With the warmer weather months upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere, so too are environmental allergens. Those pesky particles blowing around in the wind wreak havoc on many of us because they irritate our upper airways. Naturally our bodies try to expel them through various routes – sneezing, tearing, nasal discharge, etc. Dogs and … [Read more…]
Just like you and me, dogs and cats frequently develop nasal problems. They get infections. They sniff up foreign particles. They develop nasal tumors. To make definitive diagnoses for many of these patients, a minimally invasive procedure called rhinoscopy is needed. This week I share some tidbits about this interventional procedure and hope you find … [Read more…]
No one likes having a runny nose. Primary viral and secondary bacterial infections are common in pets and people. Most of the time these infections are self-limiting or are treated without complications. Occasionally fungi cause serious infections in the frontal sinuses and nasal passages of dogs. The most common fungal disease that causes nasal discharge … [Read more…]
I’m a foodie. Heaven knows I love some scrumptious delights to please my palate. What if the simple action of chewing delectable morsels caused excruciating pain? This dreaded scenario happens for some dogs, and is called masticatory myositis. Pain while chewing is often chalked up to dental problems. Many pet parents don’t know about this … [Read more…]
I’ve been diagnosing and managing some interesting infectious diseases in my patients recently. These intriguing cases have kept bacteria, fungi, and infective organisms at the forefront of my mind. So much so that this week I’m sharing some tidbits about the most common systemic fungal infection in cats – cryptococcosis. I hope you find the … [Read more…]
Those who regularly read my blog (I hope that’s most of you!) know how much I love eyes. Those colorful globes are simply a site to behold! Although cliché, I believe eyes truly are the windows to the soul. This week I wanted to share information about a unique eye condition that can occur in … [Read more…]
Pets, like people, can be afflicted with cancer in the lungs. Early identification is key to maximize the likelihood of a positive outcome. In an effort to increase awareness of lung tumors in our fur babies, this week I dedicate some time to explain lung cancers in dogs and cats. I hope you find the … [Read more…]