Oak Ridge Veterinary Hospital

🖤 Patient Spotlight: Helping a Young Crow Find Its Wings

This handsome juvenile crow recently came to us after being found on the ground. While it can be alarming to see a young bird hopping around unable to fly well, this stage is actually a normal part of a crow’s development!

🐦 Understanding the Crow Life Cycle

Baby crows hatch in a nest and spend several weeks being cared for by their parents. As they grow, they enter a stage called a fledgling, where they leave the nest before they are strong fliers. During this time, fledglings often spend days to weeks on the ground, hopping, climbing, and practicing their flying skills.

What many people don’t realize is that their parents are usually nearby, watching from above, bringing food, and protecting them while they learn important survival skills.

⚠️ When Should You Intervene?

A young crow on the ground does not always need rescuing. If the bird is:
✅ Bright, alert, and active
✅ Fully feathered
✅ Hopping around normally
✅ Being monitored by adult crows nearby

…it may simply be learning to fly and should be left where it is whenever possible.

However, if you notice:
❌ Visible injuries or bleeding
❌ A wing or leg that appears broken
❌ Weakness, lethargy, or inability to stand
❌ A deceased parent nearby
❌ Immediate danger from pets, traffic, or other hazards

then the bird may need assistance.

🦠 Wildlife Safety Matters

Wild animals can carry diseases and parasites that may be transmitted to people or pets. If you must handle wildlife, wear gloves whenever possible, avoid direct contact, wash your hands thoroughly afterward, and keep the animal away from household pets.

🏥 How We Can Help

If you’re unsure whether a young bird is injured or simply going through a normal stage of development, give us a call! We can help assess the situation and, when needed, connect you with experienced wildlife rehabilitators who specialize in caring for native birds and other wildlife.

Every spring and summer, fledgling birds remind us that sometimes the best help is knowing when to step in and when to let nature do its thing. ❤️🐦

While boarding with us, River requested some outdoor time with her favorite vet assistant. 🌞🐾
Interested in boarding your pet(s)? Give us a call at (865) 486-6614 for more information.

Blake and Bella here for their puppy boosters❤️

Puppy vaccines are one of the most important steps in giving your new best friend a healthy start in life. 🐶💉

Young puppies are especially vulnerable to serious illnesses like parvo and distemper before their immune systems are fully developed. A proper vaccine schedule helps protect them while they grow, explore, and learn about the world around them.

Keeping your puppy up to date on vaccines not only protects them, but also helps keep other pets in our community safe and healthy too! ❤️

If you recently welcomed a new puppy into your family, give us a call to schedule their wellness visit and vaccine series!

📍 513 Oak Ridge Tpke
📞 865-483-6614
🕘 Mon–Fri 8–6 | Sat 9–12

https://us.vetstoria.com/booking/682638435fb28/?r=24978&step=2&fbclid=IwVERDUAOvyfxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEedo2ELGJC3cucod_eOQPT12vnUu51YuFWVKQ-U1naOl1QfaRwCcC6SW4pBB0_aem_cxR5SrZIPnsI-qigkR1ZyQ

We will be closed from 12pm-2pm for a staff meeting. Thank you for your understanding.

Happy Pet Appreciation Week! 🐾❤️

This week we’re celebrating the pets that make our lives brighter every single day. The ones who greet us at the door, make us laugh when we need it most, and love us unconditionally.

From wagging tails to tiny toe beans, we are so thankful for every furry family member that walks through our doors. Thank you for trusting us to be part of their care and lives!

We’d love to see your pets! Drop your favorite photo of them in the comments below. 🐶🐱

Arlow came in riding in style 🧡🐾

Patient care is important, but so is finding the perfect sun spot. 🌞
Neo patiently waiting for his check up with Dr. Kris. 🐈‍⬛

🐾✨ Patient Spotlight: Saunders ✨🐾

Saunders stopped by to see Dr. Maria for her yearly wellness exam and vaccines. She was the very best patient 💛

As a dedicated service dog, Saunders works hard every day, so keeping her healthy and feeling her best is incredibly important. From nose to tail, she did amazing for her visit and got all the love (and probably a few extra treats 😉)

We’re always honored to care for such special patients and the important roles they play in their people’s lives 🐾

Good girl, Saunders! We can’t wait to see you next time💛

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Because staying on track with your pet’s care should be easy 💊✨

When your patient pulls up like this, you know it’s going to be a good day.

Hi Tucker!🐾💙