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As any pet owner knows, our furry, four-legged friends are more than companions—they’re family. Unfortunately, pets aren’t always able to communicate when they’re in pain—so how can their owners know what’s wrong?

We spoke with experienced vets at Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham (VSB)—the Magic City’s only 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital—who shared subtle warning signs that pet owners should look out for.

Here’s what local vets want you to know

For over 30 years, Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham (VSB) has provided the best possible surgical care for pets in The Magic City. Located at 146 Resource Center Pkwy near Grandview Medical Center, VSB’s multi-specialty team offers a wide range of services, from surgery and internal medicine services to emergency treatment—in fact, VSB is one of the only veterinary hospitals in Birmingham to offer emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Like many veterinarians I have always had an exceptional bond with animals, so the drive to help them has always been within me. I have always known of Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham and its excellent reputation, and aspired to one day be a clinician at VSB and provide a premier level of care to the Birmingham pet and owner community.”
Dr. Paul Vaughn, DVM, MSPH

During our tour of VSB’s facility, several of the practice’s vets shared common warning signs they recommend pet owners look out for.

Tip #1: If your pet has a mass, get it sampled by a veterinarian

A few years ago, my first cat (Kitty Boy) developed a large mass along the base of his neck. Luckily, my parents carried him to a local vet, who was able to test and determine that the tumor was benign—albeit hard to look at!

According to Dr. Moser, a veterinary surgeon who joined the VSB team a year and a half ago, most primary veterinarians are able to perform this service.

“It’s impossible to tell whether a mass is malignant or benign just based on looking and feeling it. If you’ve noticed a mass on your pet, I recommend having it sampled. It’s a simple procedure that can give you a lot of information on your pet’s health.”
Dr. John Moser, DVM, DACVS-SA

Tip #2: If your pet has a persistent or recurring issue, it could indicate an underlying issue

If your pet suddenly has a change in appetite or starts behaving differently, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. In these cases, early diagnoses are crucial—just ask Dr. Vaughn, an experienced veterinary surgeon who’s been at VSB for 9 years.

“Persistent conditions are generally indicative of serious underlying issue. For example, an intermittent rear limb lameness that comes and goes is commonly associated with cruciate injury. If left unaddressed, crippling osteoarthritis can occur.”
Dr. Paul Vaughn, DVM, MSPH

Tip #3: Many common diseases can be prevented by routine check-ups

According to VSB’s Dr. Alverson, many common diseases—heartworms, flea and tick-borne diseases and bacterial infections like leptospirosis—can be prevented by taking your pet to routine check-ups.

“Many of these common diseases we see in patients are preventable, and the owners are shocked to discover that skipping easy routine check-ups can cause major problems in the long run.

One big example is the rabies vaccine: a large portion of the general public doesn’t know that state law mandates that pets be vaccinated against rabies, and that if a human or animal contracts rabies it is 100% fatal.”
Dr. Laura Alverson, DVM, Emergency