Fenton River Veterinary Hospital

05/05/2025

It’s MONDAY, let’s introduce you all to one of our team members! 🎉

For this , we would like you to meet Mackenzie! 🐾

Growing up in a farming family and as the daughter of a veterinary technician, it was only natural for Mackenzie to fall in love with the veterinary field. 🌱🐄

In her spare time, she loves being outdoors with her big furry friends🐮, and during the summer, she travels around New England, showing and competing at fairs with them 🎪

05/04/2025

✨ May the Fourth Be With You ✨

C**t has officially traded his stethoscope for a lightsaber—and yes, he’s a full-fledged Jedi now. Wise, loyal, and always ready to use the Force for good (but mostly for snacks). 🐾⚔️

Is your pet more of a noble Jedi or a mischievous Sith? Let us know in the comments—we promise not to judge... much. 😄

May your day be filled with balance, peace, and plenty of treats. Happy Star Wars Day!

04/28/2025

It’s MONDAY, let’s introduce you all to one of our team members!

For this , we would like you to meet Fabiola!🐾

Fabiola has worked in the veterinary field since 2019, starting as a kennel attendant before moving into a vet assistant role, and now working as a CSR. She joined the team in September and has a strong passion for animal husbandry and client education.

She especially loves tiny dogs! Originally from Massachusetts, she made the move here in 2020. Fabiola is always looking to grow and expand her knowledge so she can better support both clients and their pets.

Outside of work, Fabiola enjoys being silly, singing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is also a proud chicken mom—currently to two, but probably more soon!

03/28/2025

Spring is in the Hair!

Shedding season is officially upon us—and if you’re a horse owner, you know what that means: clouds of loose hair, fuzzy saddle pads, and curry combs working overtime!

As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, your horse naturally begins to lose their thick winter coat. Regular grooming during this time not only helps keep your horse comfortable, but it also improves circulation, promotes healthy skin, and strengthens your bond.

A few shedding season tips:

• Use a curry comb or shedding blade daily
• Keep an eye out for skin irritation or bald patches
• Add omega-3s or coat supplements if needed
• Ensure your horse is up to date on deworming and dental care (both can impact coat health!)

If you have concerns about excessive shedding, patchy hair loss, or changes in skin or coat condition, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help keep your horse happy and healthy—season after season.

Let the great grooming begin!😅🐴

Shedding season is right around the corner!

If, however, you notice that your equine friend is clinging to their winter coat longer than they should, it might be time to give your veterinarian a call — especially if your animal is 15+.

A long haircoat that fails to shed according to normal seasonal patterns is the most classic sign of Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease. This disorder of the pituitary gland results in hormonal imbalances and is one of the most common diseases of middle-aged and geriatric equines.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping animals with PPID live long, happy lives. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time and many equines are euthanized as a consequence of laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses or complications related to bacterial infections.

It is also important to note that donkeys and mules tend to shed later than horses, so keep this in mind before getting too worried about other underlying causes. As always, if you have concerns about if your equine companion is shedding appropriately, contact your veterinarian.

03/17/2025

It’s MONDAY, let’s introduce you all to one of our team members!

For this we would like you to meet, Carina!🐾

With over a decade of experience in the veterinary field, Carina started her veterinary journey in 2010-2011 as a CSR, assistant, and kennel attendant. During this time she took a class in veterinary terminology and abbreviations to deepen her knowledge.

She joined our Fenton River family almost 2 years ago, and we are so lucky to have her! Beyond her passion for animal care, Carina enjoys expressing her creativity through arts and crafts, gardening, gaming, and cooking.

At home, she cherishes time spent with her husband and their beloved pets—Jake, and Gracie, their cat!

03/14/2025

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended our Large Animal Veterinarian Meet & Greet! 🎉

Our doctors loved meeting all of you and seeing so much enthusiasm for large animal care! 🥰🐴🐄🐑

We appreciate each of you for being part of our Fenton family, and we look forward to hosting more events! 💙

03/10/2025

It’s MONDAY, let’s introduce you all to one of our team members!

For this we would like you to meet, Reilly!🐾

Reilly has been dedicated to veterinary medicine since 2016, starting as a kennel attendant before becoming a certified veterinary assistant.

With experience in emergency and general practice, she transitioned to a receptionist role in 2021, combining her medical knowledge with client care. In March 2023, she joined the team at Fenton River.

Outside of work, Reilly enjoys snowshoeing, kayaking, and spending time outdoors with her son and dogs. Whether exploring upstate New York or simply enjoying nature, she embraces every adventure that comes her way.

03/07/2025

🚨 Todays The Day!!🚨

Our Large Animal Open House is HERE—don’t forget to RSVP!

https://forms.gle/kSEcssoj4sRAFbcMA

You won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to meet our large animal veterinarians and learn all about large animal care.

🎊 Join Us for a Large Animal Meet & Greet! 🐐🐎🐄

📅 Date: March 7th (TODAY)
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: 73 W. Stafford Rd, Stafford, CT 06076 – Stafford Office

✨ What’s in Store?

✅ Brief presentations from our large animal veterinarians
🎟️ Door prizes & giveaways
🥤 Refreshments for all attendees

Come meet our team, ask questions, and explore the world of large animal medicine.

RSVP today — see you there!

03/05/2025

Spring is almost here! 🌸🐴 Now is the perfect time to schedule your horse's spring vaccinations.

Call any of our three locations, and our team can help you tailor a vaccination plan that fits your horse's unique needs💙

Spring is almost here! Which means…it's time to schedule your equine companion to receive their spring vaccinations!

If you are wondering what vaccinations your equine friend should receive, the answer is — There are no “one size fits all” vaccine recommendations. A veterinarian who knows your animal and your management system is your best resource to recommend what vaccines your equine should receive and with what frequency!

While vaccination does not prevent disease in all circumstances, a good immunization protocol minimizes the risk of infection and remains an essential component of responsible ownership. A vaccination appointment is also the perfect opportunity for a yearly check-up of your equine friend and a great way to catch any health concerns early.

If you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling vaccinations, we encourage you to do it soon!

03/03/2025

It’s MONDAY, let’s introduce you all to one of our team members!

For this we would like you to meet, Alex!🐾

Alex joined Fenton River Vet in August and has been enjoying every moment of working with the team and caring for patients.

A recent graduate of Becker College with a bachelor's degree in Clinical Lab Animal Medicine, Alex brings a strong passion for animal care and hands-on experience to the clinic.

Outside of work, Alex stays active and can often be found tackling 5K obstacle races. When not in the clinic, Alex spends time with her horse, Allie.

02/28/2025

Dr. Santa Lucia performing a lameness check on one of her patients🐴

Maintaining your horse’s soundness is essential for their overall health, performance, and longevity.

Scheduling routine lameness evaluations is not just a reactive measure but a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential issues before they become serious.

🔹 Early Detection & Intervention – Subtle gait abnormalities or asymmetries can indicate underlying musculoskeletal issues. Identifying these early allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of long-term damage.

🔹 Injury Prevention – Undiagnosed lameness can lead to compensatory strain on other structures, increasing the likelihood of secondary injuries. Regular assessments help mitigate these risks.

🔹 Optimized Performance – Whether in competition or recreational riding, maintaining soundness ensures your horse can perform comfortably and efficiently.

🔹 Enhanced Longevity & Welfare – Addressing minor issues before they progress contributes to a longer, healthier career and improved overall well-being.