McCaw Veterinary Associates

10/31/2026

🎃👻 HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM MVA! 🐾

We hope everyone has a fun, safe Halloween! Costumes, candy, trick-or-treating, and lots of spooky fun are part of the holiday. But there's one family member who needs to stay out of the candy bowl… YOUR DOG! 🐶

🍫 CHOCOLATE TOXICITY

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. The darker and more concentrated the chocolate, the greater the potential danger.

Signs of chocolate toxicity can include:

Vomiting and diarrhea

Restlessness, hyperactivity, and excessive panting

Increased heart rate

Tremors and seizures

In severe cases, potentially life-threatening heart complications

🍬 XYLITOL TOXICITY

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products. Watch out for:

Sugar-free gum and mints

Some candies

Sugar-free baked goods

Certain peanut butters and other products

Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in dogs. Larger exposures can also cause serious liver injury.

Signs may include vomiting, weakness, lethargy, stumbling, tremors, and seizures.

🚨 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

If your pet gets into chocolate, sugar-free candy, or anything containing xylitol:

Don't wait for symptoms to appear.

Try to determine what was eaten, how much, and when.

Keep the packaging so we can identify the ingredients.

Contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital promptly for guidance.

Do NOT attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.

❤️ A FEW HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS:

Keep candy bowls and treat bags out of reach.

Remind children not to share their Halloween goodies with pets.

Keep wrappers, lollipop sticks, and candy packaging away from curious noses.

Make sure your pets have a quiet, secure place away from the front door and all the trick-or-treat traffic.

Have fun, be careful, and enjoy the evening!

HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

And remember… it's okay to give your dog a treat, just make sure it's a DOG TREAT! 🐕🎃

10/29/2026

🦷 TWO PET DENTAL PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT! 🐶🐱

Not every dental problem is simply tartar or bad breath! Today, we're discussing CUPS in dogs and enamel defects in cats—two conditions that can cause discomfort, damage teeth, and require veterinary attention.

🐶 CUPS IN DOGS: CHRONIC ULCERATIVE PARADENTAL STOMATITIS

CUPS is a painful inflammatory condition in which the tissues inside a dog's mouth develop sores where they contact the teeth. These are often called “kissing ulcers.”

The inflammation is thought to involve an exaggerated response to bacterial plaque on the teeth.

🔎 What might you notice?
• Severe bad breath
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Sores on the inside of the lips and cheeks
• Thick, stringy drool
• Pawing at the mouth or flinching when the face is touched
• Reluctance to eat, chew toys, or allow tooth brushing

Some dogs continue eating despite significant oral pain, so a normal appetite doesn't necessarily mean their mouth is comfortable!

🩺 How do we treat CUPS?

Treatment focuses on reducing plaque, controlling inflammation, and relieving pain. Depending on the severity, options may include:
• Professional dental cleaning and dental X-rays
• Extraction of teeth with significant periodontal disease
• Daily home dental care when tolerated
• Veterinary-directed oral antiseptics and pain relief
• Selected anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating medications when indicated

Severe or persistent cases may require additional dental extractions. The treatment plan depends on the individual dog and the extent of the disease.

💚 What is the prognosis?

Many dogs improve significantly with thorough dental treatment and consistent plaque control. However, CUPS can be a chronic condition that requires lifelong management and regular dental rechecks. Some severe cases need more extensive extractions to achieve lasting comfort.

🐱 ENAMEL HYPOPLASIA AND ENAMEL EROSION IN CATS

A cat's tooth enamel is the hard outer protective layer of the tooth. When that layer is abnormal or damaged, the tooth may become more vulnerable to wear, sensitivity, and further damage.

Enamel hypoplasia means the enamel did not develop properly. This may leave areas of the tooth thin, rough, pitted, or incompletely covered.

Enamel erosion or wear describes the loss of tooth structure after it has formed. The cause matters: true erosion involves chemical damage, while mechanical wear and other forms of tooth damage can look similar. Cats can also develop painful tooth resorption, which is a separate condition that must be considered.

