The world is full of infectious organisms that cause disease in our pets. One problematic parasite is called Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in cats. Toxoplasmosis is relatively common in our feline friends, yet is under-recognized as potential cause of a pet’s clinical signs. This week I share some information about this important … [Read more…]
Motherhood is a beautiful thing. Watching queens and bitches care for and raise their kittens and puppies, respectively, is heart-warming to say the least. Occasionally, being a mom can become physically painful, especially when mammary (breast) tissue becomes inflamed and/or infected – this is a condition called mastitis. This past week I helped care for … [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…]
A common clinical scenario I encounter is a pet referred to me for evaluation of enlarged lymph nodes. Parents may incidentally discover the swellings while petting or playing with their pet. At other times family veterinarians find the enlargements during an annual preventative healthcare examination. Given the commonality of this medical problem, I wanted to … [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…]
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…]
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 the most commonly diagnosed cancers … [Read more…]
One of the most common ear problems in dogs is inflammation and/or infection of the outer ear; this is called otitis externa. This week I discuss some key features of this ailment with a sincere hope you will find the information helpful and share worthy. Happy reading! Otitis Externa – What is the normal anatomy of … [Read more…]
A common reason for a pet parent to bring his/her pet to a family veterinarian is because s/he has discovered a new skin lump/mass on his/her dog or cat. This lump can be big or small. It may cause the pet discomfort or may truly be an incidental finding. Nevertheless determining if a mass is … [Read more…]
Liver disease is relatively common in dogs and cats, and a lot of affected animals develop icterus or jaundice, a characteristic yellowing of the skin and sclera/the “whites” of the eyes (see pictures below). But getting an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. Why? Diagnosis frequently requires sampling the liver. What do I mean by sampling? Sampling … [Read more…]