What are the opening hours?

Monday 7:45am - 5:30pm Tuesday 7:45am - 5:30pm Wednesday 7:45am - 5:30pm Thursday 7:45am - 5:30pm Friday 7:45am - 5:30pm

Butler Veterinary Clinic

Home
United States
Valentine, NE
Butler Veterinary Clinic

Call Directions Website Contact the business

Butler Veterinary Clinic is a family owned and operated veterinary hospital since 1960. We offer 24/7, top-of-the-line emergency and animal care.

The quality and care your animals receive here at Butler Veterinary Clinic is unrivaled in the area. We have a long, respected history in serving the Sandhills and surrounding areas since 1960 with exceptional veterinary care for both your large and small animals. We were the first clinic in the area to bring in-house diagnostic blood work, digital x-ray, ultrasound, and laser therapy and surgery into our daily practice. We have made this clinic our family’s priority and we offer an experienced staff who understand your worries and strive for the best communication possible. Butler Veterinary Clinic is a full service hospital that offers everything from preventative care to sick patient and emergency care.

10/30/2026

🐎 BVC’s Equine Day Recap🐎

Yesterday we saw a total of 34 horses and covered a little bit of everything! From farrier work and dental floats to lameness evaluations, laceration repairs, and routine maintenance, it was a busy day for our Large Animal Team!

A few highlights:
🦷 4 horses with significant dental issues
🦷 5 teeth extracted
🐎 2 torn ligaments evaluated
🐎 2 sole abscesses treated
🤝 3 horses referred to us by neighboring veterinary practices

We’re grateful for the trust our clients and fellow veterinarians place in our team. Days like this showcase the variety of equine care we are able to provide here at BVC!

10/29/2026

🐱🎃 Happy National Cat Day! Let's Celebrate by Helping Cats in Our Community! 🐾

What better way to celebrate National Cat Day on October 29th than by helping make life better for cats everywhere? ❤️

At BVC, we're celebrating by announcing a LOW-COST CAT SPAY & NEUTER DAY on Thursday, November 12th! 🎉

This special surgery day is focused on helping control cat overpopulation by providing affordable spay and neuter services for barn cats, outdoor cats, community cats, and feral cats. Whether you have a few barn cats that need fixing or you're caring for a whole colony, we're here to help!

🐾 Why is spaying and neutering so important?

😺 Fun fact: Kittens can become pregnant as young as 4 months old! Cats can reproduce much earlier than many people realize, and many cats begin showing increased reproductive activity as the days start getting longer in winter. Waiting until spring can mean a whole new generation of kittens is already on the way!

Spaying and neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces the number of homeless cats, and supports healthier cat populations in our communities.

📅 LOW-COST CAT SPAY & NEUTER DAY DETAILS
📍 When: Thursday, November 12th
📞 Appointments are REQUIRED! This is not a walk-in surgery day.

🐈 Who should come?
▫️Barn cats
▫️Outdoor cats
▫️Community cats
▫️Feral and semi-feral cats

💰 Have a whole crew of cats? We're offering additional discounts for households or caretakers bringing 3 or more cats, on top of our already discounted surgery pricing!

🐾 A few important requirements:
▫️Kittens must be at least 2 months old OR weigh at least 2 pounds.
▫️Feral and semi-feral cats MUST arrive in humane live traps (wildlife-style traps) for everyone's safety.
▫️All cats must have an appointment, so please call ahead to reserve your spot!

Help us celebrate National Cat Day by making a difference that lasts long after October 29th. Every spay and neuter helps prevent future unwanted litters and gives cats in our communities a better chance at a healthy life. ❤️

📞 Call BVC today to schedule your November 12th appointment! Spots are limited, so don't wait!

10/28/2026

🐑🪱 Barber Pole Worms: A Tiny Parasite That Can Cause BIG Problems!

Meet the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus). This blood-feeding parasite lives in the stomach of small ruminants and can cause significant blood loss, especially during warm, humid weather when parasite numbers can increase rapidly. This is a parasite that is not commonly talked about in our area - because it doesn't affect cattle! You can see where the barber pole worm gets it name - the unique striations of the worm make it very easy to identify!

⚠️ One of the biggest challenges with barber pole worms is that animals may carry heavy parasite burdens without obvious signs until the disease is advanced. By the time an animal looks sick, the problem may already be severe! Barber pole worms can cause anemia, bottle jaw, and even death.

🩺 Why is parasite monitoring so important?

Routine monitoring helps identify parasite problems before they become serious - regardless of species. F***l egg counts can help assess parasite burdens and guide treatment decisions, while tools such as the FAMACHA system allow trained producers to evaluate eyelid color as an indicator of anemia in sheep and goats. Neither method tells the whole story on its own, so results should be considered alongside body condition, production, clinical signs, and veterinary guidance.

