Associated Veterinary Medical Center

09/02/2026

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, a reminder that our pets can’t always tell us when something hurts. Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, you may simply notice them slowing down, hesitating on stairs, sleeping more, or not quite acting like themselves.

Jacques recently stopped by for laser therapy with our veterinary technician, Dalana. Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cells and tissues. It can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing process.

🩺 Who can benefit? Laser therapy may be recommended for pets dealing with arthritis and joint pain, injuries, inflammation, post-surgical discomfort, wounds, or other painful conditions. It can also be especially helpful as part of a long-term pain management plan for senior pets.

And as Jacques is demonstrating beautifully, treatment is typically quick, comfortable, and doesn’t require sedation. 🥰

Because managing pain isn’t only about treating what hurts. It’s about helping pets stay comfortable, mobile, and able to enjoy the things they love.💙

08/26/2026

Those little shapes under the microscope? They’re urinary crystals, and for one of our male feline patients, they were part of a much bigger problem.

This male cat patient came to AVMC with a urinary blockage, meaning he was unable to urinate normally. This is a true veterinary emergency and is particularly important to recognize in male cats.

🚨 Know the warning signs:
• Repeated trips to the litter box
• Straining with little or no urine produced
• Crying or vocalizing while trying to urinate
• Licking the ge***al area frequently
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Vomiting, hiding, weakness, or unusual behavior

Thankfully, our team was able to relieve this patient's blockage and get him feeling better. ❤️ He was also started on a prescription urinary diet, and he hasn't experienced another blockage since!

The biggest takeaway? If your cat is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine, don't wait. Seek veterinary care immediately.

08/20/2026

After an encounter with a porcupine left Buddy with numerous quills around his face and mouth, he needed veterinary care to safely remove them. Thankfully, our team was able to remove all of the quills, and we’re happy to report that Buddy has made a full recovery! ❤️

Porcupine quills may look straightforward to remove, but they can be painful and cause more serious problems if they break, become embedded, or migrate deeper into the tissue. Quills around the eyes, mouth, face, and throat can be especially concerning.

⚠️🌲🦔 If your pet has an unfortunate run-in with a porcupine:

• Keep them as calm as possible and prevent them from rubbing or pawing at the quills.
• Avoid cutting or breaking the quills.
• Contact your veterinarian promptly for guidance and safe removal.
• Even after removal, watch closely for swelling, pain, discharge, or other changes.

We’re very glad this particular adventure has a happy ending. Feel better, Buddy! ❤️🌲🦔

📲 Text us: 509-566-9786
💻 Visit: https://avmcww.com/

08/18/2026

🐱📍 Microchipping Mango: Easy as 1, 2, 3!

While Mango was in for his neuter, his caregivers decided it was the perfect opportunity to add one more important layer of protection: a microchip! Since Mango was already safely under anesthesia for his procedure, Dalana was able to microchip him at the same time, making it an easy, stress-free 2-in-1 visit. ❤️

1️⃣ Scan
First, we scan the microchip to make sure it's reading correctly.

2️⃣ Implant
With one quick poke, the tiny microchip is implanted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades.

3️⃣ Scan again!
We give Mango one final scan to confirm the microchip is in place and reading properly.

🪄 Voilà! Mango is microchipped!

A microchip provides permanent identification that can help reunite lost pets with their families.

🚨 Just remember: it only works if your contact information is registered and up to date!

Is your pet microchipped? If you're not sure, ask us to scan them at their next visit!

08/12/2026

Clark recently needed a blood draw, and Staci was more than happy to provide the snuggles while the team got to work.

For cats, a veterinary visit can bring unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, and handling. A little preparation before, during, and after the appointment can make a big difference.

🏠 Before the visit: Leave the carrier out at home so it becomes a familiar, comfortable space. Add a favorite blanket or familiar-smelling item, and reward your cat for exploring it on their own.

🐱 During the visit: Every cat is different. We use gentle handling, minimal restraint, a quiet environment, familiar comforts, treats, and taking things at the cat’s pace can all help reduce stress. And these are just some of the things we can do to help your cat feel more at home! For Clark, a good snuggle with Staci was just what he needed!

❤️ After the visit: Give your cat time and space to decompress at home. Let them return to their normal routine at their own pace, and offer a favorite treat, meal, toy, or cozy resting spot.

At AVMC, feline-friendly care means paying attention to the individual cat in front of us and adjusting our approach to help them feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Clark, you handled it like a champ! 🧡

💬 What helps your cat feel safe and comfortable when they're somewhere new?

📲 Text us: 509-566-9786
💻 Visit: https://avmcww.com/

Associated Veterinary is an AAHA accredited veterinary hospital in Walla Walla. We provide phenomenal veterinary care for dogs, cats and horses.

08/06/2026

It's Itchy Pet Awareness Month! Every pet deserves to feel comfortable, and for some pets, allergies aren't just a seasonal annoyance. They're a lifelong journey.

