McCaw Veterinary Associates

10/23/2026

🐾 LYMPHOMA: A NEW TOOL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER! 🐾

Did you know that lymphoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs? And what if we could detect it before your dog starts showing signs of illness?

🔬 Introducing IDEXX Cancer Dx™ testing!

Lymphoma is a cancer involving lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the immune system. It can affect lymph nodes, organs, and other tissues throughout the body.

What should you watch for?
🐾 Enlarged lymph nodes, often felt under the jaw or behind the knees
🐾 Unexplained weight loss
🐾 Decreased appetite or energy
🐾 Increased thirst or urination
🐾 Sometimes, NO obvious signs at all!

🔍 How can IDEXX help?

IDEXX has developed Cancer Dx testing, a blood test designed to detect biomarkers associated with canine lymphoma. It can help us investigate suspected lymphoma and may also help identify the disease in certain at-risk dogs before they develop noticeable symptoms.

This is especially important for:
✅ Older dogs
✅ Breeds with an increased risk of cancer
✅ Dogs with unexplained changes in their health
✅ Patients whose physical examination or routine bloodwork raises concerns

❤️ Why does early detection matter?

Finding a problem earlier may give us more time to investigate, discuss treatment options, and make informed decisions about your pet's care and quality of life.

A few important things to know: Cancer Dx is a screening and diagnostic aid, not a guarantee. A result consistent with lymphoma may require additional testing to confirm the diagnosis, and a result not consistent with lymphoma does not completely rule it out.

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we believe that combining a thorough physical examination, routine bloodwork, your pet's history, and newer diagnostic technology gives us more tools to protect your pet's health.

🐶 Have an older dog or a breed at increased risk for cancer? Ask us whether IDEXX Cancer Dx testing is appropriate for your pet. Not every dog needs every test, but knowing what options are available helps us make better decisions together!

📞 Call MVA at 859-887-1188 to discuss your pet's individual needs.

Better information. Earlier answers. More options for your pet. ❤️

Could early cancer detection become part of routine preventive care? Tune in to this VetFolio Voice podcast to explore IDEXX Cancer Dx™ screening, from patient selection and result interpretation to workflow integration and talking with clients.

Link in the comments to listen ⬇️

10/20/2026

🐾 GET TO KNOW YOUR MVA TEAM: OUR LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS! 🐾

Did you know that our Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) do much more than help the doctor during your pet’s appointment? And did you know that you can reach out to them directly with questions?

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we have a talented team of LVTs who play an important role in your pet’s health, comfort, and quality of care. They bring specialized education, clinical skills, experience, and a passion for helping animals to everything they do!

🩺 WHAT CAN OUR LVTs DO FOR YOUR PET?

Their skills and responsibilities include many aspects of veterinary care, such as:

🐶 Patient assessment and monitoring — Gathering medical histories, monitoring vital signs, assessing your pet’s comfort, and communicating important findings to the doctor.

🩸 Laboratory testing and diagnostics — Collecting blood, urine, and other samples; performing laboratory tests; and helping obtain and prepare diagnostic images.

💉 Treatments and medications — Administering prescribed medications, providing treatments, and assisting with fluid therapy and other patient care.

❤️ Anesthesia and surgery support — Helping prepare patients for surgery, monitoring anesthesia, supporting recovery, and keeping your pet safe and comfortable throughout the process.

🦷 Specialized nursing care — Dental care assistance, wound care, bandaging, nursing hospitalized patients, and monitoring patients during recovery.

🐕 Preventive care and client education — Helping you understand recommended testing, vaccines, parasite prevention, medication administration, weight management, and ways to keep your pet healthy between visits.

🔬 Advanced services and treatments — Our technicians also help provide specialized services such as laser therapy, diagnostic procedures, and other treatments based on their training and the veterinarian’s direction.

WHAT DOES THEIR KENTUCKY LICENSE MEAN?

Kentucky has specific regulations governing the responsibilities of LVTs and the level of veterinary supervision required for different procedures. Under a veterinarian’s direction and appropriate supervision, LVTs can perform many skilled medical and technical tasks. Their responsibilities depend on the procedure, their training, and the required level of supervision.

