Posts in Category: Clinic Updates

In recent weeks we have seen a large number of coughing dogs here in Chicago. Most of the affected dogs have a history of frequenting day care, boarding facilities, and dog parks. At this time I recommend avoiding these facilities to help protect your dog, even if he/she has been vaccinated for “canine cough.”
Why isn’t vaccination sufficient protection? Let me explain a little about canine cough.

“Canine cough” (also called “kennel cough”) is a broad term to describe infectious tracheobronchitis. This highly contagious condition results in inflammation of the trachea and bronchus. Many viruses and bacteria can result in canine cough. Currently the intra-nasal vaccine recommended for dogs here at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic covers the three most common causes of canine cough: Bordetella (bacteria), Parainfluenza (virus), and Adenovirus (virus).

However, early test results from patients in this outbreak point to an underlying culprit of canine influenza (flu). There is a vaccine for canine influenza on the market, but it has not been widely used or recommended because of the low risk of canine influenza.

Most cases start with a mild cough, which eventually progresses to a loud, honking cough. Some pets have decreased appetite, depression, and fever. We have seen a number of dogs develop a secondary pneumonia. If your pet is showing any of these signs, please have your pet seen.

Due to the outbreak I recommend avoiding any direct dog-to-dog contact and vaccinating dogs at high risk, such as those that attend day care, boarding, grooming, or dog parks and dogs that live in high rises. Although the vaccine does not 100% prevent infection, it should reduce the number of affected dogs. The canine influenza virus can survive 48 hours on hard surfaces and 24 hours on clothing, thus it is very important to be cautious in elevators, hallways, and dog relief stations.

Dogs need a booster two to four weeks after the initial vaccination. Dogs are not considered protected until 14 days after the second vaccine. The vaccination lasts one year and must be given annually thereafter. We do not recommend vaccinating dogs that have been infected until at least four weeks after the infection has cleared. Not all dogs may need the vaccine.

Please see this recent article by Dr. Brendan McKiernan, a respiratory specialist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana.

Please call the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois with any questions: 312-226-2588.

Due to popular demand,  we will continue to offer a 10% discount (and a 15% discount to all UIC students, faculty and staff) on ALL dental procedures that occur within the months of February AND MARCH! Call us to set up an appointment for your dog or cat today at 312-226-2588!

A healthy smile means a healthy pet.

We’re celebrating Pet Dental Health Month with a 10% discount on all dental services throughout the month of February.  Bonus: UIC students, faculty and staff (with current I-cards) will receive a 15% dental discount during this time.

Call for an appointment today.

The holiday season is a feast for the senses — bright lights and candles, mouthwatering treats and shiny, festive decor — which means it’s also filled with potentially hazardous temptations for your furry friends.

So before you extend the holiday cheer to your animal companions, check out our “Naughty and Nice” list for tips on creating a happy and pet-safe holiday.

Naughty (Keep these out paw’s reach)

• Lilies
• Poinsettias
• Tinsel
• Lit candles
• Shiny, breakable ornaments
• Chocolate
• Grapes/raisins
• Macademia nuts
• Onions
• Fatty meat, stuffing or gravy
• Bread or bread dough
• Snow melt or salt (in case we get any of that white stuff they’re predicting)

Nice (Sure bets for safely sharing the holiday spirit)

• An active toy
• A soft, warm pet bed or blanket
• Lean turkey meat
• Cat- or dog-specific treats (much safer than people food)
• Extra play or snuggle time with you

Holiday Hours

We will be:

• Open from 8-12 pm on 12/24
• Closed on 12/25
• Closed on 12/28
• Open from 8-12 pm on 12/31
• Closed on 1/1

For emergency service during the holidays, contact VSC at Illinois at 312.226.3641.

Wishing you and your animal companions a healthy and happy holiday season!

We are honored to have our clinic and new medical director, Dr. Sullivan, featured on the Big Ten Network’s blog, BTN LiveBIG!. Read the article to learn more about Dr. Sullivan and the teaching that happens in our clinic. You’ll also learn about a high-tech feature installed within our surgical suite! View the full article.

The new medical director at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois brings a great big passion for pets, and for the University of Illinois, too!

Dr. Drew Sullivan earned his undergraduate degree as well as his veterinary degree on the flagship campus in Urbana, and was part of the cheerleading team throughout his years on campus. He joined the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois last fall, and was named to the medical director role in August.

Both he and Dr. Lindsay Seilheimer will continue to deliver high quality and low stress care for pets and their people, assisted by a dedicated team of technicians and receptionists.

Dr. Tom Graves, who formerly directed the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Chicago clinical activities, accepted a position at the end of 2014 to become associate dean at a new college of veterinary medicine in Arizona.

What’s important to you is important to us. That’s why we have extended our hours Monday through Thursday to better serve you.

Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois is now open:

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (NEW! EXTENDED HOURS)
Fridays: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturdays: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

When looking to make an appointment with us please keep in mind these new, extended office hours. We believe that this will help better accommodate your needs by providing more hours in which you can schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions about our NEW office hours please contact us. Once again, thank you for allowing us to serve you.

To serve you better, Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois will be moving to Suite 100, the entrance just east of the current location in the same building, in the coming weeks. The change allows us to elevate the clinic experience for both our primary care clientele and our 24/7 emergency and specialty care clients who will continue to enter through Suite 101.

WE WILL BE OPEN NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS DURING CONSTRUCTION.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contact us or send a private message on our new Facebook page and a member of our client services team will get back to you promptly.

Thank you for entrusting us with your pet!

Meet our patients (a.k.a. our Illinois MVPs).

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Follow us to our new social home, the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois Facebook page, and stay in the conversation, keep up with the news, and of course, enjoy the pet photos.

Our formerly Furnetic page will close August 1, 2014.

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