One might think in a time when highly effective and safe vaccines for canine distemper virus are widely available this debilitating disease would be eradicated in the developed world. Sadly, that is not the case. In fact, canine distemper is still rampant in some areas of the United States. As such, this week’s post is … [Read more…]
One of the most in vogue terms currently in veterinary medicine is food allergies. Dogs and cats certainly do develop food allergies. We’ll talk about how in a few moments. In my own clinical experience working with board-certified veterinary dermatologists for more than a decade, many pets are incorrectly and/or inaccurately diagnosed with food allergies. … [Read more…]
One of the main reasons for which dogs and cats are referred to me is a finding of an abnormal albumin level on blood work performed by a primary care doctor. Sometimes this abnormality is purely an incidental finding, but often patients are sick (thus explaining why the blood test was performed in the first place). … [Read more…]
Have you been told your dog or cat needs biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract? Does this scare you because you’re concerned about your fur baby’s comfort level, anesthesia and recovery? Have no fear because in this week’s post you will find answers to your questions about gastrointestinal biopsies! I am excited to turn Because Pets … [Read more…]
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is understandably very important in all animals, and it becomes truly vital in sick pets because of its many functions that support health. The GIT has several components, all of which work together to help ensure an animal is able to maximally utilize nutrients s/he ingests. Think of the GIT as … [Read more…]
Let me be crystal clear right from the get-go. A steroid (aka: corticosteroid, glucocorticoid) should rarely be given at the same time as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (aka: NSAID) prescribed at an anti-inflammatory dose. This is a well-established pharmacologic principle, but for some reason, it is also one I see violated on an almost daily basis. … [Read more…]