet supplies has skyrocketed, and there are delays for almost everything. Inflation is on the rise, jobs are being cut, and there are even limits on buying toilet paper. All these economic challenges have coincided with primary care veterinarians trying their best to keep up with the overwhelming demand. The situation reached a point where something had to give. Be it communication, the vet-client relationship, compliance, or education, it was clear that we couldn't keep patching up this sinking ship individually. The exhaustion was palpable, and many veterinarians questioned whether they were in the right profession. And then there's the issue of non-emergency cases like Max ending up in the emergency room. We all know an ear infection isn't a life-or-death emergency, but his owners had no other choice. The result? Hours spent in a crowded lobby, or nowadays, waiting in their cars due to COVID-19 restrictions. Critical cases rightly took precedence, but the wait was agonizing. Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the cost. Emergency room visits cost significantly more than those to primary care vets. The reason? They need more staff, equipment, space, medications, and technology to handle a wide range of emergencies. We need emergency rooms, but they should focus on actual emergencies, not cases like Max's. Our colleagues in the emergency room are exhausted, not only from long hours but also from the emotional toll of explaining the costs and, at times, suggesting euthanasia if the expenses become unmanageable. Compassion fatigue and burnout are real, and it's time we address these issues. So, could veterinary urgent care be the answer? It's not a magical fix, but it could be a significant step towards healing from within. If cases like Max's could be seen in urgent care rather than the ER, we would alleviate the primary care vets' workload, allowing them to focus on preventive and chronic care, building trust and relationships with their clients once more. This shift would also ease the burden on the emergency room, ensuring they focus on genuine emergencies and provide the quality care they're meant to deliver. Clients, you'd finally have an alternative. You might prefer to see your primary care vet, but understanding the "why" behind the lack of immediate availability, and having an urgent care option, could strengthen your loyalty to your primary care veterinarian. And for pets like Max, we see you, we care about you, and we know you shouldn't have to wait in pain for non-emergency conditions. Veterinary urgent care is here to bridge the gap and provide timely care for pets in need. EVS Urgent Care was founded to address all these critical needs. Dr. Jordana Eisenstein Rosen and her team have taken a bold step to make a difference for veterinarians, clients, and pets. Together, we can build a stronger and more compassionate veterinary community. #WeAreTheChange 
 A dog presenting with a wound on their skin. As you can see a circular lesion, with crusted blood around it. This picture was taken prior to clipping and flushing. As the temperature dips, and the leaves put on their fiery autumn attire, we all know that it's time for pumpkin-spiced everything. But lurking in the shadows of fall's charm is a lesser-known horror show that's equally fascinating and spine-tingling. Brace yourselves, because today, we're diving deep into the eerie realm of bot flies. Warning: This blog post is not for the faint of heart! At first glance, you might think bot flies sound harmless, but trust me, these insects have a life cycle that will blow your mind and probably give you goosebumps. Bot flies, also known as cuterebra flies are elusive creatures, seldom seen in their adult form, as their lives are short-lived, spanning just a few weeks. Their primary goals during this fleeting existence? Mating and laying eggs—no time for romantic beach strolls in their busy schedule! Now, here's where things get really creepy. Female bot flies lay their eggs close to the ground, strategically choosing spots where rodents or lagomorphs (like rabbits) might be lurking. The eggs hatch when the temperature is just right, typically in warmer months. Once hatched, the larvae attach themselves to the fur of small mammals, like a parasitic nightmare. But the real horror show begins when the larva makes its way inside the host through a natural body opening, such as the mouth. From there, they embark on a sinister journey through the host's body until they finally burrow their way to the skin, creating a cyst as they go. For the next 3 to 6 weeks, they grow rapidly beneath the surface, before gruesomely emerging from a pore in the skin. But here's the kicker – after their stint inside the host, the larvae burrow into the soil to mature further. Adult bot flies might not emerge until months or even years later, depending on the species and climate. Talk about a slow-burning nightmare! You're probably wondering, "Why are we delving into this intense entomology lesson?" Well, here's the connection to our beloved dogs and cats. While dogs and cats are not the preferred hosts for bot flies, they can still become accidental victims. These insidious creatures can infect our furry friends, and as a responsible pet owner, you should be vigilant. In most cases, bot fly infections in pets present as bleeding wounds, leaving owners puzzled about their origin. These wounds are typically itchy or painful to the touch, and there may even be a disturbing blood and pus discharge. Upon closer inspection, you might notice a circular opening in the skin, and if you look even closer, you might see the larvae squirming inside. If you suspect your pet has fallen prey to these nefarious parasites, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately. Professionals will clip the fur around the opening and thoroughly flush the wound with an antimicrobial solution both before and after extracting the larvae. Extraction is a delicate process to avoid breaking the larvae, and it's uncommon to find more than one in these infections. So, as the leaves rustle in the crisp autumn breeze and you sip on your pumpkin spice latte, remember that there's a darker side to this beautiful season—the world of bot flies. Knowledge is your best defense, so stay vigilant, keep an eye on your pets, and if you ever notice any lumps, bumps, or strange wounds, don't hesitate to seek veterinary care. After all, in this creepy and crawly tale, it's better to be safe than sorry! If you want to see more check our the link below. 
