In previous posts I’ve written about a variety of heart diseases, including dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, congestive heart failure, and heartworm disease. This week’s post is dedicated to another cardiac problem – hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats. I hope you find the information helpful and shareworthy. Happy reading! What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? The heart is … [Read more…]
Cats and dogs may develop a variety of neurologic disorders during their lifetimes, for example seizures. This week I wanted to share information about a relatively rare nervous system disorder caused dysautonomia. Several of you requested a post about this condition so I hope you find it helpful and shareworthy. Happy reading! What is dysautonomia? … [Read more…]
A common reason for which cats are referred to me is hypercalcemia or elevated blood calcium. Sometimes affected patients are incredibly sick while others have no outward clinical signs of illness. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause is truly important. This week I review the major causes of hypercalcemia in cats, and I hope … [Read more…]
I love immunology (the study of the immune system) and hematology (the study of blood). I once contemplated completing a PhD in these fields, but two residencies was enough. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia or ITP is an immune-mediated disease that is personal. My own dog was diagnosed with this disease during my residency training. This week I’m … [Read more…]
In the past couple of weeks you may have read some news stories about some folks being hospitalized due to an infection called campylobacteriosis after coming into contact with puppies in pet stores. So, this week I wanted to share information about this under-appreciated disease. I hope you find the post informational and that you’ll … [Read more…]
This week I wanted to share information about declawing our feline friends. Too many folks think this procedure – called an onychectomy – is simply the removal of a cat’s claws. It’s so much more than that! So, I felt motivated to compose a post to educate cat lovers about what declawing actually entails for … [Read more…]
One of the more common reasons patients are presented to me is for evaluation of an new and/or unusual lump or bump under the jaw. Arguably, the most common cause is an enlarged lymph node, but occasionally the problem is an abnormal salivary gland. This week’s post is dedicated to a salivary gland problem called … [Read more…]
Recently I had a very frustrating medical experience with a human family member. I won’t delve into the specific issues, but suffice it to say, the experience struck a sensitive chord. It made me think of some circumstances in which folks have different expectations of veterinarians compared to medical doctors. In the interest of fostering … [Read more…]
Lungs are a vital organ essential for delivering oxygen to the lungs and expelling carbon dioxide from the body. In various disease states, the lungs become damaged, and fluid can inappropriately swamp them with fluid. This fluid accumulation in the lungs is called is called pulmonary edema and can dramatically impede oxygenation and ventilation. In … [Read more…]
Medical doctors have used stem cell therapy to help treat a myriad of orthopedic conditions in people. Veterinarians have similarly used stem cell therapy, but we’re still learning about the benefits and risks of this treatment modality in pets. In this week’s post I share some information about stem cell therapy to increase awareness of … [Read more…]