Austintown Veterinary Clinic

05/29/2026

Celebrate National Heat Awareness Day by keeping your pets cool and comfortable. Shade, hydration, and indoor breaks go a long way!

05/28/2026

🐾 Specially-Abled Pet Spotlight: Basil 🐾

Meet Basil, a sweet and social girl who has never met a stranger. 💙🐶

Basil has been a loving companion to her family for over 11 years. She loves snuggling by your side and is happiest anywhere there are new people ready to give her attention and pets!

About 2½ years ago, Basil was diagnosed with diabetes, and since then she has quietly and bravely accepted her routine of twice-daily insulin “jabs” like the champion she is.

What is diabetes in pets?
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels, often requiring lifelong insulin therapy and monitoring.

Signs to watch for:
• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss despite a good appetite
• Increased hunger
• Lethargy
• Cataracts (especially in dogs)

The good news:
With consistent insulin, routine monitoring, and a stable schedule, many diabetic pets can continue to live long, happy, and active lives.

Basil is a wonderful reminder that pets adapt incredibly well—and that a little extra care can go a long way in helping them thrive. 🐾✨

05/27/2026

🐾 Specially-Abled Pet Spotlight: Brutus 🐾

Brutus is a familiar face here at Austintown Veterinary Clinic—and while we absolutely love seeing him, the feeling isn’t always mutual. 😄💙

During his yearly wellness exam in November 2025, Brutus’ mom mentioned he had been experiencing increased thirst and urination (PU/PD). Bloodwork was performed, and after some time and additional testing, Brutus was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease.

What is Cushing’s disease?
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, a stress hormone that affects many body systems.

Common signs include:
• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite
• Panting
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Pot-bellied appearance

The good news:
While Cushing’s disease can take time to diagnose, it is often manageable with medication and routine monitoring. Brutus is now on treatment and doing well!

Brutus is a great reminder of how important it is to pay attention to subtle changes at home and to keep up with routine wellness testing—early detection makes all the difference. 🐾✨

05/26/2026

🐾 Specially-Abled Pet Spotlight: Pretty Girl 🐾

Some pets find their families in the most unexpected ways. 💙🐱

Back on the 4th of July in 2017, during a night of fireworks, Pretty Girl showed up unannounced—walking through a dog door and settling in like she already knew she was home. She was scared, seeking safety, and quietly asking for a place to stay.

What was meant to be temporary turned into something much more.

After a few days, it was discovered that Pretty Girl had been a stray for most of her life, but from that night on, she never left.

Lovingly nicknamed a “squatter” in the beginning, Pretty Girl has now spent the last 9 years running the household and keeping everyone in line. 😄

In her senior years, Pretty Girl has been diagnosed with arthritis, but with monthly injections to help manage her pain, she continues to live a comfortable, happy life.

Arthritis is very common in older cats, but it often goes unnoticed. Signs can include:
• Hesitation to jump or climb
• Sleeping more than usual
• Stiffness or slower movement
• Changes in behavior or grooming

The good news:
There are excellent options—like monthly injections, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments—that can greatly improve comfort and quality of life.

Pretty Girl is fearless, resilient, and deeply loved—a true testament to second chances and growing old comfortably with the right care. 🐾✨

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to honor the human and K9 heroes who gave everything in service and sacrifice. We remember them today and always.

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

🐾 Specially-Abled Pet Spotlight: Mercedes 🐾

Meet Mercedes, a sweet kitty with a great success story. 💙🐱

In 2024, Mercedes was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a common condition in older cats. Instead of managing the disease with daily medication, her owner chose radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy through The Cat Company.

We’re happy to share that Mercedes did very well during her treatment and stay. Even better—when she returned to us 30 days later for recheck bloodwork, her levels were completely normal!

What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, speeding up the body’s metabolism.

Signs to watch for:
• Weight loss despite a good appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Hyperactivity or restlessness
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Treatment options:
• Daily medication
• Prescription diet
• Surgery (less common)
• Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131) – often considered the gold standard, as it can cure the condition in many cases

The takeaway:
There are multiple ways to successfully manage hyperthyroidism, and in some cases—like Mercedes—advanced treatment can lead to an excellent outcome.

Mercedes is a wonderful example of how exploring all treatment options can make a life-changing difference. 🐱✨

05/22/2026

It’s National Pet Month which basically means 30 days of giving your pet even more attention than usual (if that’s even possible). Post a photo of your pets to celebrate!

05/21/2026

🐾 Specially-Abled Pet Spotlight: Pagogo, Shanook & Stella 🐾

Meet Pagogo, Shanook, and Stella—three fun-loving siblings who keep their family on their toes. 🐶💚

These three recently tested positive for Lyme disease, something we are unfortunately seeing more and more often in our area. The good news is that with early detection and treatment, many pets can recover well and continue to live happy, active lives.

What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.

Signs to watch for:
• Limping or shifting leg lameness
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Swollen joints

Why prevention matters:
Tick exposure is very common, especially in our region. While treatment is available, prevention is always the best protection.

✔️ Year-round tick prevention
✔️ Routine testing (often included in annual bloodwork)
✔️ Checking your pet for ticks after being outdoors

The takeaway:
Testing and treating early is important—but preventing Lyme disease altogether is even better.

Pagogo, Shanook, and Stella are a great reminder to stay proactive when it comes to tick prevention and routine care. 🐾✨

05/20/2026

Rescue dogs may come from tough beginnings, but they’re full of love and loyalty. Here’s to the pups who found their forever homes and to the people who gave it to them.