03/06/2026
The Snow Is Melting โ๏ธ and Revealing More Than Just Mud ๐ฑ
โThis patient came in after repeated vomiting, a painful belly, and not eating food... she also has a history of exploring and a knack for finding "hidden treasures" in the melting snow. An ultrasound, x-rays with barium contrast study, and a pancreatitis test were used to determine the best treatment plan for this sweet dog. She fully recovered and was back to helping on the farm in no time. ๐ถ
โThis time of year we see an increase in pets with vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in appetite. The melting snow can reveal monthsโ worth of debris, spoiled food, bones, trash, moldy or decaying organic material, and even toxins.
โ๐พ Some cases are from mild upset stomachs while others are more serious. The signs can be similar for multiple conditions such as:
โข Dietary Indiscretion: Ingesting spoiled food, trash, or "thawed" organic material.
โข Physical Blockages: Foreign objects or intestinal obstructions.
โข Systemic Disease: Underlying issues like organ failure or endocrine disorders.
โข Pancreatitis: Severe, painful inflammation often triggered by fatty "finds."
โข Parasites & Infections: Puddle pathogens like Giardia or Leptospirosis.
โ๐ Diagnostics help take the guesswork out of patient care and may include:
โข F***l Testing: To identify microscopic parasites and harmful bacteria.
โข Bloodwork: To check hydration, organ function, and signs of systemic infection.
โข Pancreatitis SNAP Test: A rapid test to see if the pancreas is inflamed.
โข Ultrasound: A real-time look at the health of the internal organs.
โข X-rays: To check for obvious foreign objects or gas patterns.
โข Barium Study: A series of X-rays to track movement through the gut and find hidden blockages.
โIf your pet isnโt acting like themselves, not eating, or has ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, please donโt hesitate to reach out. Weโre here to help keep your pets safe and healthy through every season.