Animal Health Clinic

03/27/2026

🌟 FUN CASE FRIDAY 🌟

Today we are looking at Butler. A 3 year old tuxedo cat who presented to us through Whispurring Hope Animal Rescue & Rehab with some unusual paralysis. He was ataxic (lack of voluntary muscle coordination and control, often resulting in unsteady movements and poor balance) on all of his limbs and paralyzed in his right front limb.

The history of Butler was unknown so through neurologic testing and radiographs it was suspected that Butler had either a potential brain lesion involving the cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls balance) or a problem with his cervical spine. He was started on anti-inflammatory medications and pain management to keep Butler comfortable. He has improved greatly since we first saw him! While he will never regain control of his right front limb, his remaining three legs have improved immensely.

Just this week Butler was fitted to a wheelchair to help him regain balance and muscle control as he continues his rehabilitation. His foster mom is helping Butler get used to the wheelchair and train him how to use it!

If you think Butler is cute, you'll be happy to know that Butler is available for adoption!!! You can visit https://whispurringhoperescue.weebly.com/adoption.html and submit an application for adoption!

03/05/2026

***OWNER HAS BEEN FOUND***

⚠️⚠️LOST DOG FOUND IN DYERSVILLE AREA ⚠️⚠️

Female dog found in Dyersville near the Ethanol Plant Turnoff.

No collar or microchip found.

She is currently here at the clinic. Please call us at 563-875-6083.

02/27/2026

🌟 FUN CASE FRIDAY 🌟

In celebration of Pet Dental Month, our fun case Friday follows Copper, an older horse who presented to us for a post-purchase assessment.

Dr. Burkle assessed Copper and noticed that he was thin and needed some farrier work. Upon assessing his teeth, it was noted that he had sharp hooks and points on his molars. Hooks are severe, long protrusions on the first/last molars. Points are sharp enamel points on the outer upper/inner lower molars that can damage the cheeks and tongue.

Copper was sedated, and an equine mouth speculum was used to allow visualization of his teeth. Copper had hooks present on both the top and bottom molars on each side. He also had sharp points on the sides of his teeth, which caused ulcers on his cheeks and tongue. These are very painful for horses and can cause them to avoid eating due to the damage!

A special tool called an equine dental float with a rotating diamond bit is used to help file down these sharp points and hooks. After some extensive dental work, Copper is doing great at his new home, and it's reported that he is now eating better at home!

🐴Why Equine Dentistry Matters
1. Promotes efficient chewing and digestion
2. Prevents painful ulcers and sores in the mouth
3. Improves bit comfort and riding performance
4. Reduces risk of colic and weight loss
5. Supports overall health and longevity

At-Home Signs of Dental Issues
🚩 Dropping feed or difficulty chewing
🚩 Weight loss despite good appetite
🚩 Head tossing or resistance to the bit
🚩 Excessive salivation or foul odor from the mouth
🚩 Undigested grain in manure

Recommended Dental Care Schedule
🦷 Foals: First exam at 6-12 months to check for developmental issues and assess sharp wolf teeth that can interfere with bit placement in the mouth.
🦷 Young Horses (2-5 years): Annual exams to monitor tooth eruption and alignment.
🦷 Adult Horses (5-20 years): Dental exams every 6-12 months to address wear and sharp points.
🦷 Senior Horses (20+ years): More frequent check-ups to manage tooth loss and age-related changes.

02/13/2026

❤️❤️ Here is our February Newsletter! ❤️❤️

12/31/2025

A friendly reminder of our clinic hours!

🎊✨️Happy New Year!✨️🎊

During this holiday week our office will have the following hours:

🔴 CLOSING AT 2PM on December 31st
🔴 CLOSED ALL DAY on January 1st

A veterinarian will be available for emergencies.

Thank you and Happy New Year!!🎉

12/30/2025

🎊✨️Happy New Year!✨️🎊

During this holiday week our office will have the following hours:

🔴 CLOSING AT 2PM on December 31st
🔴 CLOSED ALL DAY on January 1st

A veterinarian will be available for emergencies.

Thank you and Happy New Year!!🎉

12/29/2025

Don't forget about our ongoing raffle! Stop in and sign up today!

🎄🎁Our Annual Christmas Raffle is Here!!🎁🎄

Stop into the clinic to sign up for some amazing prizes including apparel, gift cards, and more.

Sign up is in-person only and one entry per person is allowed.

12/26/2025

🌟FUN CASE FRIDAY🌟

On today's fun case Friday we are looking at a little Jersey steer. During some routine chute work this steer was noted to have a watery eye and squinting. Upon closer inspection, Dr. Burkle saw that he had hair growing on his third eyelid!

This is what's called an Ocular Dermoid Cyst! Its a rare congenital mass of skin-like tissue that has the ability to grow hair which can be present on the cornea, conjunctiva, or eyelids. These hairs can cause irritation with the potential to cause a painful ulcer or blindness.

This hair was causing this steer some discomfort and removal of the tissue was recommended. Dr. Burkle removed the dermoid cyst to provide relief to this little guy!

12/24/2025

As a reminder we will be closing early today at noon and closed all day tomorrow in celebration of the holidays.

🎁🎄Merry Christmas!!🎄🎁

12/22/2025

🎄🎁Merry Christmas from our staff at Animal Health Clinic!🎁🎄

We want to wish all of our clients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our holiday hours this week are the following:
🔴Wednesday December 24th - Closing at Noon.
🔴Thursday December 25th - Closed all day.
A veterinarian will be on call for any emergencies!

Next week for New Years we will be closed all day on Thursday, January 1st. A veterinarian will be on call for emergencies at these times as well!

We also want to remind our clients about common holiday toxins that they may encounter this season. Its important to keep the holiday snacks away from pets as these may be toxic!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄

12/16/2025

🎄🎁Our Annual Christmas Raffle is Here!!🎁🎄

Stop into the clinic to sign up for some amazing prizes including apparel, gift cards, and more.

Sign up is in-person only and one entry per person is allowed.