Tails Across the Paw-verse

Your Pet Looks Healthy—But Are They? Why Annual Testing Is So Important

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:35:14 GMT

Why We Recommend Annual Bloodwork and Parasite Testing for Your Pet

As your pet’s healthcare team, our goal is to help them live a long, healthy, and happy life. One of the most important ways we do that is through annual bloodwork and parasite testing—even if your pet seems perfectly healthy.

Just like in human medicine, routine lab testing allows us to catch hidden health problems early, often before your pet shows any symptoms. Early detection means more effective treatment, better outcomes, and often lower long-term costs for care.

What We Learn from Bloodwork

Annual bloodwork provides a detailed look at your pet’s internal health. It’s made up of two main parts: a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a biochemistry panel.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC evaluates the cellular components of your pet’s blood, including:

Red blood cells (RBCs) – These carry oxygen throughout the body. Abnormalities may indicate anemia, dehydration, or other systemic diseases.
White blood cells (WBCs) – These are the body’s infection fighters. Too many can indicate infection or inflammation; too few can suggest immune suppression or bone marrow issues.
Platelets – These help with blood clotting. Low platelet counts can cause bleeding issues, while high counts can signal inflammation or other conditions.

The CBC gives us a picture of your pet’s overall immune status and helps identify infections, inflammation, or blood disorders.

Chemistry Panel: Checking Internal Organ Function

This portion of the bloodwork looks at how well your pet’s organs are working. Some of the key values include:

Liver function tests (ALT, ALP, bilirubin, etc.) – The liver filters toxins, metabolizes medications, and supports digestion. Abnormal values may indicate liver disease, infection, or damage from toxins or certain medications.
Kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine, SDMA) – The kidneys filter waste and regulate hydration. Elevated values can indicate early kidney disease, dehydration, or other metabolic issues.
Pancreatic values (amylase, lipase, sometimes specific pancreatic lipase tests) – These help us detect pancreatitis or other digestive problems that can cause pain, vomiting, or appetite changes.
Thyroid levels (T4) – The thyroid regulates metabolism. Low levels (hypothyroidism) are common in dogs and can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. High levels (hyperthyroidism) are common in older cats and can cause weight loss, hyperactivity, and heart problems.
Urinalysis – Often performed alongside bloodwork, this test gives us additional information about kidney health, hydration, diabetes screening, and urinary tract issues.

Fecal PCR Testing

Traditional fecal tests look for parasite eggs under a microscope, but fecal PCR testing (polymerase chain reaction) uses advanced DNA technology to identify even small amounts of genetic material from intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, Giardia , and more.

This method is more accurate and sensitive , meaning we can detect infections that may be missed on a routine fecal float. Regular fecal testing helps keep your pet and your household safe—since some parasites can also infect people.

Heartworm and Tick-Borne Disease Testing

Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, is a potentially fatal condition that damages the heart and lungs. Even pets on prevention can occasionally be exposed or miss a dose, which is why annual testing is essential . Early detection allows treatment before permanent damage occurs.

Many of our annual screening panels also test for tick-borne diseases such as:

Lyme disease
Ehrlichiosis
Anaplasmosis

Ticks can transmit these infections without you ever seeing them attached. Testing helps us identify hidden infections before they cause serious illness.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Annual testing gives us a baseline for your pet’s normal values and helps us spot trends or changes over time. Combined with routine physical exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention, this proactive approach helps your pet stay healthy for years to come.

Even if your pet seems perfectly fine, remember— they can’t tell us when something feels off. Routine bloodwork and parasite screening are the best tools we have to listen to what’s going on inside.

Schedule Your Pet’s Annual Screening

If your pet is due for their annual checkup, now is the perfect time to schedule their wellness exam, bloodwork, and parasite testing . Early detection means a healthier, happier life for your best friend—and peace of mind for you.

Call us at 256-870-2092 or request an appointment online today!

Written Prescriptions & Record Review Fee: What You Need to Know

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:49:55 GMT

Keeping Medications Safe, Simple, and Community-Focused

At Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison, we want to make sure you have clear information about how we handle written prescriptions, why a record review fee may apply, and what your options are for obtaining your pet’s medications. Below are some of the most common questions we receive about this policy.

Q: What happens if I request a written prescription after my appointment?

If a prescription is not requested at the time of your pet’s appointment, a record review fee ($25) will apply. This fee covers the staff time required to review your pet’s medical record, ensure the request is properly documented, and prepare the prescription.

