Southwest Texas Veterinary Medical Center

02/01/2026

What's the deal with doggy breath?

Your dog’s breath might not smell minty fresh, but it definitely shouldn’t be cringe worthy.

Plaque and tartar build up can lead to gum disease, infection pain and eventually tooth loss. Long term the bacteria involved can lead to heart disease.

If your dog’s breath makes you take a step back, then it might be time to schedule a dental exam with your veterinarian.

Regular dental cleanings will spare your pet pain and discomfort and your pocketbook from unnecessary oral surgery!
Every month is dental month !

01/28/2026

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01/26/2026

Good morning everyone! Just letting everyone know we are open today. We are accepting same day appointments!

01/22/2026

Just a few tips for keeping all the critters comfy cozy this weekend!
🐶🐱🐰🐷🐥

01/21/2026

Watch the weather this weekend. Colic prevention tips!

Cold Weather COLIC PREVENTION Tips!

Extreme weather leads to increased risk of colic. Though colic is caused by a variety of digestive issues in South Texas the number one cause of colic is dehydration.

Research has found that an increase in colic episodes following extreme weather is a result of sudden changes in management and not the weather itself.

Summer colic cases are seen with intense sweating and loss of electrolytes, or inadvertent lack of water.

Winter colic occurs when water sources freeze solid and feeding schedules are delayed or disrupted. Winter storms can cause power outages which also affect water wells and access to fresh water. In winter, adult horses need to consume 10-12 gallons of water per day.

According to research, horses prefer water between 45-60 degrees. During winter offering warm water will encourage drinking.

Busting ice in water troughs and buckets is important, but don't forget to refill them with fresh water which comes from the ground warmer and closer to horses’ preferred drinking temperature.

01/19/2026

Valley Fever Awareness for Dog Owners in Southwest Texas

Southwest Texas is a hot spot for several serious diseases caused by endemic organisms that thrive in our desert landscape.

One of these diseases, Coccidioidoymcosis (also known as Valley Fever) caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis is particularly common in dogs. Dogs are exposed by inhaling the spores while sniffing the ground or digging in the soil.

🩺 Signs to watch for:

Valley Fever can range from mild to severe depending on the location of the infection. Signs in dogs may include:

* Persistent cough, lethargy, or fever

* Limping or bone pain

* Loss of appetite or weight loss

* Seizures

*Swelling of lymph nodes

* Draining tracts under the skin

If your dog shows these signs, especially if you live in or visit high-risk areas, early detection can significantly improve survival rates.

Last week “Puppy”came for a physical exam to check a large mass growing under the skin on her shoulder.

During the exam Dr. Colvin noticed a small draining tract under the mass. She performed a fine needle aspirate of the mass to look for clues under the microscope while Maddie captured some x-rays of the area. Upon seeing suspicious spherules under the microscope and also noticing bony lesions on the humerus, elbow, ulna and cervical vertebra we were highly suspicious of a coccidioidomycosis infection.

Blood tests were sent to a lab that specializes in identifying fungal infections. The lab confirmed the infection and Puppy was started on the appropriate antifungal medication. This was the second coccioidomycosis case we identified from a draining skin lesion this past month.

Sharing this post can help spread awareness and early diagnosis of this devastating disease in our South Texas dogs.

01/16/2026

Our internet is down currently but we are open and seeing patients. Our phones are working so you can call us.

01/14/2026

We are having phone interruptions off and on today. We are open and accepting appointments. Walk-ins are welcome.

01/13/2026

First puppy visit for this fashionista! 💕💝Wookie🐶 🎀 💘

01/13/2026

AUSTIN, TX- Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials received confirmation of anthrax in a steer, on a premises in Briscoe County on December 31, 2025. This is the first reported case of anthrax in Texas this year.

Owners of livestock and animals displaying clinical signs consistent with anthrax or experiencing death of animals should contact a private veterinary practitioner or a TAHC official immediately.

Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/1-6-26Anthrax

01/12/2026

We ❤️CATS! 🥰
🐶🐴🐹🐱🐰