Category: Cats
Diabetes and Pets
Just like people, diabetes is a fairly common disease of dogs and cats. Blood sugar regulation is performed by the pancreas by producing insulin. Most diabetic cases are Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, in which the pet requires insulin therapy for control of blood sugar. Cats sometimes will have Type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, in which diet and...Read More
My Dog Ate What?!?
Dogs and cats can be very picky about their food, or sometimes they can consume things we would not even imagine would be edible. One of the most common appointments we have is the vomiting dog or cat. Oftentimes we may ask you if they are the type to “eat things” and by this we mean exactly that – will...Read More
What is a Hot Spot?
“The spot came up on my dog overnight, and now they won’t leave it alone!” This is usually how the conversation goes with panic-stricken clients that have just noticed the huge, bald sore that is red and oozing. After telling them it looks or sounds like they are describing a hot spot, the next question is typically, “What is a...Read More
Is Anesthesia Safe?
General anesthesia is used on a daily basis in most veterinary hospitals. A common conversation with clients is over concern regarding the safety of anesthesia for their pet. The good news is that modern anesthesia is very safe. Today we have access to much better drugs. This allows us to tailor the anesthetic plans to each patient’s individual needs. The risk of...Read More
Feline Heartworm Disease
Cats can get heartworms, too! The disease presents itself very differently from canine heartworm disease. The cat is NOT the typical host and most worms in cats do not survive the adult stage. The prevalence of heartworm disease in cats versus in dogs is much lower. Cats that do have adult worms normally only have 2-3, but many cats never end...Read More
How to acclimate your cat traveling in a cat carrier
A common concern for feline owners is the stress associated with car rides and veterinary visits, which can often deter a client from bringing their cat in for check ups. Because early detection and intervention are paramount to successful treatment of chronic disease, regular veterinary check ups are very important for feline patients. Stressed kitties also make examination and treatment...Read More
Why Is My Dog Scooting?
You’ve noticed your dog scooting his bottom across your brand new area rug. And then it hits your nose…a terrible fishy smell that has notes of something dead or at least rotten. What is that??? Anal glands (or anal sacs) are two, small glands that sit in the 10:00 and 2:00 position just inside the anus of your pet. Bothdogs...Read More
Essential Oils and Animals
As I am delving into the world of essential oils for myself, I have found many people asking me about use in and on their dogs and cats. First and foremost let me clarify I am NOT a holistic veterinarian (there are tests and lots of qualifications that go into becoming a true holistic veterinarian). I am just an interested...Read More
Beware of Grass Awns!
What are grass awns? One of the most common minor emergencies we see during the summer in the Mid-south are grass awn foreign bodies. These ‘seeds’ or grass awns can become lodged in pet ears, between toes, and under the skin. The most common presentation is a draining tract between the toes. However, grass awns can also cause much more serious...Read More
Should I REALLY spay/neuter my pet?
Many people have heard it is important to spay/neuter your dog and cat but not everyone knows why it is so important. So why do veterinarians recommend having your dog or cat sterilized? By spaying or neutering your pet you are preventing many life threatening infections and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer! Female dogs and cats can...Read More
