Your pet is an important part of your family
when THEY’RE ill, you want the best medical care available, and you want to feel comfortable with the process and their care.
Our team is deeply committed to the care and comfort of your pet. The medical environment can be stressful and confusing. We are here for you with open arms, clear communication, and guidance.
We are a local, family-owned veterinary practice, serving our community by practicing the highest quality veterinary medicine with respect, compassion, and honesty.
We will work tirelessly with you and your pet throughout the years to maintain their health, comfort and dignity until the end of their life.
We are dedicated to providing you with information about nutrition, exercise and enrichment for your pet, vaccinations, and specialty care.
We utilize the latest technology within our practice including an in-house laboratory, digital radiography (x-ray,) anesthetic monitoring, and laser surgery.
From wellness exams and vaccines to advanced diagnostics and complex surgical procedures, we maintain the highest standards of veterinary medicine, offered with kindness and compassion.
BILMAR VETERINARY NEWS/BLOG
November ‘24
Standing Up for Women's Rights —
For Our Team, Our Families, and Your Pets 🐾
📢 We at Bilmar stand firmly in support of women’s reproductive rights. This isn’t just a “women’s issue” — this is about real lives, including the care your pets receive. When women in our field have control over their healthcare and their futures, they can show up 100% for the animals they love to help- your pets. I am writing this message because access to heath care is not just about policy; it’s personal. You know when you come to see us here, that your choices include many considerations, and that only you know what is best for your family.
Bilmar is not at all unique in the field of veterinary medicine in that women make up the vast majority of positions; in our field holding 90% of jobs. The few men on our team stand with us in this, too; they have mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers who deserve respect, dignity, and choice.
Let's fight for a world where our team can keep focusing on what matters most: the health and happiness of your pets. Stand with us, stand with women. 💪🏽❤️
🐾 #SupportWomensRights #VeterinaryCare #WomenInVetMed #ReproductiveRights #KamalaHarris #ForTheLoveOfPets
DECEMBER ‘23
12/13/23
Winter Tips, Tricks, and Warnings!
Who is most at risk in cold weather?
Small-sized dogs
Older animals, underweight animals, or those with medical conditions may have difficulty staying warm or regulating their body temperature in the cold.
Short and thinly-coated breeds will not tolerate the cold as well as thick coated animals such as Siberian Huskies and Malamutes.
What are signs that a dog is not tolerating the cold?
Shivering
Lifting paws off the ground quickly and in a repeated manner, reluctancy to walk
Suddenly anxious behavior
Risk of prolonged cold exposure:
Prolonged exposure can lead to frostbite or life-threatening hypothermia. Ears, paws, and tail are most commonly affected.
Consider the following strategies to keep your dog safe during cold weather:
Keep dogs indoors
Bundle up
Avoid clipping/shaving your dog’s hair/fur too short in the winter. Strategic clipping, such as feathers by each foot, may help prevent snowball accumulation.
Check paws frequently and apply balm to dry split pay pads and nose
Monitor your dog’s mobility
Prevent access to poisonous products: salt, de-icers on the roads can irritate the paws. If ingested, can cause ulceration/irritations on the mouth or digestive tract. Antifreeze products containing ethylene glycol can be deadly to pets. Immediately clean up any known spills to prevent ingestion. Seek veterinary care immediately if accidental ingestion occurs.
Use pet friendly de-icers or antifreeze products. Make sure the wipe your dogs paws, legs and belly after walks to remove any chemicals/snow/water that may hurt your pet.
Never leave a dog unattended in a car
Avoid walking on frozen bodies of water: USE EXTREME CAUTION
Monitor your dog’s weight: If you have a winter going dog that loves the cold and snow, they will have higher energy requirements. Dogs that are more sedentary in the winter months may be monitored to avoid weight gain.
Wear reflective gear on walks in the dark: Shorter days in the winter means that many walks are done in the dark. Wear something that is reflective and carry a flashlight to illuminate you and your dog on walks from drivers.
Microchip your dog: If your pet gets loose, cold weather or not, a microchip can help authorized personnel to contact you. Your information should be updated regularly online with the corresponding microchip company to ensure efficacy of locating you!
Plan ahead in case of severe weather:
Make sure to have emergency items in your car such as an extra jacket, blanket, hand warmers, etc.
Make sure that you have enough food and water for several days, also make sure that if your dog is on any medications that might run out, make sure to call for refills ahead of time.
12/11/23
World Peace
In this holiday season we are faced with a dichotomy between seasonal cheer and devastating news from all over the world. At home, in the United States, we are seeing countless acts of anti-semitic, Islamaphobic hatred, and violence enacted upon our fellow citizens. Just this week, the first night of Chanukah, a man fired gunshots into the air while saying 'Free Palestine.' At Bilmar we STRONGLY denounce these acts and stand in love and solidarity with our Jewish community.
Of course the events unfolding in the middle east are deeply distressing, we are witnessing an ongoing horror of great magnitude. However, human beings are supposedly intelligent creatures, for whom nuance should be possible; the desire for the Palestinian people to be free, to have a home and safety, the desire for justice for the massacre at the hands of Hamas on October 7th. We need to remember the history of WWII and understand that the oppression and attempt to extinguish the Jewish people existed long before that barbarity.
