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As some might have heard, a dog recently tested positive for rabies in Chicago, Illinois. This is the first reported case in Cook County since the 1960s. This development is very alarming and can raise many questions and concerns.

Officials stated that public risk remains low. However, it is very important for pet owners to review current vaccination statuses of ALL pets in the home and monitor for any behavior changes.

Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Confirms Rabies-Positive Dog (cookcountyil.gov)

Vaccines are critical for cats and dogs. They are started at a young age and require a booster dose to ensure adequate immunity. The timing of the booster is also very important. If a shot is missed, then the series must be re-initiated.

There are core vaccines and lifestyle vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended in every patient, whereas lifestyle vaccines are dependent on your pet’s activity and lifestyle.

When you vaccinate your pets, you’re providing them with the immunity needed to fight off potentially life-threatening diseases.

Rabies Vaccine in Dogs AND Cats

Rabies is transmitted via bite wounds, usually by wildlife such as skunks, bats, raccoons, and foxes. This virus attaches to local muscle cells, penetrates local nerves, then ascends to the brain.

There is no reliable, effective treatment for rabies, and infection usually results in death of the infected animal. Once clinical signs are present, death can occur within 10 days. Clinical signs can include restlessness, aggression, excessive drooling, and lethargy.

It is highly recommended to vaccinate at 4 months of age. However, the vaccine can be administered at an earlier age on a case-by-case basis. Early vaccination is common in shelter settings.

The first vaccine is a 1-year vaccine. The following year your pet can get either the 1-year or the 3-year rabies vaccine. Having your pet vaccinated with the rabies vaccine is required by law.

If your pet bites another animal or human and is not up to date on their rabies vaccine, they might have to be confined and observed at a veterinary facility for 10 days. If the animal shows clinical signs or if there is suspicion that the pet might have rabies, their brain tissue must be submitted for sampling. This means that they must be humanely euthanized for tissue submission.

Regulations can vary by state and county, so it is important to keep up with current regulations. You can visit rabiesaware.org for more information regarding regulations in your area.

Prevention consists of vaccination as well as limiting exposure to wildlife.

Please visit your local veterinarian if your pet is not up to date on their rabies vaccine.

Vaccines in Dogs

Distemper (DAPP)

The distemper vaccine protects against the Distemper Virus, Adenovirus 1 & 2, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza virus. Parvovirus is one of the most common viruses that this vaccine covers.

Without treatment this virus can be fatal. Intensive care (usually is supportive care) is essential for dogs infected with parvovirus. It is important to understand that this can mean a 5- to 7-day hospitalization, potential long-term organ damage, as well as an expensive bill depending on how severe your dog’s signs are. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951468

The DAPP vaccine is started at 8 weeks of age and must be boostered at least three times, 3 to 4 weeks apart. This means that your puppy will get a DAPP vaccine at 8 weeks old, 12 weeks old, and 16 weeks old. After the initial puppy series, the vaccine becomes annual. A 3-year vaccine is available after the initial series.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that can enter the body via open wounds or mucus membranes. Dogs can become infected via infected urine or infected water and soil. This bacterium can survive for weeks to months in the environment, so it is important to have your pet vaccinated if you live in an area that has a high rodent population.

Leptospirosis is zoonotic which means that humans can get infected as well. Infection can quickly lead to organ damage and can severely affect the liver and kidneys. Clinical signs can be very nonspecific, and treatment consists of antibiotics and supportive care. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952105

The leptospirosis vaccine is highly recommended in pets living in areas that have a high rodent population, like Chicago. It can be given as early as 12 weeks of age and requires a booster vaccine 3 to 4 weeks after the initial dose. It then becomes annual.

Bordetella

The canine Bordetella vaccine covers Canine Kennel Cough. It is recommended to be given annually or, in some cases, every 6 months.

Bordetella is spread via respiratory secretions from an infected dog. Clinical signs can range from mild to severe symptoms and treatment is dependent on severity. Various boarding and grooming facilities require this vaccine in order to attend their facility. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951478

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

The canine influenza virus vaccine is a lifestyle vaccine recommended in patients that go to frequent boarding or grooming facilities. Clinical signs can be very similar to Bordetella and can include cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Outbreaks are most commonly associated with kennels where dogs are in close contact with other dogs. This virus is spread via nasal secretions. The influenza vaccine requires one additional booster given 3 to 4 weeks after the first initial dose; after that it becomes annual.

Lyme

The canine Lyme vaccine is a lifestyle vaccine. It is recommended in dogs that live in highly wooded areas or in pets that frequently go to forest preserves or camping.

Lyme disease is spread via a bite from infected ticks and can be diagnosed with a SNAP 4DX heartworm test, which entails a blood sample for your dog. Clinical signs can vary and can be very nonspecific. Treatment consists of antibiotics and managing secondary symptoms.

Prevention is cheaper than cure. Additionally, ensuring that your dog is on an appropriate flea/tick preventative is important.

The Lyme vaccine can be given any time after 12 to 16 weeks of age and requires one additional booster 3 to 4 weeks after the first initial dose. After that, it is given annually. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952009

Vaccines in Cats

FVRCP

FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. These can be very contagious and life-threatening infectious diseases. These viruses can suppress the immune system, leaving the infected individual immunosuppressed and vulnerable to other infectious diseases.

The FVRCP (cat distemper) vaccine series should be started at 6 to 8 weeks of age. This vaccine requires boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until your kitten is 16 weeks old. This vaccine is also available in a 3-year vaccine after your kitten’s initial vaccine series.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

The feline leukemia vaccine is highly recommended in indoor/outdoor cats due to their frequent socialization and encounter with other cats. FeLV is spread via close social contact with saliva, blood, urine, or feces. There is no effective treatment. Therefore, treatment consists of supportive care. Prognosis after infection can be variable.

This vaccine series requires a booster 3 to 4 weeks after initial dose.

If your pet is not up to date on their wellness exam or vaccines, please schedule an appointment with your primary care veterinarian.

By Dr. Angélica Calderón

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Importancia de las vacunas en gatos y perros

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Como algunos habrán oído, un perro en Chicago, Illinois salio positivo recientemente con el virus de la rabia, el primer caso reportado en el condado de Cook desde la década de 1960. Esto es muy alarmante y puede generar muchas preguntas e inquietudes. Las autoridades afirmaron que el riesgo público sigue siendo bajo; sin embargo, es fundamental que los dueños de mascotas revisen el estado de vacunación de todas sus mascotas y estén atentos a cualquier cambio de comportamiento.

Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Confirms Rabies-Positive Dog (cookcountyil.gov)

Las vacunas son fundamentales para perros y gatos. Se inician a una edad temprana y requieren una dosis de refuerzo para asegurar una inmunidad adecuada. El momento de la dosis de refuerzo también es muy importante; si se omite, se debe reiniciar la serie. Existen vacunas esenciales y vacunas adaptadas al estilo de vida. Las vacunas esenciales se recomiendan para todos los pacientes, mientras que las vacunas adaptadas al estilo de vida dependen de la actividad y el estilo de vida de su mascota. Al vacunar a sus mascotas, les proporciona la inmunidad necesaria para combatir enfermedades potencialmente mortales.

