Brantford Veterinary Clinic

05/29/2026

Time for an RVT staff spotlight!

Many of you recognize Jolene 🐾 (not to be confused with the one Dolly wrote a song about) but did you know Jolene grew up on a farm, where caring for animals was simply part of everyday life and that early experience sparked a lifelong passion for animal care. She went on to complete her RVT diploma at Algonquin College and further expanded her expertise as a graduate of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program at Northern College.

At home, Jolene’s world is just as busy and animal-filled, with three kids, one dog, cats, and a flock of chickens keeping her on her toes. With hands-on experience in both domestic and wildlife care, Jolene brings a compassionate, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth approach to every patient she cares for. 🐾 We appreciate Jolene and all she does!

05/26/2026

Your pet isn’t trying to win an award for “Most Dramatic Bathroom Breaks”… even if it really looks like it. 👀

If your cat or dog is making frequent pit stops, straining like they’re lifting weights, or giving you that “help me” look, urinary stones could be the culprit.

🚨 Signs to watch for:

• Constant trips outside or to the litter box
• Straining or vocalizing
• Blood in the urine
• Accidents in the house from a usually well-trained pet

🚑 Both cats and dogs can develop urinary stones, but male pets especially can get blocked and that’s an emergency.

The good news: with proper hydration 💧, the right diet, and regular vet visits, many cases can be managed or even prevented.

Moral of the story? If your pet’s bathroom habits suddenly get weird, don’t brush it off. They might be a little dramatic… but this is worth taking seriously.

Stay observant. Stay proactive. And maybe give them a little extra privacy on their bathroom breaks. 🐾

Stones can range in sizes, look at this one which had to be surgically removed!

05/25/2026

Tiny but mighty 🐾💪😻

This sweet 4-week-old kitten came to us with a severe hernia and needed emergency surgery on Friday to place his organs back into his abdominal cavity. During anesthesia, his temperature dropped dangerously low, making an already critical situation even more frightening for such a tiny patient.
The surgery involved opening the abdomen and locating the defect in the abdominal wall. Once Dr. Seguin found the opening, she carefully repositioned the organs and sutured the hole closed. A drain was then placed to help prevent fluid buildup during recovery.
Our team did everything possible to keep him warm and stable throughout the procedure — using a warming blanket, warm lavage fluids, and continuous monitoring of his temperature and vital signs.
Little Cody is recovering well under the care of the Brantford Cat Rescue.

05/22/2026

Welcome to our first ever Staff spotlight! 🌟

Many of you know Dr. Seguin 🩺🐾 and it’s no surprise why as she’s so widely respected for her decades of dedication, compassion, and exceptional care for both pets and their people. Dr. Seguin knew she wanted to be a veterinarian at just 8 years old and she’s been following that dream ever since. She earned her DVM in 1982 and went on to work at a busy clinic in Oakville before joining the Brantford Veterinary Clinic in 1988. With over 40 years of experience (and counting!), Dr. Seguin is still loving every minute of veterinary medicine.

At home, she’s surrounded by a lively crew of “rescue” cases, so caring for animals is truly a 24/7 passion. Dr. Seguin is Fear Free Certified Level 3 and enjoys building positive, low-stress experiences for both pets and their people. She provides appointments, surgeries, and dental care and brings a warm, compassionate touch to everything she does. 🐾

05/19/2026

👀 Keep your eyes open for some of our more popular creepy crawlies! 👀

05/15/2026

While we’re all enjoying the oohs and ahhs of fireworks, your pets are thinking:
“WHY IS THE SKY ANGRY???”

Here’s how to keep your furry friends safe when the fireworks start:

🎆 Create a cozy hideout
Set up a quiet, comfy space with their favorite blankets or toys. Bonus points if it smells like you.

🎆 Close the windows & turn up the noise
TV, music, white noise—anything to muffle the scary sounds

🎆 Keep them inside
Even the chillest pet can panic and bolt. Fireworks + open door/window = jail break escape attempt.

🎆 Update ID tags & microchips
Just in case your pet decides to audition for the next Homeward Bound movie.

🎆 Stay calm & act normal
If you’re relaxed, they’re more likely to be too.

🎆 Talk to your Vet if needed
If your pet gets extremely anxious, we can help with calming strategies or medications.

Remember: To us, it’s a celebration. To them, it’s a surprise action movie they didn’t sign up for.
Stay safe, keep pets cozy, and enjoy the night. Preferably with fewer dramatic zoomies ❤️🐾

05/13/2026

What is leptospirosis? 🦠

Lepto is a bacterial disease that is spread through the urine of animals. It can also be found in contaminated soil.

How does my pet contract leptospirosis?

Dogs and humans can get the infection from other animals, including skunks, raccoons, opossums, rats and other dogs. Dogs usually become infected by drinking, swimming or walking through contaminated water or soil.

What does lepto do?

The disease causes severe damage to the kidney, liver, and other organs, and may be fatal in severe cases.

How to prevent lepto?
*The leptospirosis vaccine is recommended as a routine vaccine. Annual boosters of the vaccine are needed to maintain the best immunity.
*Limit exposure to rodents
*Avoid standing water

I live in the city is my pet still at risk?

Yes! Since lepto can survive for a long time in the environment your pet can be at risk even in your own backyard. Dogs are also at higher risk if they have contact with other dogs at dog parks, boarding or training facilities with unknown vaccine status.

For more information feel free to check out the lepto link:
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis

05/13/2026

05/11/2026

🐕 May is Microchip month! 🐈

What is a microchip?

Not to be confused with a tracking device, a microchip is a small electronic chip used as permanent identification for pets. It is activated when a scanner passes over it and transmits the microchip number. This number will be connected to an owners contact information held by the microchip company. It helps increase the likely hood of reuniting missing pets with their families!

✅ Pros of Microchipping:

• A microchip is a permanent way to prove pet ownership.
• Safe and quick procedure
• A great way for owners to be reunited with lost pets
• Cost effective

Be sure to check that all your contact information is up to date and ask your vet to scan for your pets microchip annually to ensure it is still working!

05/10/2026

Today we celebrate all the amazing moms, to both human and fur kids! 🐾

🐶🐱 From all of us here, we wish you a day filled with love, snuggles, and maybe even a few extra treats!