Unless we are personally affected (and I do not mean by reading the news and forming an opinion) we must ALL project our energy, voices, and love into the world in support of the safety and value of all human beings. By not holding this with strong commitment we are culpable in the atrocious acts of violence and fear mongering that is ruining wellbeing and peace in the world.
- Peace, Dr. Emily Newman
12/4/23
What Is Animal Chiropractic?
Pictured: Dr. Newman
Animal Chiropractic is a field of animal health care that focuses on the preservation and health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. The nervous system is comprised of the central command center (the brain and spinal cord) and the nerves which connect (innervate) all the tissues of the body, Anything that impacts the nervous system resonates through the body, in either a positive or negative way.
The structure of the spine include the bones (vertebra, and pelvis) as well as ligaments, muscles, and nerves. If the movement and biomechanics of the vertebra become dysfunctional, they can interfere with the performance of the nerves that are branching off of the spinal cord and going to the all of the muscles and organs. As this occurs, your animal can lose normal mobility; resulting in stiffness, tension, pain and even organ dysfunction. Additionally, when normal movement is affected, and left unattended, it will ultimately impact your animal’s entire wellbeing and quality of life.
Pictured: Dr. Newman
The nervous system also coordinates the body’s ability to heal and regulate itself. Trauma, overuse, or underuse, may cause the vertebra of the spine to become fixed, and the surrounding muscles and ligaments may become compromised and inflamed. Nerves could become trapped in these damaged tissues, or in the passages they use to exit the spine. Their signals become unable to adequately reach their destinations. When they don’t, these impaired structures lose their ability to heal. This can directly and dramatically impact your animal’s health. Symptoms of spinal fixation are vast, and may include: pain, spasm, sensitivity to touch, lameness, gait abnormalities, and postural compromise. These are the symptoms that are the easiest to detect. It may take a trained doctor to distinguish some of the more subtle changes that occur when organs begin to malfunction. The goal, of an animal chiropractor, is to restore function and mobility to the compromised vertebra in an effort to re-establish neurologic transmissions. This allows the body to perform at its optimum potential.
November ‘23
11/8/23
Happy International Day of Radiology!
Today, November 8th, we promote the seismic impact of radiology on medicine – earlier detection, fewer surgeries, and game-changing treatment outcomes.
On this day, medical imaging professionals from across the world will celebrate the 11th International Day of Radiology (IDoR 2023). We encourage all radiologists, radiographers, radiological technologists, professionals in other related fields and patient groups to join together on this day to recognise and promote the essential role that radiology plays in the patient journey.
If you’ve undergone an exam or procedure using imaging, such as X-Ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound, or mammography, then a radiologist has been part of your diagnosis or treatment. The Radiologist is the doctor who analzyzes images to make a diagnosis. They contribute to the treatment plan by communicating the finding to your referring physician, along with recommendations on how to go forward.
Radiology helps to find abnormalities such as tumors and heart disease. It screens for breast, colon, lung, and other cancers. It allows doctors to see in the body virtually eliminating the need for exploratory surgery. Surgeons are now able to perform minimally-invasive procedures guidind by imaging as well as being able to conduct image-guided biopsies. Most of all, Radiologists ensure safe use of radiation.
Early diagnosis of diseases increases the likelihood of full recovery. Screening programs allow radiologist to identify cancers at heir earlier stage.
Treating early-stage disease reduces treatment costs.
June ‘23
6/26/23
A message for our valued clients,
Summer Greetings! We wanted to take a moment to inform you of an exciting update regarding our online pharmacy service.
Starting this month, we have partnered with Vetsource as our online pharmacy provider, replacing our previous platform, Vets First Choice.
While we recognize the convenience of ordering online and the freedom of choice associated with that, we request that you consider using Vetsource over all other sites for your pet's online medications and healthcare needs. This will support Bilmar directly as a business, and help to offset the administrative time involved in writing and approving these prescriptions. By ordering solely through the new online Bilmar store, you will also ensure accuracy and efficacy of products and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of your pet's medical history.
To access our new online pharmacy services, simply visit our website at www.bilmarvet.comand click on the red "Online Pharmacy" tab in the top right corner. You will be directed to our Bilmar Pharmacy site powered by Vetsource, where you can create an account and explore the online options.
Our veterinarians can also recommend products for your pet specifically, which generates an email sent to you for easy ordering.
For those clients that have already been ordering through our previous pharmacy Vets First Choice, you will need to create a new account with Vetsource in order to place orders through that site. For now, you may also continue to order through Vets First Choice if you prefer.
Thank you for your continued support and patronage. We live in a truly remarkable community where one person (or one animal) can make such a difference in the lives of others. Please know that we value you, and we would love to hear any thoughts that you have.
Be well and stay healthy,
Dr. Emily Newman, Bilmar Veterinary Services
April ‘23
4/26/2023
Dear valued pet parent,
We believe in full transparency when it comes to the cost of veterinary care. Recently, our outside laboratory made changes to their pricing structure resulting in some commonly utilized lab-work increasing in cost. We feel that those most affected by it should be informed. If you have specific questions regarding pricing or about a specific test, please let us know!
