Four Rivers Veterinary Center

Hot weather can cause your pet to suffer dangerous heat stress. Pets are at higher risk if they have a snub-nose, thick fur or pre-existing respiratory issues, or if they’re overweight. In hot weather, ensure your pet has shade and cool water, and avoid vigorous exercise. Don’t leave them in a car unless they’re supervised and have air-conditioning. If your pet seems weak, dull, drooling excessively or panting heavily after being in the heat, soak them with cool water and phone us urgently for advice. Spread the word and save a life!

It’s not every day you get to perform a blood draw on a rearing wild mustang, but we’re definitely up for the challenge.

We tell people that our job isn't all puppies and kittens... but sometimes it is! Hope your Wednesday is as lovely as these Golden Doodle pups that visited us this morning!

It’s National Puppy Day *and* Tongue Out Tuesday, and Rosie is two for two! Share a recent or throwback pic of your pup in the comments!

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the mustangs are getting ready to run. Nothing like an afternoon with these wild and wonderful beauties to keep us on our toes!

Welcome to the puppy party! Hands are full and hearts are melting.

We all know Monday isn't typically the easiest day for everyone, so here's Haley Grace looking happy as ever to get you through the week! #motivationmonday

Friendly reminder: Please ensure that all cats are in carriers upon arrival at the clinic. For the safety of your cat and our staff, we are no longer able to carry unsecured pets into the building. Cardboard cat carriers are available for purchase at the front desk for $10. Can’t get your kitty into the carrier when it’s time for his/her appointment? We’re here to help! Here are our top carrier tips:... 1. The carrier should be a comfortable and welcoming place for your furry friend. 2. Make it a home away from home by keeping it out in your home where your cat can use it daily or at least a few weeks prior to the appointment. 3. Ensure your cat feels safe in the carrier by placing soft, familiar bedding/clothing inside.

We tell people that our job isn't all puppies and kittens, but sometimes it is! Nothing like a Doodle pup to brighten up a rainy day!

Sweet Zoey came in for a spay and while she was under, Dr. Faulk gave her a doggy nose job! Brachycephalic breeds like Zoey sometimes have difficulty breathing through their nose due to stenotic nares, meaning narrow nostrils. In these cases, the condition is corrected as an outpatient procedure performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The laser is used to excise tissue covering or obstructing the nostrils in order to allow for increased airflow, thereby reducing the effort needed to breathe. For Zoey, this procedure will be life changing for her ability to breathe well and be active. After all, she’s got three tiny humans to keep up with at home!

Check out Sweet Onion Kitten Club on Facebook to find out more about kitty fostering and adoption!

Little did we know then how blessed we would be now! Six years later, we are still so very thankful Dr. Tootle made her way back to South Georgia to join the Four Rivers family. #onthisday

Baby, it’s cold outside, but the welcome has been so nice and warm! These three French bulldog pups are all snug and toasty in their incubator after being delivered via C-section this morning by Dr. Faulk.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Our Vidalia and Baxley hospitals will remain closed until Monday, December 28th, as we celebrate the Christmas holiday with family and friends. In case of emergency, please dial 912-388-0537, and our on-call veterinarian will return your call ASAP.

It’s a puppy party!

North Pole Update: Santa and his reindeer have been cleared for takeoff!

First rule of the buddy system: Always hold hands - or hooves. Check out these adorable Nigerian dwarf goat siblings that came to visit! Each underwent a quick debudding procedure by Dr. Faulk and a whole lot of warm hugs from Karstin the Goat Whisperer.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Catmas... #frontdeskfashion #cliniccatlife

Election Day is upon us, and Charlie is here to make sure you cast your vote for the right candidate! If your pets were voting, what issues would be important to them? More treats? Legalized toilet water drinking? Less vet visits? Share your thoughts and pet photos with us in the comments below! ... *Charlie approves this message*

That’s our Butch!

The most important day for cats is here again! Share photos of your purr-fect feline family members in the comments.

Puppy perfection x9! Always a joy to deliver sweet, squeaking babies into the world.

Happy Monday from Gerby! This cutie stopped by for a nail trim and some pampering courtesy of Karstin. Because even guinea pigs need a little self-care mani/pedi time now and then. #treatyoself

Anyone recognize this handsome fella? He was dropped off in our dog park after hours yesterday evening and, thanks to the watchful eyes of a Good Samaritan, was picked up and brought in for a meal and warm bed by Dr. Faulk. If you know who this sweet fella belongs to or how to get in touch with his family, please reach out to us by phone or email. Proof of ownership required to claim.

It’s doggie dental day for Ella! This gorgeous gal has her pearly whites back and her nails done just in time for Halloween.

Thank you, Pamela, for sharing your sweet girl with us! We have enjoyed every moment with this happy, fluffy and adorably goofy gal!

It’s a beautiful day for kidding around with a couple of Nigerian dwarf goats! #allcreaturesgreatandsmall

#TriviaTuesday follow-up: If you guessed bot fly after seeing Tuesday’s post, you guessed correctly! Cuterebra, the rodent or rabbit bot fly, usually lay their eggs near the nest, den or path of rodent species. The eggs hatch and then the larvae are inhaled or ingested when the rabbit or rodent passes by. The larvae then migrate to specific areas of the subcutaneous tissue of the body where they develop and exit thru the skin and then pupate - disgusting right? It gets worse.... Sometimes dogs and cats become inadvertent hosts when they pass through areas where rodents or rabbits live. The cuterebra larvae don't normally inhabit dogs and cats so aberrant migration can happen - instead of migrating under the skin like they normally do in rabbits and rodents, they can migrate to the head, brain, nasal passages, etc. This aberrant migration can cause serious anaphylactic reactions, infections and even death. Fortunately for our patient, the larvae migrated under the skin in the lower torso. Totally disgusting, but not deadly. Treatment involves pulling the larva out through its breathing hole in the skin. It's important not to squish the larva because it can cause a serious inflammatory reaction. The wound is then cleaned and antibiotics are given to help the damaged tissue heal. Dr. Faulk had the unsavory yet satisfying task of removing this cuterebra larva from our obliging leporine patient. Both bunny and parents are feeling very relieved!

Do you see what we see? This fluffy bunny presented with quite an interesting ‘boo-boo.’ Post your best guess diagnosis in the comments! #triviatuesday

Good morning from Oliver! This sweet boy loves being tucked in all warm and cozy in his bed and gives the best good morning kisses.

You taste like dark chocolate, my furiend.

Definitely a 4 and a 6. What about you? #letsleepingdogslie