Valley Veterinary Hospital of Helena

08/30/2025

Where did the latest AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey find heartworms? in ALL 50 states.

07/17/2025

Happy Thursday everyone!! We are in the process of switching to a new phone system. Unfortunately at this moment if you call in it will say we are Milwaukee Vet Hospital and closed. Rest assured, we are still in Helena and open, just not able to answer the phones. If you need to contact us, please e-mail for the time being to [email protected] or message here and we'll check those resources every 15 minutes to try to catch you.

06/17/2025

06/13/2025

Preventative care keeps tails wagging all season long. From vaccines to parasite protection, we’ve got your furry friends covered for safe, sun-soaked adventures. 🌼🐶🐱

05/11/2025

‼️Why We Strongly Recommend the Leptospirosis Vaccine‼️

Leptospirosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects both animals and humans—making it what’s known as a zoonotic disease. It’s caused by bacteria found in the urine of infected animals and can be spread through contaminated water, soil, or direct contact with infected pets. Even dogs that live primarily indoors are at risk, especially after heavy rain or flooding.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect your dog—and your entire household—from this dangerous illness.

Recently, this hit close to home. Our own veterinarian, Dr. Jason Kennell, likely contracted leptospirosis from a contagious patient. He was hospitalized for five days, after battling symptoms for nearly a week. This has been a sobering reminder of just how real and serious this disease can be—not only for your pets but for the people who care for them.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to vaccinate. It’s a simple step that can prevent significant suffering for both pets and people.

Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our wonderful clients who have been so patient and understanding while we adjusted schedules. Being down Dr. Jason and allowing his wife, Dr. Kaci, time to be by his side meant some changes in our daily operations—and your support has meant the world to our team.

Thank you for trusting us with your pets—and for being part of our extended clinic family. 💙💙🐈🐕

03/27/2025

Leptospirosis was recently changed to a core vaccine requirement, like you dog's Rabies and DHPP vaccines. If your dog has not been vaccinated in the past or it's Leptospirosis vaccine is not up to date, please call to get that updated.

Spring is here! And with that comes a warning about Leptospirosis, a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria.

All dogs are at risk of leptospirosis, regardless of age, breed, lifestyle, geographic location, time of year, and other factors. The following situations can increase that risk:

➡Exposure to or drinking from slow-moving or stagnant water sources, like ponds, rivers, lakes, or streams
➡ Roaming on rural properties (because of exposure to potentially infected wildlife or farm animals or urine-contaminated water sources)
➡ Exposure to wild animals (especially rodents) or farm animals, even if in the backyard
➡ Contact with other dogs (such as in urban areas, dog parks, or boarding or training facilities)

For more information on the signs of leptospirosis, how to prevent it, and more visit: https://bit.ly/4l4VuOn

03/18/2025

03/03/2025

Perfect start to our week!

02/19/2025

12/27/2024

Some emerging information on Avian Influenza in cats.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0gsmteLrf4mqfEvihhwihKxgvORkiSefCQL2WgVKKt9BfpShYlgBBsOvs_aem_Magv8O-WKFosRhYC_SdxKQ

Since the U.S. outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) in dairy cattle began in March 2024, dozens of cats are known to have contracted the virus, including barn and feral cats, indoor cats, and big cats in zoos and in the wild (e.g., mountain lions, tigers, leopards, and bobcats).

11/02/2024