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Keep the Season Merry & Bright Creekside Veterinary Clinic — Located on Hwy 14 in Black Earth, WI 📞  (608) 767-1400 The holidays bring cozy gatherings, festive décor, and so many delicious smells — but they also come with risks for our four-legged family members. At Creekside, we want your dogs and cats to enjoy a safe, joyful, stress-free  season. Below are the biggest holiday hazards (and how to avoid them) as you deck the halls! 🆘 Plan Ahead for Emergencies The holidays get busy — it’s always easier to stay calm when you already have the essentials saved. ✔️ Before festivities begin: Save our number: (608) 767-1400 Know your closest 24/7 ER clinics, scroll to the bottom of our homepage for contact information, directions, and links 👉 https:// www.vetcarecreekside.com Keep emergency contacts posted where everyone in your household can see them ⚠️ Call Creekside right away if your pet shows: Vomiting or diarrhea Drooling Tremors or seizures Weakness or collapse Sudden lethargy or behavior changes Swollen or painful belly Inability to urinate 📌 Important Numbers • Creekside Veterinary Clinic:  (608) 767-1400 • Local Emergency Vet List:   Insert your link here • ASPCA Poison Control:  888-426-4435 • Pet Poison Helpline:  855-764-7661 🎀 Decorations: Pretty… but Potentially Risky 🎄 Oh, Christmas Tree A decorated tree is magical — and extremely interesting  to pets. Watch for: Tree tipping risks Breakable ornaments- these come with a risk of injury, cuts, or intestinal obstructions Salt-dough ornaments (very dangerous due to high salt!) Tree water with fertilizer or bacteria- these can be unsafe for pets Tips: Anchor the tree securely, use a stable base or stand as well. Use shatterproof ornaments on lower branches Cover the tree water 🌿 Seasonal Plants: Know What’s Toxic Some festive plants are beautiful but unsafe for pets. Toxic Plants & Their Risks: Holly & poinsettia:  vomiting, diarrhea, drooling Mistletoe:  GI upset + potential heart problems Lilies:   extremely  toxic to cats — can cause kidney failure Safer alternatives: Christmas cactus, roses, or artificial arrangements 🔗 ASPCA Plant Toxicity List (safe to link on website): https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants ✨ Tinsel-Less Town Cats love  tinsel, ribbons, and curly gift bows… a little too much. Some dogs and those puppies will also find these irresistible…. These can cause: Linear intestinal foreign bodies, or intestinal obstruction Emergency surgery, and this isn’t on anyones holiday wish list…. Safer choices: Skip tinsel, keep ribbons stored safely, and avoid string-based toys. 🕯️ Candles, Oils & Holiday Scents Be cautious around: Candles- we want to avoid burns and fire hazards Wax/oil warmers Essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, wintergreen & clove = unsafe) Potpourri (liquid or dry)- these can contain oils and materials that can irritate or be toxic to pets. Tips: Never leave open flames unattended Use sturdy holders on stable surfaces Swap to flameless candles Expect curious noses — keep scents subtle and safe 🔌 Wired Up: Electrical & Breakable Hazards Holiday decorations often come with tempting cords and small objects. Keep away from paws: Electrical cords (chewing = burns/electrocution) Batteries (cause mouth & stomach burns) Tip:  Cord protectors or bitter sprays help deter chewing. 🎁 Gifts & Wrapping Supplies Pets love “helping” with presents. Items to watch for: Batteries Small toys or plastic parts Ribbon, string, tape, bows Squeakers Tip:  Clean up wrapping items promptly and supervise gift opening. 🍽️ Festive Food Hazards The holiday buffet is exciting for humans but dangerous for pets. Many seasonal foods can cause digestive upset, toxicity, or life-threatening conditions. 🍫 Skip the Sweets Chocolate and xylitol-sweetened  items are among the most dangerous holiday toxins. Chocolate-  all types, each will vary in it’s toxicity level. Normally the purer or darker the chocolate the higher the risk. Check out this link if you expect an exposure: Baked goods  containing xylitol- This can cause a crash of blood sugar. You will find xylitol in sugar free gum, baked good, and some peanut butters. Be especially careful with: Guests setting plates down Food wrapped under the tree Pets raiding the garbage 🍗 Leave the Leftovers, Be Careful What you Share… Rich holiday food = big GI problems. Avoid feeding pets: Fatty meats & gravies- can lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis Turkey skin- can lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis Bones- can be choking or blockage risks Onion, garlic, and leeks- These foods can be quite toxic and lead to acute kidney failure Grapes & raisins ( fruitcake danger! )- These can lead to kidney failure Unbaked yeast dough- expands in the stomach leading to painful distention and potential bloat. Safer Choices to offer in small amounts: Plain cooked turkey or chicken (no skin, bones, or seasoning) Plain pumpkin purée Pet-safe holiday treats (we can recommend some!) Tip:  Remind guests not to feed pets without asking first. 🍷 Careful with Cocktails Alcohol causes dangerous drops in blood sugar, body temperature, and blood pressure. 🧸 Selecting Safe Holiday Treats and Gifts Shop at Creekside for Vet Approved safe toys! Durable chew toys. Kongs stuffed with pet-safe foods Lick Mats and Pupsicles by Woof- in stock at Creekside! Catnip toys Large balls (too big to swallow) Avoid: String toys Yarn Small parts Black Friday Sale Nov 28, Dec 1, and Dec 2 on all our in clinic stock of Woof Products and Supplements. PERFECT gifts for your special pets! 🏡 Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering Celebrations often mean noise, new people, and extra activity. While these can be fun they can overwhelm some pets, sometimes even the most social reach their limit. Tip: If your pet gets anxious with visitors or noise, we can help with behavior strategies or calming medications—just ask! 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 House Rules Watch doors for escape attempts Let guests know you have pets If guests want to give pets attention or playtime that’s great! Just make sure it’s safe and supervised. If pets will be visiting, this is great, but supervision may be needed. The holiday excitement can filter into our pets as well and some may become overwhelmed. This can add unexpected new strain to even well established pet friendships. 💊 Put the Meds Away Both your medications and guests’ belongings should stay stored safely. All those new smelling coats, purses, and bags can be an exciting find for the pets of your household, so better safe than sorry here! If your pet ingests a medication, note: The name The strength How much may have been eaten This helps us assess the risk quickly. 