Q: How can I avoid the record review fee?

There are two ways to avoid this fee:

Purchase your pet’s medication directly from our in-house pharmacy.
Order through our online pharmacy (Vetcove Home Delivery), which offers free shipping once your order total reaches $49.

Q: Do you call prescriptions into pharmacies?

We do not call in prescriptions to pharmacies. Relaying prescription information over the phone increases the risk of dosing errors and does not create a written record in your pet’s medical file. Written documentation is safer and more accurate for both your pet and our medical records.

Q: Some pharmacies ask you to write prescriptions differently than what the doctor ordered—why won’t you do this?

Unfortunately, some outside pharmacies request that we adjust prescriptions to fit their systems or make it more convenient for them. We cannot comply with these requests. Our veterinarians must prescribe medications exactly as medically indicated for your pet’s health and safety.

Q: Why did you institute this prescription policy?

Managing outside prescriptions is time-intensive. Staff must review records, confirm details, and prepare documentation—each step taking away from time we could be spending directly with patients.

More importantly, written prescriptions reduce the risk of error compared to verbal communication. With little regulation of online pharmacies, we also cannot ensure the quality or authenticity of medications filled outside our clinic.

Q: Why does it matter if I buy my pet’s medications directly from my vet instead of a large corporation?

When you purchase through big-box or third-party online retailers, most of the profit leaves our local community and goes directly into the pockets of large corporations. Small veterinary clinics like ours rely on pharmacy sales to offset the rising costs of medical equipment, staff training, and patient care. By choosing to buy from us, you’re helping support local jobs, reinvesting in your community, and keeping independent veterinary medicine alive.

Q: Aren’t medications cheaper through big retailers?

Not always. Large corporations may advertise low prices, but those prices often don’t include rebates, manufacturer guarantees, or bundled savings. Through our Vetcove Home Delivery pharmacy , you not only receive competitive pricing but also manufacturer rebates and full product guarantees. In addition, when you factor in free shipping after $49 and flexible payment options like Klarna, the difference in cost is often minimal — while the value and safety are far greater.

Q: How does supporting your in-house or online pharmacy help Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison?

Every purchase made directly through us helps sustain our practice so that we can continue to invest in:

Cutting-edge medical equipment for diagnostics and treatment

Continuing education for our staff to stay current with advances in veterinary medicine
More appointment availability to serve our community’s pets
Community involvement such as educational programs and outreach

Supporting your local veterinary practice directly helps us provide the best care possible for your pet.

Q: What is the benefit of ordering through Southpaw’s online pharmacy?

Due to the prevalence of fraud in the realm of online pharmacies, Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison highly recommends purchasing medications from a reputable source. That’s why we’ve partnered with Vetcove Home Delivery.

Medications from our online pharmacy come from the same warehouse that supplies our clinic’s stock.
Products are guaranteed authentic, safe, and contamination-free.
If your pet experiences a medication-related problem, we can directly address it here at the clinic.
Our suppliers provide rebates and guarantees not available through many third-party retailers.
Our online pharmacy allows flexible payment options—including Klarna—to help split costs.

Q: What if I still want to use an outside pharmacy?

We absolutely support your right to choose where you purchase your pet’s medications. If you prefer to use another source, you may request a written prescription from us and pick it up during normal business hours. Please keep in mind that the record review fee ($25) will apply if this request is outside of your appointment.

Q: Is it safe to purchase from outside or international pharmacies?

Buying medications from unverified online retailers can be risky due to potential incorrect dosing, counterfeit products, or contamination. It’s also important to know that purchasing medications from a foreign country is considered illegal by the FDA.

Q: Why should I consider Southpaw’s in-house or online pharmacy instead?

No record review fee applies.
All products are guaranteed by the manufacturer and by your veterinarian.
You can access competitive pricing, rebates, and free shipping after $49.
Medications and special diets are shipped safely, with proper handling and storage from manufacturer to your doorstep.

Q: What if I have more questions?

We are happy to discuss our prescription policy further with you. Please contact us at Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison with any questions. Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s medical care!

When you purchase medications directly from Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison—whether in-house or through our online pharmacy—you’re not only ensuring your pet receives safe, guaranteed products, but you’re also supporting a small, local business. Every purchase helps us provide better care, invest in our staff and equipment, and stay available for the pets and families in our community.

