Iowa Veterinary Specialties

05/28/2026

Meet Kingston! This adorable pup spent the day with us yesterday getting plenty of puppy cuddles. 🐾💙

05/27/2026

As the warmer months approach, it is important to remember that pavement temperatures can become dangerously hot for pets very quickly. 🌞

Hot pavement can cause serious burns to your pet's paws in as little as 60 seconds. Even when the air temperature feels comfortable, asphalt temperatures can become much hotter.

Stay safe and keep those paws protected this summer! 🐾

05/21/2026

Reminder! We are co-hosting a Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic with Paws and Pints on June 28 from 9AM-12PM.

Spots are limited. Links for registration and additional information are available on the Facebook event page!

05/19/2026

Sometimes healing takes a village.

Buster was transferred from the Internal Medicine Service at Iowa State University Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital to the medical boarding team at IVS to continue his rehabilitation journey after an incredibly difficult hospitalization stay. Buster presented to ISU for acute lethargy, significant weight loss, and dehydration. During his stay, he required intensive supportive care including two blood transfusions, feeding tube placement, and around-the-clock monitoring. Once he was stable enough to continue recovery outside of the ICU, he was transferred to our Medical Boarding Service for continued support and rehabilitation.

The Internal Medicine team at ISU had this to share about Buster:

"He is a very special kitty. He has a great personality that started to shine through as he got better during his stay. He also had a very dedicated team of fourth year veterinary students caring for him. One student in particular was caring for Buster for the majority of his stay and ensured that Buster got daily enrichment including 'cat TV' and 'recreation time' outside of his ICU kennel. Buster is lucky to have such a committed owner, as it has been a long journey getting Buster back on the road to health."

Buster's owner also shared these kind words with our team:

"Thanks for your care, compassion, and excellent skills in helping Buster through his rehabilitation."

Buster has been staying in a reserved room, away from the chaos of our busy hospital, receiving daily weight checks, feeding tube care, medication administration, and a lot of love. At IVS, our Medical Boarding Service helps bridge the gap between hospitalization and home for pets who still need ongoing support, nutritional care, rehabilitation assistance, and close monitoring during recovery.

Buster is improving every day with us and has started eating little amounts on his own. We're honored to be a part of Buster's journey and so proud of the collaborative care that helped him continue on the road to recovery!

05/13/2026

We're excited to be part of the neighborhood on Nextdoor!🐾

Follow us on Nextdoor to stay up to date on hospital news, pet health tips, community updates, and more. We're grateful to serve pets and the people who love them! Be sure to give us a follow and say hello!

05/11/2026

We're partnering with Paws and Pints + ISU Veterinary Student Volunteers for a pop-up vaccination clinic! 🐾

The goal of this clinic is to give back by making essential vaccines more accessible to dogs in our community who need them most. Vaccines are just a $20 donation each. Available options include Bordetella, DHPPV (Distemper & Parvo), and Rabies to help guard against common canine illnesses.

📅 Sunday, June 28, 2026
🕙 9AM–12PM
📍 Paws & Pints – Building 4 (stairs east of the main entrance)

1. Book your timeslot: https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/cadda4db-bcae-4086-93cf-7d8eee074f27/reserve?partySize=2&dateTime=2026-06-28T09:00:00.000-05:00
2. Once a timeslot is selected, register here: https://forms.gle/23ZoabUkbF9vHtqv6

05/08/2026

It's National Pet Week, and Friday's theme is Emergencies Happen, Be Prepared!

You never expect an emergency, but being prepared can make all the difference for your pet. At IVS, our team is here 24/7 for the unexpected moments when your pet needs care the most.💙

05/07/2026

Thankful Thursday! 🐾

Sweet Edith recently visited IVS for vomiting and received supportive care including anti-nausea medication, and subcutaneous fluids after diagnostic imaging and bloodwork were performed.

We appreciate these kind words about the experience with our team. Thank you for allowing us to care for Edith and for trusting us with your pets when they need it most.💙

05/05/2026

It's National Pet Week & Tuesday's theme is Nutrition & Exercise! 🐾

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight plays an important role in their overall health. Not sure if your pet is where they should be? The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) shares helpful guidance on recognizing and maintaining a healthy weight. Check it out!

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight gives pets the best chance of a long, healthy, quality life. Your veterinarian can work with you to develop a weight management plan based on your pet’s individual needs.

04/30/2026

Today is Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, a day to raise awareness for the millions of animals in shelters waiting for a home.

We're proud to support the incredible local shelters and rescues caring for pets in need. If you're thinking about adding a new member to your family, adoption is a great way to do so! 🐾