If you take your dog swimming in lakes or ponds during the summer, listen up! During hot weather in late summer and early fall, lakes and ponds can accumulate a dangerous type of algae that floats seemingly innocent on the surface. This species grows in “blooms” that give the water a blue-green color. Continue…
Higher temperatures this summer usually means more time is spent outside for pet owners, but this can also mean more trips to your veterinarian. During the summer months, we typically see an increase in the amount of injuries and illnesses overall. One of those illnesses that Doctor Yetter and his staff have encountered this summer is water intoxication. Continue…
The Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) or canine flu has once again emerged this spring. Last year’s outbreak in the Chicagoland area had many owners in a tailspin as kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons closed in an attempt to stop the illness from spreading.
Recently, the team at Prairie Ridge Veterinary Clinic has become aware of cases in in Peoria and Bloomington. That’s only an hour or so away! Because the latest strain of CIV is new, knowing the facts about this virus is one of the best ways to protect your four-legged friend. Continue…
Although it’s a commonly held belief, aging does not equate to illness or disease. In fact, pets who receive a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and consistent veterinary care often spend their golden years in optimal health. That’s why the team at Prairie Ridge Veterinary Clinic prioritizes senior pet wellness.
Our approach encompasses all factors that contribute to health and wellbeing. This includes physical examinations, diagnostic screenings, and the quality of daily pet care. Continue…
Itchy pets are not an uncommon sight in the veterinary hospital, and this time of year Prairie Ridge Veterinary Clinic is fully of them. There are many reasons a pet might be suffering from itchy skin, however atopic dermatitis is one of the most common dermatologic problems that we see. Learn all about atopy in pets and what can be done to get your furry family friend comfortable again.
Atopic dermatitis is a genetic predisposition to developing a sensitivity to environmental allergens like dust, mold, grasses, and pollens. It develops due to a defect in the protective barrier of the skin, allowing these types of particles to gain access to the immune system, stimulating the body to develop sensitivity. Histamines are released (the same compounds that cause a reaction to a mosquito bite), and the whole itching and inflammation cycle begins. Continue…
Spring brings a sense of regeneration, renewal, and optimism for the future. While you may be preparing to till the soil, clean out the garage, and tear through that Honey-Do List, allow us to renew the concept of preventing a pet poisoning this spring.
The calendar month of March is on board; in fact, March 20-26 is marked Pet Poison Prevention Week. Your pet’s natural curiosity can place him or her in harm’s way – but your team at Prairie Ridge Veterinary Clinic have the following tips and tricks so your pet can enjoy nature’s splendor for all the months of the year. Continue…
When some pet owners think of dental care, they often assume it’s just a cleaning. However, oral exams entail an assessment of dental and gum health, nutritional or dietary adjustments, and safe dental cleanings, as recommended.
Even the concept of dental cleanings remains somewhat vague. Is it just to produce fresh breath and a whiter smile? Actually, no. Dental cleanings can greatly diminish your pet’s chances of developing periodontal disease, as well as other health complications. Continue…
January is here, and with it the usual round of health-related New Year’s Resolutions. While we are taking the time to reflect on where we may have neglected our own health and wellness, why not ask ourselves where we might improve these areas of our pet’s lives as well?
Seasonal pet weight gain is a fact of life for most animals who live in a seasonal climate, whether that’s trying to prevent the weight from creeping on or struggling to lose it after the fact. Keeping our pets fit and healthy over the frigid Midwestern winter can be a challenge, but one worth fighting for. Continue…
Your pet’s overall wellness hinges on proper nutrition, regular exercise, and…stringent dental care? Indeed, the state of your pet’s dental health greatly affects well being but hasn’t always been a top priority – until now!
Modern veterinary research and advances in pet dental care allow us great insight into your pet’s general health and his or her longevity. If you’ve been questioning your pet’s dental health, we are here to help you get started. Doing so may extend your pet’s life by two years! Continue…
Although the topic of pet diabetes is not particularly fun, it is important. Since November is National Diabetes Month, we want to raise awareness and focus on prevention of this all-too-common disease.
While diabetes can take a heavy toll on a pet’s health, it’s important to understand that type II diabetes is actually preventable. For pets who have already been diagnosed, it may be comforting to know they can still lead relatively normal, healthy lives with the correct treatment plan. Continue…
“Dr. Yetter’s professional & compassionate care enabled us to have Lady as a member of our family for over 17 years. Through his knowledge, extensive research, and willingness to reach out, he provided Lady with a long quality life in spite of numerous health issues. We are eternally grateful.”
— Diane & Terry Svob
“Dr. Yetter and the staff at Prairie Ridge have given excellent care to my family of pets for about 20 years. I always feel comfortable asking questions and knowing I will get complete, caring answers. Dr. Yetter researches to find the best treatment options. My cats and dog are family to me, and we trust Prairie Ridge Veterinary Clinic.”
—Janis Blout
“We are so grateful for the hard work and extra research Dr. Yetter did for our Tansy-cat to find out why she wasn’t eating. If there is a time when your most precious friend is ill and you need to trust someone to care for them, Dr. Yetter is definitely that person! He went above and beyond to do everything he could to save our beautiful Tansy.”
— Tom & Bev Berberett
“My pets have been patients of Dr. Yetter and his great staff for many years, and I have always been grateful for their efficiency and helpfulness. Having good care right here in Havana is a big plus!”
— Jan McFarlin
“I began to bring in my labs into PRVC when I started working there, and was happy to have such a caring and knowledgeable doctor to take care of two of my best friends. It always amazes me just how much care goes into each and every animal, let alone the perseverance of Dr. Yetter and staff (I should call them family) in working out how to treat each and every problem.”
— Chris Johnson