Latest Posts

  • Megacolon in Cats – Holy Constipation Batman! Part I

    Nobody likes to feel constipated, not even cats. Unfortunately, some of our feline friends develop dysfunction in their colon called megacolon. In this first part of a two-part series, I’ll explain what megacolon is and how it’s diagnosed. Next week, I’ll review how to treat this potentially debilitating condition. Happy reading!…

  • Stomatitis in Cats – A Profoundly Painful Dental Problem

    Dental disease in cats is an exceedingly common health concern for parents. One of the more frequently encountered problems is stomatitis, a generalized inflammation of the oral cavity. Also called gingivostomatitis, this condition is extremely painful without prompt and proper treatment. This week I share some fun facts about stomatitis…

  • Food Allergies in Dogs & Cats – Know the Important Facts!

    One of the most in vogue terms currently in veterinary medicine is food allergies. Dogs and cats certainly do develop food allergies. We’ll talk about how in a few moments. In my own clinical experience working with board-certified veterinary dermatologists for more than a decade, many pets are incorrectly and/or…

  • Abscesses in Dogs & Cats – Painful Pockets of Pus

    I recently stumbled upon an online video showing the latest burger creation from a New York City restaurant. What was their food innovation? Cheese-filled burger buns – buns that essentially explode with cheese when cut or bitten. Yet when I watched the video of molten cheese erupting from a bun, all…

  • Histiocytic Disease in Dogs – A Challenging Complex

    Skin masses are relatively common in dogs. I’ve previously discussed the importance of routine surveillance and early intervention based on the mantras #SeeSomethingDoSomething and #WhyWaitAspirate as advocated by board-certified veterinary cancer specialist, Dr. Susan Ettinger (Dr. Sue Cancer Vet). One group of skin masses is collectively referred to as histiocytic…

  • Pyometra in Dogs – A Potentially Deadly Uterus Infection

    One of the more profound veterinary emergencies is a uterine infection in an intact female dog. This potentially lethal problem is called a pyometra. Affected patients should receive veterinary care as quickly as possible. This week I discuss this condition in hopes of raising awareness and promoting early identification and…

  • Urethral obstruction in male cats

    Urethral Obstruction in Male Cats: A Life-Threatening Emergency

    Urethral obstruction is one of the most common and dangerous emergencies affecting male cats. This condition occurs when a blockage prevents urine from leaving the bladder. As a result, pressure builds rapidly within the urinary tract and kidneys. Without prompt treatment, urethral obstruction can lead to severe electrolyte abnormalities, kidney…

  • Cytauxzoonosis – A Dangerous Tick-Borne Disease in Cats

    When most pet parents think of think of tick-borne diseases affecting pets, they think about infections in dogs. Common examples of such ailments in dogs are Lyme disease (borreliosis), ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (rickettsiosis), babesiosis, bartonellosis, anaplasmosis, and hepatozoonosis. Yet we should not forget about cats! They, too, can be…

  • Labor in Dogs & Cats – Be Prepared for the Unexpected

    Just as for humans, labor in dogs and cats is straightforward without complications. But the latter do happen, and they tend to happen at inopportune times like the middle of the night. Pet parents need to be prepared for the unexpected. This week I share information to help families identify when…