In northern Arizona, rattlesnakes are part of everyday life—from hiking trails to backyards. While these snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, they also pose a serious medical risk to pets. At VESCONA, we see firsthand how quickly a rattlesnake bite can turn into a life-threatening emergency. This guide is here to help you [...]
As loving pet owners, we cherish the playful moments we share with our dogs—from hiking in the beautiful wilderness of Flagstaff to a simple game of fetch in the backyard. Yet, it's distressing when our pets suddenly limp or yelp in pain. At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona, we understand how [...]
When your dog isn’t acting like themselves—sluggish, not eating, maybe vomiting—it’s easy to assume it’s just a stomach bug or stress. But sometimes, the signs point to something much more serious: Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism. At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona, we often see dogs with Addison’s that go [...]
From Itch to Infection: Identifying and Treating Skin Problems in Dogs Expert Care from the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona Why Your Dog’s Skin Health Matters Your dog’s skin is their largest organ—and one of the most important indicators of overall health. Yet, skin infections in dogs are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. [...]
Urinary blockages are one of the most urgent and dangerous medical emergencies in male cats. Without immediate care, a blocked urethra can lead to kidney failure or bladder rupture within just 24 to 48 hours. In cats with recurring obstructions, Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) surgery can be a life-saving procedure that provides long-term relief and restores [...]
It usually starts with something small. A sneeze that won’t stop. A sudden head shake. A paw obsessively scratching at the ear. It might look like a minor irritation—but for many dogs during the dry season, these signs point to something much more serious: a foxtail. At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern [...]
Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects a cat's lower airways, triggering symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial, as unmanaged feline asthma can lead to life-threatening respiratory distress. At Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, we aim to educate [...]
Understanding and Treating Ear Hematomas in Dogs If your dog is constantly scratching at their ears or shaking their head, there’s more at stake than just annoyance. One of the most uncomfortable and messy complications that can arise from repeated ear irritation is an ear hematoma—and yes, it’s just as unpleasant as it sounds. At [...]
Diabetic Emergencies in Pets: Recognizing and Responding to Blood Sugar Crises Managing diabetes in pets—especially dogs and cats as they age—requires daily care, close monitoring, and a quick response when something goes wrong. One of the biggest risks diabetic pets face is a sudden blood sugar emergency, either too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). [...]
Brachycephalic Breeds & Breathing Issues: What Every Pet Owner Should Know Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs and cats have a unique appearance that many people love—but those adorable flat faces can come with serious health challenges. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) is a common condition in breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Persian [...]