🩺 Overview Fluid therapy is one of the most frequently performed (and potentially most powerful) treatments in veterinary medicine. Yet even this seemingly routine intervention carries risk when applied without careful monitoring or individualization. A recent review by Dr. Kris Gommeren (The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice,…
General Information
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Bile Acid Diarrhea in Dogs & Cats: An Under-Recognized Differential in Chronic Diarrhea
Why This Condition Is Frequently Missed Chronic diarrhea remains a diagnostic challenge in veterinary practice. Many cases receive extensive work-ups (e.g., diet trials, antimicrobials, probiotics, even biopsies) but continue to persist. One reason for this is that the condition termed bile acid diarrhea (BAD) (or bile acid malabsorption) is still…
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Understanding Proteinuria in Dogs and Cats
Proteinuria, the presence of protein in the urine, is a finding of growing importance in small‐animal practice. For both dogs and cats, persistent proteinuria can be a red flag for underlying renal disease or systemic disorders and may adversely impact prognosis. In this blog post we’ll explore what proteinuria is,…
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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in Dogs and Cats: Updated ARDSVet Criteria, Pathophysiology, and Treatment
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating cause of acute respiratory failure in veterinary patients. It occurs when a severe lung or systemic insult triggers widespread inflammation, leading to non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, impaired oxygen exchange, and reduced lung compliance. In 2025, the ARDSVet Consensus Definitions (Balakrishnan et al., J…
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Atrioventricular (AV) Block in Dogs and Cats: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Introduction Atrioventricular (AV) blocks are common causes of bradyarrhythmia in dogs and cats, often identified during ECG or telemetry monitoring. While some AV blocks are benign and vagally mediated, others signal significant conduction system disease requiring pacemaker implantation. This article provides a comprehensive, clinically relevant overview of types of AV…
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Tracheostomy in Dogs and Cats: Indications, Technique, and Complications
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…
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Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in Dogs: Clinical Signs, Treatment, and Anesthetic Risk
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…
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Urethral Prolapse in Dogs: Causes, Risks, and Treatment
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…
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NSAID Toxicity in Dogs & Cats: What Every Pet Owner and Veterinary Professional Should Know
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…
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Post-Attenuation Neurologic Signs in Cats and Dogs: What Pet Owners and Veterinarians Need to Know
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…