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…
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Eclampsia in Pets – A Postpartum Emergency
I’ve spent more time in front of digital screens during the COVID-19 pandemic than to which I wish to admit. I’ve watched some new shows and rewatched some others. This morning, a re-run of the heart-wrenching Downton Abbey episode that saw Lady Sybil die of eclampsia had me feeling all…
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Hypercalcemia (High Calcium Levels) in Cats
A common reason for which cats are referred to me is hypercalcemia or elevated blood calcium. Sometimes affected patients are incredibly sick while others have no outward clinical signs of illness. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause is truly important. This week I review the major causes of hypercalcemia…
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Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Dogs – High Calcium Isn’t Always Cancer!
Many dog owners know a finding of elevated blood calcium can be quite concerning. Cancer, including lymphoma and apocrine gland carcinoma of the anal gland, is a leading cause of blood calcium elevations in dogs. Yet, sometimes this elevation is not caused by lymphoma or anal gland cancer! Sometimes, the…
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Urethral Obstruction in Cats – When Your Cat Can’t Pee
One of the most common patients seen in veterinary emergency rooms around the world is that of a cat who can’t urinate. These painful critters are frequently called “blocked” cats, and absolutely require immediate veterinary care. This week I wanted to spend some time discussing urethral obstructions in cats, so I…
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Lymphoma in Dogs – What You Need to Know
The word cancer elicits many different feelings for people – fear, helplessness, and uncertainty just to name a few. Sadly, our fur babies aren’t immune from the grips of “the big C” but everyday we are learning more thanks to the efforts of researchers and board-certified veterinary oncologists. One of…
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Hypercalcemia (High Calcium Levels) in Dogs
A common reason for which dogs are referred to me for further evaluation is an elevated blood calcium level (called hypercalcemia). Sometimes affected patients are incredibly sick while others have no outward clinical signs of illness. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of a dog’s hypercalcemia is truly important.…