Dr. Grimes of Grand Rapids veterinarian Cascade Hospital for Animals with diabetic cat Max.
Dr. Grimes with Max, a diabetic cat who uses FreeStyle Libre. Max wears a onesie to keep him from biting the sensor.

With FreeStyle Libre, glucose monitoring for diabetic pets is easier than ever

Free Style Libre is a newer technology that can be used in dogs and cats in certain circumstances. If you have any questions, please contact your veterinarian team to schedule an appointment.

It’s not easy caring for a diabetic pet and meeting their unique health needs. But thanks to a new pet-friendly glucose monitoring device, it’s now a lot easier for the owner and the veterinarian to get a full picture of the pet’s insulin needs to ensure they receive the best possible care.

Dr. McBride with a patient. Veterinarians in Michigan can now discuss CBD for pets.
Dr. McBride with a patient. Veterinarians in Michigan can now discuss CBD for pets.

New law allows Michigan vets to discuss CBD with clients

Until a state law that passed on Dec. 31, 2020, Michigan veterinarians were not legally permitted to consult with their clients about the use of hemp-derived products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), for their pets. "We were in a murky legal state," said Dr. Steven McBride, "because we weren't technically allowed to discuss CBD with our clients. So if they wanted to try it for their pets, they felt they had to do it without us knowing."

Sadie with her new friend, Dr. Siegle, at Breton Village Animal Clinic in Grand Rapids, MI

How CHFA helped a new client's dog find her way home

New Cascade Hospital for Animals client Anne was preparing to turn into the clinic’s parking lot last Thursday for her dog’s first appointment at the clinic, when a vehicle said to be travelling at a high speed smashed into her car from behind. In the chaos of the moments following the wreck, Anne and her beloved rescue dog, Sadie, a mix of Chow, Akita, Malamute, and more, sat terrified among open airbags and broken glass.

Nikki poses with a dog named Crystal; Nikki is a trainer who gives advice on separation issues

Have a smooth back-to-the-office transition for your pet!

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has followed us into 2021, there is hope that we’ll be returning to normal (or some semblance of normalcy) in the year ahead. Many employees who have been working from home will return to working from an office. What does that mean for you if you’re a dog owner whose four-legged friend has grown used to have you around during the day?

Retirement won't slow down long-time CHFA employee
Thelma and Aimee, who have know each other since Aimee was 17. Aimee will be taking over Thelma's position when Thelma retires.

Retirement won't slow down long-time CHFA employee

For Thelma Haynes, her career at Cascade Hospital for Animals has never been “just a job.” Thelma, who is retiring at the end of this month, credits the leadership of CHFA for entrusting her with a variety of responsibilities over the years, allowing her to flourish in her work.

Dr. Fuller with Jasper, who thankfully does not suffer from urinary blockage
Dr. Fuller with Jasper, who thankfully does not suffer from urinary blockage

What is “blocked cat” and why should cat owners watch for signs of it?

Cats can be mysterious creatures, and sometimes when they’re in pain they hide their suffering from their owners. That’s why it’s important, says Cascade Hospital for Animals’ Dr. Kyle Fuller, for cat owners to carefully watch their feline friends’ habits for signs of urinary blockage, sometimes known as “blocked cat,” a potentially fatal but treatable condition.

Veterinary assistant Mackenzie was just as thrilled as Disco's owner to get her home
Veterinary assistant Mackenzie was just as thrilled as Disco's owner to get her home

How CHFA reunited a pet parent with her wandering cat

It’s what every pet parent dreads – their beloved four-legged family member disappearing without a trace. In spite of everything owners do to keep them safe, the call of the great outdoors is far too tempting for some pets, including Disco, a now one-year-old rescue cat. Her mom, Jenna, felt helpless when Disco slipped out the door of her apartment and ran into the woods behind the apartment complex. But with the help of the staff of Cascade Hospital for Animals – and a tiny chip – Disco eventually found her way home.

Fostering a PAWS puppy was a labor of love for CHFA client care assistant
A patient and attentive Rosie at the library

Fostering a PAWS puppy was a labor of love for CHFA client care assistant

Dogs can play a very important role in providing assistance and facilitating independence for people with disabilities. It’s no secret, however, that an assistance dog’s success doesn’t come naturally. It’s due to incredibly hard work from a number of people along the way, starting from puppyhood.

For our forward-looking clinics, telemedicine is here to stay

For our forward-looking clinics, telemedicine is here to stay

It might seem like perfect timing that Cascade Hospital for Animals and Breton Village Animal Clinic began offering telemedicine in January 2020, only two months before the COVID-19 pandemic struck Michigan. But according to telemedicine provider Dr. Samantha Abel, it’s a service that will only grow in popularity, no matter what’s going on in the world.

Dr. Schaffter and her patient, senior cat Piglet

Senior cats bring extra joy in exchange for a little extra TLC

Cat lovers don’t need to be told their beloved pets only get sweeter with age. Many choose to adopt adult cats, not only because they are more likely to be overlooked in the shelter system, but also because they have often grown out of the behavioral problems that come along with adopting kittens and younger cats.