Vacuna Contra la Rabia en Perros y Gatos

La rabia se transmite por mordeduras, generalmente de animales silvestres como zorrillos, murciélagos, mapaches y zorros. Este virus se adhiere a las células musculares locales, penetra los nervios locales y luego asciende al cerebro. No existe un tratamiento eficaz y confiable para la rabia, y la infección generalmente causa la muerte del animal infectado. Una vez que aparecen los signos clínicos, la muerte puede ocurrir en un plazo de 10 días. Los signos clínicos pueden incluir inquietud, agresividad, babeo excesivo y letargo.

Se recomienda encarecidamente vacunar a los 4 meses de edad; sin embargo, se puede administrar a una edad más temprana según el caso; esto se hace comúnmente en refugios. La primera vacuna es la del 1 año; sin embargo, al año siguiente, su mascota puede recibir la vacuna antirrábica del 1 año o de los 3 años.

La ley exige que su mascota reciba la vacuna antirrábica.

Si su mascota muerde a otro animal o a una persona y no tiene la vacuna antirrábica al día, podría tener que permanecer confinada y en observación en un centro veterinario durante 10 días. Si el animal muestra signos clínicos o se sospecha que podría tener rabia, se debe enviar su tejido cerebral para su análisis. Esto significa que debe ser sacrificado humanitariamente para el envío de tejido. Las regulaciones pueden variar según el estado y el condado, por lo que es importante mantenerse al día con las regulaciones vigentes. Puede visitar rabiesaware.org para obtener más información sobre las regulaciones en su área. La prevención consiste en la vacunación y en limitar la exposición a la fauna silvestre.

Si su mascota no tiene la vacuna antirrábica al día, visite a su veterinario local. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951479

Vacunas en Perros

Distemper(DAPP)

La vacuna de distemper protege contra el virus del distemper, adenovirus 1 y 2, parvovirus y virus de la parainfluenza. El parvovirus es uno de los virus más comunes que cubre esta vacuna. Sin tratamiento, este virus puede ser mortal. Los cuidados intensivos son esenciales para el tratamiento de un perro infectado con parvovirus y el tratamiento generalmente es de apoyo. Es importante entender que esto puede significar una hospitalización de 5 a 7 días, así como una factura costosa dependiendo de la gravedad de los síntomas de su perro. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951468

La vacuna DAPP se inicia a las 8 semanas de edad y debe ser reforzada al menos 3 veces, con 3-4 semanas de diferencia. Esto significa que su cachorro recibirá una vacuna DAPP a las 8, 12 y 16 semanas de edad. Después de la serie inicial para cachorros, la vacuna se vuelve anual, aunque también está disponible una vacuna de 3 años después de la serie inicial.

Leptospirosis

La leptospirosis es una bacteria que puede ingresar al cuerpo a través de heridas abiertas o membranas mucosas. Los perros pueden infectarse a través de orina, agua y tierra infectadas. Esta bacteria puede sobrevivir de semanas a meses en el medio ambiente, por lo que es importante vacunar a su mascota si vive en una zona con una alta población de roedores. La leptospirosis es zoonótica, lo que significa que los humanos también pueden infectarse. Esto puede provocar rápidamente daño orgánico y afectar gravemente el hígado y los riñones. Los signos clínicos pueden ser muy inespecíficos y el tratamiento consiste en antibióticos y cuidados paliativos; sin embargo, en casos graves puede provocar daño orgánico irreversible.

La vacuna contra la leptospirosis es muy recomendable para mascotas que viven en zonas con una alta población de roedores, como Chicago. Puede administrarse a partir de las 12 semanas de edad y requiere una vacuna de refuerzo de 3 a 4 semanas después de la dosis inicial; luego, se vuelve anual.

Bordetella

La vacuna canina contra la Bordetella cubre la tos de las perreras caninas y se recomienda administrarla anualmente; sin embargo, en algunos casos, se recomienda administrarla cada 6 meses. La Bordetella se propaga a través de secreciones respiratorias de un perro infectado. Los signos clínicos pueden variar de leves a graves, y el tratamiento depende de la gravedad. Varias instalaciones de alojamiento y peluquería canina requieren esta vacuna para poder asistir a sus instalaciones. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951478

Virus de la influenza canina (CIV)

La vacuna contra el virus de la influenza canina es una vacuna de estilo de vida recomendada para pacientes que asisten frecuentemente a instalaciones de alojamiento o peluquería canina. Los signos clínicos pueden ser muy similares a los de la Bordetella y pueden incluir tos, estornudos y secreción nasal. Los brotes se asocian más comúnmente con perreras donde los perros están en estrecho contacto con otros perros y este virus se propaga a través de secreciones nasales. La vacuna contra la gripe requiere una dosis de refuerzo adicional administrada 3 o 4 semanas después de la primera dosis inicial; después de esa dosis, se vuelve anual.

Lyme

La vacuna canina contra la enfermedad de Lyme es una vacuna que se aplica de su estilo de vida. Se recomienda para perros que viven en zonas boscosas o si su mascota visita con frecuencia reservas forestales o campamentos.

La enfermedad de Lyme se transmite por la picadura de garrapatas infectadas y se puede diagnosticar mediante una prueba de dirofilariosis SNAP 4DX, que requiere una muestra de sangre del perro.

Los signos clínicos pueden variar y ser muy inespecíficos. El tratamiento consiste en antibióticos y el manejo de los síntomas secundarios. Prevenir es más económico que curar, y es importante asegurarse de que su perro reciba un tratamiento preventivo adecuado contra pulgas y garrapatas.

La vacuna de Lyme se puede administrar en cualquier momento después de las 12 a 16 semanas de edad y requiere una dosis de refuerzo adicional de 3 a 4 semanas después de la primera dosis inicial; posteriormente, se administra anualmente.

Vacunas en Gatos

FVRCP

FVRCP significa rinotraqueítis viral felina, calicivirus y panleucopenia. Estas pueden ser enfermedades infecciosas muy contagiosas y potencialmente mortales. Estos virus pueden suprimir el sistema inmunitario, dejando al individuo infectado inmunodeprimido y vulnerable a otras enfermedades infecciosas. La serie de vacunas FVRCP (moquillo felino) debe iniciarse a las 6-8 semanas de edad. Esta vacuna requiere refuerzos y se refuerza cada 3-4 semanas hasta que su gatito tenga 16 semanas de edad. Esta vacuna también está disponible en una de 3 años que se puede administrar el año siguiente después de la serie de vacunas inicial de sus gatitos

Virus de la leucemia felina

La vacuna contra la leucemia felina es muy recomendable en gatos de interior/exterior debido a su frecuente socialización y encuentro con otros gatos. El FeLV (virus de la leucemia felina) se transmite a través del contacto social cercano con saliva, sangre, orina y heces. No existe un tratamiento eficaz, por lo que el tratamiento consiste en cuidados paliativos. El pronóstico tras la infección puede ser variable. Al iniciar esta serie de vacunas, se requiere una dosis de refuerzo 3-4 semanas después de la dosis inicial.

Si su mascota no está al día con su chequeo de bienestar o sus vacunas, programe una cita con su veterinario más cercano.

By Dr. Angélica Calderón

Disclaimer: The following is merely surmised from my professional knowledge and opinion on grape toxicity in the field of veterinary medicine, and not my fealty to the Kritzman family creed:
“No raisin shall reside in a baked good where a chocolate chip may be instead.”

