Dr. Cody Bourque

04/24/2025

So proud of Taylor, his family, and our team’s efforts to combat his cancer diagnosis! Patients like Taylor are the reason we are in veterinary medicine and offer chemotherapy services!

04/23/2025

The hardest workers in all of veterinary medicine 🎉

🌟 Happy Veterinary Receptionist Week! 🌟

This week, we’re celebrating the heartbeat of our front line—our incredible Virtual Veterinary Receptionists! 💻💬🐾

Even from behind a screen, you bring warmth, organization, and compassion to every call, every message, and every pet parent.

💖 Thank you for being the friendly voice on the line, and the glue that keeps our team connected.
Drop a 🐾 in the comments to show some love for our virtual reception rockstars! 🎉

04/21/2025

🌸 Happy Easter from all of us at Greater Saint John Veterinary Walk-in & Urgent Care! 🌸

As you're enjoying your Easter treats, don’t forget—chocolate is toxic to pets! 🐶🐱🐰 Whether it’s a sneaky dog, a curious cat, or a hopping little bunny, chocolate can cause serious health issues.

Keep Easter baskets, candy, and baked goods out of paw's reach!

If your pet does get into chocolate, don’t wait—give us a call immediately. Quick action can save lives. (506) 777-1235

We are open 7 days a week from 12 P.M to 12 A.M. Including this long weekend!

Other common Easter toxins for pets include:

- Xylitol (found in sugar-free candy and gum)

- Plastic Easter grass (can cause dangerous blockages if ingested)

- Grapes and raisins (often found in baked goods)

- Onions and garlic (toxic to dogs and cats, sometimes used in holiday meals)

- Uncooked yeast dough (can expand in the stomach)

- Alcohol (even small amounts can be dangerous)

- Lilies (especially toxic to cats—even a few petals or water from the vase)

Wishing you a safe and sweet holiday! 🐰❤️

04/04/2025

Well deserved Dr. Creighton!! 🎉🩺

Congratulations to Dr. Cate Creighton for being selected as the 2024 recipient of the CVMA Teacher of the Year at Atlantic Veterinary College - AVC!

The CVMA Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to a teacher at each of the Canadian veterinary colleges. The recipient, selected by veterinary students, is a teacher who inspires them by their approach to the subject, teaching methods, and enthusiasm.

Get to know Dr. Creighton a bit more here: https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/students-of-the-cvma-scvma/cvma-teacher-of-the-year-award-recipients

03/31/2025

Today is a travel day back from South Carolina. Yesterday was Day 3 of IVS’ first conference focusing on non-oncologist provided cancer care. If you have been with me since I started this page you one this is exactly the care I provide. Non-specialist care for oncology patients through surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care.

Fortunate to have made friends and professional relationships along with learning how to provide the best standard of care.

Day 3 included the topics of minimizing chemotherapy side effects, compounded chemotherapy, top 10 recent advances in oncology, along with improving quality of life in oncology patients.

Special thanks to Dr. Phil Bergman and Dr. Gary Oswald and International Veterinary Seminars for the opportunity!

03/30/2025

International Veterinary Seminars Conference Day 2 recap ft. a rare picture of me

Topics covered:
New treatments for Lymphoma, Mast Cell Tumor, Rescue Protocols when chemotherapy doesn’t work
Increased safety standards for chemotherapy administration
How to minimize side effects of chemotherapy
Novel treatments

So fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from leading internal medicine and oncology specialists Greater Saint John Veterinary Walk-in & Urgent Care

03/29/2025

Recap of Day 1 with International Veterinary Seminars

Importance of complete physical exams and performing fine needle aspirates and cytology on all masses
Liquid biopsy & cancer genetic testing
Risks of spaying/neutering too early or too late
Mast cell tumor advances

Starting today off with Lymphoma latest and greatest

03/28/2025

Time to learn about all the new things oncology and chemotherapy 🤓🩺 Day 1/3
International Veterinary Seminars

03/11/2025

🎉🎉🎉

Register now!