🛌 A Room of Their Own Some pets need a quiet retreat. This can be a room or a crate away from the noise and people. Set up: Water Comfy bedding Familiar toys White noise or calming music Long-lasting chews (Pupsicles, Lick Mats, etc.) Stress signals to watch for: Hiding • Panting • Pacing • Dilated pupils • Lip licking • Wide Eyes • Excessive Grooming or Stretching • Snapping • Snarling • Growling 🎉 “After the Party” Hazards Once guests leave, pets will go exploring. Be sure to: Clear tables, watch for misplace plates and have drank drinks Secure leftovers and bones, be sure these are in pet safe areas Remove ribbon, string & packaging 🎆 New Year’s Noise Confetti = intestinal blockage risk Poppers = scary & painful to sensitive ears Fireworks = major anxiety trigger Keep pets indoors in a secure, escape-proof room. 🏷️ Don’t Forget Identification Make sure your pet has: A well-fitting collar Current ID tags A microchip with up-to-date information Optional: GPS tracker for escape-prone pets 🏠 When You Leave the House Cats and dogs can get into surprising trouble in a matter of minutes. Before stepping out: Unplug decorations and holiday lights Ensure trash is secured or taken outside Keep counter cleared of any tempting items Make sure pets cannot access hazards while unsupervised 🚗✈️ Holiday Travel with (or without) Your Pet Whether your pet is coming along or staying behind: If Traveling WITH Your Pet Check if a health certificate is needed (usually 10–30 days before travel)- This may be required for both driving or flying. Creekside Vet can get this exam and paperwork prepared for you. Use a secure harness or carrier. Restraint in vehicles is safest for them and can allow a nervous pet to feel more secure. Never leave pets alone in vehicles Pack food, meds, ID, and records If Boarding Your Dog Ask Creekside if vaccines are current and get any boosters needed. We like to do these two weeks ahead of time if possible to assure the best immunity for your pet. Get Bordetella boosters 2 weeks ahead  if possible. If this vaccine was done over 6-9 months ago an early booster may be recommended. Refill meds or calming supplements if needed Ask your boarding facility about fecal testing or flea/tick prevention requirements. Creekside can help you with these if needed. The Bottom Line — From All of Us at Creekside With a little planning, you can keep the holiday season safe, happy, and full of joy for your furry family members. We’re here for you every step of the way — whether you’re preparing for festivities or something unexpected pops up. 📍  Located on Hwy 14 in Black Earth, WI 📞  (608) 767-1400 🌐  https://www.vetcarecreekside.com

If your dog is facing a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear , TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is often considered the gold standard for long-term mobility and pain relief. At Creekside Veterinary Clinic , we're proud to partner with Dr. Javier , a board-certified orthopedic surgeon  who travels to our facility to offer this advanced procedure. You can read more about Creekside's Approach to CCL tears here: You can read more about Dr. Javier here: But the road to full recovery doesn’t end after surgery—it begins. Below is your complete week-by-week TPLO recovery guide , filled with practical tips, restrictions, and progress milestones to help your dog return to a full and active life. Week 1: Immediate Post-Surgery Care The first week is critical. Focus on pain management, wound care, and confinement . ✅ Allowed: Rest in a crate, kennel, or small room Short, slow leash walks for bathroom breaks only Use a sling  to support them while walking E-collar (cone) to prevent licking the incision Reduce food intake by 30%  to prevent weight gain ❌ Not Allowed: Running, jumping, stairs, or off-leash movement Licking or chewing at the incision Unsupervised movement around the house 🔍 Monitor the surgical site daily for swelling, redness, or discharge. Keep it clean and dry. 🐾 Tip:  Think of this as the "bed rest" phase for dogs—keeping them calm is essential. Week 2: Initial Healing Phase This week marks the shift from post-op care into the early healing process. ✅ Allowed: One slow leash walk per day , starting at 5 minutes , building to 10 minutes  over the week(Reduce if your dog appears sore) Gentle range-of-motion exercises , if recommended Continued crate or room confinement ❌ Not Allowed: Stairs or climbing Rough play or interaction with other pets Jumping on/off furniture Running or ball chasing 🗓️ This is the time for your suture recheck appointment . Healing progress will be assessed. 🐕 Tip:  Walking slowly encourages your dog to use the operated leg with confidence. Weeks 3–4: Gradual Increase in Activity Your dog is healing well, but still needs supervised, restricted activity . ✅ Allowed: Leash walks of 10–15 minutes, 3x per day (Start slowly and build up from once daily. If soreness appears, reduce to 5 minutes, 2–3x/day, then build back up.) Controlled indoor movement Continue at-home physical therapy/rehab ❌ Not Allowed: Off-leash activity Jumping or stairs Play with other dogs Sudden movement or running 🛑 Note:  Pushing too hard, too fast can set recovery back. Adjust activity if soreness returns. Weeks 5–6: Physical Therapy and Strengthening This is the muscle-building phase , where therapy becomes even more important. ✅ Allowed: Longer leash walks: Week 5 : 12 minutes, 3–4x/day Week 6 : 15 minutes, 3–5x/day At-home physical therapy Strength-building and mobility exercises Hydrotherapy , if recommended, in a clean, controlled setting ❌ Not Allowed: Off-leash activity Jumping, running, or unsupervised movement Rough play with other pets 💡 Hydrotherapy takes pressure off the joint while helping rebuild strength and range of motion. Weeks 7–8: Increased Mobility and Activity Your dog may seem full of energy—but supervision is still critical. ✅ Allowed: Leash walks of 18–30 minutes, 3–5x/day Controlled, supervised reintroduction of stairs Advanced physical therapy exercises ❌ Not Allowed: Off-leash activity (unless vet-approved and fully controlled) High-impact play or quick movements Jumping on/off furniture unsupervised 🔍 Watch closely for pain, limping, or hesitation—these are signs of doing too much. 