The cookie trays and Grandma Sally’s dessert grab bag at the Kritzman family Chanukah party have been a time-honored tradition since before I was born. Now, as a mother myself, I help make the dozen different types of cookies that are needed to provide dessert to the Kritzman clan.

But there is one ingredient I will not bake with in my home, and that’s raisins. We almost never have grapes in the house either. Not because of the Kritzman creed, but because of my dog Emmie. She is our little hoover. As much as I appreciate her cleaning up after my two-year-old’s attempts to make her own taco with shredded cheese, Emmie will not hesitate to eat a grape or raisin if she gets the opportunity.

What’s the big deal about dogs and grape ingestion? Why are they toxic? For much of my career, the veterinary community didn’t really know. We were taught that grapes could be toxic, and even one could put a dog in kidney failure, but we don’t know which dogs or type of grape would cause this.

This lack of knowledge made me loathe grape toxicity as an emergency veterinarian. Not only because of the potential harm it could cause my patients, but it made me feel like a fearmonger to my clients. I had to give people the worst-case scenario for something that might never happen. Although for most dogs the ingestion of one grape won’t cause any problems, for some dogs it could be fatal. And we didn’t know why.

Today, we have more insight. Starting in 2022, tartaric acid (cream of tartar, for us bakers) was seen to cause the same type of kidney damage in dogs as caused by grape toxicity. The problem usually manifests as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and an increase in thirst initially.

Grapes contain tartaric acid, but the concentration of tartaric acid varies wildly between grape varietals and how ripe they are, which makes it quite difficult to calculate an ingested dose. This is why any grape ingestion can be of concern.

So grape toxicity is not a myth or means to rack up the bill at an emergency clinic. If your dog only gets one grape or raisin, you may be in the clear, but you should still reach out to your veterinarian to determine if medical care is needed.

If you’re like me and live with your dog and two semi-feral racoons (a.k.a., small children), you may find it’s just safest to keep grapes and raisins out of the house. Which is not a grave sacrifice for me (see family creed above). I will happily go about baking with chocolate chips, for which I can easily calculate the amount my dog will need to ingest to result in any problems (3 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate). But that is for another blog.

Happy holidays to you all, and best of luck with all the baking!

—Dr. Alyssa Kritzman

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and celebration, but for our pets, it can also be full of hidden dangers. Between festive foods, decorations, and guests coming and going, there are plenty of potential hazards that could put your pets at risk.

Here’s what every pet parent should watch out for to ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone.

1. Toxic Treats and Dangerous Foods

While it’s tempting to share a little holiday feast with your pet, many traditional foods can be harmful, and in some cases, deadly.

• Chocolate: A classic danger for dogs and cats, especially dark chocolate and baking cocoa.
• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some baked goods; it can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
• Grapes and Raisins: Common in fruitcakes and cookies, these can cause kidney failure.
• Onions and Garlic: Present in stuffing and gravy, they can damage red blood cells.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause serious health problems.

Tip: Keep food out of reach and remind guests not to feed your pets under the table!

2. Hazardous Holiday Decorations

Decorations add sparkle to your home, but they can be irresistible and risky for curious pets.

• Tinsel and Ribbon: Cats love to bat and chew these, but swallowing them can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages.
• Ornaments: Shiny and tempting, but broken glass or swallowed pieces can injure your pet.
• Christmas Trees: Pine needles can irritate mouths and stomachs; unsecure trees may be tipped over.
• Candles: Keep them out of tail range to prevent burns or fires.

Tip: Opt for pet-safe ornaments and secure your tree to prevent tipping.

3. Plants That Can Poison Pets

Many festive plants are surprisingly toxic to animals.

• Poinsettias: Mildly toxic, causing drooling or stomach upset.
• Mistletoe and Holly: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiovascular issues.
• Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats; even a small nibble can lead to kidney failure.

Tip: Choose pet-friendly silk or artificial plants if you can’t resist the holiday greenery.

4. Cold Weather Concerns

As temperatures drop, our pets face new seasonal risks.

Frostbite and Hypothermia

• Know the signs: Shivering, weakness, and pale or gray skin are warning signs of cold exposure.
• Limit outdoor time: Keep walks shorter during freezing temperatures and avoid prolonged exposure to snow or ice.
• Bundle up: Small breeds, short-haired dogs, and elderly pets may benefit from sweaters or insulated coats.

Cold-Weather Chemicals

Winter brings several products that can be harmful if ingested or absorbed through the paws.

• De-icing salts: Common on sidewalks and driveways, these can cause chemical burns, cracked pads, and stomach upset if licked.
• Ice melt products: Some contain calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, which can irritate skin and paws. Look for pet-safe or “paw-friendly” versions labeled as salt-free.
• Cleaning and snow removal sprays: Certain garage or driveway sprays used for ice prevention may leave harmful residues.

Tips for Protection

• Wipe your pet’s paws and belly with a clean, damp cloth or unscented baby wipes after walks.
• Consider using booties or paw balm to create a protective barrier.
• Designate a pet-safe path or potty area clear of salt and chemical treatments.

Warmth and Comfort Indoors

• Create cozy resting spots: Provide a soft bed away from drafts, cold floors, and space heaters.
• Be cautious with heaters and fireplaces: Pets can burn themselves or knock them over; use guards or barriers for safety.
• Monitor outdoor pets: Bring them indoors whenever possible. If they must stay outside, ensure they have insulated shelter, unfrozen water, and warm bedding.

5. Guests, Noise, and Travel Stress

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be overwhelming for even the most social pets. Loud music, visitors, and travel can trigger anxiety, especially for pets sensitive to change.

Managing Guests and Parties

• Set boundaries: Create a quiet, pet-only room or area where your pet can retreat during gatherings.
• Keep routines consistent: Feed, walk, and play at your pet’s regular times to reduce stress.
• Watch the doors: With guests coming and going, pets can slip out easily. Consider using baby gates or leashes to prevent escapes.
• Communicate with visitors: Let guests know your house rules such as no feeding table scraps, no letting the cat outside, etc.

Handling Loud Noises and Excitement

• Provide a safe space: Use a crate, cozy corner, or separate room with soft bedding, toys, and background noise (like calm music or a white noise machine).
• Use calming aids: Consider vet-approved pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or natural calming treats. In some cases, anti-anxiety medications may be needed.

Traveling With Pets

• Plan ahead: Make sure your pet is microchipped, has the appropriate vaccinations and has updated ID tags. Always check whether your travel destination or airline requires paperwork for your pet to travel. If so, schedule an appointment within the appropriate time frame and do not wait until the last minute.
• Bring familiar comforts: Pack their favorite blanket, toy, and regular food to ease anxiety.
• Check accommodations: If staying overnight, confirm pet policies and nearby emergency vet locations.
• Secure your pet for car transit: Use a crash-tested carrier or seat belt harness in the car; never let your pet roam freely.
• For long trips: Schedule breaks for water, exercise, and bathroom time.

The best gift you can give your pet this holiday season is safety and peace of mind. By being aware of these common hazards and taking a few preventive steps, you can keep the festivities merry, bright, and pet-friendly.

– Dr. Jeanette Barragan

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At Medical District Veterinary Clinic, we’re always looking for ways to provide pets with the most advanced, compassionate care. That’s why we’re excited to introduce laser therapy: a safe, sedation-free, non-invasive treatment designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing for dogs and cats.