Top 5 Fourth of July Hazards That Could Endanger Your Pets! Stay Informed to Keep Them Safe!6/26/2023  As we gear up for the festivities of America's Independence Day, it's crucial to remember that our beloved pets may not share the excitement and joy we experience during fireworks displays and other traditional celebrations. While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration and gathering, it's also a time when veterinary clinics receive an influx of cases related to pet emergencies. To ensure the well-being of your pets, we've compiled a list of common hazards associated with this holiday, along with essential tips to keep them safe.
  What is a roundworm? Roundworms or (Ascariasis) are tiny parasites that live in the digestive system. Roundworm survives off of partially digested intestinal substances. The parasites have the name roundworm literally because of their round structure. Roundworm is the most prominent worm that lives in the digestive system. Puppies are the most at risk for serious symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, dull hair, and a pot-bellied appearance. Furthermore, if the roundworm is present in the lungs the dog may begin to cough. The life cycle of roundworms? At first, the roundworm lays eggs in the dog's intestines. When the dog shares its feces with the surrounding environment it contaminates surrounding plants and soil with the roundworm eggs. If a dog eats the contaminated plants, dirt, or rodents that have been contaminated they can now be infected with roundworm. A mother can also pass on roundworm through the roundworm larvae in the milk. How is roundworm diagnosed? A clear diagnosis of roundworm is made by a microscopic examination of the dog's feces. In adults, at times one can examine roundworms through vomit. How is roundworm infection prevented? Many heartworm medications such as Heartgard® Plus, Interceptor® Plus, Simparica® Trio, Nexgard® Spectra, and Advantage® Multi have broad spectrum dewormers in them. . These medications are a powerful tool against intestinal roundworms and to stop any future infections. A few of the preparations only stop adult roundworms and do not stop migrating or encysting larva Roundworm treatment? Deworm puppies after six weeks of pregnancy, you can repeat this process every two weeks for four treatments. Another option is to use heartworm prevention medicine. Lastly, always manage rodents to prevent contamination of the environment. Using all these tactics will lower the chances of a roundworm in your dog. Zoonosis and Roundworm? Before we discuss the topic of Zoonosis and how it relates to roundworms a question must be answered: what is Zoonosis? Zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals. This is extremely important regarding roundworms since humans can get infected by dogs. If humans come in contact with infected soil and become infected symptoms can include eye, lung, heart, and neurologic signs in people. Summary Overall, roundworm is a dangerous disease that should be taken seriously. Always make sure that you and your pet are taking the necessary precautions to stay safe from roundworms. Have a great rest of your day! Written By: Golan Rosen, Veterinary Technician Assistant  In 2022, for the first time in history, the French Bulldog was named the most popular dog breed! While there is no denying that these pups are insanely adorable, they unfortunately are predisposed to many conditions. Usually when a dog comes to the veterinarian with a red, squinty eye, one of the main causes we will look for is a corneal ulcer, also known as a scratch to the cornea. In order to make this diagnosis a drop of fluorescein stain will be applied to each eye. If any part of the cornea fluoresces we know there is an area of compromise. Let’s dive deeper into the anatomy of the cornea to understand why this happens! The cornea is the outermost part of the eyeball. It is made up of 4 different layers: The outermost layer is called the epithelium This layer can regenerate when injured. This layer is hydrophobic (water repelling), and therefore, when stained with fluorescein will not fluoresce. (Negative fluorescein stain- no corneal ulcer) The layer right under the epithelium is the stroma. This layer is hydrophilic (water-loving) and will absorb the stain, and fluoresce. (positive fluorescein stain- corneal ulcer present) The layer under the stroma is Descemet’s membrane. This layer is also hydrophobic, and will not absorb the stain. This means that if there is a corneal ulcer that has penetrated all the layers of the stroma, the fluorescein stain will be negative. This is called a desmetocele, and can become an emergency requiring surgical repair of the cornea. The last layer of the cornea is the endothelium. It is a single cell layer thick, and cannot regrow. Corneal ulcers are painful, and can occur in any breed of dog. However, brachycephalic