🎯 End of Week 8 : Your dog should be ready for radiographs to assess bone healing. Weeks 9–10: Preparation for Full Activity With confirmation of bone healing, activity can increase gradually. ✅ Allowed: Radiographic recheck appointment Off-leash activity in a safe, fenced area : Week 9 : 5 minutes, 3–5x/day Week 10 : 5–10 minutes Supervised moderate play and continued strengthening ❌ Not Allowed: Vigorous or unsupervised play New activities without veterinary clearance 🏃‍♂️ Controlled return to activity prevents reinjury and ensures continued progress. Weeks 11–12: Return to Normal Activity Your dog is nearly back to full freedom. ✅ Allowed: Off-leash play: Week 11 : 10–15 minutes Week 12 : 10–20 minutes Regular walks and backyard time (increase gradually) Ongoing rehab, if needed ❌ Not Allowed: Ignoring signs of soreness or stiffness Overexertion during play ⚠️ Avoid fetch, chase games, or sudden turns until cleared by your vet. Weeks 13–14: Steady Return to Freedom ✅ Allowed: Off-leash activity up to 30 minutes, 3–5x/day Controlled jumping on/off low furniture  (2–3x/day) Gradual return to full home access  (stairs, couches, etc.) 🎉 Your dog is close to pre-surgery activity—but keep monitoring for signs of fatigue or strain. Week 15 and Beyond: Full Recovery ✅ Allowed: Return to full activity : running, hiking, jumping, playing Continued conditioning to rebuild muscle and prevent reinjury 💪 Although the bone is healed, full muscle recovery takes time— up to 6 months  to restore full strength and coordination in the operated leg. ⚠️ What to Watch For During Recovery While most dogs recover smoothly, contact us immediately if you notice: Swelling, heat, or discharge at the incision site Sudden limping or stiffness Lethargy or decreased appetite Behavioral changes or signs of pain 🐾 Final Thoughts TPLO recovery takes time, patience, and teamwork—but it’s a journey worth taking. By following your recovery plan and maintaining regular communication with Creekside Veterinary Clinic , you’ll give your dog the best chance at a strong, pain-free future. Twelve weeks may feel long, but the reward is seeing your dog run, play, and thrive again . 📞 If your dog is showing signs of a CCL injury or is scheduled for TPLO surgery, contact us today. We're here to guide you and your pup from surgery to sprint.

☀️  Hot Dog! Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Heat Milie enjoying a Wisconsin summer Friendly Summer Safety Tips from Your Team at Creekside We love  that you want to include your pets in all of life’s adventures—whether that’s hiking the trails, lounging at the park, or running quick errands together. But as summer heats up, so does the risk of heat stress, exhaustion, and even heat stroke  in our furry friends. At Creekside Veterinary Clinic & Pet Grooming , we’re here to be your trusted partners in pet care—through every season. Let’s keep them safe, cool, and comfy all summer long. 🔥  Dogs Don't Sweat Like We Do We humans cool down by sweating (and sipping iced drinks in the shade). Dogs? Not so much. They rely mainly on panting  to cool off—with a tiny bit of help from sweat glands in their paw pads. That makes them far more vulnerable to overheating, especially in hot, humid conditions. Some dogs are at even greater risk , including: Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Frenchies, Bulldogs Older dogs or those with underlying health conditions Dogs with thick coats (like Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs) Overweight pets A happy pant can quickly turn into heat stress , then heat exhaustion , and—if not caught in time— life-threatening heat stroke . 🚩  Warning Signs: When Is It Too Hot? If your dog looks extra tired  or just not right, stop and check them out . These are signs to watch for: Early Heat Stress Heavy, open-mouth panting Flaccid/floppy tongue Seeking shade or slowing down Danger Zone Tongue flattening at the tip or curling at the edges Watery eyes, droopy or squinting look Drinking less or not at all Unsteady movements, trembling Emergency – Heat Stroke! Vomiting Collapse or trouble standing Diarrhea Seizures or loss of consciousness Pale, bluish, or bright red gums 👉  If you’re seeing these signs, don’t wait—cool your pet immediately and seek veterinary care. ❄️  Emergency Cooling: What to Do (Fast!) We get it— emergencies make our brains short-circuit . That’s normal. So here’s your simple guide: Too hot? Cool quickly! Soak your dog to the skin using whatever’s handy : hose, cooler, lake, bottled drinks—cooling the goal! Focus on getting water down to the skin, not just the fur. Get air flow: A/C or a fan to help the water evaporate , which cools more efficiently than just dunking. Call an emergency vet on your way or have someone else call while you’re cooling the dog.  Here is a link to the four ER vet clinics in the Madison area No time to make a fancy setup.  Cooling first, then transporting to the vet—it can truly be life-saving. 💡  Pro tip:  Ice water won’t cause shock —heat is the real danger. Just don’t leave your dog submerged for too long. We just them to get wet down to the skin. 🧊  Prevention Is the Best Medicine Here’s how to keep your pup cool before they overheat: Walk your dog early morning or evening. Avoid pavement—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws. Give unlimited access to water and shade when they are outside. Use fans, cooling mats, or wet towels (not wrapped—just draped or under them). Soak your dog before  playtime when it’s hot out. Skip the car rides unless absolutely necessary— even a few minutes in a car can be fatal . Thinking about a summer haircut? Ask us first—some breeds shouldn’t be shaved, as their coat protects against sun and heat. Our groomers can give you expert advice and get them set up for a summer haircut if needed! Call Creekside Groomers at 608-767-1404 ❤️  Every Pet Is Different We believe in personalized care  because no two pets (or pet parents!) are the same. Some dogs struggle at 60°F, while others might handle 80°F just fine with shade and breaks. If you’re unsure, call us. The difference between a Chihuahua, Husky, and Bulldog is big in these heat wave. Let’s build a warm-weather plan that fits your  pet’s breed, lifestyle, and health. 🐾  Your Friends at Creekside Are Here for You We know how much you love your pets. We’re right there with you. Whether it’s questions about summer safety, scheduling a wellness check, getting a summer hair cut, or just needing a quick "Is this normal?" chat—we’re always happy to help. 📞  Call us at 608-767-1400 (Vet Clinic)                                                                                                                      608-767-1404 (Grooming) 🌐 Visit AVMA.org/PetHealth  for more summer pet care resources From our whole team at Creekside Vet Clinic & Pet Grooming —stay cool, stay kind, and give your pets a big ol’ belly rub from us! 🐶🐾🐱