An LVT cannot independently diagnose your pet, establish a prognosis, prescribe medications, or perform surgery. Those responsibilities remain with the veterinarian, subject to applicable legal exceptions. Our LVTs work alongside our doctors to help put the pieces together and deliver the best possible care.

📧 DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN EMAIL OUR LVTs DIRECTLY?

Have a question about your pet’s medications, a recommended test, post-operative instructions, laser therapy, or a treatment plan? Want help understanding what to expect at your pet’s next visit?

You can reach out to our team members directly by email! All of our LVTs have email addresses ending in .com.

Meet our team:
🐾 Dawn Smith
🐾 Emily Monroe
🐾 Kaela Calvert
🐾 Kaley Naylor
🐾 Emma French
🐾 Hannah Patterson

Use their names followed by .com to reach the appropriate team member. If you aren't sure who to contact, give our office a call and we'll help connect you!

Our LVTs are a valuable resource, and we encourage you to take advantage of their knowledge and experience. Better communication helps us work together, improve compliance with treatment plans, and give your pets the care they deserve.

Your pet's healthcare is a team effort. Let us help you make the most of it! ❤️

📍 McCaw Veterinary Associates
📞 859-887-1188
💬 Text: 859-279-4734

10/19/2026

It's Vet Tech appreciation week. When they text you for your appointment, give you a call with an update after a procedure or reach out to follow up, please give them a "thank you!"

10/16/2026

🍂 MVA IS HEADING INTO THE HOME STRETCH! 🐾

We’re entering the final quarter of the year, and what a year it’s been! We’ve continued to improve, expand, and introduce new services to help us provide the best care possible for your pets.

One of the NEW services we’re most excited about is our Companion Laser Therapy! 🔴🐶🐱

Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that can help manage pain and inflammation associated with a variety of conditions. It’s simple, generally well tolerated, and may be a great addition to your pet’s treatment plan.

Who’s leading the charge? Meet Kaela and Kaley! 👋

These two technicians are spearheading our laser therapy program and would LOVE to talk with you about:

✅ What laser therapy is and how it works
✅ Conditions that may benefit from treatment
✅ Recommended treatment schedules and what to expect
✅ Treatment packages and options for your pet

Curious about trying it? You may even be able to receive your pet’s first treatment ON THE HOUSE! 🎉 It’s a great opportunity to see exactly what’s involved, ask questions, and find out whether laser therapy might be a good fit for your pet.

Have a pet dealing with arthritis, joint discomfort, inflammation, or certain skin and soft tissue conditions? Let’s talk about whether laser therapy could help!

📱 Text us: 859-279-4734

📧 Email our laser therapy team directly:

Kaley: [email protected]

Kaela: [email protected]

As always, our goal is to give you more options to keep your four-legged family members comfortable, active, and feeling their best!

Let’s finish the year strong, MVA family! ❤️🐾

10/15/2026

🐶🐱 EAR INFECTIONS: IT'S NOT ALWAYS JUST AN EAR INFECTION! 👂

Is your dog shaking their head, scratching their ears, or giving off that unmistakable stinky ear smell? Maybe your cat keeps scratching at one ear or seems uncomfortable when you touch their head.

Ear problems are common in veterinary medicine, but figuring out WHY the ears are bothering your pet is just as important as treating the infection itself!

🔎 WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR?
• Frequent head shaking or ear scratching
• Redness, swelling, or irritation
• Brown, yellow, or black discharge
• Unpleasant odor
• Pain or sensitivity when the ears are touched
• Head tilting or holding one ear differently
• Crusting, scabs, or hair loss around the ears

🦠 WHAT CAUSES EAR PROBLEMS?

Ear infections can involve bacteria, yeast, or both. But there may be an underlying problem that keeps the infection coming back!

Common contributing factors include:
🐾 Allergies — environmental or food-related
🐾 Moisture trapped in the ear canal
🐾 Excessive wax or changes in the ear canal
🐾 Ear mites, especially in cats
🐾 Foreign material, such as grass awns
🐾 Chronic inflammation or changes within the ear canal

If we only treat the infection without addressing the underlying cause, we may find ourselves treating the SAME ears over and over again!

