Animal Clinic of Sterling Heights

09/07/2026

09/02/2026

DOG OF THE MONTH: GEORGE
September 2026

"George is your traditional English bulldog in every sense of the word," says his mom, Nancy. "He’s a bonafide couch potato and 24/7 Velcro dog, who never met a piece of food he didn’t want."

Bananas are a favorite food, which he prefers to eat right off the peel!

George grew up in Seattle, Washington and celebrated his 10th birthday in March of this year here in Michigan.

"While living in Seattle, he became known as the Mayor of 20th and Yesler, by the crew of the coffee shop he frequented daily."

George does have great leadership abilities as evidenced when visiting us at Animal Clinic of Sterling Heights. He is a great ambassador for English bulldogs and always enjoys his chats with Dr. Wilson and assistants. We love his visits too!

Congratulations, Georgie! We're ALL bananas for you!

08/31/2026

LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY: BLOAT
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV), known widely as bloat, is a sudden, life-threatening emergency where a dog's stomach fills with gas, food or fluid (dilatation) and then twists on its axis (volvulus). This twisting traps the gas inside and cuts off vital blood supply to the stomach and spleen, causing rapid tissue death, systemic shock and cardiovascular collapse. GDV is a get-in-your-car-and-go-now sort of emergency. Bloat progresses rapidly.

GDV can happen to any dog, but large deep-chested breeds like Great Danes are most susceptible to the condition. (Other commonly affected dogs are listed at the bottom. )

SYMPTOMS:
* Unproductive retching or trying to vomit with no success
* Restlessness, pacing or crying out
* Swollen, tight or hard belly
* Heavy drooling or foaming at the mouth
* Droopy head and/or chest, rigid neck or hunched back
* Fast or trouble breathing
* Pale gums, weakness or collapse

CAUSES:
Eating too fast, eating one large meal a day or heavy exercise right after eating can contribute.

TREATMENT:
Without emergency surgery, GDV is 100% fatal.

PREVENTION:
Feed multiple small meals instead of one large one, invest in a slow-feeding bowl, avoid raised food bowls, avoid high-fat foods and kibble, avoid heavy exercise (running and playing) for at least 90 minutes after eating, monitor water intake after meals and exercise (no chugging) and keep mealtime free of stress and competition.

GASTROPEXY:
Surgical prevention is recommended for dogs at high risk of GDV. By permanently attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall, a gastropexy prevents the stomach from twisting when filled with gas. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports a 95% success rate.

At Animal Clinic of Sterling Heights, our veterinarians offer both traditional and laproscopic options.

DOGS MOST AT RISK:
Great Danes, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Standard Poodles, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Bloodhounds, Gazehounds (Irish & Scottish Wolfhounds, Greyhounds, Borzois, etc), other deep-chested breeds, dogs over 100 lbs and dogs with first-degree relatives who've been afflicted by bloat.

08/26/2026

JOIN OUR PICTURE PARADE!
CELEBRATE NATIONAL DOG DAY!!

The silly. The exasperating. The playful. The good dog. The princess. The friendly. The not-so-friendly. The Nervous Nellie. The cuddly. The couch potato. The active. The water baby. The digger. The walker. The best-dressed. The old. The young. The in-between.

THE BEST.

We want to see your babies! Please post your pictures in the comments below. A little bit about them is encouraged too. We love our patients. We think you'll love them too.

Let's go!!

08/18/2026

KITTIES OF THE MONTH: BINDY & TAJ
AUGUST 2026

If ever there was a living yin-yang, meet Bindy and Taj. Taj and Bindy are Siamese kittens; Bindy is a Blue Point (pictured left as the yin) and Taj is a traditional Seal Point (to the right as the yang). Siamese cats go back as far as the 12th century, but our yin and yang littermates were born in January of this year. We feel fortunate that we've gotten to know the pair. Unfortunately, that means they've had to see the doctor too much for only six months old. Persistent respiratory infections are no fun!

The twosome is bonded, so they are certainly connected like the yin and yang! The concept of yin-yang is an ancient Chinese philosophy. The black side of the circle is yang, representing the dark (moon, shadow, shade, water and rest). The white side is yin, representing the sun, light, warmth and movement. Of course, as siblings, Taj and Bindy share many similar traits, as represented by the dot on either side of the symbol. Look at what beautiful blue eyes they have!

Siamese cats are one of the oldest domestic cat breeds in the world, living under the protection of Buddhist monks in Thailand where they originated. Today, Bindy and Taj live here in Michigan with their smitten mom and big brother, Sky. Since he is a beautiful cat and patient, we couldn't not include him in the picture parade. His photo is the last one in this series.

08/18/2026

YOU AND YOUR DOG(S) ARE INVITED!
No Fleas or Ticks Allowed!

This is your chance to get $25 off year-round protection from fleas and ticks with Bravecto Quantum, a once-a-year injection! We're making it a party with pup cups and bandanas. To RSVP, call us for a tech appointment and specify Bravecto Quantum. Appointments are available from 12-2 PM on Saturday, August 29. Your dog(s) must be up-to-date on their annual exam. Current clients only. Space is limited, so call today to reserve your spot.

For more information about Bravecto Quantum, visit http://us.bravecto.com.