03/10/2025

🐾 Lymphoma in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know 🐾

As a veterinarian, one of the most common cancers I diagnose in dogs is lymphoma—a cancer of the lymphatic system. It often presents as painless, swollen lymph nodes, but some dogs may also show signs like lethargy, weight loss, or decreased appetite.

💡 The good news? Lymphoma is one of the most treatable cancers in dogs! With chemotherapy, many dogs experience a great quality of life and can go into remission for months to years. While there is no cure, treatment can significantly extend their time with us.

🔎 Early detection is key! — Take Milo and Mason, two unrelated dogs who look almost identical. Milo’s was caught during a routine vaccination visit we noticed his swollen lymph nodes. Mason’s was detected when his only sign was a slight decrease in appetite. Both started treatment quickly, giving them the best chance for more happy days.

If you notice swollen lymph nodes under your dog’s jaw, behind the knees, or in front of the shoulders, it’s worth a vet check-up.

❤️ Every dog is different, and treatment decisions should be made based on quality of life and what works best for your family. If your pup has been diagnosed, you are not alone—we are here to guide you every step of the way.

02/26/2025

🌷🌷

🚨 Toxic Flowers for Cats & Dogs 🚨

Spring is around the corner, and while fresh flowers brighten up any home, some can be dangerous for our pets! 🌸🐶🐱 Here are some common flowers that are toxic to cats and dogs:

❌ Lilies – Extremely toxic to cats! Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
❌ Tulips & Daffodils – The bulbs contain toxins that can cause vomiting, drooling, and heart problems.
❌ Azaleas & Rhododendrons – Can cause serious digestive issues, weakness, and even heart failure.
❌ Hyacinths – Contain irritants that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
❌ Chrysanthemums – Can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.
❌ Foxglove – Highly toxic, affecting the heart and potentially fatal if ingested.

🌿 Pet-Safe Alternatives: Roses, Sunflowers, Orchids, and African Violets are safer options!

If your pet ingests a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately. Share this to help fellow pet parents keep their furry friends safe! 🐾❤️

📞Call or text 902 332 1808
📍58 MacLeod Cres Charlottetown PE

02/25/2025

Continuing our series on what to look out for at home:
Check Your Pet’s Gums—It Could Save Their Life! 🩸🐾

Your pet’s mucous membrane color (their gum color!) is a quick and easy way to check their health at home. Healthy gums are typically bubblegum pink, but abnormal colors can signal serious issues:

🔴 Bright red – Heatstroke, sepsis, or toxicity
🔵 Blue/purple – Lack of oxygen, heart or lung disease
⚪ Pale/white – Anemia, blood loss, shock
🟡 Yellow (jaundice) – Liver disease or red blood cell destruction

⚠️ Some pets—especially cats—naturally have paler gums than dogs, so it’s important to know what’s normal for your pet!

💡 How to Check Capillary Refill Time (CRT):
1️⃣ Gently lift your pet’s lip and press on the gums with your finger until they turn white.
2️⃣ Release and count how long it takes for the color to return.
✅ Normal CRT: 1–2 seconds
❌ Slow refill (>2 secs) could indicate dehydration, shock, or circulation issues—call your vet!

A quick gum check could make all the difference in an emergency. If anything looks off, don’t wait—call your vet! 🩺🐶🐱

02/21/2025

Love to see new specialty services available in the Maritimes! 🥳

02/19/2025

Little Valentine treats to pick me up on my first day back 🎉❤️

02/04/2025

🌍🐾 World Cancer Day: Early Detection Saves Lives! 🐾🌍

Today is World Cancer Day, a reminder that early detection can make all the difference—including for our pets. Not all lumps and bumps are harmless, and the only way to truly know is by testing, not guessing.

📌 Why Fine Needle Aspirates (FNA) Matter:
🔬 A quick, minimally invasive procedure to check if a mass is cancerous or benign.
⏳ Early detection means better treatment options and outcomes.
💰 More affordable than waiting until a mass grows or worsens.
🐶🐱 Pets don’t always show signs of illness—an FNA can detect problems early.

If you’ve noticed a new lump on your pet, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian or with us at Greater Saint John Veterinary Walk-In and Urgent Care—we’re here to help ensure your pet stays happy and healthy. 💙

📍 Walk-in or call us today!