Have you been told your dog or cat needs biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract? Does this scare you because you’re concerned about your fur baby’s comfort level, anesthesia and recovery? Have no fear because in this week’s post you will find answers to your questions about gastrointestinal biopsies! I am…
Latest Posts
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Red Eye – A Common Problem With Huge Implications
Each of us knows that wonderful feeling of looking into the eyes of our fur babies, sensing the non-verbal love we cherish from them. But what do you do when your pet’s eyes appear red? I’m not talking about metaphorical red but rather true physical red that indicates a medical…
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White Blood Cells – Elevation Does Not Always Mean Infection!
In recent posts I wrote about two of the major cells types in blood – red blood cells and platelets. Specifically I reviewed causes of low red blood cells and low platelets. This week I introduce the last major cell type in blood – white blood cells – and discuss reasons…
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Low Red Blood Cells – Understanding Anemia
One of the more common reasons for which patients are referred to me is anemia or a low red blood cell count. Red blood cells are truly important as they carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Without an adequate oxygen supply, body organs suffer damage and the body…
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Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) – The Dreaded Bloat in Dogs
Gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV is a life threatening and rapidly progressive condition in dogs. Other common terms for GDV include: Bloat Gastric torsion Stomach torsion Twisted stomach If not recognized and treated appropriately and immediately, affected dogs can painfully die. In this week’s blog post, I review the causes, clinical…
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Obesity in Pets – Common Causes & Consequences
The population of overweight and obese pets continues to expand in the United States and around the world. As in people, excess weight is associated with several potential serious and even life-threatening health conditions. In this week’s post, I explore the various causes and consequences of pets being over or…
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Low Platelets – Unraveling The Mystery of Persnickety Cells
Platelets having several important functions in the body, chiefly helping to form strong blood clots. One of the more common problems for which patients are referred to me is that of low platelets. This is a condition called thrombocytopenia, and can be life-threatening. Without adequate functional platelets, patients can spontaneously…
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Chronic Nasal Disease – Snuffing Out The Snuffles, Part II
In last week’s blog post, I introduced you to the causes and common clinical signs of, as well as diagnostic tests for chronic nasal disease in dogs and cats. To continue our discussion of this topic, this week I review various potential treatments for some frequently encountered chronic nasal diseases. Nasal infectious…
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Chronic Nasal Disease – Snuffing Out The Snuffles, Part I
No one likes having a stuffy nose. It can be uncomfortable and frustrating. One may not even be able to taste food appropriately or at all. Simply it can be quite miserable! So too is the feeling for a dog or cat with nasal congestion. Now imagine having a horribly…
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Mass Removal – Important Things To Know Before Surgery
Dogs and cats unfortunately develop masses frequently. Whether these masses are associated with the skin or are growing inside a body cavity, they can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems for pets. Thus their removal is often imperative to maximize the best possible outcome for affected animals. Mass Removal Point #1: “See…