This week a colleague asked me if I had a favorite biochemical abnormality. I’d never been asked that before, nor had I ever really thought about it. Most who know me as a clinician know I geek out over changes on a complete blood count, the non-invasive blood test that…
Coughing is one of the most common reasons pet owners bring their pets to veterinarians for evaluation. In previous posts, I’ve shared information about some well-recognized causes of coughing, including asthma in cats and “kennel cough” in dogs This week I have information for you about an under-recognized, yet important,…
Every pet owner will need to give their pets medications by mouth at some point in their lives. As a veterinarian, I realize making recommendations to give oral drugs is a lot easier said than done. Not every family can easily “pill” their cats and dogs. This week I’m sharing…
In previous posts I’ve shared information about diabetes mellitus in both cats and dogs. This week, I’m expanding our discussion to include information about a potentially life-threatening complication of this hormone disorder called diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA. I hope you find this post helpful and shareworthy. Happy reading! What is…
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used to characterize a group of chronic intestinal diseases. It’s common in both cats and dogs and is thought to be related to a variety of triggers: Reactions to food antigens – an antigen is a foreign substance that triggers an immune response.…
I’ve spent more time in front of digital screens during the COVID-19 pandemic than to which I wish to admit. I’ve watched some new shows and rewatched some others. This morning, a re-run of the heart-wrenching Downton Abbey episode that saw Lady Sybil die of eclampsia had me feeling all…
Unquestionably our lives have temporarily changed due to the COVID19 pandemic. Most states have stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders in effects. We’re spending more time at home with our two-legged and four-legged family members. Essential businesses are allowed to operate, but we’re practicing social distancing when patronizing these establishments. As I…
In the past week, several pet owners have asked me how they can help veterinarians during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. I found myself at a loss for words. To be honest, I was humbled to even be asked such a compassionate question. After all, I’m not fighting…
In this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve probably heard about the dire need for more mechanical ventilators. You may have also heard veterinary emergency and critical care facilities around the globe are loaning their mechanical ventilators to human hospitals to help meet the needs of human patients who…
Unfortunately our feline and canine companions are susceptible to cancers just like we humans. In previous posts, I’ve shared information about some common cancers in cats and dogs, including mast cell tumors, malignant melanoma, mammary tumors, and urinary bladder cancer. This week I wanted to provide some facts about a…