Anyone who has gone to their own doctor knows blood pressure measurement is routine practice. This is because high blood pressure or hypertension is relatively common and can lead to serious issues if not treated appropriately. Well, the same is true of our cats and dogs. Hypertension is a very important issue in our pets, … [Read more…]
When you to go the emergency room, your medical team performs some non-invasive tests to help assess your clinical condition. Some of these bedside tests are similarly performed in cats and dogs who are presented to veterinary emergency rooms. So, this week I wanted to share some information about these painless point-of-care tests to increase … [Read more…]
In previous posts I’ve written about some important neurological conditions that affect our pets, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and brain tumors. This week’s post reviews insightful information about another neurological condition called fibrocartilaginous embolism or FCE. I hope you enjoy reading it and will share it with other pet owners. Happy reading! What is … [Read more…]
Cats and dogs often develop neurologic abnormalities at home for which pet owners bring them to veterinarians for evaluation. Possible causes of neurologic deficits are varied but certainly include brain tumors. This week I’m sharing more information about brain tumors to provide more insight for pet owners. Happy reading! Tell me more! Brain tumors affect … [Read more…]
A common problem for which families bring their pet to veterinarians is urinary incontinence or involuntary leakage of urine. This week’s post is dedicated to this medical problem in an effort to increase awareness. I hope you find the information helpful and will share it with other pet owners. Happy reading! What causes urinary incontinence? … [Read more…]
In recent weeks, the emergency team with whom I work has treated several patients for an uncommon toxicity: zinc and aluminum phosphide. So, this week – in the interest of increasing awareness – I’ve written a post about it. I hope you’ll share it with other pet owners to help me reach as many of … [Read more…]
Some of you send me messages asking fantastic questions. This week I’m answering one about consulting with board certified veterinary specialists publicly because I need as many pet owners as possible to know the answer. What’s the question? What tips do you have to help me prepare for my pet’s upcoming visit with a veterinary … [Read more…]
To those of who read this blog regularly, you know I’m a stalwart advocate of board-certified veterinary specialists. Too often I hear pet owners state “I wish I had known about you sooner.” The fact is the average pet owners usually doesn’t know specialists are available to partner with them to to help their pets. … [Read more…]
I don’t like skin diseases, so I’m very thankful for folks like board-certified veterinary dermatologists who do! This week my family’s dog, Tobyas, required urgent dermatologic care for an immune-mediated condition called idiopathic sterile nodular panniculitis. Thanks to the wonderful veterinary dermatology team at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, Tobyas is now on … [Read more…]
Nobody likes cancer. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life even for our furry companions. Previously, we’ve discussed lymphoma in both cats and dogs, mast cell tumors, and even anal gland tumors. This week I’m sharing information about another cancer that can affect our pets: thymoma. So, I hope you find the post interesting and share-worthy. … [Read more…]