Commonwealth Veterinary Clinic

06/19/2026

⚠️ WARNING: This video contains footage of a patient experiencing heat stroke/heat exhaustion. ⚠️

As temperatures continue to rise, we want to share this real-life case as an important reminder of how quickly heat-related emergencies can develop- especially in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds.

This patient was presented to our team showing signs consistent with heat exhaustion/heat stroke. Thanks to rapid recognition by the owner and immediate intervention by our team, the patient made a full recovery.

Why are brachycephalic breeds at higher risk?
Breeds such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Boxers have shortened airways that make it more difficult for them to cool themselves through panting. Even brief periods of exercise, excitement, or exposure to warm temperatures can lead to overheating. Unlike people, dogs rely primarily on panting to cool themselves. Breeds with shortened muzzles often have airway abnormalities that make efficient cooling difficult, allowing body temperature to rise rapidly. These breeds should remain in cool environments during the heat of the day and only be walked/exercised for short periods, early in the morning or late in the evening. No 2pm walks!!

Signs of heat exhaustion may include:
• Excessive panting
• Increased respiratory effort
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Weakness or lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Signs of heat stroke (a medical emergency) include:
• Collapse
• Disorientation
• Inability to stand
• Seizures
• Pale, blue, or gray gums
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect your pet is overheating contact a veterinarian immediatley!

Heat stroke can progress rapidly and may result in organ failure, clotting disorders, and death if not treated promptly.

We are sharing this video not to alarm pet owners, but to educate and raise awareness. Early recognition and immediate veterinary care can save lives.

Stay safe this summer, and remember: if it's hot for you, it's even hotter for your pet. ☀️🐾

06/18/2026

We are excited to welcome Andie, a Georgetown native and fourth-year veterinary student, to Commonwealth Veterinary Clinic for a two-week externship! 🩺🐾

During her time with us, Andie will be working alongside our veterinarians and staff, gaining hands-on experience in both small and large animal medicine while exploring all that mixed animal practice has to offer.

We are always proud to support future veterinarians, especially those with roots right here in our community. If you see Andie around the clinic or out on a farm call, be sure to say hello and help us make her feel welcome! 👋🏻

06/11/2026

🐾 Please Help Us Welcome Dr. Mary Pulliam! 🐾

You may notice a new face around Commonwealth Veterinary Clinic over the next few months. While Dr. Biddle is out on maternity leave, we are excited to welcome Dr. Mary Pulliam to the CVC team!

Dr. Pulliam is a relief veterinarian from Berry, Kentucky, who is passionate about providing consistent, compassionate care to both pets and livestock throughout Central Kentucky. She graduated from Tuskegee University in 2018 and has practiced mixed animal medicine in both North Carolina and Kentucky.

Her professional interests include preventative medicine, orthopedic surgery, and canine reproduction. When she's not helping patients at local clinics, you'll likely find her reading a good book, working on a needlepoint project, or spending time on her farm.

We're grateful to have Dr. Pulliam with us and know our clients and patients will be in excellent hands while Dr. Biddle is away.

Be sure to say hello and give her a warm CVC welcome when you see her! 💙

06/10/2026

⚠️ New World Screwworm: What Kentucky Producers Need to Know ⚠️

You may have seen recent news regarding New World Screwworm (NWS) and its movement in parts of North and Central America. While New World Screwworm is NOT currently established in Kentucky, veterinarians and animal health officials across the United States are closely monitoring the situation.

New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on living tissue, causing severe wounds and potentially life-threatening infections in livestock, wildlife, pets, and occasionally people.

Signs to watch for include:
• Wounds that fail to heal or worsen unexpectedly
• Foul-smelling discharge from a wound
• Maggots present in a wound
• Irritation, excessive licking, or discomfort around an injury
• Unexplained weight loss or decreased production in livestock

Our Veterinarians at CVC are actively following updates from state and federal animal health officials and working closely with regulatory agencies to stay informed.

If you notice any unusual wounds or suspect a case of screwworm in your animals, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early recognition and reporting are critical to protecting our livestock industry.

If you have any questions- please do not hesitate to call us! We will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.

Get The Facts About Disease Prevention

06/09/2026

🐾 WE'RE HIRING! 🐾

CVC is looking for an experienced Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant to join our growing team!

We're seeking a motivated, compassionate team member who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, fast-growing mixed-animal practice and is passionate about providing exceptional patient care. This position is ideal for someone with prior veterinary experience who is ready to continue growing their skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Apply today through our Indeed posting:
🔗 https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=4a5c13b6f5f93b03&from=shareddesktop_copy

06/08/2026

🎆 Fireworks season is coming.

If your pet struggles with loud noises, NOW is the time to plan ahead. Schedule those annual exams and refill anxiety medications before the holiday rush!

📞 Call us today to schedule 502-906-2211 or request an appointment online at commonwealthvetky.com

06/05/2026

Happy Friday! 🐑

These 2 ladies hung out with Dr. Biddle & team for a few hours this morning. They're happy to be back on the farm and on the mend!

06/04/2026

Puppy pile? Yes, Please. 😍🥰

06/01/2026

Thank goodness... Summer is finally here!☀️🐾

School isn't the only thing that's out...
Fleas are out.
Ticks are out.
Mosquitoes are out.

Before your dog cannonballs into every pond and your cat plots their great outdoor escape, make sure they're ready for summer:

☀️ Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is up to date
☀️ Vaccines current
☀️ Microchip information updated
☀️ Plenty of fresh water and shade
☀️ A plan for keeping cool during Kentucky's summer heat

📞 Give us a call if your pet needs a refill or is due for preventive care!
502-906-2211 or schedule online at 🔗commonwealthvetky.com

05/26/2026

E-collars are NOT torture devices- despite what your pet may tell you.

Listen… we get it. The dramatic sighs, the statue-like freezing in the middle of the living room, the bumping into furniture. But despite the bad reputation, e-collars are one of the MOST important parts of post-op recovery.

It only takes a few minutes of licking or chewing to:
🐾 Open an incision
🐾 Cause infection
🐾 Pull out sutures or staples
🐾 Create painful swelling and irritation
🐾 Turn a routine recovery into another surgery (& ANOTHER BILL)

Dogs and cats naturally lick when something feels uncomfortable - unfortunately, saliva and sharp teeth are the enemy of healing incisions. That “quick break” from the cone while unsupervised can sometimes undo an entire procedure overnight.

Trust us - we’d much rather your pet be mildly annoyed with their cone than back in surgery repairing damage that could have been prevented.