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Pets First Monthly
September 2026
It’s incredible to consider how much veterinary medicine has changed in the past decade or two. THE CASE FOR PET HEALTH INSURANCE COMFORT IN CRISIS Today, we can provide MRIs, CT imaging, chemotherapy, advanced orthopedic surgery, specialty care, emergency and critical care, blood transfusions, and many other treatments we didn’t have available to patients years ago. Although it’s wonderful that these advancements have helped pets enjoy longer and healthier lives, the fact is that some of them are quite costly for pet guardians. Fortunately, our clients don’t need to face the cost of their pet(s)’ care alone. In honor of September being National Pet Health Insurance Month, let’s dive into why having insurance for your animal companions can make all the difference in the world. Pet health insurance can bring relief when a pet has a crisis or an unexpected emergency. As a pet owner, you don’t have to worry as much about whether you can afford to have your pet treated. It helps pet health care providers, too, as we can perform all the tests and procedures necessary to keep your pet healthy without being restricted by a client’s budget. There are a few critical things to consider before purchasing pet health insurance. First, you are reimbursed by the insurer after you pay for the pet’s care. Second, pet health insurers don’t cover preexisting health conditions. For example, if your pet was diagnosed with severe arthritis before you signed them up for insurance, arthritis-related health issues would not be covered. For this reason, it’s always best to sign them up for pet health insurance when they’re puppies or kittens or right when you first adopt them. There are several pet health insurance companies, and many plans can reimburse costs for illnesses, accidents, emergency visits, surgery, hospitalization, diagnostics, and more. While Petersen Pet Hospital doesn’t endorse one particular company, we encourage you to research available
options and choose what best fits your pet(s)’ needs. The Pawlicy Advisor website at pawlicy.com is a great platform for reviewing plans, premiums, deductibles, coverages, exclusions, waiting periods, and other factors to determine the best plan for your pet. In my professional opinion, certain breeds should definitely have pet health insurance coverage due to their higher risk of health issues. These include French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Bernese mountain dogs, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, King Charles spaniels, and any exotic feline breed. Pet health insurance allows pet owners to plan for medical care rather than make difficult decisions in the moment. When a sudden illness or injury affects your pet, your emotions are likely already running high. Insurance can give you peace of mind that the costs of care are covered, and you can focus on your pet getting better. Selecting the best policy for your pet’s situation and preparing for emergencies in advance will help ensure your beloved furry friend receives medical care at every stage of life. If you currently don’t have pet health insurance, please take time this month to review your options and commit to a policy as soon as possible. Providing animals with compassionate, professional care is Petersen Pet Hospital’s primary goal. Help us help you by insuring your pets so we can do our job for them without financial barriers standing in the way of their protection and care.
–Dr. Brad Petersen
PetersenPetHospital.com
As chief barketing officer at Petersen Pet Hospital, I have the honor of announcing that our team has recently expanded by six! I’m thrilled to publicly welcome newly graduated veterinary technicians: Maci , Morgan , and Madi . We’re so excited to have them, as technicians are very important to Petersen Pet Hospital! They do everything from taking X-rays and drawing blood to running diagnostics and giving vaccines. Perhaps most importantly, they give our clients’ pets treats (!) and help them feel less anxious and afraid when they come to visit us. Maci, Morgan, and Madi can’t wait to meet you! I’d also like to thank our summer interns, Lexi , Charlie , and Melaina , for being with us! We’re so happy they’re part of our team and are helping our pet clients have the best experience possible! Be sure to say hello to all our new faces the next time you’re here! I know you’ll love them as much as we do. 6 NEW FRIENDLY FACES SAM’S CORNER
Battle of the Bloat JACK’S LIFE- SAVING PROCEDURE
