At AcuteVet Animal Urgent Care, we believe that educating pet owners about infectious diseases is an important part of protecting both animal and human health. Leptospirosis is one of the most significant infectious diseases we see because it can affect multiple organ systems, cause life-threatening illness and be transmitted from animals to people. Understanding how [...]

As the weather warms and tick activity increases, there is one feline disease that veterinarians in Kansas and Missouri remain particularly concerned about: cytauxzoonosis. While many people have never heard of it, this disease can progress rapidly and become life-threatening in a matter of days. Early recognition and prompt veterinary care can make a significant [...]

Summer and Brachycephalic Dogs: Why Heat Can Become an Emergency Faster Than You Think At our veterinary hospital, summer brings more than backyard barbecues and family vacations. It also brings a significant increase in heat-related emergencies in pets—especially in brachycephalic (“short-nosed”) dogs such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boxers, and similar [...]

Tularemia isn’t a disease most pet owners, let alone veterinarians think about day to day—and that’s exactly why it deserves our attention this time of year. While uncommon, it’s one of those infections that can move quietly from wildlife to pets and, in some cases, to people. As a veterinary team, our goal isn’t to [...]

Accidental ingestion of household pest control products is one of the most common reasons pet owners seek urgent veterinary care. While many ant and roach baits are designed to be relatively low-risk, rodenticides (rat and mouse poisons) can be significantly more dangerous. Understanding what your pet may have ingested—and how quickly to act—can make a [...]

Spring break often means more time outdoors, road trips, houseguests, and changes to routine. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when we see an increase in injuries—especially fractures—in dogs and cats. Whether it’s a fall from a deck, a dog darting after a squirrel, or a cat slipping through a cracked window screen, accidents can happen [...]

The heart is a powerful muscle that works nonstop to pump blood throughout the body. When that muscle becomes weakened, thickened, or stretched, it can affect how well the heart does its job. These conditions are grouped under the term cardiomyopathy, which simply means “disease of the heart muscle.” Cardiomyopathies can occur in both dogs [...]

As the New Year begins, many of us set resolutions to feel better, move more, and build healthier habits. Our pets can benefit from those same goals. In fact, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to improve your dog’s or cat’s quality of life and longevity. Extra [...]

The December holidays bring decorations, gifts, and festive activities—but they also introduce unique ingestion hazards for both dogs and cats. Many common holiday items can look like toys to pets, and even small objects can cause big problems when swallowed. Understanding these risks can help keep your furry family members safe throughout the season. [...]

We’ve all had that one friend who insists on sharing their fries… or, if you’re a dog, the whole plate of bacon grease from the trash can. While that post-feast bellyache might seem harmless, sometimes what’s happening inside your pet’s body is far more serious. Enter: Pancreatitis — the ultimate [...]