Laser therapy (also called photobiomodulation) uses targeted wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. This light energy increases circulation, promotes cell repair, and releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

Treatments are completely painless, non-invasive, and sedation-free. Most pets feel a gentle warmth on their skin and are able to relax during the session.

What Laser Therapy Can Help

Laser therapy can be used to help a wide range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis and joint pain
• Muscle stiffness or injury
• Post-surgical recovery
• Wound healing and skin infections
• Ear infections and inflammation
• Dental and oral pain
• Chronic conditions that cause discomfort or decreased mobility

Because it improves blood flow and tissue repair, many pets experience increased comfort, better mobility, and faster recovery after just a few treatments.

While some pets show improvement after their first or second treatment, it typically takes 4 to 6 sessions to see the full benefits, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis. The effects are cumulative, meaning each session builds on the last. Once we achieve good pain control, many pets benefit from periodic “maintenance” sessions to keep them feeling their best.

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Start

As temperatures drop, pets with arthritis or joint disease often become stiffer and more uncomfortable—just like people. Starting laser therapy before or during the colder months can help manage inflammation and keep your pet more active and mobile all winter long.

Part of a Multimodal Pain Management Plan

At our clinic, we believe in multimodal pain management, combining different therapies to address pain from multiple angles. Laser therapy pairs beautifully with other approaches, such as weight management, joint supplements, medications, and physical rehabilitation. Our team will design a plan tailored to your pet’s individual needs and comfort level.

What to Expect

Laser therapy sessions are quick, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes depending on how many sites need treatment. No sedation is required. Your pet can go home immediately after treatment and resume normal activities. There are no known side effects, and pets often become more relaxed and comfortable over time. Plus, they get to wear cute goggles!

Ask Us If Laser Therapy Could Help Your Pet

If your pet struggles with arthritis, pain, or slow-healing injuries, laser therapy may be a powerful addition to their care plan.

Call us or ask your veterinarian at your next visit to find out if your pet could benefit from this gentle, modern therapy.

— Ana Valbuena (she/her/ella), DVM

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Introducción a la Terapia Láser: Una Nueva Opción de Tratamiento Gentil y Eficaz para Mascotas

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En Medical District Veterinary Clinic, siempre estamos buscando nuevas formas de brindarles a las mascotas la atención más avanzada y compasiva. Nos complace anunciar que ahora ofrecemos terapia láser, un tratamiento seguro, sin sedación y no invasivo, diseñado para aliviar el dolor, reducir la inflamación y acelerar la cicatrización en perros y gatos.

La terapia láser (también conocida como fotobiomodulación) utiliza longitudes de onda específicas de luz para estimular los procesos naturales de curación del cuerpo. Esta energía lumínica aumenta la circulación sanguinea, promueve la reparación celular y libera endorfinas (los analgésicos naturales del cuerpo).

Los tratamientos son completamente indoloros, no invasivos y no requieren sedación. La mayoría de las mascotas sienten un calor suave sobre la piel y se relajan durante la sesión.

¿Cómo puede ayudar la terapia láser?

La terapia láser puede ayudar con una amplia variedad de afecciones, incluyendo:

• Artritis y dolor en las articulaciones
• Rigidez o lesiones musculares
• Recuperación después de cirugías
• Cicatrización de heridas e infecciones de la piel
• Infecciones e inflamación en los oídos
• Dolor dental o bucal
• Condiciones crónicas que causan dolor o disminuyen la movilidad

Al mejorar el flujo sanguíneo y la reparación de los tejidos, muchas mascotas experimentan mayor comodidad, mejor movilidad y una recuperación más rápida después de varias sesiones.

Aunque algunas mascotas muestran mejoría después de la primera o segunda sesión, normalmente se requieren entre 4 y 6 tratamientos para apreciar todos los beneficios, especialmente en problemas crónicos como la artritis.
 Los efectos son acumulativos, lo que significa que cada sesión construye sobre los resultados de la anterior. Una vez que se logra un buen control del dolor, muchas mascotas se benefician de sesiones de mantenimiento periódicas para seguir sintiéndose bien.

¿Por qué el invierno es el momento perfecto para empezar?

A medida que bajan las temperaturas, las mascotas con artritis o enfermedades articulares suelen volverse más rígidas e incómodas, al igual que las personas. Empezar la terapia láser antes o durante los meses fríos puede ayudar a controlar la inflamación y mantener a su mascota más activa y móvil durante todo el invierno.

Parte de un plan integral de manejo del dolor.

En nuestra clínica, creemos en el manejo multimodal del dolor, es decir, combinar diferentes terapias para abordarlo desde varios ángulos.
La terapia láser complementa perfectamente otros enfoques como el control del peso, los suplementos articulares, los medicamentos y la rehabilitación física. Nuestro equipo diseñará un plan adaptado a las necesidades y al nivel de comodidad de su mascota.

Qué esperar

Las sesiones de terapia láser son rápidas, normalmente duran entre 15 y 30 minutos, dependiendo de cuántas áreas deban tratarse. No se requiere sedación. Su mascota podrá regresar a casa inmediatamente después del tratamiento y retomar sus actividades normales.No se conocen efectos secundarios, y con el tiempo las mascotas suelen mostrarse más relajadas y cómodas. ¡Además, usan unos lentes protectores adorables durante el tratamiento!

Pregúntenos si la terapia láser puede ayudar a su mascota.

Si su mascota sufre de artritis, dolor o lesiones que tardan mucho en sanar, la terapia láser puede ser una excelente incorporación a su plan de cuidado.
Llámenos o consulte con su veterinario en su próxima visita para saber si su mascota puede beneficiarse de esta terapia moderna y gentil.

— Ana Valbuena (she/her/ella), DVM

As pet owners, we do everything we can to keep our furry family members safe and healthy. But some illnesses (called zoonoses) don’t just affect our pets—they can also impact people. 

One of those diseases is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that this year has been reported more frequently in Chicago than is typical. Leptospirosis is both preventable and important to understand.

What Is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, which thrive in warm, wet environments. 

• The bacteria live in soil and water contaminated with urine from infected animals (rats, other rodents, dogs, livestock, wildlife).
• The bacteria can survive for weeks to months in moist environments and are more widespread after heavy rains or flooding.
• Humans typically become infected when contaminated water or soil enters the body through cuts or mucous membranes, such as eyes, nose, and mouth. They may also become infected via direct contact with infected animal urine.
• Symptoms in people can be mild—fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, vomiting—but sometimes the condition becomes more serious, affecting kidneys, liver, or lungs. In rare severe cases, it can lead to organ failure. Because of this, it’s considered a public health concern, not just a veterinary one.

Pets (especially dogs) can become infected. A common way dogs become infected is drinking water contaminated with the bacteria. Once infected, dogs can display symptoms like:

• Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Icterus/Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Kidney or liver damage

Treatment is possible, especially when caught early. In severe cases, leptospirosis can be life-threatening.

How Pet Owners Fit In 

When pets contract leptospirosis, public health authorities may take note regarding a potential outbreak. Additionally, pets could transmit the bacteria to humans, though this means of transmission is less common than environmental exposure. 

Here are several ways pets are involved:

• Dogs can become infected and shed the bacteria through their urine, which could contaminate the home or yard.
• While walking their pets, people may enter into environments, such as parks, mud, or flooded areas, where contaminated water or soil might be present.
• Pets may track contaminated materials into homes.

