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…]
As a new home owner, I’m in the process of landscaping my property. Suffice it to say, I want a lot of greenery – plants and shrubs, galore! Yet one type of plant I plan to avoid like the plague is the sago palms. Why? They are intensely toxic to dogs. This week, I’ve dedicated … [Read more…]
Everybody knows the most famous rodent in the world – Mickey Mouse. We all also know Bambi’s beloved woodland buddy – Thumper. But did you know Mickey and Thumper could pose a risk to everybody’s lasagna-loving cat, Garfield? That’s right! Rodents and rabbits can transmit a potentially fatal disease called tularemia to our feline friends. … [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…]
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…]
When most pet parents think of think of tick-borne diseases affecting pets, they think about infections in dogs. Common examples of such ailments in dogs are Lyme disease (borreliosis), ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (rickettsiosis), babesiosis, bartonellosis, anaplasmosis, and hepatozoonosis. Yet we should not forget about cats! They, too, can be infected by the bite of … [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…]
Attentive pet parents perpetually look over the pets for signs of problems. Does their pet have any new lumps and bumps? Does their fur baby resent being petted at a certain location? Are the gums pink and moist? Occasionally families note a yellowing of a pet’s skin, their gums, and/or their sclera (“whites of the … [Read more…]
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol®, is commonly taken by humans to help reduce inflammation and fever. Many other over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications contain acetaminophen too – click here to see an extensive list. Logically many pet parents believe this medication can be administered to cats for the same reasons. What these well-intentioned families … [Read more…]
Last week I reviewed a relatively unknown household threat to dogs and cats – bread dough intoxication. More commonly around the holidays emergency rooms see a spike in a specific type of illness in our furry companions – acute pancreatitis. This illness can manifest at any time of year, but incidence around the major winter holidays in … [Read more…]