💊 Don't just deworm and hope for the best! Overusing dewormers or treating animals unnecessarily contributes to parasite resistance, making medications less effective over time. Targeted treatment, strategic pasture management, appropriate nutrition, and regular monitoring are important parts of a sustainable parasite-control program.

At BVC, we can help you develop a parasite-monitoring and control plan tailored to your herd or flock. Don't wait until you have sick animals to start paying attention to parasites! We all know how intestinal parasites play a role in the profitability of your ranch due to increased feed costs and decreased production - as well as decreased fertility rates.

10/26/2026

🐱🩺 Have You Heard of Rodent Ulcers in Cats?

Despite their name, rodent ulcers have nothing to do with rodents! These sores are a type of skin lesion that commonly develops on a cat’s upper lip and can look alarming to pet owners.

👀 What do rodent ulcers look like?
Rodent ulcers, also called indolent ulcers, are part of a group of skin lesions known as the feline eosinophilic granuloma complex. They often appear as:
🔸 A red, raw sore on the upper lip, sometimes near the nose
🔸 An ulcerated area with raised edges
🔸 A lesion that may look swollen or crusty
🔸 A sore that can gradually become larger if left untreated

Although these ulcers may look painful, some cats show surprisingly little discomfort. However, lesions can become more extensive and interfere with eating if they worsen.

🐾 What causes them?
Rodent ulcers are often associated with an overactive immune response, commonly triggered by allergies. Potential contributors include:
🦟 Flea bites — even a small number of fleas can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive cats.
🍽️ Food allergies — certain dietary proteins may contribute to skin inflammation.
🌿 Environmental allergies — environmental allergens may play a role in some cats.

Some cats develop these lesions without an obvious trigger, so identifying the underlying cause can take time.

🩺 How are rodent ulcers treated?
The right treatment depends on the severity of the lesion and what is causing it. Your veterinarian may recommend medications to control inflammation, treatment for fleas and other parasites, or a dietary trial if a food allergy is suspected. In some cases, additional testing or a biopsy is needed to rule out other conditions, including certain infections or cancer.

⚠️ Don't assume every lip sore is a rodent ulcer! Other conditions can look similar, and persistent or worsening sores should be examined by a veterinarian.

❤️ The bottom line: If you notice a sore on your cat’s lip, don't wait for it to become larger. Early evaluation can help us identify the cause, start appropriate treatment, and keep your feline friend comfortable.

📞 Have questions about a sore on your cat's lip? Contact BVC to schedule an examination!

10/23/2026

They say it takes a lot of vet bills to make a good horse!

10/21/2026

💛🐶 Yellow Eyes? What You Need to Know About Liver Disease & Leptospirosis!

Have you ever noticed a yellow tint to the whites of your pet’s eyes, their gums, or the inside of their ears? This yellow discoloration is called jaundice (icterus), and it is a sign that something isn't right inside your pet's body.

🩺 What causes jaundice?
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced as red blood cells break down, builds up in the bloodstream and tissues. This can happen for several reasons:

💛 Liver disease: The liver may be unable to process bilirubin normally because of inflammation, infection, toxins, or other liver conditions.

🩸 Red blood cell destruction: Certain diseases or toxins can cause red blood cells to break down faster than the body can manage.

🚨 Bile duct obstruction: If bile cannot flow normally from the liver into the intestines, bilirubin can accumulate in the body.

One important cause of liver and kidney disease in dogs is LEPTOSPIROSIS.

🦠 What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect dogs, livestock, wildlife, and people. Dogs commonly become infected through contact with urine from infected animals or with contaminated water and soil. Standing water, wet environments, and areas frequented by wildlife and rodents can all pose a risk.

Once inside the body, the bacteria can damage the kidneys and liver. In severe cases, dogs may develop jaundice, kidney failure, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in urination. Some dogs become critically ill very quickly.

⚠️ Why should pet owners be concerned?
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to people. Infected pets may shed bacteria in their urine, creating a potential exposure risk for their families. If leptospirosis is suspected, careful hygiene and veterinary guidance are important.

💉 Can we prevent it?
Yes! Vaccination is available for dogs and is an important way to reduce the risk of leptospirosis. Your veterinarian can help determine the appropriate vaccination schedule based on your dog's lifestyle and exposure risk. Limiting contact with wildlife, rodents, and potentially contaminated standing water can also help.

🚨 When should you call your veterinarian?
Yellow eyes, gums, or skin are never normal. If you notice these signs, seek veterinary care promptly. If your dog is also vomiting, weak, refusing food, or experiencing changes in urination, treat it as urgent.