2025 Leptospirosis Cases in Chicago

Recently, there has been a noticeable uptick in human leptospirosis cases in Chicago. Because of this increased risk, local health authorities have issued alerts and are encouraging the public to be more aware. 

Here are some key points regarding the recent cases:

• Six human cases have been reported so far in 2025— more than the usual number. Historically, Chicago sees about two cases per year. 
• Four of these 2025 cases had symptom onset between mid-July and late August. 
• The cases have been clustered in neighborhoods such as Logan Square and West Town, according to an article in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Protecting Your Pet—and Yourself

The good news is that leptospirosis can often be prevented with practical steps:

• Vaccinate dogs. A safe and effective vaccine is available and is recommended for dogs at risk of exposure. Increasingly across the U.S., this is considered a core vaccine. And while no vaccine is perfect, this is considered a key line of defense. Talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s appropriate for your pet.
• Avoid standing water. Don’t let your dog drink from puddles, ponds, or other stagnant water sources, especially after heavy rains or flooding. Maintain good drainage in your yard.
• Practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands after handling your pet, especially if you’re cleaning up urine, and wash your hands after working in the yard. Cover wounds with waterproof bandages. Wear waterproof gloves and closed-toe footwear when you are gardening or performing yard work. 
• Control rodents and wildlife. Report rodent sightings to 311 and secure lids on trash bins. Clean up fallen fruit, keep pet food indoors if possible, and seal entry points where possible to keep rats out of yards.

Why Awareness Matters

Leptospirosis reminds us of how closely our health is tied to that of our pets and the environment we share. By protecting our dogs, we’re also protecting our families and communities.

Leptospirosis infections are still relatively uncommon, but it’s important to know how the disease is transmitted and that there are increased risks after flooding/heavy rains and with rodent exposures. 

If your dog shows signs of illness—or if you think you may have been exposed—call us for help or contact your healthcare provider right away.

– Dr. Amanda Hampton

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Cats and dogs, just like people, cope with nerves and stress in different ways. For example, Fluffy might tremble his little legs off at his annual wellness exam, while Cleo the cat might need emergency care for a urinary blockage after an owner’s weekend away from home. Coco might attempt to chew the front door down every time mom takes the garbage out, and Simba might react to a new kitten brought home from the shelter by urinating every single place except his litter box.

Pets can display stress and anxiety in various ways, and it is important to recognize the signs, which can impact your pets’ over all well-being. Knowing how to recognize and manage the signs can help your pet feel safe and comfortable in out-of-routine situations or before a known stressor arises.

Owners also need to recognize and distinguish between anxiety and aggression. Fortunately early training and socialization can yield great benefits.

Recognizing Signs

A very common sign of stress is change in overall behavior. Whether a pet is hiding and avoiding interaction or being extremely clingy and constantly seeking attention, any change outside of their usual behavior can be indicative of stress or other potential health concerns. Changes in appetite, both increased and decreased, along with vomiting or diarrhea can also be signs of stress. Any changes to your pet’s behavior requires veterinary input to rule out underlying health conditions as the culprit.

Learn to recognize patterns in your pet’s behavior. For example, if every time there is a thunderstorm, Nala hides in the closet for three days and doesn’t eat any of her favorite treats, maybe we need to pre-treat her with calming supplements or her favorite nature background sounds when it’s raining. If Kitty overgrooms herself every time her pet parents are away for the weekend, maybe she needs anxiety medication while they are away or a daily calming probiotic in the months before the trip.

Pets can’t always tell us when they are stressed or anxious, so they show us. It is important to be able to distinguish those changes. Other signs that can be indicative of stress in a pet include excessive vocalization, destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing/licking or digging, avoidance or hiding, pacing or restlessness, inappropriate urination or defecation, changes in grooming behavior, shaking, panting, drooling, etc.

Common Causes

• Many pets experience separation anxiety when separated from their owners. It is more common in dogs than cats. It is difficult for pets to be left alone for extended periods. Pets with separation anxiety can often display behaviors such as excessive vocalization like barking or howling, destructive behaviors like chewing or biting items or themselves, or showing signs of distress like panting or pacing.
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• Situational anxiety is just as it sounds. Pets can get stressed with independent situations such as veterinary visits, car rides, grooming appointments, nail trims, baths, etc. This can also be a trauma response, so a thorough history is important to assess a patient as a whole.
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• Dogs and cats have heightened senses and are more sensitive to loud noises. Noise phobia can include thunderstorms, fireworks, and even loud household items, like the blender or the vacuum. Loud knocks from guests or even the garbage truck can cause noise-related anxiety in some pets.
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• Changes in routine or environment such as moving to a new home, a new person/pet in the home, or just out-of-the-ordinary routine can lead to stress and anxious behaviors. Cats tend to be more sensitive to this than dogs.

Management

There are many ways to help manage stress and anxiety in cats and dogs. However, one shoe does not fit all. What works for one patient may not work for another patient. One patient might need calming music and a pheromone spray prior to a thunderstorm, while another needs a light sedative.

Environmental changes, enrichment, and supplements can serve as great tools to help alleviate mild anxiety and put some patients’ mind at ease in stressful situations. Such tools include calming supplements, pheromone sprays, calming music, calming probiotics, and ThunderShirts®. Helpful environmental changes may include moving Fluffy’s cat tree away from the scary window because he gets startled when the garbage truck passes weekly.

Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and licking mats are great for enrichment, as they keep patients entertained and their brain stimulated to help cope with stress and anxiety. Licking mats can be a great hit. (Bonus points if you apply peanut butter, canned food, or plain yogurt!) Licking mats can also be frozen to help your pet stay cool in the summertime. Freezing also keeps them busy longer. Make sure you do your research on pet-safe treats.

While supplements and enrichment work well for some patients, others need anxiety medications for stressful situations. Some pets may require daily long-term mediations to manage stress, just as some humans do.

Medical management can sound scary, however there are many medications that can help alleviate stress and anxiety in your pet. Treatment of behavior disorders require training in addition to medications.

• Trazodone is used to manage short -term anxiety, such as vet visits, travel, car rides, thunderstorms, and fireworks. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Most pets experience relief within just two hours.
• Gabapentin is a multimodal drug that works well for pain, anxiety, and—surprisingly—seizures, depending on the dosing. It is commonly used in cats with situational anxiety and can reach peak activity within two hours.
• Fluoxetine is a long-term daily anxiety medication that is used for humans as well. It is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood. As mentioned, fluoxetine is a long-term anxiety medication, and it may take weeks to see its full effects.

There are many ways to classify anxiety, and many different ways patients show clinical signs of anxiety. If you suspect your pet could be experiencing stress or anxiety, reach out to your local veterinarian or pet behaviorist.

— Dr. Angélica Calderón

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Estrés y Ansiedad en Gatos y Perros

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Así como las personas les dan nervios y estrés de diferentes maneras, los gatos y los perros también lo hacen. Esto puede variar desde Fluffy temblando con sus pequeñas patitas en su examen anual,o Cleo el gato presentándose en la clínica de emergencias con una obstrucción urinaria después de que su dueño se fue de fin de semana. También por ejemplo, Coco muerde la puerta de entrada cada vez que mamá saca la basura, o Simba orinando en cada planta excepto en su caja de arena después de traer a casa un nuevo gatito de afuera.

