Category: Pet Health
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
Demodex: A Mitey Problem
We’ve all heard of mange. The term probably brings to mind a pitiful, skinny, bald little shelter animal in one of those heart-wrenching Sarah McLachlan ads on TV. Before you reach for the tissues, fear not! We can deal with mange! It’s not such a mighty problem! But it is a MITEY problem. There are several types of mange (like...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
Sileo: Helping your dog calm down during fireworks and thunderstorms
Something New For Canine Storm Anxiety? Does your dog fear fireworks? Pant up a storm when it’s thundering? Well, there’s a new option available to help with that. Sileo is the trade name of a drug long-used in the veterinary field. Dexdomitor (also called dexmeditomidine) has been available as an injectable medication for veterinary anesthesia for many years. Now it...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
The Truth About Dog Flu and Pneumonia
As we have discussed, canine influenza- aka the dog flu- is a highly contagious respiratory infection. There are currently two canine strains of this virus known to affect dogs internationally. H3N8 emerged around 2004 in Florida, and continues to cause sporadic disease. H3N2, a mild strain, was recently identified around Chicago in 2015. Geographic locations for this newer strain...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
Socializing A New Puppy
I think all veterinarians can agree puppy and kitten visits are usually the happiest parts of our day. Between puppy-breath kisses, we usually vaccinate, de-worm, perform our exams, and go over pet food and basic husbandry aspects of having a new puppy. The longer I practice, the more I am seeing the importance of early socialization and the impact that it...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