Discover Local, Expert Treatment Options at Creekside Veterinary Clinic in Black Earth, WI Creekside Vet in Black Earth offering Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury Services A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs—and one of the most stressful for pet owners. If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL tear, you're likely feeling overwhelmed, worried about their pain, and unsure what to do next. We totally get it. But here's the good news: you don’t have to drive to Madison or beyond to get expert care. At Creekside Veterinary Clinic in Black Earth , we offer advanced, compassionate CCL treatment options— both surgical and non-surgical —right here in your community. For dogs needing surgery, we work with a board-certified veterinary surgeon  who performs procedures right in our clinic. And for those who aren’t surgical candidates, we provide a full range of effective, non-invasive therapies. Whether you’re a current client or coming to us on referral from your primary vet, we’re here to help you navigate this journey with confidence. What Is a Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear? Image Credit: American College of Veterinary Surgeons. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease/ The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is similar to the ACL in humans. It plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee joint (stifle), preventing the femur and tibia from sliding out of alignment during movement. When this ligament tears or ruptures, your dog may show symptoms like: Sudden limping or lameness in the hind leg Difficulty rising, walking, or jumping Swelling around the knee “Toe-touching” (barely putting weight on the leg when standing still) These injuries can happen suddenly—often during play or running—or develop gradually as the ligament weakens over time. How a CCL Tear Is Diagnosed? If your dog is limping or showing signs of knee pain, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation at our clinic. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment: Gait & Pain Evaluation:  We observe your dog’s walk and posture, and gently manipulate the leg to check for signs of joint instability. One key indicator of a CCL tear is the “drawer sign,” which shows abnormal movement in the knee joint. Sedation (if needed):  Some dogs are painful or tense, so we may recommend mild sedation to perform a more thorough orthopedic exam comfortably and safely. X-rays:  While X-rays can’t show a torn ligament directly, they are essential for ruling out other causes of lameness and identifying secondary issues like joint swelling or arthritis. They’re also vital for surgical planning, if surgery is recommended. Why Treating a CCL Tear Matters Unfortunately, a torn CCL doesn’t heal on its own. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, muscle loss, and even damage to the opposite leg. In fact, about 50% of dogs who tear one CCL will tear the other within a few years . Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort, mobility, and long-term joint health. The sooner we intervene, the better the outcome. Treatment Options for CCL Injuries At Creekside, we believe in personalized care  because no two pets—or pet parents—are alike. When it comes to CCL injuries, we create a treatment plan based on your dog’s age, size, activity level, and overall health. Whether your dog is a good candidate for surgery or would benefit more from a non-surgical approach, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Read more about Creekside's Services here: https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/currentservices And the best part? You don’t need to leave Black Earth to access the same advanced treatments you'd find in a Madison specialty hospital. Already working with another vet?  We’re happy to provide CCL treatment on a referral basis . If your primary veterinarian has already diagnosed your dog, they can send you our way for surgery or advanced therapies.Have questions about how that works? Give us a call at (608) 767-1400—we’re happy to talk you through the process. 🏥  Surgical Treatment Dog's stifle (knee) after the TPLO procedure If surgery is the best path for your dog, you’re in excellent hands. We partner with Dr. Javier Gallegos , a board-certified veterinary surgeon, who performs all orthopedic procedures right here at our clinic . This allows you to receive expert-level care locally , often at a more affordable cost  than traveling to a specialty hospital. 👉  Learn more about Dr. Gallegos and OTRA Surgical Surgical options may include: TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy):  A highly effective procedure for stabilizing the knee in large or active dogs. Lateral Suture Stabilization:  A traditional method often used in smaller or less active pets. 🌿   Conservative & Alternative Therapies Surgery isn’t the only option—and it’s not always the best one. Smaller dogs, older pets, or those with other health concerns may do best with a conservative, non-surgical approach. We’re proud to offer a full spectrum of alternative and supportive therapies to help your dog heal and thrive: Chiropractic Care Helps reduce pain and prevent secondary injuries by improving your dog’s posture and movement as they adjust to the injury. Class IV Therapeutic Laser A non-invasive, deep-tissue laser therapy that reduces inflammation, eases pain, and accelerates healing. Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy Tailored exercise plans to rebuild strength and restore mobility, either at home or under professional guidance. Custom-Fit Bracing We offer custom-fit bracing options, such as Hero Bracing or ACO braces, which provides knee support and stability, helping your dog move more comfortably without surgery. Learn more about Hero Bracing here . Nutritional Support & Supplements We recommend high-quality joint and ligament supplements, selected specifically for your pet’s condition. From muscle recovery to joint protection, we’ll help find what works best for your dog. Read more on our supplements and choosing a quality product here: https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/post/let-s-talk-supplements-and-nutraceuticals Let’s Talk About Your Dog We know how hard it is to see your pup in pain—but you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for a second opinion, exploring non-surgical options, or ready to move forward with surgery, our team at Creekside Veterinary Clinic is here with expert guidance, compassion, and care you can trust. 📍  Creekside Veterinary Clinic – Black Earth, WI 📞  (608) 767-1400 🌐  www.vetcarecreekside.com Let’s get your dog back on their feet—and back to doing what they love most.

