
Smile, Pup! Why We Love National Dog Photography Day
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we’re big fans of dogs (obviously), and we absolutely love when you share your favorite photos of your canine companions with us—whether it's a glamour shot, a mud-splattered grin, or the proud face of a dog who just destroyed a squeaky toy.
But did you know your camera can also be one of the most valuable tools in keeping your dog healthy?

Supporting Your Cat’s Urinary Health Through Environmental Changes
If your cat is having repeated urinary issues, a medical exam and urinalysis are always the first step. But alongside medical treatment, a peaceful, enriched environment can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of urinary flare-ups.
Your cat’s comfort starts at home—and we’re always here to help guide the way.

Distichia in Dogs and Cats
Distichia occurs when extra eyelashes grow from an abnormal location—usually from the oil glands along the edge of the eyelid. These misplaced lashes often point inward toward the cornea (the clear surface of the eye), rubbing against it every time your pet blinks. Over time, this friction can cause chronic irritation, corneal ulcers, and even vision loss.

Understanding Glaucoma in Pets
Glaucoma is a serious and painful eye condition that can affect both dogs and cats. At Two Rivers Vet Hospital in Fargo, ND, we treat glaucoma as an emergency because it can cause irreversible vision loss if not diagnosed and treated quickly. This condition occurs when the pressure inside the eye—called intraocular pressure (IOP)—becomes too high, damaging the optic nerve and internal structures of the eye.

Dry Eye in Pets: Understanding Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)
Often referred to as “dry eye,” KCS occurs when your pet’s eyes stop producing enough tears to keep the surface of the eye healthy and lubricated. Without adequate moisture, the eyes become dry, inflamed, and vulnerable to injury or infection.

Corneal Abrasions
This is one of the more common eye problems in pets, and it can be quite painful.

Why Is My Pet’s Eye Red?
If your dog or cat has a red, irritated eye, it’s more than just an unsightly annoyance—it’s a signal that something’s not right.

Feline Tooth Resorption: What Every Cat Owner Should Know
FORLs, also known as tooth resorption, occur when a cat’s own body begins to break down a tooth, starting at the enamel and working inward. Over time, this painful process leads to exposure of the sensitive inner parts of the tooth. Unfortunately, most cats show little to no obvious symptoms until the lesion is severe.

Why Dental Care for Cats Matters More Than You Think
It’s not just tartar buildup we worry about. We’ve found foreign objects stuck under the tongue, fractured teeth, and even the occasional needle lodged in the roof of a cat’s mouth (true story—from a routine neuter appointment!). These issues may cause chronic pain, infection, and difficulty eating, but your cat may simply go on like nothing’s wrong.

Why We Recommend Year-Round Heartworm Prevention—Even in North Dakota
As veterinarians in North Dakota, we’re often asked: “Do I really need to keep my dog on heartworm prevention year-round?” After all, our winters are long and cold, and mosquitoes—the carriers of heartworm—seem to disappear for months at a time.
The short answer: Yes, absolutely.

My Dog Tested Positive for Anaplasma—What Happens Next?
The first thing we do after a positive result is evaluate a complete blood count (CBC) and perform blood cytology. These tests allow us to check for changes in your dog’s blood cell levels and look for evidence of the bacteria inside the blood cells. If we see abnormalities or signs of infection, we begin treatment right away.

My Pet Tested Positive for Lyme Disease—Now What?
When your pet tests positive for Lyme disease, we follow up with a specialized blood test called the C6 antibody test, offered through IDEXX Laboratories. This test measures the level of antibodies against the Lyme-causing bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. A high C6 value typically indicates an active infection, and in these cases, we recommend starting treatment right away.

A Patriotic Pawspective: Sergeant Stubby
As we celebrate the Fourth of July and the birth of our nation, we’d like to shine a light on one of America’s most beloved animal heroes: Sergeant Stubby, a dog whose bravery on the battlefield earned him a place in military history—and in patriotic hearts.

Fireworks and the Fourth: A Time to Celebrate — and Reflect
The sights and sounds of fireworks are iconic, but they’re not without consequence. Each year, we see a spike in pets lost, injured, or brought into clinics after panicking and fleeing their homes. According to the ASPCA, more pets go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year.

A New Non-Surgical Option for Some Mast Cell Tumors: Stelfonta
When it comes to treating mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs, one exciting option for certain cases is Stelfonta®, an FDA-approved injectable treatment that dissolves specific mast cell tumors—no surgery required.

Mast Cell Tumors
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital in Fargo, ND, we often help pet owners navigate the unexpected discovery of a lump or bump on their dog or cat. One important cause of skin masses in pets is a mast cell tumor (MCT)—a common type of skin cancer that can behave in very different ways depending on the individual pet.

Bank Now, Save Later: The Benefits of Stem Cell Banking
The key benefit of the "bank now, save later" option is that we collect stem cells while your pet is already under anesthesia for a scheduled procedure—no need for a second surgery or recovery period. Younger pets also tend to have a higher yield of healthier, more potent stem cells, making early collection a smart investment in your pet’s future.

Prophylactic Gastropexy: A Preventive Surgery That Could Save Your Dog’s Life
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we offer a procedure called prophylactic gastropexy—a preventive surgery designed to reduce the risk of a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), more commonly known as bloat.

Why Neutering Your Dog or Cat Matters: A Proactive Step for Better Health and Behavior
Neutering offers many benefits beyond preventing unwanted litters. For male pets, the procedure can help reduce hormone-driven behaviors like roaming, urine marking, and aggression. This means fewer fights with other animals, fewer escapes from the backyard, and a calmer pet at home.

When Should You Spay Your Pet?
One of the most common questions we hear from pet owners is: When is the best time to spay my dog or cat? The truth is, there’s not a single perfect answer—but at Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we typically recommend spaying before the first heat cycle.