🔬 HOW DOES MVA INVESTIGATE EAR PROBLEMS?

We have several tools to help us get a better look at what's happening inside those ears!

📹 MedRx Video Vetscope

This technology allows us to visualize the ear canal and examine areas that may be difficult to see during a routine ear exam. It can help us identify inflammation, abnormal material, foreign bodies, and other changes that may require additional attention.

🔬 Ear Cytology & InVue

A sample of ear debris is examined under the microscope to look for yeast, bacteria, inflammatory cells, and other clues. This helps us choose appropriate treatment rather than guessing which medication might work.

🧫 Ear Cultures

Some infections are persistent, severe, or resistant to routine treatment. In these cases, an ear culture may help identify the bacteria involved and determine which antibiotics are most likely to be effective.

🧼 Deep Ear Cleaning Under Sedation

Sometimes, an ear canal is painful, packed with debris, or too inflamed for a thorough cleaning while a pet is awake. Sedation can allow us to clean and flush the ears more safely and thoroughly, improve comfort, and better evaluate the canal and eardrum when possible.

📅 WHY ARE RECHECK APPOINTMENTS IMPORTANT?

This is a big one! Your pet may stop scratching or shaking their head before the infection has completely resolved.

Recheck appointments allow us to:
✅ Confirm that the infection is responding to treatment.
✅ Repeat ear cytology when indicated.
✅ Determine whether medication should be continued or changed.
✅ Monitor inflammation and healing.
✅ Investigate underlying problems if the infection isn't clearing up.

PLEASE DON'T STOP EAR MEDICATION JUST BECAUSE THE EARS LOOK BETTER! Follow your veterinarian's instructions, and let us know if your pet is getting worse or not improving.

❤️ OUR GOAL ISN'T JUST TO QUIET THE SCRATCHING. IT'S TO FIND THE PROBLEM, TREAT IT APPROPRIATELY, AND HELP KEEP IT FROM COMING BACK!

If your pet has recurring ear infections, painful ears, or persistent head shaking, give McCaw Veterinary Associates a call. Let's get to the bottom of those itchy, uncomfortable ears!

📞 859-887-1188

📱 Text us at 859-279-4734

McCaw Veterinary Associates — healthier pets start with a closer look! 🐾

10/12/2026

🐾 HOW OLD IS YOUR DOG IN HUMAN YEARS? AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? 🐾

Have you ever wondered how old your dog would be if they were human? We've all heard the old rule that one dog year equals seven human years. Unfortunately, it's not that simple!

Dogs mature much faster during their first two years, and their size and breed can make a big difference in how quickly they age. In general, small dogs tend to live longer, while large and giant breeds often reach their senior years earlier.

So why does this matter? Because your dog's age should influence their preventive healthcare! Just as people need different health screenings at different stages of life, our pets benefit from age-appropriate exams, laboratory testing, and preventive care.

📊 A ROUGH DOG-TO-HUMAN AGE COMPARISON

Dog's age Small breed Medium breed Large/giant breed
1 year 15 15 15
2 years 24 24 24
3 years 28 29 30–31
5 years 36 39 42–45
7 years 44 49 54–59
9 years 52 59 66–73
11 years 60 69 78–87
13 years 68 79 90–101
15 years 76 89 102–115

These are approximate illustrations, not exact biological conversions. Individual dogs and breeds vary, and the estimates become less precise at older ages.

🩺 WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING AT THESE AGES?

🐶 PUPPIES — Birth through the first year

Veterinary care: Multiple wellness visits, physical exams, appropriate vaccinations, parasite testing and prevention, nutrition and growth monitoring, and discussion of spaying or neutering.

Human comparison: Childhood wellness visits, vaccinations, growth and developmental assessments, and preventive screenings.

🐕 YOUNG ADULTS — Approximately 1–3 years

Veterinary care: At least annual wellness exams, vaccinations as indicated, annual heartworm and tick-borne disease screening, f***l testing based on risk, dental assessment, weight monitoring, and a discussion of lifestyle and preventive medications.

