Information about specific dog and cat diseases for which a pet may be referred to a board-certified veterinary specialist
Dogs and cats like to chew on things. That fact won’t come as a shock to any pet parent. Unfortunately, they also like to swallow some of those foreign items on which they nibble. This week I spend some time discussing how to help your fur baby should you find yourself in a scenario where … [Read more…]
One of my favorite diseases to diagnose and treat is Addison’s disease. The medical name for this disease is hypoadrenocorticism, an adrenal gland disorder that predominantly affects dogs and rarely cats. The opposite of Cushing’s disease, this disease can manifest in a myriad of ways. This week I spend some time introducing this interesting disease … [Read more…]
Each October in the United States, various organizations strive to raise awareness of and funds for finding a cure for breast cancer in humans. Breast cancer, also called mammary cancer, in dogs has both similarities and differences to the human condition. To end the month of October, I review the diagnosis and treatment of mammary … [Read more…]
The urinary tract of dogs is comprised of two kidneys, two ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder), the urinary bladder, prostate gland (male dogs only), and the urethra (tube that connects the urinary bladder to the outside world). The urinary bladder is the most common site of cancer in the urinary … [Read more…]
A common reason for which dogs are referred to me for further evaluation is an elevated blood calcium level (called hypercalcemia). Sometimes affected patients are incredibly sick while others have no outward clinical signs of illness. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of a dog’s hypercalcemia is truly important. This week I review the … [Read more…]
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are relatively common in companion animals. Given the frequency of UTI diagnosis, the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Disease (ISCAID) developed guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infection. One should not confuse guidelines with “standards of care”, as the former are simply meant to aid a veterinarian’s … [Read more…]
With the warmer and more humid weather of the summer months comes an increased incidence of heat related events like heat stroke. Patients with shorter snouts/muzzles often have more difficulty acclimating to this type of environment due to the conformation of their airway. This week I discuss the implications of this unique anatomy so you … [Read more…]
One of the most common ear problems in dogs is inflammation and/or infection of the outer ear; this is called otitis externa. This week I discuss some key features of this ailment with a sincere hope you will find the information helpful and share worthy. Happy reading! Otitis Externa – What is the normal anatomy of … [Read more…]
Dogs, like people, can be afflicted with problems of the spinal column. One of the most common issues with this part of the body is an abnormality of the intervertebral discs. This week I discuss intervertebral disc disease in dogs, and I hope you find the information helpful and share-worthy. Happy reading! Intervertebral Disc Disease … [Read more…]
Last week you learned from Dr. Odunayo some wonderfully helpful tips to keep your pets safe in the summer months. You may remember her comments about taking steps to help animals, particularly dogs, acclimatize effectively to warmer weather. Some dogs have more trouble than others adjusting to increased heat and humidity because their voice boxes no longer … [Read more…]