We have been getting several questions on how to transfer your records and veterinary care to Creekside Veterinary Clinic. We've made it very easy for you to do! And the extra good news is that if your pet has seen Dr. Hoffman in the past 12 months then we have a valid VCPR (Veterinary Client Patient Relationship) and we can honor this at Creekside Veterinary Clinic without the need to redo this examination. If you have any questions on if you qualify for this just give us a call and we will let you know for sure. So, the good news is you just call over to Creekside Veterinary Clinic (608) 767-1400 and experience the expert care from the same vets and technicians you and your pets have come to know. If you want to transfer your records over we have simple form for you to fill out (or find the link here: https://form.jotform.com/242905855092159 ) if you'd like to do it now. Once we get your request we'll be in touch to let you know your vet care has been transferred. We can't wait to see you! https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/currentservices Bennie- Clinic Kitten

Helping Your Pet Beat Seasonal Allergies: A Balanced Approach to Relief As a pet owner, watching your furry friend suffer from seasonal allergies can be tough. The sneezing, the itching, the skin and ear infections, the watery eyes—it’s no fun for anyone! Luckily, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to help your pet feel better when the seasons change. Whether you're looking for quick relief or a more holistic approach, Creekside offers a range of treatments to suit your pet’s needs. Traditional Treatments: Quick and Effective Relief Sometimes, your pet needs fast relief to help them get through allergy season. Traditional treatments can work wonders to help your pet feel better in no time: 1. Antihistamines and Steroids These are great options for when your pet needs immediate relief to reduce the itch and inflammation. Antihistamines block the effects of the histamine produced during an allergic reaction, while steroids reduce inflammation and can be prescribed for more intense flare-ups. While these treatments can provide fast relief, they may have side effects, especially with long-term use. 2. Topical Treatments For pets with localized itching or skin or ear infections, topical treatments such as medicated shampoos, ointments, or mousse’s can soothe the skin and provide relief from discomfort. These treatments can be especially helpful in the early stages of allergy flare-up, as add on treatments, or to treat active infections. 3. Prescription Allergy Medications These medications can be useful for pets suffering from severe allergies. We can use them in times of flare ups, just seasonal, or year round if needed. We have many options to choose from in this realm but some of our most commonly used medications are Apoquel, Cytopoint, and Zenrelia. We can also utilize allergy desensitization medications. Overall, these treatments are effective and can help your pet get back to their playful self quickly, but they can be even more powerful when paired with natural, holistic methods. Holistic Treatments: A Gentle Approach for Allergy Relief For those looking for a more natural way to support their pet's health, holistic treatments can offer a gentle alternative. Many of these approaches can help reduce allergy symptoms and keep your pet feeling great without the need for harsh medications: 1. Whole Food Remedies These supplements made by Standard Process (grown and produced outside Palmyra, WI) can be used in many ways. Each pets in unique so we welcome you to schedule you appointment with Creekside Vets to discuss what type of targeted plan will be best for your pet. We have found the each pets allergies are unique and there isn’t a one size fits all answer. But we have many options to choose from, and Standard Process is a huge part of treatment offerings. We can use these supplement to boost the immune system, help heal the skin, and cut the itch animals are feeling. Becca Phillips, CVT using our Class IV laser. Immediate relief can be felt! 2. Herbal and Holistic Options We can turn to several options here: The Chinese herbal products created by Herbsmith (and produced just outside Milwaukee, WI) can be truly magic for pets when other options have failed. We can also use Omega 3 fatty acids to help the skin. We can use these products orally and also have some spot on treatments we can look at using. Additionally, if your pet is suffering from infections our Class IV Therapeutic Laser and provide immense relief and speed up healing. We use it for many things, but we find it be super effective for ear and skin infections. 3. Dietary Adjustments The food your pet eats can make a big difference! A high-quality, well-balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and support your pet’s immune system. There are also some skin specific diets that some pets really benefit from. In some cases, food sensitivities may exacerbate allergy symptoms, so we may recommend switching to a hypoallergenic diet to rule out food triggers. For other pets we may look into fresh diets as a way to assist them. We have many options here. We can work through a plan for feeding your pet and makes tweaks along the way as needed! 4. Probiotics and Prebiotics A healthy gut is crucial for managing allergies, as much of the immune system is located in the digestive tract. Adding probiotics and prebiotics to your pet’s diet can help support gut health, strengthen their immune system, and reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Give us a call so we can help you determine the best one for your pet. Overall, these holistic methods can work in harmony with traditional treatments, offering your pet a well-rounded approach to staying allergy-free. Want more information on choosing quality supplements and what Creekside offers? Check out this blog post: https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/post/let-s-talk-supplements-and-nutraceuticals Why a Balanced Approach Works Best One of the best parts of combining traditional and holistic treatments is that you get the best of both worlds. Traditional options can offer fast relief when allergies flare up, while holistic methods help support your pet’s health in a more natural way. Every pet is different, so having a variety of tools in your wellness toolbox is the best way to create a plan that’s perfect for your furry friend. Creekside Veterinary Clinic and Pet Grooming Team. Making Allergy Season Better for Your Pet At the end of the day, our goal is to make allergy season as comfortable as possible for your pet. With the right combination of treatments, your pet can feel their best no matter what the weather brings. So whether you’re looking for fast relief or a more natural approach, I’m here to help you find the perfect solution for your pet’s needs. Let’s work together to keep your pet feeling happy, healthy, and allergy-free all year long!