🔎 What might you notice?
• Yellow, brown, or irregular-looking areas on the teeth
• Pits, grooves, or rough patches
• Unusual wear or loss of the tooth's outer surface
• Sensitivity when eating or chewing
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, or preferring soft food
• Drooling or reluctance to have the mouth examined

Some cats show no obvious signs at home, even when a tooth is painful.

🩺 How do we treat feline enamel problems?

The treatment depends on how much tooth structure is affected and whether the tooth is painful or infected.

Options may include:
• A thorough oral examination under anesthesia
• Dental X-rays to assess the tooth and its roots
• Monitoring mild defects that are not causing discomfort
• Professional dental cleaning and appropriate protective treatment for selected defects
• Restorative treatment or extraction when a tooth is significantly damaged or painful

If a tooth is affected by resorption or has extensive structural damage, extraction may be the best way to relieve pain. Not every discolored tooth needs to be removed, and not every defect can be treated the same way.

💚 What is the prognosis?

The outlook is generally good when the problem is identified early and painful or damaged teeth receive appropriate treatment. Cats can eat and live comfortably after dental extractions, too! The key is identifying the actual cause and addressing it rather than judging a tooth by its appearance alone.

📣 WHEN SHOULD YOU SCHEDULE A DENTAL EXAM?

If your pet has persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty chewing, or changes in eating habits, don't assume it's just a normal part of getting older.

Pets are very good at hiding oral pain. A dental examination—and, when indicated, dental X-rays—can help us identify problems that aren't visible during a quick look at the teeth.

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we want your pets to have healthy mouths and comfortable lives. 🐾

📞 Call us at 859-887-1188 to discuss your pet's dental health.

10/28/2026

❤️ PROBNP: A LITTLE BLOOD TEST THAT CAN TELL US A LOT ABOUT YOUR PET’S HEART! 🐾

Did you know we can use a simple blood test to help evaluate your pet’s heart health? At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we want to identify potential cardiac problems as early as possible, before they become an emergency.

🫀 What is proBNP?

ProBNP testing measures a substance called NT-proBNP that is released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle experiences increased stretching or stress. Think of it as a signal that can help us determine whether the heart may be working harder than it should.

🔎 What does it tell us?

This test can help us:

Identify pets that may have significant heart disease.

Investigate a heart murmur or other concerning cardiac findings.

Help distinguish heart-related breathing difficulties from respiratory problems in certain situations.

Monitor selected patients with known heart disease and help determine whether additional testing is needed.

Why is this important? Some pets have significant heart disease long before they show obvious signs of illness. Early detection gives us an opportunity to investigate further and make an appropriate plan for monitoring and treatment.

🐶🐱 Which breeds are at greater risk?

Dogs: Certain breeds are more likely to develop specific heart conditions, including:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels — mitral valve disease.

Doberman Pinschers — dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Boxers — arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

Great Danes — dilated cardiomyopathy.

Cocker Spaniels — certain forms of heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy.

Cats: Maine C***s and Ragdolls have recognized genetic associations with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, heart disease can occur in ANY breed, including mixed-breed cats and dogs.

📅 How often should proBNP be checked?

There isn't one schedule that fits every pet! Testing frequency depends on your pet's age, breed, physical examination, symptoms, previous test results, and whether heart disease has already been diagnosed.

Healthy pets: Testing may be considered when risk factors or clinical findings warrant it.

Pets with a heart murmur or increased breed-related risk: Testing may help establish a baseline and guide further evaluation.

Pets with diagnosed heart disease: Your veterinarian may recommend repeat testing as part of an individualized monitoring plan.

Pets with new coughing, breathing changes, weakness, or reduced exercise tolerance: A cardiac evaluation may be needed promptly rather than waiting for the next routine test.

⚠️ One important thing to remember: An elevated proBNP does NOT automatically mean your pet has congestive heart failure. Other conditions can affect results, and a normal result does not rule out every form of heart disease. Depending on the findings, additional tests such as chest X-rays, an ECG, or an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) may be recommended.

❤️ The bottom line: Your pet can't tell us when their heart is struggling. Routine examinations, appropriate screening, and timely follow-up help us put the pieces together.

Have questions about your pet's heart health or whether proBNP testing is appropriate? Talk with our team at McCaw Veterinary Associates. We're here to help you make informed decisions about your pet's care!

