When a pet gets sick and requires the medical attention of a veterinarian, pet parents expect the veterinarian to make their pet well! They expect (and often demand) the best care, the latest treatments, and the most advanced diagnostics available. But often it is pet parents themselves who sabotage their pets’ medical outcomes. Too often … [Read more…]
A clinical scenario I face almost on a daily basis is a pet that is presented to me for failure to positively respond to a steroid trial initiated by a family veterinarian. A primary care doctor initially evaluated the fur baby, and subsequently made a presumptive clinical diagnosis of a disease that is treated with a … [Read more…]
Just like people, dog’s can tear ligaments in their stifles or knee joints, and the most common ligament injured is called the cranial cruciate ligament (in people, it is called the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL). Many veterinarians refer to the cranial cruciate ligament as the anterior cruciate ligament in an attempt to not confuse … [Read more…]
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is the term used to describe the destruction of red blood cells by the body’s immune system. Sometimes this disease is called autoimmune hemolytic anemia and AIHA. Causes of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia… Certain infections, vaccinations, medications and/or cancers may trigger this disease, including: Bacterial infections – Mycoplasma spp., leptospirosis, pyometra (uterine … [Read more…]
Liver disease is relatively common in dogs and cats, and a lot of affected animals develop icterus or jaundice, a characteristic yellowing of the skin and sclera/the “whites” of the eyes (see pictures below). But getting an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. Why? Diagnosis frequently requires sampling the liver. What do I mean by sampling? Sampling … [Read more…]
There’s no way around it. Some people will appreciate this post. Some will hate it. But I promise the content is honest and meant to be helpful. If you bring your pet to a board-certified veterinary specialist, there is a reasonable chance a test your pet previously had performed with your family veterinarian will be … [Read more…]
I recognize the very fact that a pet needs to see me, as a specialist, is very stressful for a family. Pet parents are often nervous, worried, and possibly even frustrated about a consultation with a veterinary specialist. Sometimes they’re downright scared! Believe me, I understand these emotions. I’ve been through them as a pet … [Read more…]
Let’s first take an example from human medicine. If you’re worried about your heart, you would initially seek a consultation with your primary care doctor. This examination is absolutely essential, as this family physician typically has a long-standing relationship with you and knows your entire medical history. Put simply, your relationship with your primary care doctor … [Read more…]
“I had no idea there were specialists for pets!” I hear that same statement from pet parents day-in and day-out. So I’ve started this blog in an attempt to (hopefully) increase awareness and visibility of the incredible work board-certified veterinary specialists do every day. Please know the content of this blog is by no way meant to besmirched the … [Read more…]