Category: Wellness
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
Reverse Sneezing
Ever wonder what that funny sneezing/honking sound was that your dog just made? It may have even seemed like he couldn’t breathe for a few moments or like he was choking on something. A reverse sneeze, also known as pharyngeal gag reflex, is a common condition seen in dogs. Fortunately, it’s usually a benign process that rarely requires treatment. Reverse...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
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
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