10/27/2026

🚨 PET EMERGENCY? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? 🐾

Emergencies are stressful for everyone — especially when it's your pet. Knowing what to do and where to go can make a real difference!

🏥 During normal business hours, contact MVA as early as possible.

Monday–Friday: 8 AM–5 PM
Saturday: 8 AM–12 PM

If you think your pet is experiencing an emergency, please call us as soon as possible. Early communication allows us to assess the situation, determine the urgency, and begin appropriate treatment.

🚨 What should you consider an emergency?

Some examples include:

🔴 Difficulty breathing or struggling to catch their breath

🚗 Hit by a car or other significant trauma

🤮 Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea, especially with weakness or blood

🩸 Sudden weakness, collapse, or pale gums

😢 Significant pain, crying, or vocalizing unexpectedly

🐈 Straining to urinate without producing urine, especially in male cats. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention!

🐕 Sudden abdominal swelling with repeated retching or attempts to vomit without producing anything. This can be a sign of bloat (GDV), a life-threatening emergency.

⏰ What happens when you arrive at MVA?

We know you want your pet seen immediately, and we want to help as quickly as possible.

However, we also have scheduled patients who depend on us for their care. For that reason, we may ask you to wait in the lobby while we perform an initial assessment and determine the urgency of your pet's condition.

Once that initial assessment is complete, a doctor will speak with you about the findings and appropriate next steps.

Please understand that the order in which patients are seen may depend on the severity of their condition, not simply the order in which they arrive.

🌙 What if the emergency happens after hours?

When MVA is closed, please contact an emergency veterinary facility:

🏥 MedVet Lexington

🏥 Bluegrass Veterinary Specialists — Lexington

We recommend keeping these facilities' contact information readily available before you need it!

❤️ A final thought: Emergencies are stressful.

We understand the fear and worry that come with a sick or injured pet. Our team wants the best possible outcome for your family member.

Patience, calm communication, and cooperation with our team's recommendations help us assess your pet, prioritize care appropriately, and determine the safest next steps.

If you are concerned about your pet, don't wait until the end of the day to call. The earlier we know about a problem, the sooner we can help determine what needs to happen next.

10/23/2026

🐾 LYMPHOMA: A NEW TOOL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER! 🐾

Did you know that lymphoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs? And what if we could detect it before your dog starts showing signs of illness?

🔬 Introducing IDEXX Cancer Dx™ testing!

Lymphoma is a cancer involving lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the immune system. It can affect lymph nodes, organs, and other tissues throughout the body.

What should you watch for?
🐾 Enlarged lymph nodes, often felt under the jaw or behind the knees
🐾 Unexplained weight loss
🐾 Decreased appetite or energy
🐾 Increased thirst or urination
🐾 Sometimes, NO obvious signs at all!

🔍 How can IDEXX help?

IDEXX has developed Cancer Dx testing, a blood test designed to detect biomarkers associated with canine lymphoma. It can help us investigate suspected lymphoma and may also help identify the disease in certain at-risk dogs before they develop noticeable symptoms.

This is especially important for:
✅ Older dogs
✅ Breeds with an increased risk of cancer
✅ Dogs with unexplained changes in their health
✅ Patients whose physical examination or routine bloodwork raises concerns

❤️ Why does early detection matter?

Finding a problem earlier may give us more time to investigate, discuss treatment options, and make informed decisions about your pet's care and quality of life.

A few important things to know: Cancer Dx is a screening and diagnostic aid, not a guarantee. A result consistent with lymphoma may require additional testing to confirm the diagnosis, and a result not consistent with lymphoma does not completely rule it out.

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we believe that combining a thorough physical examination, routine bloodwork, your pet's history, and newer diagnostic technology gives us more tools to protect your pet's health.

🐶 Have an older dog or a breed at increased risk for cancer? Ask us whether IDEXX Cancer Dx testing is appropriate for your pet. Not every dog needs every test, but knowing what options are available helps us make better decisions together!

📞 Call MVA at 859-887-1188 to discuss your pet's individual needs.

