Prairie Creek Veterinary Services

09/01/2026

It’s Sept 1! Ready for fall?
Has your furry friend been updated on vaccines or had an annual check up this year?

We updated our email address last fall so we’re hoping you’re getting our reminders. If you’re not sure if they’ve had an exam give us a call or email checking in.

08/22/2026

On and in continuation of National Immunization Awareness Month, we’d like to remind animal owners to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as heartworm disease, West Nile Virus, and others, by keeping their animals up to date on vaccinations and using preventative medications.

Be sure to talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions!

07/18/2026

With wildfire smoke creating poor air quality across the U.S, the AVMA is reminding the public that wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks not only to people, but to pets and livestock as well.

Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can cause respiratory issues in animals, especially those with pre-existing heart or lung disease. Pet owners should keep a close eye on their animals during poor air quality events and contact their veterinarian if any of the following signs appear. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4wqddp3

07/14/2026

A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it's important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.

The best thing to do is avoid sun exposure whenever possible!

06/25/2026

Have you seen a veterinarian or farmer check a sheep or goat’s lower eyelid with a card like this?

This technique is called FAMACHA scoring. It is an on-farm tool used to help assess anemia, or a low number of red blood cells, in small ruminants such as sheep and goats. Anemia in these animals can be associated with parasites, including the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus).

The scoring process involves gently examining the color of the lower eyelid, called the conjunctiva, and comparing it with a standardized chart. The chart uses a 1 to 5 scale. Paler color may indicate a greater concern for anemia and can help inform whether parasite control should be considered.

Why not deworm the whole herd every time?

Targeted parasite control can help:
• Reduce unnecessary treatments
• Save money
• Support herd health
• Help slow drug resistance

FAMACHA scoring should be used as part of a herd health plan developed with a veterinarian or trained animal health professional.

Purdue Agriculture Purdue Extension Purdue University Purdue Animal Sciences Indiana State Board of Animal Health

06/16/2026

The office will be closed next week June 22-26, Mon - Fri. Please let us know this week if you need any medication refills.

If you have any horse emergencies June 20-28th while the doctor is gone please contact Classic Equine at 616-292-1168 as they are helping to cover emergencies. Their main office number during the day is 616-642-6784.

If you have any small animal emergencies during this time, you can call the animal emergency hospital in Grand Rapids at 616-361-9911.

06/07/2026

June is National Pet Preparedness Month - an important time to review your family's emergency plans and ensure you've incorporated a plan for your pets as well. Here are a few ways you can prepare for a reunion - in the event your pet gets lost during an emergency. You can find more important tips here: https://bit.ly/3ZSST0y

06/05/2026

If you haven’t heard about screwworms they have been found in Texas. The migration has been being watched, coming up from Mexico.

Video chapter information: 0:00 Opening1:37 Introduction6:08 Biology11:11 Screwworm Infestations15:40 Distribution and Current Outbreak34:38 Identification o...

06/04/2026

We would like to let everyone know that the office will be closed Monday, June 22nd through Friday, June 26th. Please plan ahead for any medication refills/pick ups.

For the dates of Friday, June 19th through Sunday, June 28th, Dr. Amy will be unavailable for Large Animal Emergencies. More information to come for on call horse, goat, and sheep emergencies.

Thank you for your time and understanding!

05/25/2026