Spring is finally upon us here in the northern hemisphere. The warm weather brings more opportunities for outdoor activities, including paintball with family and friends. Unfortunately, dogs often find paintballs to be a chewy delicacy. Ingestion can be quite problematic. So, this week I’ve dedicated a blog post to educating pet parents about the danger … [Read more…]
In previous posts I wrote about variety of urinary tract problems, including tumors of the urinary bladder and protein losing nephropathy (PLN). This week I wanted to share information about another urinary issue – ectopic ureter. I hope you find the post interesting and informative. Happy reading! Ectopic Ureter – What is it? To best … [Read more…]
Respiratory distress in dogs and cats is stressful for all involved – pet, owner, and even veterinarians. In previous posts I’ve shared information about various breathing problems, including kennel cough and aspiration pneumonia. This week I wanted to spend some time discussing a truly life-threatening respiratory problem – spontaneous pneumothorax. So, I hope you enjoy … [Read more…]
In previous posts I’ve discussed a variety of kidney problems, including chronic kidney disease. This week I wanted to focus on a subcategory of renal ailments – those characterized by excessive loss of protein through the kidneys. This problem is generically called protein losing nephropathy or PLN and is a meaningful health problem in our … [Read more…]
Pediatric medicine is both fulfilling and challenging. Who doesn’t like caring for puppies and kittens? Unfortunately, these little ones can have some unique health problems including cleft palate. This week I discuss this condition to raise awareness, and I hope you find the information helpful. Happy reading! Cleft Palate – What is it? A cleft … [Read more…]
Summer is rapidly approaching for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. For some, the warm weather can’t come fast enough. With warmer weather comes the fact many families plan holidays, and many opt to travel to tropical climates for some much needed (and earned) rest and relaxation. Some families bring their pets to their … [Read more…]
The intestinal tract is quite long. It starts at the mouth and ends at the rectum. Near the end of the intestinal tract is the large intestine, otherwise known as the colon. When the colon becomes inflamed, we use the term colitis. Colitis is a relatively common problem in dogs and cats with a variety … [Read more…]
The heads of dogs and cats are innervated by twelve pairs of cranial nerves (CN). When CN VII – otherwise known as the facial nerve – is dysfunctional, the result is paralysis of specific facial muscles. This week I’m sharing some information about facial nerve paralysis to increase awareness, so I hope you find the … [Read more…]
Orthopedic injuries are relatively common in dogs and cats. Problems like broken bones, luxating patellas, and ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments occur quite frequently. Hip injuries happen too, and coxal luxation – also called hip dislocation – is arguably the most common injury at this joint. So, this week I’m sharing information about this orthopedic problem, … [Read more…]
In previous posts I’ve written about various causes of coughing in cats, particularly asthma. This week I wanted to share information about an under-appreciated cause of coughing – lungworm infection. Please share this with other cat owners to increase knowledge of this disease. Happy reading! Lungworm Infection – What is it? Several genera of parasites … [Read more…]