Flu Virus from NIH You've probably started hearing a bit (or a lot) about avian influenza (bird flu) in the news recently. But what are the facts and should you be worried? Should you be worried for yourself, your pets, or farm animals? Dr. Hoffman has a few answers for you and resources to learn more from. Dr. Hoffman's background: In what feels like a previous life Dr. Hoffman started her veterinary career in the wildlife world and specialized in wildlife diseases and wildlife disease outbreaks. While she now focuses on your domestic pets her love of disease research still sticks around. Is this a new disease? Technically no, this flu version (referred to Type A H5N1, or HPAI- highly pathogenic avian influenza) has been circulating globally for 4 years. But we do have a variant circulating right now in the United States that is good at infecting a broad range of mammal species. Which species are at risk? Dairy Cattle : First detected in March 2024 in Texas. The dairy industry has struggled to contain the disease and as of December 18, 2024 H5N1 has been found in dairy cattle in 16 states (MI, UT, CA, TX, KS, ID, NM, OH, SD, NC, CO, MN, OK, WY, IA). Currently (Dec 29, 2024) no infected dairy cattle in Wisconsin have been identified. Cooking meat and pasteurizing milk will kill the H5N1 virus, so our food supply is deemed safe if these measures are followed. Pigs: Yes, cases in backyard pigs have been found in Oregon. From genetic testing this seems to have been an exposure from wild migratory birds. Pigs are a species to keep an eye on for sure. They are known as a "mixing vessel" for influenza strains. Pigs can be infected with bird, human, and pig versions of influenza, and their bodies are good at mixing the genetics of these infections together and creating new strains. This hasn't happened yet with this variant of avian flu, but specialists are keeping a close eye. Since 2009 there has been a Swine Influenza Survelliance Program. They are keeping a close eye on pigs and working to prevent it from entering the swine production farms. To date they have been successful. Birds (Domestic and Wild) : At some point since 2021 H5N1 has been detected in birds in all 50 states. Currently in Wisconsin the infected flocks are in Kenosha and Barron County. There is no specific treatment for birds infected and the disease has a high mortality in birds.   This website will give you the details as flock are found infected in Wisconsin. https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx Cats: Domestic and wild cats are very susceptible to avian influenza. Cats can be infected by exposure to infected birds or mammals, eating raw meat from infected animals, exposure to raw milk from infected cows. Cooking meat and pasteurizing milk kills the H5N1 virus. Dogs: Potential risk of infection, but currently thought to be very low. The current recommendation is to avoid contact with dead or ill birds. Using your dog for bird hunting isn't without risk, but the risk is currently thought to be low. However it is not recommended to use dogs as search animals in a case of a bird disease outbreak or die off. Humans : Can be infected directly from raw milk from cows, this can be from simple contact or ingestion. Can be infected by contact with infected dairy cattle, poultry, wild birds, or backyard flocks. Person to person spread has not occurred (as of Dec 29, 2024) How can you protect your household cats? 1. Do not feed raw diets to cats currently. If you are interested in safe ways to feed raw type diets please reach out to Creekside Veterinary Clinic at 608-767-1400 and we can help you figure out a safe feeding plan while still achieving the goals you are hoping to achieve by feeding raw. www.vetcarecreekside.com 2. Keep your cats indoors to prevent direct exposure to wild birds. 3. If you are around backyard flocks be sure to wash you hands, remove your shoes, and change your clothes before greeting your feline friends. Be sure to keep any of these potentially infected items in an area your cat cannot get to. What about the food recall? One cat has died after eating a raw diet from Northwest Naturals. Genetic testing of strains of avian flu in the food and in the cat that passed away confirmed the link. This food was sold in Wisconsin. If you have this food in your possession please contact the place of purchase and do not feed this food. https://www.nw-naturals.net/12-24-24-voluntary-product-recall/ https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/oregon-avian-flu-cat-death-prompts-nationwide-raw-pet-food-recall What are the clinical signs in cats (or dogs)? Fever, Lethargy, Low appetite, Reddened or inflamed eyes, Discharge from eyes and nose, Difficulty breathing, Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness. These symptoms can overlap many other illness, so if your cat (or dog) has been in contact with or eaten any ill or dead birds, or if they have been around infected dairy cattle or unpasteurized milk be sure to tell your veterinarian so they can get the treatment needed as soon as possible. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats Want more information? Check out these links: https://www.avma.org/news/novel-bird-flu-strain-continues-threaten-animal-public-health (Good in-depth article) https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/influenza/avian.htm (Government recommendations) https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/disease/Avianinfluenza (DNR's information on wild birds)

Kittens reach reproductive maturity quicker than many people expect, and they can become pregnant earlier than you'd think. Whether you're considering breeding your cat or not, it's important to understand when your kitten will reach this stage. Being aware of this can help you make informed decisions about your cat's health, whether you're aiming for a healthy pregnancy, preventing pregnancies, or opting to spay or neuter your pet. When do Kittens Go Into Heat? A "heat" cycle is part of your cat's estrus process, which is similar to the menstrual cycle in humans. If your female cat isn’t spayed, she can enter heat as early as 4 months old, though it typically happens around 6 months. Some Thing to Know about "Heat" Cats can go into heat every 2 to 3 weeks, and this cycle can occur throughout the year. Getting pregnant during her first heat cycle is possible. Heat symptoms can last from a few days to two weeks. Spring and Summer are the typical "heat months", but cats can have kittens anytime of the year. Cats don’t experience menopause, so they’ll keep going into heat even in their senior years. Vaginal discharge can occur, but as cats are so good