Las mascotas pueden mostrar estrés y ansiedad de diferentes maneras y es importante entender y reconocer los signos, causas y formas de manejar estos signos, ya que esto puede afectar el bienestar general de tus mascotas. Saber cómo reconocer y manejar estos signos puede ayudar a que tu mascota se sienta segura y cómoda en situaciones fuera de la rutina o como precaución antes de estresores ya conocidos. También es importante reconocer y distinguir la ansiedad de la agresión y hay grandes beneficios de el entendimiento y socialización temprano.

Reconociendo Señales

Una señal muy común es el cambio en el comportamiento general. Ya sea que una mascota se esté escondiendo y evitando la interacción o sea extremadamente dependiente y busque constantemente atención. Cualquier cambio fuera de su comportamiento habitual puede ser indicativo de estrés u otras posibles preocupaciones de salud. Cambios en el apetito, tanto en aumento como en disminución, junto con vómitos o diarrea, también pueden ser señales de estrés. Sin embargo, es muy importante buscar ayuda veterinaria ante cualquier cambio en tu mascota, ya que otras condiciones subyacentes de salud pueden mostrar señales similares y es importante descartar otras condiciones de salud como la causa.

También es importante reconocer los patrones en el comportamiento de tus mascotas. Por ejemplo, si cada vez que hay una tormenta Nala se esconde en el armario durante tres días y no come ninguno de sus bocadillos favoritos, tal vez debamos darle suplementos calmantes o sonidos de fondo de naturaleza que le gusten cuando llueve. Si Kitty se sobreacicala cada vez que sus dueños están fuera durante el fin de semana, tal vez necesite medicación para la ansiedad mientras están ausentes o un probiótico calmante diariamente meses antes.

Las mascotas no siempre pueden decirnos si están estresadas o ansiosas, así que nos lo muestran y es importante que podamos distinguir esos cambios. Otros signos que pueden ser indicativos de estrés en una mascota incluyen vocalización excesiva, comportamientos destructivos como masticar/lamer o cavar en exceso, evitación o esconderse, andar de un lado a otro o inquietud, micción o defecación inapropiadas, cambios en el comportamiento de acicalamiento, temblor, jadeo, babeo, etc.

Causas Comunes

• La ansiedad por separación es un tipo de estrés que muchos animales experimentan al ser separados de sus dueños, siendo más común en perros que en gatos. Les resulta difícil quedarse solos durante períodos prolongados. Las mascotas con ansiedad por separación pueden mostrar comportamientos como vocalización excesiva, como ladridos o aullidos; comportamientos destructivos, como morder o masticar objetos o a sí mismos; o mostrar signos de angustia, como jadear o caminar de un lado a otro.
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• La ansiedad situacional es exactamente lo que suena. Las mascotas pueden estresarse en situaciones independientes como visitas al veterinario, viajes en coche, citas de peluquería, cortes de uñas, baños, etc.
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• Los perros y los gatos tienen sentidos agudizados y son más sensibles a los ruidos fuertes. La fobia al ruido puede incluir tormentas eléctricas, fuegos artificiales e incluso elementos ruidosos del hogar como la licuadora o la aspiradora. Cuando los invitados tocan la puerta o incluso el camión de la basura pueden causar ansiedad relacionada con el ruido en algunas mascotas.
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• CLos cambios en la rutina o el entorno, como mudarse a un nuevo hogar, la llegada de una nueva persona/mascota en casa, o simplemente salir de la rutina ordinaria, pueden llevar al estrés y comportamientos ansiosos; los gatos tienden a ser más sensibles a esto que los perros.

Mantenimiento

Hay muchas maneras de ayudar a manejar el estrés y la ansiedad en gatos y perros; sin embargo, un enfoque no sirve para todos. Lo que funciona para un paciente no necesariamente significa que funcionará para otro paciente. Un paciente podría necesitar música relajante y un spray de feromonas antes de una tormenta, sin embargo, otro paciente podría necesitar un medicamento sedante ligero.

Los cambios ambientales, el enriquecimiento y los suplementos pueden ser grandes herramientas para ayudar a aliviar la ansiedad leve en algunos pacientes y tranquilizarlos en situaciones estresantes. Estos incluyen suplementos calmantes, sprays de feromonas, música relajante, probióticos calmantes y ThunderShirts®. Esto también puede significar cambios ambientales como mover el árbol para gatos de Fluffy lejos de la ventana aterradora porque se asusta cuando pasa el camión de la basura semanalmente.

Los juguetes rompecabezas y las alfombrillas olfativas son excelentes para el enriquecimiento, ya que mantienen a los pacientes entretenidos y estimulan su cerebro para ayudar a afrontar el estrés y la ansiedad. Los suplementos y el enriquecimiento funcionan muy bien para algunos pacientes, sin embargo, muchos pacientes necesitan medicamentos para la ansiedad en situaciones estresantes y, a veces, incluso mediaciones a largo plazo diarias, al igual que los humanos.

La gestión médica puede sonar aterradora, sin embargo, hay muchos medicamentos que pueden ayudar a aliviar el estrés y la ansiedad en su mascota. El tratamiento de los trastornos de comportamiento requiere entrenamiento además de medicamentos.

• Trazodone es un medicamento que se utiliza para tratar la ansiedad a corto plazo, como visitas al veterinario, viajes, paseos en automóvil, tormentas y fuegos artificiales. Funciona aumentando los niveles de serotonina en el cerebro y la mayoría de las mascotas experimentan alivio en solo dos horas.
• Gabapentin es un fármaco multimodal que funciona bien para el dolor, la ansiedad y, sorprendentemente, para las convulsiones, dependiendo de la dosificación. Esto se usa comúnmente en gatos con ansiedad situacional y puede alcanzar su actividad máxima en dos horas.
• Fluoxetine es un medicamento para la ansiedad de uso diario a largo plazo que también se utiliza para humanos. Es un ISRS (inhibidor selectivo de la recaptación de serotonina), la serotonina es un neurotransmisor asociado con el estado de ánimo. Como se mencionó, la fluoxetina es un medicamento para la ansiedad a largo plazo y puede llevar semanas ver sus efectos completos.

Hay muchas maneras de clasificar la ansiedad y cada paciente que presenta signos clínicos puede ser muy diferente. Hablar con su veterinario es muy importante si sospecha que su mascota podría estar experimentando estrés o ansiedad.

— Dr. Angélica Calderón

When I started practicing medicine in the dark ages (pre-iPhones) in Chicagoland, the only time I would ever see a tick is after a family came home from a camping trip or a weekend getaway in Wisconsin. Over the past few years, however, ticks have arrived in Chicago.

We have seen several dogs this year with ticks on them, and they haven’t gone farther west than the Kennedy.

Of course, ticks themselves don’t cause the problem: it’s what lurks inside their stomach that can be deadly.

Tick Vomit: Gross and Dangerous

That’s right, tick vomit—or really tick regurgitation into an animal’s bloodstream—is what causes tickborne diseases. A tick attaches to the animal it encounters and embeds its little head into the skin to start their blood meal. When the blood reaches the tick’s stomach, it activates the bacteria that causes the disease. Then the tick regurgitates the bacteria into the animal’s blood.

Depending on the tick and the bacteria, this process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 days. Most preventatives work by killing the tick before it has time to transfer the bacteria into the animal’s bloodstream.

What Does Tickborne Disease Look Like?