Better information. Earlier answers. More options for your pet. ❤️

Could early cancer detection become part of routine preventive care? Tune in to this VetFolio Voice podcast to explore IDEXX Cancer Dx™ screening, from patient selection and result interpretation to workflow integration and talking with clients.

Link in the comments to listen ⬇️

10/20/2026

🐾 GET TO KNOW YOUR MVA TEAM: OUR LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS! 🐾

Did you know that our Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) do much more than help the doctor during your pet’s appointment? And did you know that you can reach out to them directly with questions?

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we have a talented team of LVTs who play an important role in your pet’s health, comfort, and quality of care. They bring specialized education, clinical skills, experience, and a passion for helping animals to everything they do!

🩺 WHAT CAN OUR LVTs DO FOR YOUR PET?

Their skills and responsibilities include many aspects of veterinary care, such as:

🐶 Patient assessment and monitoring — Gathering medical histories, monitoring vital signs, assessing your pet’s comfort, and communicating important findings to the doctor.

🩸 Laboratory testing and diagnostics — Collecting blood, urine, and other samples; performing laboratory tests; and helping obtain and prepare diagnostic images.

💉 Treatments and medications — Administering prescribed medications, providing treatments, and assisting with fluid therapy and other patient care.

❤️ Anesthesia and surgery support — Helping prepare patients for surgery, monitoring anesthesia, supporting recovery, and keeping your pet safe and comfortable throughout the process.

🦷 Specialized nursing care — Dental care assistance, wound care, bandaging, nursing hospitalized patients, and monitoring patients during recovery.

🐕 Preventive care and client education — Helping you understand recommended testing, vaccines, parasite prevention, medication administration, weight management, and ways to keep your pet healthy between visits.

🔬 Advanced services and treatments — Our technicians also help provide specialized services such as laser therapy, diagnostic procedures, and other treatments based on their training and the veterinarian’s direction.

WHAT DOES THEIR KENTUCKY LICENSE MEAN?

Kentucky has specific regulations governing the responsibilities of LVTs and the level of veterinary supervision required for different procedures. Under a veterinarian’s direction and appropriate supervision, LVTs can perform many skilled medical and technical tasks. Their responsibilities depend on the procedure, their training, and the required level of supervision.

An LVT cannot independently diagnose your pet, establish a prognosis, prescribe medications, or perform surgery. Those responsibilities remain with the veterinarian, subject to applicable legal exceptions. Our LVTs work alongside our doctors to help put the pieces together and deliver the best possible care.

📧 DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN EMAIL OUR LVTs DIRECTLY?

Have a question about your pet’s medications, a recommended test, post-operative instructions, laser therapy, or a treatment plan? Want help understanding what to expect at your pet’s next visit?

You can reach out to our team members directly by email! All of our LVTs have email addresses ending in .com.

Meet our team:
🐾 Dawn Smith
🐾 Emily Monroe
🐾 Kaela Calvert
🐾 Kaley Naylor
🐾 Emma French
🐾 Hannah Patterson

Use their names followed by .com to reach the appropriate team member. If you aren't sure who to contact, give our office a call and we'll help connect you!

Our LVTs are a valuable resource, and we encourage you to take advantage of their knowledge and experience. Better communication helps us work together, improve compliance with treatment plans, and give your pets the care they deserve.

Your pet's healthcare is a team effort. Let us help you make the most of it! ❤️

📍 McCaw Veterinary Associates
📞 859-887-1188
💬 Text: 859-279-4734

10/19/2026

It's Vet Tech appreciation week. When they text you for your appointment, give you a call with an update after a procedure or reach out to follow up, please give them a "thank you!"

10/16/2026

🍂 MVA IS HEADING INTO THE HOME STRETCH! 🐾

We’re entering the final quarter of the year, and what a year it’s been! We’ve continued to improve, expand, and introduce new services to help us provide the best care possible for your pets.

One of the NEW services we’re most excited about is our Companion Laser Therapy! 🔴🐶🐱

Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that can help manage pain and inflammation associated with a variety of conditions. It’s simple, generally well tolerated, and may be a great addition to your pet’s treatment plan.

