I don’t like skin diseases, so I’m very thankful for folks like board-certified veterinary dermatologists who do! This week my family’s dog, Tobyas, required urgent dermatologic care for an immune-mediated condition called idiopathic sterile nodular panniculitis. Thanks to the wonderful veterinary dermatology team at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, Tobyas is now on … [Read more…]
It should come as no surprise to anybody who follows this blog that I love hematology and immunology! In previous posts I’ve written about various immune-mediated problems, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and immune-mediated polyarthropathy. This week I’m sharing information about another immune-mediated condition: immune-mediated neutropenia or IMN. I hope you find the material … [Read more…]
I love immunology (the study of the immune system) and hematology (the study of blood). I once contemplated completing a PhD in these fields, but two residencies was enough. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia or ITP is an immune-mediated disease that is personal. My own dog was diagnosed with this disease during my residency training. This week I’m … [Read more…]
No person likes to feel itchy. Neither do our dogs and cats. It’s annoying, and sometimes painful. There are a myriad of reasons for our pets to be itchy. Indeed, pruritus – the medical term for itching – is very common in companion animals. I’ve dedicated this week’s post to explaining pruritus in detail to … [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…]
Derriere discussions can’t really be classified as typical dinner discussion. Tush talk isn’t exactly refined dialogue. Nevertheless, the bottoms of our canine companions can develop medical and surgical issues. We can’t be scared to broach the topic. So, this week that’s exactly what I’m doing. One of the more painful posterior problems is called perianal … [Read more…]
The eyes of dogs are beautiful orbs with intricate parts functioning together to enable each of us to see the incredible world surrounding us. Their eyes, like ours, require constant lubrication. Without it, the conjunctiva (thin membrane of tissue covering the sclera / the “white” of the eye”) and cornea (clear part of the eye) … [Read more…]