breeds, including Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, are more susceptible. Brachycephalic breeds possess distinctive facial structures, characterized by shortened noses, wider heads, and prominent eyes. While these features contribute to their undeniable appeal, they also heighten their risk of corneal ulcers! Brachycephalic breeds often have shallower eye sockets compared to other breeds. This anatomical trait leaves their eyes more exposed and vulnerable to potential injuries or foreign objects coming into contact with the cornea. Their large, protruding eyes are prone to accidental pokes, scratches, or trauma from various objects. Due to this conformation, their globes are often too large for the eyelids to sufficiently cover them. This is why the most common place for a corneal ulcer at right at the center of the globe, right where the eyelids should touch. These breeds may have reduced tear production or inadequate tear distribution due to their unique facial structure. This condition, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye, can lead to dryness and irritation of the cornea, making it more susceptible to developing ulcers because the tears are one of the crucial components of keeping the cornea protected as a barrier from the outside world. Detecting corneal ulcers in their early stages is crucial for successful treatment. Keep an eye out for the following signs: 1. Squinting or Excessive Blinking: 2. Redness or Bloodshot Appearance: 3. Discharge or Tearing: 4. Cloudiness or Opacity: 5. Pawing or Rubbing at the Eye: If you suspect that your brachycephalic dog (or any breed, or species (cannot forget about our cats!) for that matter) may have a corneal ulcer, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention. A thorough examination by a veterinarian will involve staining the cornea to determine the location, depth, and severity of the ulcer, and likely other tests including one for tear production, as well as testing the intraocular pressure. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and promote faster healing. Remember these conditions are painful, and the faster they are treated, so sooner they will be feeling better.   As spring blooms and summer approaches, Let's discuss a common concern for many pet owners: seasonal allergies.
You may ask why a Veterinary Urgent Care is concerned about allergies? It's simple really! Pet allergies are uncomfortable! They are itchy, scratchy, and stinky! We are here for you and your pets to get the care they need now! It's essential to be familiar with the signs of seasonal allergies. The most obvious is that the symptoms will coincide with a change in the seasons. This is a big differentiator to food allergies that will be seen year-round. Commonly, seasonal allergies manifest as ear and skin infections, so look out for symptoms such as shaking their head, scratching at their ears, a foul odor, or discharge from the ears, excessive scratching, biting, licking, rubbing their face against objects, red or inflamed skin, hair loss, hot spots, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and even gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea. If you observe any of these signs, it's crucial to take immediate action and bring your pet to the veterinarian for a comprehensive evaluation. These symptoms are very uncomfortable, and while on their own, may not be an emergency, as a pet continues to lick, chew or scratch, it can lead to secondary infections that can be severe needing systemically acting medications. Seasonal allergies are typically caused by outdoor allergens, especially during spring and summer when plants are in full bloom. Understanding the specific allergens that trigger your pet's allergies is crucial in managing their condition effectively.
Your pet's comfort and well-being are our top priorities. If you suspect your pet is experiencing seasonal allergies or displaying any signs of discomfort, don't hesitate to call on us! By acting promptly, we can help you and your pet with the relief and comfort they deserve.    Etiology of Chocolate Toxicosis in Dogs Theobroma cacao is the scientific name for the chocolate plant. The tree grows pods that carry the seeds, which are about 40-50% fat. Chocolate is derived from roasted seeds. What makes chocolate toxic? The primary toxic principles in chocolate are
Theobromine and caffeine are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and widely distributed throughout the body. They are metabolized in the liver with enterohepatic recirculation. LD50 of Theobromine is 250-500 mg/kg of body weight Half life is 17.5 hours LD50 caffeine in the dog varies from 110 to 200 mg/kg of body weight Half life is 4.5 hours Clinical Signs
A.K.A Solids
Cocoa bean + fat (cocoa butter) + sugar +/- milk +/- other ingredients = Chocolate Theobromine Content by Chocolate
Outpatient Treatment
Helpful Tips to determine Theobromine dose
Written by: Cynthia, CVT Candidate  |