This is Arrow, the beloved pup of our veterinary technician, Jade. Arrow struggled with suspected environmental allergies for much of her life. Because she had a very sensitive stomach, traditional oral antibiotics and antifungal medications weren't a good option, making her treatment plan even more challenging.

With patience, consistency, and a personalized treatment plan, Arrow's allergies were managed with:
🛁 Regular medicated baths
💙 Topical skin therapy between baths
🥣 A veterinary therapeutic diet to support skin health

Every pet's treatment plan is different, but finding the right combination can make a remarkable difference.

One of the biggest misconceptions about allergies is that there's a "quick fix." The reality is that many pets need ongoing management to keep itching, skin infections, and discomfort under control. Every pet is different, and finding the right plan sometimes takes patience, but it's worth it.

If your pet is constantly scratching, licking their paws, shaking their head, or dealing with recurring ear or skin infections, don't ignore the signs. Together, we can create a treatment plan tailored to their needs and lifestyle.

❤️🌈 Arrow has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but her story continues to help other pets by reminding us that chronic allergies can often be managed with the right care and commitment. Thank you, Jade, for allowing us to share Arrow's journey and help educate other pet families.

💬 Has your pet struggled with allergies? We'd love to hear what has helped them find relief.

📲 Text us: 509-566-9786
💻 Visit: https://avmcww.com/

08/04/2026

Every comeback starts with a single step.

When Bonnie came to us with a dislocated hip, she needed surgery to help restore her comfort and mobility. She underwent a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), a procedure that removes the damaged portion of the hip joint to relieve pain and help pets regain comfortable movement.

This video shares Bonnie's journey from just after surgery to several months later. Watching her regain strength, confidence, and mobility is a wonderful reminder of what's possible with skilled surgical care, a dedicated family, and time to heal.

Recovery doesn't happen overnight. It takes patience, rest, rehabilitation, and lots of encouragement. But as Bonnie shows us, every small milestone is worth celebrating.

❤️ We're so proud of how far you've come, Bonnie!

💬 Have you ever helped a pet recover from surgery or an injury? Share your story in the comments! We'd love to celebrate their journey, too.

07/31/2026

Join us in wishing Danny the happiest of birthdays! 🥳🎉

This week, we're celebrating one of our amazing veterinary technicians, Danny! Whether he's caring for patients, making our team laugh, or brightening everyone's day with his positive attitude, we're so grateful to have him as part of the AVMC family.

We hope your special day was filled with plenty of cake, lots of laughter, and everything that makes you smile. Thank you for everything you do for our patients, their families, and your teammates. We appreciate you more than you know!

🎂Happy Birthday, Danny! We hope this next year is your best one yet!

💬 Help us celebrate by leaving Danny a birthday message in the comments! 🎈🎁

07/23/2026

Bertie and Sirius recently visited us for their first wellness exam and vaccines. Instead of hiding, these curious kittens explored the exam room, climbed on their carrier, and checked out everything around them... and that's exactly what we love to see!

A positive first veterinary experience can help set the stage for a lifetime of less stressful visits.

Kitten Socialization Tips:
🐱 Handle gently every day: Help kittens become comfortable with having their paws, ears, mouth, and body touched.

🚗 Make the carrier a happy place: Leave it out at home with a soft blanket and treats so it becomes a safe space, not just something that appears before vet visits.

👋 Introduce new people slowly: Calm, positive interactions help kittens become more comfortable meeting visitors.

🏡 Explore new sights and sounds: Everyday household noises like the vacuum, TV, and doorbell can become less scary when introduced gradually.

🧸 Encourage play and enrichment: Wand toys, puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and climbing opportunities support both physical and mental development.

❤️ Keep veterinary visits positive: Early visits help kittens become comfortable with handling while allowing us to monitor their health as they grow.

At AVMC, we've designed our feline-friendly approach around helping cats feel safe and comfortable. By moving at your kitten's pace and encouraging positive experiences, we help make veterinary visits something they can feel more confident about as they grow.

💬 Tell us about your cat! Are they the first to investigate every new room, or do they prefer to observe from a cozy hiding spot? Bonus points for sharing their photo!

07/16/2026

Dozer and Spudz definitely had their eyes on the treats, but they also stopped by for some important care. Dozer was being treated for an ear infection, while Spudz was recovering from an infection on his tail.

💧 Hydration Awareness Month is a great reminder that fresh, clean water does more than quench your pet's thirst. It helps support healthy skin, healing, and overall wellness.

Here are a few simple ways to help your pet stay hydrated this summer:
💧 Keep fresh, cool water available at all times.
🥣 Wash your pet's water bowl daily with warm, soapy water to remove slime, bacteria, and debris that can build up.
🧊 Add fresh water throughout the day, especially after walks or outdoor play.
🏡 Place multiple water bowls around your home so they're always within easy reach.
🚗 Bring water and a portable bowl whenever you're on the go.

If you notice your pet shaking their head, scratching at their ears, licking excessively, or developing redness or sores on their skin, don't wait to schedule an appointment. Catching problems early can help prevent them from becoming more serious.

💬 What's your go-to hydration hack for your pets during the warmer months? Share your favorite tip in the comments!