There are several different types of bacteria that cause what we call tickborne diseases, but they mostly all belong to the Rickettsial or Borrelia families. The most commonly seen diseases are Lyme, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. There are several other types, though less prevalent in the United States.

These diseases can present in a few different ways. Typically, the pet has fever and lethargy, but these diseases can get into the joints, causing a shifting lameness and puffy joints, a meningitis that can lead to head pressing, or other neurologic signs. They can also cause problems with platelet levels, leading to bruising or more serious issues.

Most of these clinical signs can be resolved with supportive care and the right antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, dogs can—though rarely—get Lyme nephritis, which can lead to permanent damage of the kidneys and even death.

How Can We Know If Our Animal Was Exposed?

Diagnosis can be a bit tricky. To be honest, experts disagree on the best protocol and test to see if your animal has encountered one of these bacteria.

The most common test that we have in our arsenal is ELISA antibody testing (Idexx 4dx or Antech Accuplex). These tests identify if your dog has antibodies for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Lyme. A positive means that your pet has come into contact with the bacteria, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that have the disease.

A lot of dogs will be able to fight off this disease and will have a positive antibody test, but never become sick. But these bacteria are sneaky little devils. They can lie dormant for months before causing an issue if they don’t cause immediate illness.

It can also take a few weeks if not months for the body to build up an antibody response, so this test may be negative immediately after you find a tick on your pup. We usually recommend getting a baseline test at time of exposure and test again no less than 6 weeks after the tick was found. If we think your dog is sick with a tickborne disease, we may recommend additional tests as well.

When Do We Treat?

This is another topic still being debated in the veterinary community. Some veterinarians believe that any positive test should be treated with antibiotics, while others say only treat when there are clinical signs. Still others say additional testing is needed.

At this time, we recommend treating with antibiotics when there is concern for an active infection, meaning your dog is acting sick. Treatment is usually a course of an antibiotic called Doxycycline.

—Dr. Alyssa Kritzman

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration—but for our pets, it can be a source of stress, fear, and potential danger.

At Medical District Veterinary Clinic, we want to make sure your four-legged family members stay safe, calm, and healthy during the holiday festivities. Here are some essential safety tips to help your pet enjoy the holiday as much as you do.

1. Keep Pets Indoors During Fireworks

Even the most confident pets can become terrified by the loud, unpredictable booms of fireworks. To prevent your pet from running away or becoming injured:

• Keep pets indoors well before the fireworks begin.
• Close windows and curtains to reduce noise and flashes of light.
• Play calming music or turn on a TV to help muffle outside sounds.

2. Update Microchip and ID Tags

• Ensure your pet’s microchip is registered and up to date with your current contact information. A microchip greatly increases the chances of being reunited with your pet if they’re found.
• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag that includes your phone number.

3. Create a Safe, Quiet Space

Pets need a place to retreat when they feel overwhelmed. Set up a calm, cozy area in your home where they feel secure:

• Use a crate, a closet, or a quiet room with their favorite toys, bedding, and treats.
• Consider using a white noise machine or fan to drown out external sounds.
• Try a calming pheromone diffuser (like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats).

4. Reduce Stress with Supplements or Medications

Some pets experience severe anxiety during fireworks. Talk to your veterinarian in advance about safe options to ease your pet’s stress:

• Natural calming supplements (such as L-theanine, or calming chews) may help mild anxiety. Some common brand names include Zylkene, Composure, and Solliquin.
• For moderate to severe cases, veterinarian-prescribed anti-anxiety medications can offer effective relief.
• Never give your pet human medications, many of which are toxic to animals.

Plan ahead: Medications often work best when started before the fireworks begin.

5. Outdoor Safety Tips If Your Pet Joins the Celebration

If your pet will be outside during any part of your Independence Day celebration, be mindful of these hazards:

• Keep them far away from fireworks, both used and unused. Fireworks can cause burns, trauma, or poisoning.
• Prevent overheating—make sure pets have access to shade and fresh water, especially during midday heat.
• Secure grills and food—fatty meats, skewers, and aluminum foil can be tempting but dangerous if ingested.
• Watch for citronella candles, sparklers, and glow sticks, all of which can be harmful if chewed or swallowed.

Even social pets can become overwhelmed at parties—always supervise them closely and provide a quiet space to retreat if needed.

Final Thought: Prepare Ahead for a Pet-Friendly Fourth

The Fourth of July doesn’t have to be scary for your pet. With preparation, patience, and a few safety precautions, you can make the holiday fun and stress-free for everyone in your household. If you have any concerns about how your pet may handle the festivities—or need help with medications or supplements—contact us at Medical District Veterinary Clinic today. We’re here to help your pet feel safe, calm, and loved.

Wishing you and your furry friends a happy and safe Fourth of July!

– Dr. Jeanette Barragan

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On April 26, we hosted our first-ever Spay-a-thon. With the help of our dedicated team and partners, we were able to spay/neuter, vaccinate, microchip, and provide parasite prevention for 79 animals in just one day!

This event would not have been possible without the collective effort of our clinic, our partners at One Tail at a Time and Tree House Humane Society, and Dr. Laura Frazier from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine community medicine service, who played a key role in planning and execution. By working together, we provided essential care to pets who may not otherwise have had access to these vital services.

Spaying and neutering helps reduce pet overpopulation and keeps animals out of shelters, while vaccinations, parasite prevention, and microchipping ensure these pets stay healthy and safe in their homes. By removing financial and accessibility barriers, we helped pet owners protect their beloved companions while also contributing to a healthier, more responsible pet-owning community.

The Bigger Picture

Events like the Spay-a-thon not only help individual pets but also have a direct impact on public health. By ensuring animals are vaccinated against rabies and other preventable diseases, we help prevent the spread of illness between pets and humans. Parasite prevention further reduces the risks of zoonotic diseases, contributing to a safer, healthier environment for everyone.

As a teaching clinic under the College of Veterinary Medicine, our clinic is always looking for opportunities to provide hands-on educational experiences for veterinary students. This event gave students the chance to gain real-world experience in surgery, anesthesia, and preventive care, all while working alongside experienced veterinarians.

Through mentorship and practical application, students learned not just technical skills, but also the importance of community outreach and accessible veterinary care. Events like these help shape compassionate, well-rounded veterinarians who will carry these lessons into their careers.

Outreach at MDVC

The Outreach Program at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive future for veterinary medicine. Recognizing that the field remains predominantly white, we strive to break down barriers by reaching out to students from underrepresented communities, from elementary school through college.

Our goal is to inspire the next generation of veterinarians by providing mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and career guidance. Through interactive workshops, shadowing programs, and community engagement, we aim to foster a deeper connection with the veterinary field, ensuring that the next generation of veterinary professionals reflects the diverse communities they will serve.

Thank You to Our Supporters!

A huge thank you to our veterinary team, students, volunteers, Dr. Laura Frazier, and our incredible partners at One Tail at a Time and Tree House Humane Society for making this event a success. Your dedication and passion are what make events like this possible.

A special thank you to Pete’s Fresh Market #10 (Madison and Western) for donating our water bottles and bananas for our hydration station!

