Introduction Tracheostomy is a critical and sometimes lifesaving procedure in both dogs and cats. Whether performed emergently in response to upper airway obstruction or electively as part of planned postoperative airway management, the procedure demands careful patient selection, meticulous technique, and vigilant postoperative care. Understanding when and how to perform…
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are beloved for their “squishy-faced” appearance. Sadly, their anatomy predisposes them to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a progressive condition that compromises quality of life, increases anesthetic risk, and often requires surgical intervention. This article explains the features…
What is Urethral Prolapse in Dogs? Urethral prolapse in dogs occurs when the lining of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) protrudes through the opening at the tip of the penis. It most commonly affects young, intact male dogs and…
Accidental ingestion of human and animal medications is one of the most common toxicities in companion animal medicine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the biggest culprits. Maybe a pill rolls under the couch, or a curious dog noses a bottle off the counter before you know it, a…
Introduction Portosystemic shunts (PSS) are abnormal blood vessels that let blood bypass the liver. Surgery to correct these shunts can save lives, but sometimes pets, especially cats and small-breed dogs, develop post-attenuation neurologic signs (PANS). These are brain-related problems that happen days after surgery, ranging from mild confusion to severe…
The gallbladder plays a critical role in digestion by storing and releasing bile to help break down dietary fats. In dogs, however, this small organ can sometimes develop a life-threatening condition called a gallbladder mucocele. This disease has been increasingly recognized by veterinarians in recent years, and understanding its signs…
Introduction Hyperaldosteronemia in cats, sometimes called Conn’s syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronism, is a condition where a cat’s adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone. While this disease is relatively uncommon, veterinarians are recognizing it more often as feline diagnostics advance. Excess aldosterone leads to low potassium (hypokalemia), high…
Understanding the Role of Phosphorus Think of phosphorus management in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) like crowd control at a busy concert. In a healthy cat, the kidneys act as the security team, quietly keeping things under control by filtering out extra phosphorus. But when CKD develops, the kidneys…
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious neurological condition seen in pets with significant liver dysfunction. It develops when more than 70% of liver function is lost, allowing toxins and metabolic byproducts to affect the brain. While the condition is complex, understanding its signs, causes, and treatment options can help both…
Introduction: Why the Gallbladder Halo Sign Matters If your dog suddenly collapses, vomits, or develops dramatic facial swelling, your veterinarian may worry about anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Time is critical in these situations. One of the fastest and most reliable clues veterinarians can use at the bedside…