Latest Posts

• Canine Influenza – What You Need To Know!

  If you live in the United States, you probably know about the ongoing epidemic of canine influenza (sometimes called dog flu) in the Midwest. Veterinarians at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine have reported the virus has affected more than 1,000 dogs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana,…

• Gastrointestinal Biopsies – Big Bite Or Little Bite?

  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…

• 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…

• Diabetes Mellitus: Part III – Monitoring & Insulin Handling

  This week I present the third and final installment in our discussion about diabetes mellitus (DM). Previously we reviewed this disease as it relates to both dogs and cats. Now we will chat about proper handling of insulin and taking care of your diabetic pet at home. Diabetes Mellitus Issue #1:…

• Diabetes Mellitus: Part II – Dogs

  This week’s post is the second in a three-part series covering the topic of diabetes mellitus, and for this contribution I discuss this disease as it relates to dogs. In last week’s post, I reviewed diabetes in cats, and next week I will review insulin handling and how to perform at-home…

• Diabetes Mellitus: Part I – Cats

  This week’s post is the first in a three-part series about diabetes mellitus. In this first week, I discuss diabetes mellitus in cats. Next week I will review this disease as it pertains to our canine friends, and in the third and final week of the series, I will provide…

• 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…

• 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…

• 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…

• 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…