Who’s leading the charge? Meet Kaela and Kaley! 👋

These two technicians are spearheading our laser therapy program and would LOVE to talk with you about:

✅ What laser therapy is and how it works
✅ Conditions that may benefit from treatment
✅ Recommended treatment schedules and what to expect
✅ Treatment packages and options for your pet

Curious about trying it? You may even be able to receive your pet’s first treatment ON THE HOUSE! 🎉 It’s a great opportunity to see exactly what’s involved, ask questions, and find out whether laser therapy might be a good fit for your pet.

Have a pet dealing with arthritis, joint discomfort, inflammation, or certain skin and soft tissue conditions? Let’s talk about whether laser therapy could help!

📱 Text us: 859-279-4734

📧 Email our laser therapy team directly:

Kaley: [email protected]

Kaela: [email protected]

As always, our goal is to give you more options to keep your four-legged family members comfortable, active, and feeling their best!

Let’s finish the year strong, MVA family! ❤️🐾

10/15/2026

🐶🐱 EAR INFECTIONS: IT'S NOT ALWAYS JUST AN EAR INFECTION! 👂

Is your dog shaking their head, scratching their ears, or giving off that unmistakable stinky ear smell? Maybe your cat keeps scratching at one ear or seems uncomfortable when you touch their head.

Ear problems are common in veterinary medicine, but figuring out WHY the ears are bothering your pet is just as important as treating the infection itself!

🔎 WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR?
• Frequent head shaking or ear scratching
• Redness, swelling, or irritation
• Brown, yellow, or black discharge
• Unpleasant odor
• Pain or sensitivity when the ears are touched
• Head tilting or holding one ear differently
• Crusting, scabs, or hair loss around the ears

🦠 WHAT CAUSES EAR PROBLEMS?

Ear infections can involve bacteria, yeast, or both. But there may be an underlying problem that keeps the infection coming back!

Common contributing factors include:
🐾 Allergies — environmental or food-related
🐾 Moisture trapped in the ear canal
🐾 Excessive wax or changes in the ear canal
🐾 Ear mites, especially in cats
🐾 Foreign material, such as grass awns
🐾 Chronic inflammation or changes within the ear canal

If we only treat the infection without addressing the underlying cause, we may find ourselves treating the SAME ears over and over again!

🔬 HOW DOES MVA INVESTIGATE EAR PROBLEMS?

We have several tools to help us get a better look at what's happening inside those ears!

📹 MedRx Video Vetscope

This technology allows us to visualize the ear canal and examine areas that may be difficult to see during a routine ear exam. It can help us identify inflammation, abnormal material, foreign bodies, and other changes that may require additional attention.

🔬 Ear Cytology & InVue

A sample of ear debris is examined under the microscope to look for yeast, bacteria, inflammatory cells, and other clues. This helps us choose appropriate treatment rather than guessing which medication might work.

🧫 Ear Cultures

Some infections are persistent, severe, or resistant to routine treatment. In these cases, an ear culture may help identify the bacteria involved and determine which antibiotics are most likely to be effective.

🧼 Deep Ear Cleaning Under Sedation

Sometimes, an ear canal is painful, packed with debris, or too inflamed for a thorough cleaning while a pet is awake. Sedation can allow us to clean and flush the ears more safely and thoroughly, improve comfort, and better evaluate the canal and eardrum when possible.

📅 WHY ARE RECHECK APPOINTMENTS IMPORTANT?

This is a big one! Your pet may stop scratching or shaking their head before the infection has completely resolved.

Recheck appointments allow us to:
✅ Confirm that the infection is responding to treatment.
✅ Repeat ear cytology when indicated.
✅ Determine whether medication should be continued or changed.
✅ Monitor inflammation and healing.
✅ Investigate underlying problems if the infection isn't clearing up.

PLEASE DON'T STOP EAR MEDICATION JUST BECAUSE THE EARS LOOK BETTER! Follow your veterinarian's instructions, and let us know if your pet is getting worse or not improving.

❤️ OUR GOAL ISN'T JUST TO QUIET THE SCRATCHING. IT'S TO FIND THE PROBLEM, TREAT IT APPROPRIATELY, AND HELP KEEP IT FROM COMING BACK!

If your pet has recurring ear infections, painful ears, or persistent head shaking, give McCaw Veterinary Associates a call. Let's get to the bottom of those itchy, uncomfortable ears!