at keeping themselves clean this isn't always observed. While a vet can confirm if a cat is in heat through tests, the most obvious signs are usually behavioral changes. Here are some things you may notice: Attempts to find a mate: Vocalization. Your cat will make meowing and yowling noise, these can be quite loud Attemps to escape from the house can increase Increased urination and/or odor. They may also "mark" which you'll see as urinating outside the box. Affectionate or clingy behavior. Rolling on the floor. Elevating their backside in the air. The Boys Part (and Neutering Benefits) The male cats will reach sexual maturity around four to twelve months (if not neutered). Signs you might notice that they have reached this milestone are: Urine marking or spraying. This urine can have a very strong odor to it. Escape attempts from the house can increase as well May become more pushy, demanding, and start fighting with other cats more May start Yowling to look for a mate as well. What Benefits can come from neutering? Reduce urine marking or spraying Minimizes yowling, roaming, and aggression Reduces feral cat numbers and unwanted pregnancies Reduces health issues like: testicular cancer, prostate issues, perianal hernias or tumors, fewers bites and injuries due to fighting behaviors. What does pregnancy look like in cats? Pregnancy last 63-65 days on average for cats. Queens (female cats) can have 3-6, and up to 10 kittens per litter. Also note, nursing does not protect a queen from going back into heat, and they can get pregnanct a few weeks after giving birth. This means a Queen can have up to five litters a year. The most kittens one cat has been known to produce in it's lifetime was Dusty who mothered 420 kittens. Signs of pregnacny can include: Nesting behaviors may emerge as the delivery date approaches. Changes in personality (can hide more or become more affectionate) Appetite changes (often increasead, but can decrease) Enlarged mammary glands or nipples Weight gain and an enlarged belly More tired than normal Cats can give birth to kittens from different fathers at the same time! This is called ‘superfecundation’. It happens when a female cat mates with different male cats. What benefits are their to spaying female cats? Preventing unwanted preganies Decreased risks of reproductive and mammary cancer, and uterine infections Less roaming and escaping Less vocal, more stable behavior, less marking behaviors What does surgery look like at Creekside Veterinary Clinic? The surgical team at Creekside Veterinary Clinic includes: One surgeon (DVM) and one Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) assisting the surgeon and a second CVT monitoring and maintaining the appropriate depth of anesthesia for your pet. Depending on your pets needs there may be a Veterinary Assistant as well as part of the team who can assist the CVT's and DVM as needed. These jobs are critical and we are proud to say at Creekside Vet we have standout surgical team ready to assist your pet. We will always do presurgical examination and anesthesia protocols are choosen in an individualized manner for your pet. We offer pre anesthesia bloodwork to be sure there are not any underlying health issues that may effect the surgical procedure or safety of anesthesia. If we find an issue it doesn't mean surgery isn't an option, but it will mean we carefully selected the correct medications for your pet and may have additional staff available for the surgery. We have a seperate "prep area" where we shave and clean your pet up for surgery and a stand alone surgery room where the procedures are performed. Your pet will then recovery in one of species specific recovery suites. If you'd like to tour our surgical suite just give us a call at (608) 767-1400 and we'd be more than happy to accomdate you! Want to learn more? Give Creekside Veterinary Clinic (on Hwy 14 in Black Earth, WI) a call at (608) 767-1400 and we'd be happy to answer your questions! Want to schedule your cat's spay or neuter procedure? Click here for more information or just give us a call! Want to read more, here is a great article: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering

Supplements, just the words brings so thoughts to my mind and memories of the overwhelm I see and hear out in the physical and especially social media world. Creekside Veterinary Clinic is a firm believer in the benefit of supplements and nutraceuticals and I’d like to take a few minutes to help you learn some information about them and how to select a quality product: A few facts to start with: Animal Supplements are not currently regulated by the FDA, USDA, or any other regulatory agency. This means they currently undergo even less regulatory oversight than human dietary supplements. This puts the entire quality control process on the manufacture of the product. If you’d like to read more on this please see this article for an in depth review of animal supplement oversight. (1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7802882/ Not all human supplements are safe for our cats and dogs, so we recommend against using human supplements unless specifically prescribed for your pet. The way dogs and cats absorb nutrients is different than the ways human absorb nutrients. For example; flax seeds or flax seed oil is often added to veterinary foods and supplements as a source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. However the Omega 3 in flax seed is presented to the body as ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). This ALA must then be converted to DHA and EPA within the body in order to be utilized. While humans can do this, the process is very inefficient in our pets, so although labeled for a certain dose of DHA and EPA in the flax seed, if the body cannot make use of it, essentially this has zero benefit to the pet. When tested by third party labs it is often found that what the company states on the label is not actually in the product. Nutramax Labs did a great study of this and found that in joint supplements containing chondroitin sulfate, that 85% of the products tested were was inappropriately labeled. (2) Where the ingredients used to create the supplements come from matter a great deal. Some of these herbs or food products used in supplements are what we call “bioaccumulators”, which means any chemical, pesticides, or toxins found in the soil are amplified in the plant. For this reason it is critical that the manufacture tests for this products and has good quality control system. So how can you find a quality and trustworthy product or company? This is hard, and new companies and new products seem to be popping