At BVC, we can perform diagnostic testing to investigate liver and kidney problems and help determine the appropriate treatment. Early recognition can make a significant difference in your pet's outcome!

❤️ Remember: Yellow eyes are a warning sign, not a diagnosis. Don't wait and see if they improve on their own.

10/19/2026

🐴🩺 Equine Education: Joint Flushing vs. Regional Limb Perfusion

Have you ever wondered what we’re looking at when we evaluate the fluid inside a horse’s joint? Take a look at this video! 👀

🩸 What should healthy joint fluid look like?

Normal joint fluid, also called synovial fluid, is typically clear to slightly yellow/straw color and has a thick, slippery consistency. This fluid helps lubricate the joint and allows the cartilage surfaces to move smoothly against one another.

When joint fluid becomes cloudy, thick or watery, discolored, bloody, or contains visible debris, it can indicate inflammation, injury, or infection. These changes help guide our diagnostic decisions, although fluid appearance alone cannot confirm or rule out infection. Additional testing may be needed to determine what’s happening inside the joint.

🚿 What is joint flushing?

Joint flushing, also called joint lavage, involves introducing sterile fluid directly into the joint and removing it to wash away bacteria, inflammatory debris, and other contaminants. It is especially important when a joint is suspected to be infected, such as after a wound penetrates the joint capsule. Prompt treatment is critical to protect the joint and preserve long-term soundness.

💉 What is a regional limb perfusion?

Regional limb perfusion is a different technique used to deliver high concentrations of antibiotics to a targeted area of the limb. A tourniquet temporarily restricts blood flow, and medication is administered into a vein or, in some cases, bone within the isolated region. This allows the medication to reach tissues, joints, and other structures in the targeted area at higher concentrations than may be achieved with routine systemic treatment alone.

So, what’s the difference? Joint flushing physically washes contaminants out of the joint itself, while regional limb perfusion delivers medication through the local blood supply to treat infection in the targeted area. In some cases, both procedures are used together because they serve different purposes.

Equine joint infections are serious and time-sensitive. If your horse has a wound near a joint, sudden severe lameness, or significant swelling around a joint, contact your veterinarian promptly. Even a small wound can lead to a serious joint infection!

At BVC, our goal is to identify problems early and provide the appropriate treatment to give your horse the best possible chance of recovery. 🐎❤️

10/15/2026

🐱❤️ Meet Kissa, Our Newest Blood Donor! ❤️🐱

We are excited to introduce Kissa, the newest member of our blood donor team here at BVC! . 🩸🐾

Did you know that cats have some very important differences from dogs when it comes to blood transfusions?

Unlike dogs, who can sometimes receive a first transfusion from an unmatched donor under specific circumstances, cats need much more careful blood compatibility testing. Cats naturally have antibodies against certain blood types, meaning an incompatible transfusion can cause a severe or even life-threatening reaction — even if it’s their first transfusion. That’s why blood typing and crossmatching are so important before a cat receives donated blood.

🩸 Kissa is blood type A! Type A is the most common feline blood type, accounting for approximately 95–99% of cats in the United States, although the percentage varies by breed and region. Type B and the rare type AB are also found in cats, so knowing a cat’s blood type is essential when matching donors with patients. Even when blood types match, crossmatching helps us check for other potential incompatibilities.

Why do we have a blood donor program?

Blood transfusions can be lifesaving for patients experiencing severe anemia, significant blood loss, certain toxin exposures, or other serious illnesses. Having a screened, ready-to-help donor like Kissa means we have an important resource available when a patient needs it most. ❤️

What makes a good feline blood donor?

While requirements vary between veterinary practices, ideal feline donors are generally:
🐾 Healthy adult cats with a calm, friendly temperament
🐾 Large enough to safely donate an appropriate volume of blood
🐾 Up to date on recommended vaccinations and parasite prevention
🐾 Screened for infectious diseases, including feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
🐾 Free from significant underlying medical conditions and typically not taking ongoing medications
🐾 Cats with no previous history of blood transfusions

Blood donation is carefully managed by the veterinary team, and sedation is often used to help cats remain comfortable and still during collection.

We are so proud of Kissa for being part of this important program! She may be a small member of our veterinary team, but her potential impact is huge. Help us give Kissa a big thank-you for helping us care for our feline patients! 🐈‍⬛💕

10/14/2026

🐾 “But My Pet Never Goes Outside!” - The Truth About Fleas 🐾

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that indoor-only pets can't get fleas. Unfortunately, even pets that never set a paw outside can develop a flea infestation! In the past few weeks we have seen a huge increase in fleas on pets coming in - most are indoor only. Some patients have such severe infestations that they are anemic.

