One of the most common physical examination abnormalities documented in dogs and cats is an elevated body temperature. Sometimes a fever persists for weeks or intermittently recurs, and diagnostic testing fails to yield a definitive diagnosis. Such fevers are called fevers of unknown origin or FUO. This week I’ve dedicated some time to explaining this … [Read more…]
Those who consistently read my blog know I love blood. That’s sounds weird, doesn’t it? Yet, it’s true. Blood is awesome – platelets, clotting factors, white blood cells, and of course, red blood cells! This week I’m dedicating space to share info about erythrocytosis or too many circulating red blood cells. It’s an intriguing abnormality, … [Read more…]
Mast cells are unique cells of the immune system that are involved in the body’s response to inflammation and allergies. Unfortunately, these cells can become cancerous to affect different areas of the body, particularly the skin. Given their commonality in our canine companions, I wanted to dedicate some time to sharing information about them. Please … [Read more…]
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 disease, and this week I … [Read more…]
Every veterinarian has a favorite disease process or a type of health problem. Some love the gastrointestinal tract, others the heart or lungs. For me, conditions affecting the immune system and blood truly get me excited. As part of an appropriate diagnostic process for such conditions, sampling the bone marrow of our fur babies is … [Read more…]
As a board-certified internal medicine and emergency/critical care specialist, I am often referred dogs and cats with enlarged spleens. I partner with pet parents and family veterinarians to determine the reason for splenic enlargement (called splenomegaly). This week I share some information about the spleen and the potential reasons for this important organ to grow … [Read more…]
Social media are truly curious phenomena. Opinions abound, including those unsupported by actual fact. We’ve all read them. Last week I read a dangerously inaccurate post regarding canine parvovirus that claimed humans made this potentially deadly disease. This post made my blood boil. Yet rather than perpetually fume, I’ve decided to be proactive. So over the … [Read more…]
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 goes into shock. In this … [Read more…]
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 bleed. In this week’s blog … [Read more…]