Two of my favorite snacks as a child were frozen grapes and “ants on a log.” For those unfamiliar with the latter treat, the log is a stick of celery slathered with peanut butter and the ants are sweet raisins pressed into the peanut butter. Yet while I loved (and still do love) grapes and … [Read more…]
One of the most common drug toxicities in companion animal medicine is accidental ingestion of over-the-counter non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications. One way or another, pills spill onto the floor or pets knock bottles to the ground. Unfortunately, these medications are quite toxic, and ingestion can be lethal without prompt intervention. So, this week I’ve dedicated … [Read more…]
As a clinician, educator, and administrator, I deal with a lot of poop – figuratively and literally. One of the most common problems I encounter is a pet with chronic gastrointestinal signs (e.g. vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea) and a concurrently low blood protein level. This is called a protein-losing enteropathy or PLE. This week I’ve … [Read more…]
When people hear the word infection, the majority think only about bacteria. Unfortunately, there are many different types of infectious organisms, including protozoal, parasites, and fungi. This week I’m sharing some information about a relatively common fungal infection called histoplasmosis. This organism can wreak havoc if not identified and treated promptly so I hope 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…]
No dog parent wants to clean up diarrhea. Cleaning up bloody diarrhea is even more unpleasant. Unfortunately, the development of acute bloody diarrhea is not an uncommon occurrence in our canine companions. Such a malady is called Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome or AHDS. Formally called Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE), this ailment can be debilitating and potentially … [Read more…]
The liver is a unique organ with several important functions in the body. For various reasons, the liver can become inflamed, resulting in a clinical syndrome called canine chronic hepatitis. This week, I discuss this important disease entity including details about diagnosis and treatment. Happy reading! Canine Chronic Hepatitis – What is it? The liver … [Read more…]
Nobody likes to feel constipated, not even cats. Unfortunately, some of our feline friends develop dysfunction in their colon called megacolon. In this first part of a two-part series, I’ll explain what megacolon is and how it’s diagnosed. Next week, I’ll review how to treat this potentially debilitating condition. Happy reading! Megacolon – What is it? … [Read more…]
Most pet parents are familiar with the terms pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. These are two common pancreatic disorders in dogs and cats. Yet another pancreatitis disease – exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or EPI – is often overlooked as a cause of chronic weight loss and diarrhea. This week I highlight this disease to bring information about … [Read more…]
I evaluate patients with chronic gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea multiple times per day. Many of these fur babies are referred to me by their family veterinarians with a concern for inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. But what is IBD? This week I endeavor to answer that important question for all of you. Happy … [Read more…]