Stay tuned for more details on our Outreach endeavors by keeping an eye on our social media and website for updates! Facebook Instagram

– Ana Valbuena, DVM

Spay-a-thon 2025: Fortaleciendo Nuestra Comunidad, la Salud Pública, y la Próxima Generación de Veterinarios

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El 26 de Abril, el equipo de alcance en Chicago de la Clínica Veterinaria Medical District organizó nuestro primer Spay-a-thon. ¡Con la ayuda de nuestro equipo y asociados, pudimos **esterilizar, vacunar, microchip, y brindar prevención de parásitos para 79 animales** en un solo día!

Este evento no hubiese sido posible sin el esfuerzo colectivo de nuestra clínica, nuestros asociados de One Tail at a Time y TreeHouse, y la Dra. Laura Frazier del Programa de Medicina Comunitaria de la Universidad de Illinois, que tuvo un papel clave en la planificación y ejecución. Colaborando, hemos proporcionado cuidados esenciales a mascotas que de otro modo no habrían tenido acceso a estos servicios vitales.

La esterilización ayuda a reducir la superpoblación de mascotas y mantiene a los animales fuera de los refugios, mientras que las vacunaciones, la prevención de parásitos y la colocación de microchips ayudan a que estas mascotas permanezcan sanas y seguras en sus hogares. Al eliminar las barreras económicas y de accesibilidad, ayudamos a los propietarios de mascotas a proteger a sus queridos compañeros, contribuyendo al mismo tiempo a una comunidad de propietarios más sana y responsable.

El panorama más amplio

Eventos como el Spay-a-thon no se limitan a ayudar a las mascotas, sino que afectan directamente a la salud pública. Al garantizar la vacunación de los animales contra la rabia y otras enfermedades prevenibles, ayudamos a evitar la transmisión de enfermedades entre animales de compañía y seres humanos. La prevención de parásitos reduce aún más los riesgos de enfermedades zoonóticas, contribuyendo a un ambiente más seguro y saludable para todos.

Como clínica docente de la Universidad de Illinois, siempre buscamos oportunidades para ofrecer experiencias educativas y prácticas a los estudiantes veterinarios. Este evento brindó a los estudiantes la oportunidad de ganar experiencia en cirugía, anestesia y cuidados preventivos mientras trabajaban junto a veterinarios con mucha experiencia.

A través de la tutoría y la aplicación práctica, los estudiantes aprendieron no sólo habilidades técnicas, sino también la importancia de la ayuda a la comunidad y la atención veterinaria accesible. Eventos como éste ayudan a formar veterinarios compasivos y completos que aplicarán estas lecciones en sus carreras.

Alcance en MDVC

El Programa de Alcance en la Clínica Veterinaria del Distrito Médico se compromete a construir un futuro más diverso e inclusivo para la medicina veterinaria. Reconocemos que el campo sigue siendo predominantemente blanco, por lo que nos esforzamos por romper las barreras y llegar a los estudiantes de las comunidades subrepresentadas, desde la escuela primaria hasta la universidad. Nuestro objetivo es inspirar a la próxima generación de veterinarios, ofreciéndoles tutoría, oportunidades de aprendizaje práctico y orientación profesional. A través de talleres interactivos, programas de observación y la participación de la comunidad, nuestro objetivo es establecer una conexión más profunda con el campo veterinario y lograr que la próxima generación de profesionales veterinarios refleje las diversas comunidades a las que servirán.

¡Gracias a nuestros patrocinadores!

También queremos expresar nuestro sincero agradecimiento a nuestro equipo veterinario, estudiantes, voluntarios, la Dra. Laura Frazier y nuestros increíbles asociados de One Tail at a Time y TreeHouse Humane Society, gracias a los cuales este evento ha sido un éxito. Su dedicación y pasión hacen posible eventos como este.

Queremos expresar un agradecimiento especial a Pete’s Fresh Market \# 10 (en Madison y Western) por donar botellas de agua y bananas para nuestra estación de hidratación.

Para estar al tanto de todo lo relacionado con Outreach, no se pierda nuestras actualizaciones en redes sociales y en nuestro sitio web. Facebook Instagram

– Ana Valbuena, DVM

Hi everyone! My name is Dr. Amanda Hampton, and I am so excited to be joining the veterinary team at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic.

And I am so excited to meet you! Every person and pet has a different story with different needs. I look forward to getting to know you and finding out how I can best help you and your pet. Until then, here’s a little information for you about me.

My Path to Veterinary Medicine

I grew up in a small, rural community 2 hours west of Chicago, where I loved caring for my family’s personal cats and dogs. In high school, I started working as a paid kennel assistant at my hometown veterinary clinic, cleaning cages, learning about animal husbandry, and observing how the veterinary clinic operated.

That experience was so important and inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I was recruited to swim at Western Illinois University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in biology and held part-time positions at a local veterinary clinic and grooming facility.

After undergrad, I was accepted into the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, where I completed my doctorate. During my time at the college, I loved participating in intramural sports. I eventually met my future husband playing flag football and basketball.

Leading in Practice

After graduation, I started my professional career working at a nationwide corporate preventive care practice where I held roles as a veterinarian, lead doctor, and chief of staff. I loved building the team, creating a culture of safety, and engaging the team to share ideas to improve patient care.

In 2020, the team won the practice’s Chicagoland Veterinary Quality Team of the Year, which was a proud moment in my career.

Eventually, I wanted to further advance and diversify my medical, surgical, and leadership experiences. In 2023, I started a full-time position at a smaller corporate practice. I also started working as a relief veterinarian here at the Medical District clinic and started helping to build their new community outreach program.

Fast forward two years, and now I get to be with them (and you!) full time!

I am so excited to share my passion for the veterinary profession with the clinic and the community. I love being a veterinarian, I love teaching, and I love being able to expose students to this profession.

Access to Veterinary Medicine for All

Accessibility and exposure to the profession are important, and this mindset allows me to honor those who have taught me while giving back to the students who will become the future of veterinary medicine.

A large part of my recent volunteer work included building and co-leading the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA). The committee organizes veterinary student and veterinary professional networking and mentoring events and career fairs for high school students. (Check out the ISVMA “Veterinary Exploration Day” career fair held annually. This year it will be November 8 in Oakbrook, Illinois. Contact ISVMA for more information).

In 2022, the ISVMA DEI committee also helped facilitate transportation for Chicago area students to attend the annual Open House at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, Illinois. In addition to seeing all the exhibits available to the public, high school students attended a special Q&A with current veterinary students. This event has grown each year and now includes student access to the cultural houses on and tours of the main University campus through the Chicago Village Bus Program.

Ways to Get Involved

These outreach opportunities are an important part in expanding accessibility to care and to the profession. I look forward to seeing how our clinic’s community outreach team can continue to grow these efforts in the Chicago area.

If you are a high school student or guardian, career advisor, and/or community member who knows a student interested in the veterinary profession, please get in contact with us. Opportunities for high school students at our clinic include shadowing a clinician and attending our clinic’s open house for students in June. We also visit high schools to talk about the process of getting into veterinary and veterinary technician school.

Another plug: Vet Med Open House is open to everyone, family friendly, and lots of fun! And it’s free! We hope you get the opportunity to join the event in Urbana, Illinois, on Sunday, October 5.

Outside the Clinic

Outside of the veterinary clinic, I enjoy cooking, being outdoors, practicing yoga, going to Bulls games, and spending time with my family. I live on Chicago’s south side with my husband, who also a veterinarian; our 4-year-old daughter; and a senior Australian shepherd named Brickley.

I look forward to meeting you!

– Amanda Hampton, DVM (she/her/hers)