Proper nutrition is uniquely important for cats. They are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal-based protein as part of their diet. When cats become ill, they often lose their appetites. Yet by foregoing their meals, our feline friends put themselves at risk for a potential lethal liver problem called hepatic…
General Information
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Splenomegaly – The Significance of an Enlarged Spleen
As a board-certified internal medicine and emergency/critical care specialist, I am often referred dogs and cats with enlarged spleens. I partner with pet parents and family veterinarians to determine the reason for splenic enlargement (called splenomegaly). This week I share some information about the spleen and the potential reasons for…
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Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Everybody loves chocolate, right? Many of us can’t resist a juicy strawberry dipped in dark chocolate. Unfortunately, our dogs often feel the same way, and that craving can turn deadly. Chocolate toxicity in dogs is one of the most common veterinary emergencies, and understanding the risks can save your pet’s…
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Icterus / Jaundice – Why is My Pet Yellow?
Attentive pet parents perpetually look over the pets for signs of problems. Does their pet have any new lumps and bumps? Does their fur baby resent being petted at a certain location? Are the gums pink and moist? Occasionally families note a yellowing of a pet’s skin, their gums, and/or…
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Ultrasonography in Dogs & Cats – Fun with Sound Waves
Veterinary medicine is advancing every day. One of the most significant advances in recent memory is the use of ultrasonography to help diagnose various disorders in our animal companions. This week I share some information about this truly important imaging modality, and hope you find the information insightful. Happy reading! As…
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Corneal Ulcers & Erosions – Getting Poked in the Eye is No Fun!
If you’ve ever had something caught in your eye, you know how irritating it is. If that something has ever scratched your eye (specifically your cornea), you know that initial irritation rapidly turns into pain. Dogs and cats have corneas too, and just like for you and me, they can…
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Euthanasia and Your Pet – What You Need to Know
I find myself, once again, seated at a counter in the United Club at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. I’m flying back to where I grew up to say goodbye to my Yiayia (that’s Greek for grandmother) who passed last week. As I contemplate about what to write for this week’s…
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Copper Storage Disease in Dogs – A Toxic Situation!
The liver is a vital organ charged with many important functions, including removing toxic substances from the bloodstream. One of those toxins is copper. Unfortunately, some dogs have changes in their livers that traps copper inside individual liver cells, gradually resulting in toxicity. This week I spend time discussing this…
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Low Blood Sugar in Dogs & Cats – Figuring Out Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is a relatively common biochemical abnormality documented in sick dogs and cats presented to the emergency room, as well as those hospitalized in Intensive Care Units for various illnesses. This week I spend some time discussing hypoglycemia so pet parents can be aware…
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Physical Examination – What Are Veterinarians Doing?
If you’ve read some of my previous blogs, you know I believe the two most important diagnostic tests veterinarians perform do not involve collecting blood or urine samples. They’re basic. They’re the first tests veterinarians learn in veterinary school. What are they? These quintessential tests are obtaining a thorough patient…