Human comparison: Routine primary care, blood pressure assessment, dental care, and preventive screening based on personal risk and medical history.

🐕‍🦺 MATURE ADULTS — Approximately 4–6 years

Veterinary care: Continue annual wellness exams and parasite screening. Consider establishing baseline bloodwork, including a CBC, chemistry profile, and urinalysis. Monitor weight, dental health, joints, and breed-specific risks.

Human comparison: Regular primary care, blood pressure and cholesterol screening as appropriate, diabetes screening based on age and risk, and age-appropriate cancer screening.

🦮 SENIOR DOGS — Often around 7 years and older for small breeds, and 5–6 years and older for large breeds

Veterinary care: Consider wellness exams every six months, with routine bloodwork and urinalysis generally every 6–12 months. Evaluate kidney and liver function, blood glucose, thyroid function when appropriate, blood pressure, dental disease, mobility, pain, vision, hearing, and changes in behavior. Heart, orthopedic, and cancer screening may be indicated based on breed and individual findings.

Human comparison: More frequent medical follow-ups when appropriate, medication reviews, age-appropriate cancer screenings, monitoring for diabetes and cardiovascular or kidney disease, and assessment of mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive changes.

🔬 WHY BLOODWORK MATTERS

Pets can't tell us that they're feeling tired, drinking more water, losing muscle, or simply not feeling quite right. Sometimes the first clues to developing kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, anemia, or other problems appear in laboratory results before obvious signs develop.

Routine bloodwork also gives us a baseline. Comparing today's results with previous results can help us recognize subtle changes that a single test might not reveal.

❤️ THE TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Age is more than a number! A seven-year-old Chihuahua and a seven-year-old Great Dane may be at very different points in their lives.

And remember: being a senior doesn't automatically mean being sick. Our goal is to identify problems early, maintain comfort and mobility, and help our pets enjoy as many healthy years with their families as possible.

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we want to help you make informed decisions about your pet's health at every stage of life.

🐾 Don't wait until your pet looks or acts sick to start asking questions. Preventive care today can make a difference tomorrow!

📞 Call MVA at 859-887-1188 to discuss the right wellness plan for your pet.

10/10/2026

🐶🐱 PROVIABLE®: SUPPORTING A HEALTHY GUT! 🦠

Has your pet ever had an upset stomach or a bout of diarrhea? You're not alone! Digestive issues are common in both dogs and cats, and sometimes a little extra support can help get things back on track.

What is Proviable?

Proviable, from Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, is a digestive health supplement that helps support a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your pet's gastrointestinal tract.

🦠 Probiotic Support: Proviable contains beneficial microorganisms that help maintain a healthy intestinal environment and support normal digestion.

💩 Diarrhea Support: Certain Proviable products are designed to help manage occasional diarrhea and support normal stool consistency. They may be helpful during digestive upset associated with stress, diet changes, or other disruptions to the gut. Some formulations also contain ingredients that help bind excess fluid in the intestinal tract.

🐾 Easy to Administer: Proviable comes in convenient formulations, including capsules and pastes, depending on the product. Some capsules can be opened and mixed with food, making administration easier for many pets. Follow the directions for the specific product you have.

🛒 Available Without a Prescription! Proviable is an over-the-counter supplement, so you don't need a prescription to purchase it.

A quick reminder: Proviable can be a useful tool for mild digestive upset, but it isn't a cure for every cause of diarrhea. Persistent or severe diarrhea, blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, lethargy, or signs of dehydration deserve veterinary attention. Puppies, kittens, and pets with other medical conditions may need prompt evaluation.

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we're happy to help you decide whether Proviable is appropriate for your pet and which formulation best fits their needs!

10/09/2026

🐾 DASUQUIN FOR DOGS: SUPPORTING HEALTHY JOINTS! 🦴

Have you noticed your dog slowing down a little? Maybe they're hesitant to jump into the car, taking longer to get up after a nap, or not quite as enthusiastic about their walks? It might be time to talk about joint health!