🦟 How do fleas get inside?
Fleas are regularly found in our environment, and they don't need your pet to go outside to find their way into your home! Fleas can be brought indoors by:
🐭 Mice and other small rodents that carry fleas into buildings
🐿️ Squirrels and other wildlife in your yard
👟 Fleas or flea stages picked up on our shoes, clothing, or feet
🐕🐈 Other pets that spend time outdoors

Once fleas make it inside, they can establish themselves in carpets, furniture, bedding, and cracks in flooring. Before you know it, your indoor-only pets are scratching, uncomfortable, and dealing with an infestation!

⏰ Why does flea treatment take so long?
Here's the frustrating part: killing the fleas you see is only the beginning! Less than 10% of the flea life-cycle is spent on your pet. So for every single flea you find, there are at least 10 more in your house.

Adult fleas live on your pet, but their eggs fall into the environment, where they develop through larval and pupal stages before emerging as adults. Flea pupae are particularly difficult to eliminate because they are protected inside cocoons. Each female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per 24 hours period - starting when they are just one day old.

Breaking the flea life cycle typically requires more than 3 months of consistent treatment. Even when you no longer see fleas, new adults can continue emerging from the environment for weeks or months. Stopping treatment too early allows the infestation to start all over again!

🏡 EVERY PET IN THE HOUSE NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED!
If one pet has fleas, all susceptible pets in the household need an appropriate flea-control plan. This includes dogs and cats, but don't forget your rabbits and hedgehogs! Different species require different products, and some flea treatments safe for dogs or cats can be dangerous or even fatal to other animals. Always consult your veterinarian before treating exotic pets.

🩺 How do we tackle a flea infestation at BVC?
When fleas are found in your home, we take a comprehensive approach:

🔎 1. Examine all pets. We check household pets for evidence of fleas and help identify which animals need treatment.
💊 2. Treat affected animals promptly. Pets with fleas can receive appropriate treatment, and we'll help you choose a safe, effective prevention plan for every susceptible pet in the household.
🏠 3. Treat the environment. We routinely use Knockout ES for rooms to help control environmental flea stages. Environmental treatment is an important part of the process, but it must be combined with consistent treatment of the animals and appropriate cleaning. The residual activity from Knockout ES lasts for up to 7 months to prevent re-infestation.
🧹 4. Stay consistent! Vacuum regularly, wash pet bedding as appropriate, and continue recommended flea prevention for at least 3-6 months. Your veterinary team can help determine how long treatment should continue based on the severity of the infestation and the products being used.

❤️ The bottom line: Indoor-only does not mean flea-proof! If you're seeing fleas, flea dirt, or excessive scratching, don't wait for the problem to get worse. The sooner you start a comprehensive plan, the sooner your pets and your home can be comfortable again.

📞 Contact BVC for help choosing safe flea control for every member of your household - furry, spiky, or floppy-eared!

10/13/2026

🐴EQUINE DAY: THURSDAY, OCT 29th! 🐴
Fall is here, making this the perfect time to get your horse’s teeth, feet, and soundness checked before heading into the colder months! 🍂

Our standing Equine Days are held every 2 months and offer the convenience of having your veterinarian and farrier work together when your horse needs more than routine care.

🦷 DENTAL FLOATS
Annual dental exams and floats help identify sharp enamel points, uneven wear, retained caps, and other dental concerns that can affect comfort, chewing, weight, and overall health. Getting teeth checked before fall and winter is especially helpful as horses transition toward increased hay consumption.

🐎 PROFESSIONAL HORSE TRIMMING
Trimming is performed by Certified Horse Farrier Harrison Hutton, helping keep your horse’s feet balanced, comfortable, and healthy.

🩻 RADIOGRAPHS & SPECIALTY SHOEING
If your horse needs radiographs for specialty shoes, Equine Day is a great opportunity to have the veterinarian and farrier evaluate the feet together. Radiographs can help guide therapeutic or corrective shoeing decisions and allow us to develop a plan based on your horse’s individual needs.

🐴 LAMENESS & SOUNDNESS CONCERNS
Have a horse that has been short-strided, uneven, sore, or just “not quite right”? This is an excellent time to have those concerns evaluated. Having the veterinarian and farrier working together can be especially valuable when hoof balance or shoeing may be contributing to a lameness issue.

Address

420 W Highway 20
Valentine, NE
69201

Opening Hours

Monday	7:45am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	7:45am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	7:45am - 5:30pm
Thursday	7:45am - 5:30pm
Friday	7:45am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+14023761500

Website

http://www.butlerveterinaryclinic.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Butler Veterinary Clinic posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.