Williams Veterinary Wellness

I want to take a moment to post something a bit outside of the "norm" for us - this week has been a really heavy one for our team.

We’ve had more interactions than usual with people who are frustrated, upset, and in some cases unkind when we’ve had to tell them we cannot see their pet that day or that we recommend care in Flagstaff or Prescott.

I want to say this clearly: when we refer you somewhere else, it is not because we don’t care. It’s not because we don’t want to help.

We would love to see every patient that calls us, every client that walks through our doors, and every pet that needs care.

But sometimes a pet’s condition needs advanced monitoring, specialized treatment, or critical nursing care that we simply aren’t set up to provide in a small-town clinic. We have the ability to do a lot, but we can't do it all. Sometimes referring is the best thing we can do for continuity of care and for that pet.

Sometimes we are fully booked and at capacity.

And sometimes our team has just walked through multiple really difficult cases or euthanasias in a row and simply does not have anything left to safely and compassionately take on another patient in that moment.

I know from the outside it can feel like, “Can’t the doctor just take a quick look?” or “It’ll only take a minute.”

But veterinary medicine is almost never just one minute.

Behind every treatment, appointment, or recommendation are medical decisions, charting, nursing care, client communication, coordination, and a team of people trying really hard to do right by every patient.

We care deeply about this community. We care about the locals. We care about the travelers. Every day, we do our best to help as many pets and people as we reasonably can.

And truly - it is a privilege to do this work. Caring for pets and the people who love them is something we do not take for granted.

We can do this work best when our time and professional boundaries are respected, and when people extend the same kindness and grace to our team that they would hope to receive themselves.

We are human.

Please be patient with us. Please be kind to us.

This field carries a lot of compassion fatigue and burnout. We see hard things every day, and words stick with people longer than you may realize.

Thank you to the people who show understanding and grace. We notice. And we appreciate you more than you know.

With gratitude,
Katherine Ruffenach, CVT
Practice Manager
Williams Veterinary Wellness

🐾 Screwworm: A Quick Pet Owner FYI

You may have heard about screwworm in the news recently. While the risk to pets here in Arizona remains very low at this time, it's still a good opportunity to learn what it is and what to watch for.

Screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that lays its eggs in open wounds, irritated skin, or mucous membranes. Unlike typical maggots that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, which can lead to severe and painful infections if left untreated.

Signs of a possible screwworm infestation include:
- A wound that suddenly worsens or won't heal
- Swelling, pain, or drainage from a wound
- A foul odor from the affected area
- Lethargy or decreased appetite
- Visible larvae in or around a wound

The good news? Screwworm has not been detected in Arizona, and the overall risk to local pets remains low. Prompt veterinary care is highly effective, and early recognition is key.

While not all parasite preventatives have FDA approval for screwworm prevention, the products we carry are believed to offer protection based on their active ingredients. Keeping your pets on veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention remains an important part of their overall health and protection against many common parasites.

As always, check your pets regularly for cuts, hot spots, or other skin issues, and seek veterinary attention for any wound that doesn't appear to be healing normally.

There's no need to panic, but staying informed helps keep our pets safe. If you have concerns about a wound or questions about your pet's parasite prevention, we're happy to help.🐱🐶

Did you know? Some turtles can recognize their owners and even respond to their names. World Turtle Day is a great time to appreciate these smart, slow-moving, but fascinating creatures. 🐢 Our wonderful technician, Krystol, has a non-profit rescue dedicated to turtles and other special needs animals - you can support her rescue here: https://bit.ly/4dqiB4c

Planning ahead keeps the holiday worry-free. Be sure to stock up on your pet’s food and medication before the closure. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day! 🏡🐾

Minnow’s story is nothing short of extraordinary.

She was initially hospitalized with us for a severe case of pancreatitis and required transfer for continued intensive care as her condition was not improving as quickly as Dr. Ryan was hoping. Despite aggressive medical management, Minnow’s illness progressed, and she was referred to a specialist for advanced care. There, she underwent gallbladder removal in an effort to address ongoing complications, with concern for possible blood clots further complicating her recovery. At one point, she required oxygen therapy and round-the-clock critical care support and her care team wasn't sure she would make it.

Through every stage of this complex and life-threatening journey, Minnow’s devoted owners never wavered. Their attentiveness, willingness to pursue every option, and meticulous adherence to treatment recommendations played a vital role in giving her every possible chance. Today, Minnow is back home and doing incredibly well.

Minnow is a powerful reminder of resilience, teamwork across veterinary teams, and the incredible difference that dedicated pet parents and collaborative care can make.