-Bilmar Veterinary Services
We are advocates for Pet Insurance as many companies help cover not only illness and injury costs but wellness care as well!
Insurance companies that we recommend include: Nationwide, Trupanion, Embrace, PetsBest, Fetch
4/12/2023
ANY DOG CAN BITE
Here are some recommendations and facts on how to avoid common situations that increase the chances of a dog bite to humans or other animals. Always evaluate the situation.
Signals given: Most dogs will show subtle signs that they are uncomfortable well before they resort to biting. It is important to understand the signals animals give when that are becoming increasingly anxious or agitated.
Reasons for reaction:
Illness/Pain
- While some dogs hide their pain well, others may be suddenly aggressive especially if they are acutely sick. Age-related changes such as osteoarthritis, declining eyesight, and hearing may make sudden interactions very startling. Certain spots on the body may be sore and should be avoided.
Afraid
- Signs to note: licking their lips or yawning, drooling, lowered ears, tucked tail, avoidance of eye contact. A history of neglect or trauma is not required of a dog to react aggressively or to show signs of fearfulness.
- Always ask owner if it is ok to pet their dog BEFORE touching or approaching the pet. Bending down to pat the head may startle the dog. Sometimes, previous trauma with a rescue dog may be confused with a simple head pat.
Protecting someone or something
- Resource guarding or protecting humans or things may be developed at any given time throughout a dogs life. Be alert when offering treats/feeding or interacting with a new dog.
Active aggression out of dominance
- Rarely, in cases of true dominance-related aggression there is no fear or uncertainty.
Facts:
Children and seniors tend to be bitten due to lack of impulse control and inability to understand signs that a dog is becoming uncomfortable.
Studies show that breed does not accurately predict whether or not an animal is likely to be aggressive.
Many times anxious or aggressive behavior can be managed well with a behaviorist or veterinarian by treating an underlying disease. A care plan can usually be formulated to make sure that vet visits/preventative care can be performed.
July ‘22
7/27/22
Dear Humans,
Since before graduation from veterinary school eons ago, both for my own health and our patients, I have been interested in many non-allopathic medical traditions and wisdoms. Until now, I did not have the opportunity to study sufficiently to advise and utilize them in my own practice. In January of this year I was invigorated to begin pursuit of training in various holistic modalities that I felt would help me care for your beloved pets.
As a long time patient and beneficiary of chiropractic care, I decided to start my holistic training journey there. It is often the case that I have felt limited in the help I can provide in chronic orthopedic cases, beyond pain relieving medications and referral to physical therapy. Chiropractic care seemed a wonderful addition to my ‘tool box’ to improve the comfort and function of these patients. I enrolled in ‘Options’ and spent a week each month, for five consecutive months in eastern Kansas for an intense training in the science, technique, and philosophy of chiropractic. It was a wonderful experience and I was astounded by how much I didn’t understand about the utility of chiropractic, which is far richer than I realized. I am so excited to be able to share this knowledge with you, and to help your friends feel better!
As time goes on, I will continue my training. I am currently focusing on holistic nutrition, with interest in medicinal mushrooms and herbs. My goal in the next two years is to offer a truly integrative medical experience for your buddies, so stay tuned!
If you feel that this could be a good fit for your animal, I invite you to call the office to set up a consultation with me; if you are simply interested in discussing the potential of chiropractic I am very happy to chat by phone. Please also feel free to set up a Wellness Exam ($145)) which is simply a conventional physical exam that we are all used to, combined with a complete scan of the spine and limbs, and adjustment as needed. This could be in addition to or in leu of the annual exam. Alternatively, you can schedule a Chiropractic Exam ($90) with adjustment. Both exams will include an in-depth discussion about any issues your pet may be experiencing with their health or mobility.
Sincerely and with much love,
Dr. Emily Newman
7/12/22
New chiropractic and wellness services to be offered at Bilmar!
We are excited to announce a new service at Bilmar! Dr. Newman has graduated from Options for Animals College for Animal Chiropractic, and is now certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
7/12/22
New cancellation policy at Bilmar! Please see your e-mail for the specifics on the full policy.
There will be a $50 charge for cancellations made within 24 hours and missed appointments; this fee must be paid before re-booking.
We are now requiring a $200 non-refundable deposit for surgical procedures. This deposit will be applied to the cost of the procedure on the day of service, it will not be refunded for late cancellations or missed appointments.
Should three no-show or cancellations without 24 hour notice occur, the client may be dismissed from Bilmar Veterinary Services.
As a courtesy, we make reminder calls with attempts to numbers and/or email addresses provided on the account. Please be sure to confirm contact information is up-to-date- If you do not receive a reminder call the policy will remain in effect.
The foundation of our practice is wellness & prevention.
We believe that the body has amazing mechanisms for wellbeing and healing.
Our job is to facilitate those processes. From routine annual exams to more complex diagnostics and procedures for un-well patients, the principal of ‘quality of life’ informs us.
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