Trusted Veterinary Education for Dogs & 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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Understanding the Role of Phosphorus Think of phosphorus management in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) like crowd control at a busy concert. In a healthy cat, the kidneys act as the security team, quietly keeping things under control by filtering out extra phosphorus. But when CKD develops, the kidneys…
Introduction: Why the Gallbladder Halo Sign Matters If your dog suddenly collapses, vomits, or develops dramatic facial swelling, your veterinarian may worry about anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Time is critical in these situations. One of the fastest and most reliable clues veterinarians can use at the bedside…