Four-in-One and The Some -- Meet Credelio Quattro

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 18:16:28 GMT

Why your pet's protection might need an upgrade...

Q: My pet is already on Simparica, Nexgard, or Bravecto. Why are you recommending Credelio Quattro instead? Great question! All of those preventions — Simparica, Simparica Trio, Nexgard, Nexgard Plus, and Bravecto — belong to the same drug family called isoxazolines. The main difference is the specific molecule used.

Credelio Quattro’s active ingredient is lotilaner, which is considered the safest molecule in this class. It’s so safe that it’s even used in human medicine! This gives your pet strong, fast-acting parasite protection with an excellent safety profile.

Q: How fast do ticks transmit disease?

It depends on the disease. One of the most common tick-borne diseases in Alabama is Ehrlichiosis, spread by the Lone Star Tick. This tick can transmit Ehrlichia in as little as 3 hours after biting.

Credelio Quattro starts killing ticks in as little as 2 hours, working through neuromuscular breakdown to stop them before they can pass on disease.

Q: What is Ehrlichiosis, and why should I be concerned?

Ehrlichia spp. is a disease that can infect dogs, cats, and even people (that’s right — it’s zoonotic). Symptoms in pets can include fever, low energy, depression, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Preventing ticks from biting — and killing them quickly if they do — is the best way to protect your whole family.

Q: How common is Ehrlichiosis here?

In 2025, statewide in Alabama, 1 in 30 dogs tested positive for Ehrlichia, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC).

Madison County: 1 in 50 dogs

Limestone County: 1 in 30 dogs

The reason Madison County numbers are lower is because more owners are consistently using tick prevention that works fast enough to stop transmission. Credelio Quattro is the only isoxazoline proven to kill the Lone Star Tick the fastest — and it lasts twice as long in the body as similar products.

Q: Does Credelio Quattro protect against other ticks?

Yes! It also kills ticks that spread Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis.

Q: What else does Credelio Quattro protect against?

It’s more than just a tick killer — it’s an all-in-one monthly chew that protects against:

Heartworm disease
Fleas
3 species of tapeworms
Roundworms
Hookworms

It starts protecting against heartworm disease from the very first dose.

Q: What’s this “manufacturer guarantee” you mentioned?

When purchased through our clinic or our trusted online pharmacy ( Vetcove Home Delivery ), Elanco — the manufacturer — guarantees the product. That means if your pet develops a parasite or disease listed on the label despite using Credelio Quattro as directed, Elanco will pay for testing and treatment (up to a set dollar amount).

If you buy from a third-party pharmacy that isn’t connected to our clinic, you’d need to file the claim yourself.

Q: Do I need a heartworm test before starting Credelio Quattro?

If your pet has been on another prevention and is 4 months or older, we’ll do a heartworm test 6 months after starting Credelio Quattro. No test is needed right before starting unless doses have been missed.

Q: What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, your pet will need to be retested for heartworms 6 months after restarting the prevention to keep the manufacturer guarantee active.

Bottom line: Credelio Quattro works faster, lasts longer, and protects against more parasites than most preventions. In Alabama, where ticks and heartworms are a year-round concern, it’s one of the best tools we have to keep your pet safe and healthy.

�� If you’d like to learn more or find out if Credelio Quattro is right for your pet, call us or send us a message today — we’re happy to help!

From Paws to Pee: The Dirty Truth About Leptospirosis

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:19:17 GMT

Leptospirosis: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found in soil and water, especially in warm climates with frequent rainfall or flooding. Dogs can become infected by:

Walking through contaminated soil and licking their paws
Drinking from puddles, ponds, or other stagnant water
Contact with urine-contaminated food or infected animal tissue

Wildlife—particula rly rats and raccoons— are common carriers and can shed the bacteria through their urine.

Does my dog need a leptospirosis vaccine?

Yes. As of June 2024, leptospirosis has been classified as a core vaccine by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). According to Dr. Ingrid Taylor, DVM, AAHA’s Director of Guidelines:

“Any dog that goes outdoors, whether in an urban or rural setting, can be exposed to leptospirosis.”

Because leptospirosis is zoonotic—meaning it can spread between animals and humans—it’s strongly recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle or location.

How is the vaccine administered?

At Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison, we include leptospirosis with your pet’s annual distemper/parvovirus/parainfluenza vaccination. If your dog has never been vaccinated for leptospirosis:

They’ll receive an initial dose, followed by a booster 3–4 weeks later.
Completing this two-dose series is critical for full protection.
If too much time passes between doses or annual updates, the series will need to be restarted.

We recommend starting vaccination at 12 weeks of age or older.

What if my pet contracts leptospirosis before being vaccinated?

The severity of leptospir osis varies. Some pets recover with antibiotics and supportive care, while others may require intensive treatment, including:

IV fluids
Dialysis
Oxygen therapy

The disease can damage the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system, making early prevention vital.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Lethargy
Decreased appetite
Increased thirst and urination
Muscle stiffness
Weakness or reluctance to move

If your dog shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian promptly.

How can I protect my dog from leptospirosis?

✅ Vaccinate annually after the initial two-dose series
✅ Avoid stagnant water (puddles, ponds, ditches, lakes)
✅ Control rodent populations in and around your home
✅ Stay on schedule —if a yearly booster is missed, your dog may need to restart the vaccine series

�� Remember : Prevention is safer and more cost-effective than treatment.

Have Questions?

We’d love to hear from you! If you have questions about vaccinations, diseases, or other pet-related topics, email us at susanna@southpawac.com . Your question might be featured in an upcoming blog, our bi-monthly newsletter, or our new FAQ section—coming soon!

Is your Dog Allergic to Life? A Funny but True Guide to Canine Atopy

Tue, 20 May 2025 20:48:12 GMT

Why Is My Dog So Itchy in the Spring? Understanding Atopy and Pruritis

Does your dog seem extra itchy as the weather warms up? You're not alone. Seasonal itchiness in dogs is often caused by atopy —a genetic predisposition to develop allergies to environmental allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. This allergic reaction leads to pruritis , or chronic itching, which can make your dog miserable and even lead to secondary infections if not properly treated.

What are the signs and symptoms of atopy?

�� Increased licking or chewing

�� Increased rubbing or scratching

�� Red, inflamed, or thickened patches

�� Patches that are losing hair

Why Doesn’t Benadryl or Zyrtec Help?

Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) work well for humans, but they’re often not enough for pets. Dogs process these medications differently, and in many cases, they simply don’t offer significant relief for moderate to severe allergic itching. Plus, if your dog is already experiencing inflammation or skin damage, antihistamines are unlikely to reverse that process.

How Do You Test for Atopy?

Diagnosing atopy usually involves ruling out other causes of itching first—like fleas, food allergies, or infections. Once those are excluded, we can explore:

Serologic testing (blood testing): Measures antibodies in your pet’s blood to identify allergen sensitivities.
Intradermal allergy testing (skin testing): Small amounts of common allergens are injected under the skin to see which ones your pet reacts to.

Both tests can help guide custom immunotherapy to desensitize your pet to the allergens causing the reaction. We can perform the serologic testing in the clinic. If you prefer intradermal testing, we will need to refer you to a dermatologist.

What Are The Treatment Options for Pruritis?

There are several effective veterinary options available today that are part of a multi-modal plan to treat atopy. These include:

Apoquel® (oclacitinib) and Zenrelia® (ilunocitinib): Offers fast relief by blocking the itch signal at the cellular level.
Cytopoint®: A long-acting injection that helps neutralize the proteins causing itch—great for dogs with chronic issues.
Dermaquin®: Supports skin barrier function by replenishing essential lipids from the inside out.
Shampoos & Mousses: Soothe skin, remove allergens, and restore the skin barrier.
Prescription topical sprays: Delivers targeted anti-inflammatory and anti-itch relief directly to affected areas.
Environmental management (like air filters or wiping paws after walks)
Immunotherapy: Treatment that helps retain the immune system to tolerate allergens rather than react to them.

These medications don’t just mask symptoms—they interrupt the underlying itch cycle, allowing the skin to heal.

What is the difference between Apoquel and Zenrelia?

They are both part of the same drug class (JAK inhibitor), but have different dosing directions. Zenrelia is able to be given once daily from the start, whereas Apoquel starts at twice daily for 14 days, then decreases to once daily. If your pet has already been on one of these medications, you can refill from our online pharmacy at http://southpawac.ourvet.com/ .

My Vet Prescribed a Medicated Shampoo? Now What Do I Do?

