our blog

Let’s Talk About Vaccines

Posted 12.05.17 by Kimberly Gaddis, DVM

Depending on how you’ve acquired your new family member, he or she may have already received one or two vaccinations. Vaccines are used to stimulate our pets’ immune systems to prepare them for exposure to potentially harmful diseases.  Although vaccines may not prevent 100% of disease, they definitely decrease the severity of disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association,...Read More

Fear Free Veterinary Visits

Posted 11.30.17 by Susanne Heartsill, DVM

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of transporting a vocal, scared cat, you’ve probably wondered if there is a better way.  What about the dog who shakes and hides under your chair in the veterinary exam room…refusing to come out or even look at anyone?  Or worse, the patient who growls and bites due to stress, fear and anxiety. These...Read More

Thanksgiving Pet Safety

Posted 11.17.17 by Christine Taylor, DVM

It’s finally November, which means that magical holiday known as Thanksgiving (or the “Feast of Side Dishes”, as my family likes to call it), is coming up quickly. While Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that brings together family and friends to celebrate the many blessings in our lives, the day after Thanksgiving can be a very busy day for most...Read More

Annual Exams vs. Semi-Annual Exams

Posted 10.25.17 by Raelyn Pirtle, DVM

Did you know that if your pet is over 7 years of age, they are considered a “senior citizen?” Since our pets age much faster than we do, it is important to perform twice a year exams once they reach this milestone. Clients often ask what the difference is between a traditional annual exam and a senior exam, also called...Read More

Runners To Your Mark…

Posted 10.03.17 by Katie Willis

“If you are a runner, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doens’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get in. You just run.” ~John Bingham Running is determination, perseverance, and...Read More

How Ginger’s Senior Exam Saved Her Life

Posted 08.31.17 by Drew McWatters, DVM

Ginger is a 9 year old spayed female German Short Haired Pointer who came to The Pet Hospitals- Germantown for a routine Senior Wellness Exam. Everything had been normal at her Annual Wellness Exam 6 months prior, but since she is older than 7 years old, her owners followed the recommended guidelines of biannual exams for dogs over 7. She...Read More

Canine Influenza– What You Need to Know

Posted 06.22.17 by David H. Wright, DVM

As you have probably heard in the media recently, outbreaks of the dog flu (canine influenza) continue to occur across the US, in our neighboring states, and in Tennessee. We had hoped the dog flu outbreaks would be short lived but this virus is proving to have staying power and continues to grow in prevalence. Unlike the common cold that...Read More

Everything You Need To Know About Deworming

Posted 05.04.17 by Katie Willis

Many clients routinely have questions about deworming their pets. There are many parasites that can affect dogs and cats, and it can be difficult to discern when a dewormer is needed and the type. Intestinal parasites are typically contracted through consuming worm eggs from the soil in the environment, nursing from an infected mother, eating infected wildlife, or in utero...Read More

Low cost Spay Neuter – It’s the right thing to do!

Posted 04.17.17 by David H. Wright, DVM

  All of our locations are low cost spay and neuter sites.  Why?  Because it’s the right thing to do.  We are committed to helping spay and neuter pets and making this procedure accessible to as many pet owners as possible.   And we refuse to cut corners to do it. All spays are not created equal.  The public tends to...Read More

Feline Arthritis

Posted 01.03.17 by Karen Gant, DVM

Most people recognize arthritis in dogs. But what about your cat?  Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a very common but under-diagnosed condition in cats.   Frequency among age groups was EQUAL from cats as early as 6 months to 16 years!  Signs worsen with age. Feline DJD is difficult to detect because of the cat’s ability to hide pain as a...Read More