Posts highlighting some non-specific information about veterinary specialty medicine
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…]
Last week I had some emergency medicine colleagues share with me a shocking statement said to them by some pet parents after they were presented with a medical treatment plan for their fur baby. The owners weren’t prepared for the cost of their pet’s emergency medical care. They were embarrassed, and as is human nature, … [Read more…]
Most pet parents have heard the terms pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Many have even heard of valve disease in dogs and cats. These are example of common heart and lung problems in pets. An under-appreciated cause of cardiopulmonary clinical signs in our furry companions is pulmonary hypertension. So, this week’s post is dedicated to … [Read more…]
You’ve probably seen the viral videos. You know the ones. A veterinarian uses forceps to gently pull a wriggling critter from under the skin of a kitten. To a lay person, the sight is both enthralling and grotesque. To a veterinarian, it is wholly gratifying. What did the veterinarian actually remove? A larvae of Cuterebra … [Read more…]
I love cats. Seriously, I’m a cat guy, and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. There can be no doubt they definitely are not small dogs. They have so many unique health issues, including a problem called triaditis. I recently received a message requesting more information about this syndrome. So, this week’s post is all … [Read more…]
With recent devastating wildfires in California, my social media newsfeed has been filled with tragic stories, including those of animals who perished in the flames and smoke. Indeed, smoke inhalation can be deadly to both humans and pets, alike. This week I wanted to shed some light on this topic to increase awareness. Happy reading! … [Read more…]
I’m not a fan of cold weather. So, the rapidly approaching winter months of the Midwest USA does nothing for me. With the colder weather comes the increased use of ethylene glycol, a common type of antifreeze. Pets find ethylene glycol antifreeze to be quite tasty. Unfortunately, it’s exceedingly toxic, able to cause death very … [Read more…]
Can you imagine straining so much during defecation that you prolapse your rectum? Perhaps that’s too personal a question, but for some dogs and cats the possibility is real. This week’s post is dedicated to the medical predicament we call rectal prolapse, and I hope you find the information intriguing. Happy reading! Rectal Prolapse – … [Read more…]
Dogs and cats can develop a variety of airway and lung conditions like chronic bronchitis and asthma. Unfortunately, they can also develop a lesser known but debilitating condition called pulmonary fibrosis. This week I wanted to spend some time discussing this lung condition. I hope you find the information interesting and helpful. Happy reading! Pulmonary … [Read more…]
Growing up and through college, I had long curly Greek blond locks of hair whenever I let my hair grow. Yet as my maternal grandfather had male pattern baldness, I knew I wouldn’t have my hair forever. Indeed, in veterinary school my receding hairline became obvious. Hair loss or alopecia had set in. I had … [Read more…]