up all the time. Creekside has our known and trusted brands (see below), but when that new ad pops up for a supplement that sounds so amazing here are some questions to consider to help you determine if it’s worth trying out: Who formulates the product? What expertise do they have? Who can you call if you have questions regarding the product, need advice or to report a pet who is experiencing an adverse reaction? How long has the company been selling pet supplements? What testing standards and quality control does the company have? Is the supplement tested by an independent lab? Does the product label have a lot number and expiration date? If not, how can it be traced if an adverse reaction occurs? Is the manufacturer willing to disclose the point of origin of the product’s ingredients? Creekside’s Trusted Sources and Options The good news is that at Creekside Veterinary Clinic, we’ve done the hard work for you. The only supplements or nutraceuticals we sell pass all the above tests, and are companies that we personal relationships with. (Please note we realize these products are sold online, but please know the below companies sell their products as a prescription only supplement so that they are in complete control of the quality they are sending out and can trace where all products go. It is known that a high percentage (up to 90%) of the products for sale on Amazon are fraudulent and being sold illegally) Our primary companies we utilize supplements or nutraceuticals from are: Nutramax : This company is during continual research and always using their game for nutraceuticals to assist your pets. We use a lot of their Proviable line for gastrointestinal health and Dasaquin line for joint health. They also have some liver health and skin health supplements. Standard Process : This is a great company right here in Wisconsin, who makes very high quality supplements. They are committed to quality control from seed to supplement and the process starts by them growing all the whole food products used in their supplement right on site on their own organic farms outside Palmyra, WI. They have extensive in house and third party quality control. Dr. Hoffman has also been to this farm and plant for tours twice and it is exceptionally impressive. We utilize their products to benefit the health of many animals. We can improve allergies, joints, muscles, skin, heart, liver, stress, renal/kidney function, and many other health concerns with their products. They are also doing continual research to bring new products to market and guarantee us the quality in their long standing products. Herbsmith Rx : This is Chinese herbal company who makes their products in Hartland, WI. Dr. Hoffman has taken continuing education from their founder and has been impressed with their effective products and high level of quality control. We have herbs that can assist with most medical conditions and overall health support. Veterinary Recommended Solutions: This is also a research heavy supplement company who does extensive studies into their products to prove effectiveness and quality control. We use a lot of their Omega Fatty Acid supplement, urinary products, and plaque prevention probiotics. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7802882/ Adebowale AO, Cox DS, Liang Z, Eddington ND. Analysis of glucosamine and chrondrotin sulfate content in marketed products and the caco-2 permeability of chondrotin sulfate raw materials. J Am Nutraceutical Assoc. 2000;3(1):37–44. Health Canada . Policy Paper – Nutraceuticals/functional foods and health claims on foods. Available at: http://www.hc‐sc.gc.ca/fn‐an/label‐etiquet/claims‐reclam/nutra‐funct_foods‐nutra‐fonct_aliment‐eng.php . https://www.tvmf.org/articles/veterinary-supplements-do-they-work-are-they-safe/

In this season of giving thanks Tanya Hoffman, DVM and Becca Phillips, CVT wanted to extend our gratitude to the Small Business Development Center and UW Madison- School of Business for the expertise and support they offered to us while pursuing our dream of owning our own veterinary practice. We had much to learn before undertaking being business owners. They guided us into courses and clinics to take, financial and legal professionals to assist us, and offered their (at times daily) advise, support, and expertise as we navigated this path. The group of subject experts they created to surround us, their Entrepreneurship Training Program, and Financial Projections clinic gave us the confidence and knowledge base we needed to move our dream along. They encouraged us to do our due diligence, take our time, and make sound business decisions. These experts and the advisors they enlisted were our constant companions as we brought Creekside Veterinary Clinic to life. We will forever be thankful for the advise and education they gave us to allow us to bring our vision of veterinary care for Black Earth, WI into reality. We wish you all a gracious Thanksgiving holiday and thank you for entrusting the care of beloved pets to us.

Becca Phillips, CVT and Tanya Hoffman, DVM have worked together in Black Earth caring for the local pets for 9 years. During this time we have continually wished for the ability to provide more veterinary services to the area. We've seen, felt, and shared in your frustration over not being able to get in to see your local veterinarian for same day or urgent concerns. When we discovered this new location where we could provide services we were excited for the veterinary growth we could bring to the local area. Our deepest desire was to purchase Black Earth Veterinary Clinic from it's current owner and move it into the new location. For many reasons, this business deal could not make it to the closing table. While we were deeply saddened by this realization that purchasing the existing business could not happen Becca and Dr. Hoffman's excitement still existed and we decided to start this practice, Creekside Veterinary Clinic, to provide you the veterinary care you all deserve. Additionally, our new location is all on one level and is fully ADA compliant. We can offer a very short walk from your car into our lobby without a single stair for you or your pet to traverse. We are offering walk in tours and are very excited for you to see our space! We are getting great feedback and loving the new areas we've created just for you and your pets. Stop in for a tour and a 10% coupon!

Creekside Veterinary Clinic will be at the Trunk or Treat in Black Earth, WI tomorrow from 4-8pm!! We are so excited to see folks, answer questions you have, and get your kids some candy. We will have veterinary coupons for the adults as well! Stop by and say Hi!