Jack is a very sweet and normally energetic neutered male Bernedoodle. He seemed a little out of sorts one evening after a routine day at the groomer. The next morning, he had no interest in his breakfast and even refused his favorite treats throughout the day. When his attitude became more subdued, progressing to lethargic, and he started intermittently hacking throughout the afternoon, his owner knew something was wrong and called our team for an exam. Jack initially presented for an examination with Dr. Conrad, who noted that he was very depressed, drooling excessively, and was slightly tense on palpation of his abdomen. His abdomen was also mildly distended, and he was hanging his head. His bloodwork came back normal, and abdominal radiographs were taken to confirm the cause of his distended abdomen and abdominal pain. On radiographs, his stomach was filled with a large volume of gas, and portions of his stomach were in abnormal places. These findings confirmed that Jack had a gastric dilatation and volvulus, commonly referred to as a GDV or “bloat.” GDV is an emergency condition in which the stomach fills up with gas and abnormally twists on its own axis. This condition stops blood flow to the stomach, is life-threatening, and requires emergency surgery. Jack was rushed to surgery with me. His stomach was identified, and syringe needles were inserted into the stomach, and a rubber tube was inserted into his esophagus to alleviate the gas pressure from his stomach. His stomach was then untwisted and returned to its normal position. To prevent future GDVs for Jack, a gastropexy procedure was performed, where his stomach was surgically tacked to the inside of his abdominal muscles. This procedure will help to decrease the risk of his stomach flipping on itself again in the future. Jack recovered smoothly from surgery and was a brand-new, very happy dog by the next morning. At his two-week recheck and staple removal, he had healed 100% and was able to return to his normal, energetic life. GDV most commonly affects deep-chested, large-breed dogs, such as the Great Dane, German shepherd, standard poodle, Newfoundland, and Bernese mountain dog (among others). As a preventive measure, we at Petersen Pet Hospital recommend a laparoscopic gastropexy (a stomach-tacking procedure performed with two small incisions and a camera), usually at the time of a pet’s spay or neuter. Other preventive measures in these breeds include avoiding strenuous activities before and after eating, eating slowly to prevent excessive air intake, and feeding multiple smaller meals throughout the day.
–Sam Chief Barketing Officer
—Dr. Steven McGinty
Contact us! 319-743-0554
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p
Forget Fetch EEYORE THE DOG RETRIEVED A SHERIFF’S DEPUTY Injuries and medical emergencies rarely come with a warning. One moment, everything feels normal, and the next, something can happen while you’re just grabbing the mail, getting out of the shower, or walking through your home. Many people’s saving grace is that someone was within earshot or in sight when the incident happened, available to render aid and get medical attention on the scene. But what happens when you’re out on your own without anyone you know? You can only hope you have a guardian angel like Eeyore looking over your shoulder. Law enforcement in Okaloosa County, Florida, responded to a call from a man who had grown worried about his wife. She was an older woman who had taken their 100-pound granddog, Eeyore, for a walk as the sun set. The husband stated that she normally only takes 10–15 minutes but hadn’t returned for over an hour. He was panicking. As the sheriff’s deputy drove around the neighborhood, she spotted Eeyore, who quickly approached the vehicle. The deputy didn’t hesitate; she quickly acknowledged it was the dog and asked, “Where’s your momma?” Like a scene from a movie, the dog leaped into action, guiding the deputy straight to the woman on the ground. Thankfully, the woman was alert and conscious, but they were concerned she had suffered an injury. However, she wasn’t worried about herself in the moment. She was trying to figure out how the deputy found her. She sounded completely flabbergasted when the deputy told her the dog was responsible for her rescue. “The dog brought you over? He wouldn’t leave. He kept coming back to me,” she stated to the deputy. As they waited for emergency services to arrive and provide aid, the two women made sure to give Eeyore plenty of love and appreciation. There’s no telling how long the woman would have been outside, or whether she would have remained safe had Eeyore not remained persistent in seeking help. The sheriff’s department was quick to credit Eeyore’s “love and instincts” for the rescue!