📞 859-887-1188

📱 Text us at 859-279-4734

McCaw Veterinary Associates — healthier pets start with a closer look! 🐾

10/12/2026

🐾 HOW OLD IS YOUR DOG IN HUMAN YEARS? AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? 🐾

Have you ever wondered how old your dog would be if they were human? We've all heard the old rule that one dog year equals seven human years. Unfortunately, it's not that simple!

Dogs mature much faster during their first two years, and their size and breed can make a big difference in how quickly they age. In general, small dogs tend to live longer, while large and giant breeds often reach their senior years earlier.

So why does this matter? Because your dog's age should influence their preventive healthcare! Just as people need different health screenings at different stages of life, our pets benefit from age-appropriate exams, laboratory testing, and preventive care.

📊 A ROUGH DOG-TO-HUMAN AGE COMPARISON

Dog's age Small breed Medium breed Large/giant breed
1 year 15 15 15
2 years 24 24 24
3 years 28 29 30–31
5 years 36 39 42–45
7 years 44 49 54–59
9 years 52 59 66–73
11 years 60 69 78–87
13 years 68 79 90–101
15 years 76 89 102–115

These are approximate illustrations, not exact biological conversions. Individual dogs and breeds vary, and the estimates become less precise at older ages.

🩺 WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING AT THESE AGES?

🐶 PUPPIES — Birth through the first year

Veterinary care: Multiple wellness visits, physical exams, appropriate vaccinations, parasite testing and prevention, nutrition and growth monitoring, and discussion of spaying or neutering.

Human comparison: Childhood wellness visits, vaccinations, growth and developmental assessments, and preventive screenings.

🐕 YOUNG ADULTS — Approximately 1–3 years

Veterinary care: At least annual wellness exams, vaccinations as indicated, annual heartworm and tick-borne disease screening, f***l testing based on risk, dental assessment, weight monitoring, and a discussion of lifestyle and preventive medications.

Human comparison: Routine primary care, blood pressure assessment, dental care, and preventive screening based on personal risk and medical history.

🐕‍🦺 MATURE ADULTS — Approximately 4–6 years

Veterinary care: Continue annual wellness exams and parasite screening. Consider establishing baseline bloodwork, including a CBC, chemistry profile, and urinalysis. Monitor weight, dental health, joints, and breed-specific risks.

Human comparison: Regular primary care, blood pressure and cholesterol screening as appropriate, diabetes screening based on age and risk, and age-appropriate cancer screening.

🦮 SENIOR DOGS — Often around 7 years and older for small breeds, and 5–6 years and older for large breeds

Veterinary care: Consider wellness exams every six months, with routine bloodwork and urinalysis generally every 6–12 months. Evaluate kidney and liver function, blood glucose, thyroid function when appropriate, blood pressure, dental disease, mobility, pain, vision, hearing, and changes in behavior. Heart, orthopedic, and cancer screening may be indicated based on breed and individual findings.

Human comparison: More frequent medical follow-ups when appropriate, medication reviews, age-appropriate cancer screenings, monitoring for diabetes and cardiovascular or kidney disease, and assessment of mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive changes.

🔬 WHY BLOODWORK MATTERS

Pets can't tell us that they're feeling tired, drinking more water, losing muscle, or simply not feeling quite right. Sometimes the first clues to developing kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, anemia, or other problems appear in laboratory results before obvious signs develop.

Routine bloodwork also gives us a baseline. Comparing today's results with previous results can help us recognize subtle changes that a single test might not reveal.

❤️ THE TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Age is more than a number! A seven-year-old Chihuahua and a seven-year-old Great Dane may be at very different points in their lives.

And remember: being a senior doesn't automatically mean being sick. Our goal is to identify problems early, maintain comfort and mobility, and help our pets enjoy as many healthy years with their families as possible.

At McCaw Veterinary Associates, we want to help you make informed decisions about your pet's health at every stage of life.

🐾 Don't wait until your pet looks or acts sick to start asking questions. Preventive care today can make a difference tomorrow!

📞 Call MVA at 859-887-1188 to discuss the right wellness plan for your pet.