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We have been nominated once again for Minnesota’s Best, the Star Tribune Readers’ Choice Award. Please consider voting for Allied Veterinary Emergency & Referral at the button below.
See Dr. Isla on Twin Cities Live!
Twin Cities Live! – Watch Dr. Isla talk about Pet Hazards in this short clip:
Urgent Care
If you feel like your pet needs to be seen and your primary care veterinarian is booked or unavailable, our Brooklyn Park location provides urgent care services 7 days a week. This is in addition to admitting patients on emergency who have more serious illnesses or injuries. In fact, we have a dedicated team that is assigned to our urgent care patients, making for a quicker visit and more rapid treatment. Give us a call 763-463-9800.
Avian Flu
Bird flu, or avian influenza, seems to be all over the news. But it can be confusing to know if your pet may be at risk.
Although bird flu viruses mainly infect and spread among wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, some viruses can infect and spread to other animals as well.
What You Need to Know
Transmission:
- Pets can become infected through contact with infected birds, such as:
- Eating dead or sick birds
- Consuming raw or undercooked poultry products
- Being exposed to bird droppings or respiratory secretions
Symptoms:
Depending on the strain of bird flu virus they may include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Respiratory problems (cough, difficulty breathing)
- Neurological signs (confusion, seizures)
Treatment:
Bird flu in pets typically involves antiviral medications and supportive care, such as fluids and pain relievers. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Prevention:
To prevent pets from getting bird flu, pet owners should:
- Keep pets indoors or on leashes when possible
- Avoid feeding pets dead or sick birds
- Cook poultry products thoroughly before feeding them to pets
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling birds or their droppings
- Monitor pets for any signs of illness and consult a veterinarian immediately if any symptoms are observed
It’s important to note that bird flu is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Therefore, pet owners should take precautions to protect both their pets and themselves from infection.
More information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Investing in Patient Care with New Technologies
NEW 128-slice CT Scanner
When your pet faces a medical emergency, every second counts. Accurate and fast diagnostics can be the difference between life-saving treatment and unnecessary delays. One of the most powerful tools in veterinary emergency care is Computed Tomography (CT) scanning, but not all CT machines are created equal. At Allied, we’ve invested in our patients by being the first referral center in the upper Midwest to acquire a cutting-edge 128-slice CT scanner, setting us apart from other clinics in the area that rely on lower-slice models.
But what does this mean for your pet? Let’s explore why our 128-slice CT scanner is a game-changer:
- Faster scanning means shorter wait times for results
- Higher quality images that capture critical details
- Less radiation exposure
- Shorter time under anesthesia
- Rapid treatment decisions due to clear imaging
At Allied, we refuse to compromise on quality. Our investment ensures your pet gets the best care possible—right when they need it most.
Common Emergencies: Do dog bites and puncture wounds need veterinary care?
Feline Fact: Did you know that cats can get colds?
Just like humans, cats can catch colds and spread them to each other. They are caused by viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract, similar to colds in humans. In cats, colds are referred to as feline upper respiratory infection (URI), and cases can range from mild to severe. Young kittens and senior or immunocompromised cats are particularly susceptible to URIs and require enhanced care and monitoring.
Symptoms may include:
Sneezing, Runny nose, Coughing, Eye discharge, Lethargy, and Loss of appetite
Most colds resolve on their own within a week or two. However, if your cat’s symptoms worsen or do not improve, it is important to consult a veterinarian. They may prescribe medications or recommend other treatments to help your cat recover.
Canine Fact: Are kennel cough and a cold the same thing for dogs?
While not exactly the same, kennel cough is often considered the dog equivalent of a human cold, as both are contagious respiratory infections caused by multiple viruses and bacteria, resulting in similar symptoms like coughing and sneezing, though kennel cough has a more distinctive “honking” cough and is specifically related to dogs, meaning they can’t catch a human cold and vice versa. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about vaccination to help protect your dog from these common illnesses.
Ask a Vet: Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance?
Yes, we understand emergencies are typically not planned for. That’s why we offer a variety of payment options including cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discovery, American Express plus:
We also have an Angel Fund at each of our 5 locations. For those who are able, or want to assist other animals in need, you can “round up” or donate to mybalto. To participate, simply click on one of the links found on our Pet Parents website page.