CARROT AND CATNIP KITTY TREATS INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp oil •
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3/4 cup finely shredded carrot 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
1 cup cat-friendly flour (plus extra for rolling dough) 1 tbsp dried catnip (optional)
•
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In medium bowl, add oil and mix in 1 cup of flour until the mixture looks sandy. 3. Stir in catnip and carrot, then mix in egg. 4. Sprinkle a flat surface with additional flour, then roll or pat the dough to 1/4-inch thickness, sprinkling with additional flour as needed. 5. Prick dough all over with a fork, then cut into 1/2-inch squares and arrange on a baking sheet. 6. Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned, and let treats cool before serving. 7. Store in an airtight container for several days or freeze for longer storage. (If baked to a softer texture, store in refrigerator.)
PetersenPetHospital.com
p.m. for team meetings) | Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sun: Closed
From Heartbreak to Hippo Hugs The Baby Hippo Who Fell Asleep in His Rescuer’s Arms
Hippos might not be known for cuddles and taking dips in private pools, but Bumpy isn’t your average animal. Today, the tiny hippo calf is living the good life at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, but his story started with heartbreak. He was discovered orphaned, lying next to his mother’s lifeless body, alone in the wilderness. Thanks to the loving care of his rescuers, he’s getting a fresh start. Bumpy was discovered at Oloiden Resort in Naivasha, Kenya, this May, after the Kenya Wildlife Service received multiple reports of a calf calling for help in the park. The team of animal advocates who went to help him found Bumpy nudging his dead mother, hoping she would wake up. Because hippos commonly get into territorial fights, especially when babies are involved, they believe she perished protecting him from danger. The little calf had to take a long ride after his traumatic ordeal to reach the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi Nursery. But once he arrived, he was treated to warm milk and a comfy red blanket, finally falling asleep in the arms of a caretaker.
each year. Bumpy, however, quickly bonded with his rescuers and even sat in a caretaker’s lap as they flew him to another facility.
“He is a very snuggly creature and is happiest when nestled on or against someone,” said the organization.
Since arriving at his new home, he’s been healthy and has received around-the- clock care to ensure his rehabilitation goes smoothly. When he’s not cozying up to a staffer, he spends most of his days swimming in his pool and taking long snoozes on a mattress. Young hippos stay with their mothers for years in the wild. They’re dependent on them for protection, milk, and lessons in survival. Early separations like Bumpy’s can be particularly difficult, but the rescue organization is hopeful that it can release him back into the wild once he’s older.
Until then, this once orphaned baby is going to get in every snuggle and treat he can.
While hippos are social, they are one of Africa’s most dangerous land animals. They are responsible for an estimated 500 human deaths across the continent
CLIENT REFERRAL PROGRAM
Referring a loved one or friend is the greatest compliment you can give us. We appreciate your trust in us, and your referrals mean the world to our team. To say thank you, we’ve created a special referral program just for you! Here’s how it works:
• Refer a new client to our pet hospital by giving them a referral card. • Once they come in for their first appointment and bring in the card, you’ll receive a Petersen Pet Hospital gift certificate. • The more you refer, the more you earn!
REFERRAL REWARDS: •
1st referral: $5 gift certificate 2nd referral: $10 gift certificate
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3rd referral: $15 gift certificate
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And it keeps growing — there’s no limit!
Gift certificates can be used for any service or purchase in the clinic.
PROGRAM DETAILS: • You must be a current client in good standing. • Referred clients must complete their first appointment. • Gift certificates are sent after the first visit is completed.
Your loyalty and support mean everything to us, and we’re so grateful to be part of your pet’s care. Thank you for continuing to share your friends and family with us! ⭐ LOVE YOUR EXPERIENCE? LEAVE US A REVIEW! Your feedback helps us grow and continue providing the best care possible for your pets. If you’ve had a great visit with us, we would truly appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a Google review. Not only does it help our team, it also helps other pet owners in our community find a veterinary clinic they can trust. Here’s how to leave a review: • Search for Petersen Pet Hospital on Google.
• Click “Write a Review.” • Share your experience. Thank you for your support — it truly makes a difference! 💙
Contact us! 319-743-0554
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p.m. for team meetings) | Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sun: Closed
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