Medicated baths can help reduce inflammation, remove allergens from the skin, and manage secondary infections. For best results:

Use lukewarm water —hot water can irritate already sensitive skin.
Massage the shampoo into the coat and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow proper contact time. We know that it is hard to keep a pet still in the bathtub for 20 minutes, so here are some ideas to pass the time.
Small dogs: Wrap your pet in a towel and watch a TV show. Set a timer though because we know The Real Housewives of Madison County is enthralling.
Larger dogs: Take your pet on a walk around the neighborhood.
Rinse thoroughly —any residue left behind can cause more irritation.
Dry gently , preferably with a towel instead of a hair dryer.

What Treatment Does Southpaw Recommend for My Pet?

Every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. That’s why at Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison, we take a personalized approach to care . We carefully evaluate your pet’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to create a treatment plan tailored for both immediate relief and long-term success.

Managing atopy can be one of the more challenging aspects of pet care. It’s often a lifelong condition, and progress may be slow. Symptom management can sometimes feel frustrating—and financially overwhelming. That’s why we offer a range of payment options designed to fit your budget and make ongoing care more manageable.

Click here to explore our payment options.

Don't Go Breaking My Heart(worm)

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:36:53 GMT

Heartwoms Hit Hard: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

April is Heartworm Awareness Month , and here at Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison, we are all about protecting your pets from preventable pain. Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal condition, that can cost thousands of dollars to treat--but the good news is, it is almost 100% preventable with proper care and consistent protection.

So let's dive into what heartworm disease is, why it matters, and how you can keep your furry friend safe.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm-- Dirofilaria immitis --that's spread through the bit of an infected mosquito. Once bitten, the immature larvae enter your pet's bloodstream and grow into adult worms that settle in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. Left untreated, these worms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage.

Why It's So Serious (and So Common)

Heartworm disease is both common and deadly. More than one million dogs in the U.S. are infected each year.
It affects dogs in all 50 states--yes, even here in Madison, Alabama.
Dogs with heartworms often show no symptoms until the disease is advanced, making regular testing critical.
Symptoms can include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, and a swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation.

How Do Dogs Get It?

Simple answer: mosquitoes.

If you seen, swatted, or been bitten by a mosquito, that means your dog has been at risk too. And it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to pass on the larvae.

Prevention Is Easy. Treatment? Not So Much.

While heartworm disease can be treated, the process is expensive, time-consuming, and potentially hard on your dog. Treatment often includes months of restricted activity, multiple injections, and frequent veterinary visits.

Prevention, on the other hand, is:

Affordable
Safe
Easy to administer (monthly chewables, topicals, or an injection every 12 months)
Widely available through your veterinarian

At Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison, we can dispense up to 12 months of prevention per pet, per year . We totally commend those of you trying to stay ahead and stock up--your dedication is awesome--but due to manufacturer regulations, we cannot fill early.

It's also important to note: heartworm prevention is only guaranteed by the manufacturer for the pet it is prescribed to. That means the prescription must be written specifically for your pet--we can't legally or medically share doses between animals, even if they are the same size or species.

Don't Skip the Test!

All dogs 7 months and older should be tested before starting prevention. That's because heartworm preventatives work by killing early-stage larvae--not adult worms. Giving preventatives to a dog with an existing infection can cause severe complications.

Heartworm tests are quick, highly accurate, and a crucial part of responsible pet care. Here's what you should know:

If you adopted a dog with an unknown medical history, get them tested right away.
Even if the first test is negative, we recommend retesting in 6 months to confirm there is not an early infection. Why? because it takes 6-8 months for adults infections to show up on a heartworm test.
Missed a dose? No shame--just let us know. Your pup should be retested 6 months later to make sure they stayed protected. A nominal fee compared to treatment.

Bonus Info: What About Cats and Other Pets?

Dogs aren't the only ones at risk--cats can get heartworms, too, although they're less common and harder to detect. There is no approved treatment for cats, which makes prevention even more critical.

We also recommend discussing prevention options for ferrets and other at-risk- pets with our staff.

Time for a Heart-to-Heart?

If your pet hasn't been tested recently or is overdue for their prevention, now's the time. We're here to help with:

Heartworm testing
Affordable prevention options
Friendly reminders so you never miss a dose

At Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison, we are all about keeping tails wagging and hearts strong--before there's a problem.

Give us a call or book online to schedule your pet's heartworm test today. Let's beat the buzz together.