Kirby Veterinary Hospital

06/22/2026

Heartworm! We see more heartworm cases each year. This video shows microfilaria (baby heartworms) that circulate in the dogs blood. This is a blood smear we made from our patient and it tells us here is an established adult heartworm infection (and the adult heartworms are reproducing). This also means this patient is a “reservoir” and as new mosquitos bite they will acquire the baby heartworm which will mature into “infective stage” larvae and can transmit heartworm to another dog. Heartworm disease affects dogs, (less often cats, ferrets), wolves, coyotes, foxes, *sea lions* (and rarely humans)

*this* is why we recommend monthly heartworm preventative like Heartgard!!

The American Heartworm Society has a lot of great info:

https://www.heartwormsociety.org/

06/22/2026

We talk a lot with clients about making sure their cats (especially if introducing a new cat or dog into the house) have their own space. One of those ways is to have a door opening that only the cat can fit through-- guess other folks thought it was was a great idea too and they came out with this!!

Door Buddy cat door latch keeps dogs and babies out while letting cats pass through doors. Create safe feeding and litter areas without installing a pet door.

06/21/2026

Thank you to our awesome team who came in today to help out with this C-Section!! You guys are great!! She was not waiting for tomorrow! Welcome these 7 lovely Newfoundland puppies into the world! Happy Birthday 🙂

06/09/2026

Reminder!

06/06/2026

Way to go Dr O’Brien and team Kirby - ending the week helping deliver this singleton puppy!

06/05/2026

Leptospirosis risk assessment has changed significantly in recent years.

Once considered primarily a concern for large-breed or rural dogs, leptospirosis is now recognized across a much broader range of patients and environments — including small dogs and urban populations.

The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines identify leptospirosis vaccination as a core recommendation for dogs, reflecting the evolving epidemiology of the disease and its zoonotic potential.

Review the guidelines and vaccination recommendations: https://hubs.li/Q04hDsFZ0

06/04/2026

It's gonna be a hot one today!
Craig said his preferred cooling method is to sneak into the fridge next to some leftover pizza ...🍕😸
-Craigory was safely removed and the pizza was also saved-

How does your pet stay cool in the heat?

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

Ending our week with a C-section for this cute singleton Papillon pup! Mom and pup are doing well and headed home — Great job team Kirby!

05/26/2026

How cute are these wrinkly mastiff mix puppies that came in for a visit 😍