What is Dasuquin?

Dasuquin is a joint health supplement designed to support cartilage and help maintain healthy joints in dogs. It contains ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, along with avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) in certain formulations. Some versions also contain additional joint-supporting ingredients.

🐕 How can it help?

Supports healthy cartilage and joint function.
Helps maintain joint mobility and flexibility.
May benefit dogs with age-related joint changes or osteoarthritis.
Can be part of a long-term plan to help keep your dog comfortable and active.

🐶 Is it just for big dogs?

Absolutely not! Dasuquin comes in different formulations and sizes for both small and large dogs. A little dog can have joint problems just like a big dog! Breed, genetics, age, body condition, and activity level can all play a role in joint health.

⏰ What should you expect?

Here's the important part: Dasuquin is a joint supplement, not a pain medication.

It doesn't provide immediate pain relief like an anti-inflammatory medication might. It may take several weeks of consistent daily use before you can judge whether your dog is benefiting. Results vary, and it won't reverse existing joint damage or replace appropriate treatment for arthritis.

⚖️ Maintaining a healthy body weight, regular controlled exercise, and appropriate veterinary care are also important parts of keeping those joints moving!

💊 Do you need a prescription?

No prescription is needed for Dasuquin. However, if your dog is already limping, struggling to get up, or showing signs of pain, don't assume a supplement alone will solve the problem. An examination can help determine what's going on and which treatment options make the most sense.

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we're happy to help you decide whether Dasuquin might be a good addition to your dog's joint health plan!

❤️ Because we want our four-legged family members to keep enjoying those walks, adventures, and trips to the treat cabinet for as long as possible!

10/08/2026

🐱 CAT BITE ABSCESSES — THE LITTLE WOUND THAT BECOMES A BIG PROBLEM

Cat bite abscesses are a very common problem, especially in outdoor cats. A cat gets into a fight, receives a bite that may look like nothing more than a tiny puncture, and then a few days later… 💥 a painful, swollen, infected abscess develops.

Cat mouths contain a lot of bacteria, and those tiny puncture wounds can seal over quickly, trapping infection underneath the skin.

What does treatment involve?

Depending on the size and location of the abscess, treatment may include:

🩺 Anesthesia or sedation
💧 Opening and draining the abscess
🧼 Thorough cleaning and flushing of the wound
🔄 Placement of a drain to keep the wound open and encourage continued drainage
💊 Antibiotics when indicated
😿 Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication

And there is another important consideration with outdoor cats: FIV and FeLV status.

Cat-to-cat bites can be an important route of transmission for FIV, and outdoor cats may also have exposure risks for FeLV. Testing can help us understand your cat's status and make better decisions about their ongoing care.

If your outdoor cat comes home with a swollen area, painful spot, wound, fever, decreased appetite, lethargy, or suddenly doesn't want to be touched in a particular area, don't assume it's just a scratch.

That tiny puncture wound may be hiding a much bigger problem underneath. 🐾

10/07/2026

🔬 Bloodwork — no clear answer.
🩻 Radiographs — still more questions.
🩺 Ultrasound — didn't learn as much as we hoped.
🧪 Urine sample — no significant findings.

So…now what?

It is not uncommon to perform testing and still have more questions than answers.

Veterinary medicine isn't always a matter of running one test and getting one diagnosis. We put the pieces together:

• History
• Clinical signs
• Physical examination
• Age
• Breed
• Lifestyle
• Previous medical problems
• Bloodwork
• Imaging
• Response to treatment
• And, importantly, experience and clinical judgment

Sometimes a test rules something out rather than telling us exactly what the problem is.

Sometimes the results simply tell us where we don't need to look next.

And sometimes…we're still scratching our heads. 🤔

That doesn't mean the testing was unnecessary, or that we aren't listening, or that we're trying to "find something" to charge for.

It means the case isn't obvious.

Our job is to keep putting those pieces together, asking the next logical question, and working toward the most reasonable diagnosis and treatment plan for that individual patient.

Good medicine isn't always about getting an immediate answer. Sometimes it's about knowing what the information means—and what to do next.