Spoede Animal Hospital

10/17/2025

07/22/2022

All dogs scratch, lick, and chew—but if it’s becoming more frequent and excessive, it may be a sign of allergic itch. The good news is you have treatment options!

04/26/2022

Veterinary prescription diets can play a significant role in treating serious medical conditions in our 4-legged companions. One example I would like to share is a canine patient I treated for cystic calculi (or urinary bladder stones). These stones are comprised of crystalline deposits that can develop for a variety of reasons. Stones that develop as a result of bacterial infection are relatively common in dogs. Not that many years ago, the only treatment for this condition was antibiotics and surgery to remove the stones. In recent years, pet food diets have been created that can actually dissolve these stones, eliminating the need for surgery in some, but not all cases. We use the diet developed by Nestlé Purina, called Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Ox/St dog food. Note in the first image of Allie, a nine-year-old female canine, there are 2 large stones and 2 small stones in the urinary bladder. Amazingly, in the second image, taken several months after exclusively feeding this special Purina diet, the stones are completely gone! Continued feeding of this diet will also help to prevent the future development of more of these cystic calcul

04/13/2022

As a reminder, all lilies are toxic to cats as well as many other plants.

04/12/2022

Ernie took his first veterinary visit in stride with his Dad, Dr. Jeffrey Hallazgoo (AKA Dr. Jeff).

03/09/2022

Zoetis Named One of Most Innovative Companies in 2022 by Fast Company

Payments giant Stripe creates a carbon-removal market, Lululemon advances sustainable materials, Land O’ Lakes smooths rural broadband rollouts, and more socially responsible innovators.

08/31/2021

FAQ: COVID-19 and Ivermectin Intended for Animals

Q: Should I take ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19? A: No. Ivermectin is not approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

08/20/2021

Our current facility policy on COVID-19 remains a cautious one to protect our staff as well as our clients. Hence, we continue to require masks for all client visits regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Furthermore, in order to control social distancing, we are only allowing one vaccinated client at a time inside the facility. If you are not vaccinated, Dr. Yavitz will greet you outside on the front porch.

When you arrive, please park in the lot at the rear of the clinic; then call us at 314-569-3111. Cats in their carriers may be left at the front porch area prior to parking.

Upon receiving your call, we will ask that you take your pet out of the car and up to the front porch. In the event we are running behind schedule, we will call back when we are ready to receive your pet. Vaccinated clients may then enter the facility with their pet. If you are not vaccinated, Dr. Yavitz or one of his technicians will meet you outside at the front porch and bring your pet inside. At that point, you may return to your car, hang out on the back patio, or be seated in one of the chairs provided on the front porch. Again, we ask that all clients practice social distancing and wear face protection.

As always, at the beginning of the visit, Dr. Yavitz will obtain a medical history and address your concerns; at the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Yavitz will discuss his findings, provide recommendations, and outline any necessary treatment.

From all of us, please stay safe and be healthy. We appreciate your patience as we continue working together to navigate through these challenging times.

08/20/2021

Thank you neighbors for your continued support over the last year, which marked our 41st year as pet health care advocates in the Greater St. Louis area. These last four decades have blown by seemingly in the blink of an eye and we look forward to being here for our 4-legged patients and their pet parents for many more wonderful years.
Dr. Gary Yavitz

04/23/2021

Saylor Surkamp is an amazing local talent, friend, and client that recently painted this picture of my dog, River, who has greeted many of you at Spoede Animal hospital. She would love to paint your beloved pet companion. Visit here to see more! https://www.saylor.site/for-the-dogs