VCA Mill Run Animal Hospital

Where your pet's health is our priority and excellent customer service is our goal!

At VCA Mill Run Animal Hospital, we look forward to welcoming you and your four-legged family member. Our entire staff believes the better we get to know your pets, the better we can provide the best possible healthcare. In fact, when you come in, you'll see exactly why our veterinarians are praised for their kind and thorough care. We'll give you and your pet all the time you need, and never rush through an exam. We'll also carefully track the course of your pet's care, which is important to your pet's long-term health. We also offer tours of our state-of-the art kennel facility and our groomers are always happy to take a moment to speak with you.

In every case, you'll be served by experienced, knowledgeable members of our staff. Our veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other pet-friendly personnel are trained to the highest standards. Their knowledge of the latest veterinary medicines and procedures ensures that all our pet patients get the best in prevention and healing methods.

Local Medical Issues

Canine Influenza Alert!

Many of our clients have been asking recently about the canine flu. Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus with nearly all dogs that are exposed becoming infected within a few days after exposure. It is seen predominantly in situations where dogs are confined or housed together and anywhere they easily come in contact (boarding kennels, daycare centers, dog parks, and dog shows for example). It is spread through aerosols from dogs that are coughing or sneezing. In this regard there are many similarities to the ease of transmission of flu among humans. Canine flu is species-specific and is not contagious to people.

Canine influenza was first reported in Florida in 2004, where there was a highly publicized outbreak in racing greyhounds. Since that time canine flu has spread to dogs in 30 states as well as the District of Columbia. It may have also affected dogs in other states but not yet been definitively diagnosed.

Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible. About 80% of exposed dogs will go on to develop clinical signs of infection. Typical symptoms resemble those of dogs with kennel cough. A persistent cough is the most prominent sign (lasting longer than a typical case of kennel cough), along with sneezing, and nasal discharge. Affected dogs may also develop a fever and become lethargic. Approximately 10% of dogs go on to develop pneumonia and can become critically ill. Up to 5% of dogs die from this disease. Dogs that develop pneumonia need to be hospitalized for intensive care. By all means, if your dog has a coughing or sneezing problem, please let us know so that we can do an evaluation. Do not ignore it! There is a test for canine influenza and some dogs will need to have x-rays to check for pneumonia.

A new vaccine is available that may help reduce the threat to your dog.