If you bring your pet to a board-certified veterinary specialist, they may recommend repeating tests your family veterinarian already performed. This isn’t because they want to spend your money frivolously. This isn’t because they want to perform unnecessary tests. They repeat tests because they always want to provide optimal care. Achieving this goal requires using … [Read more…]
Lungs are a vital organ essential for delivering oxygen to the lungs and expelling carbon dioxide from the body. In various disease states, the lungs become damaged, and fluid can inappropriately swamp them with fluid. This fluid accumulation in the lungs is called is called pulmonary edema and can dramatically impede oxygenation and ventilation. In … [Read more…]
Orthopedic injuries are relatively common in dogs and cats. Problems like broken bones, luxating patellas, and ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments occur quite frequently. Hip injuries happen too, and coxal luxation – also called hip dislocation – is arguably the most common injury at this joint. So, this week I’m sharing information about this orthopedic problem, … [Read more…]
In previous posts I’ve written about various causes of coughing in cats, particularly asthma. This week I wanted to share information about an under-appreciated cause of coughing – lungworm infection. Please share this with other cat owners to increase knowledge of this disease. Happy reading! Lungworm Infection – What is it? Several genera of parasites … [Read more…]
Pediatric patients – humans, dogs, and cats, alike – can get into things they shouldn’t when left unattended and to their own devices. Cupboards full of potential toxins. Drawers full of sharp objects. One potential household hazard for our pets is electrical cords. Puppies and kittens love to chew on things, including cords plugged into … [Read more…]
The heart is unquestionably a vital organ. Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t develop properly in utero, and these congenital defects can range from minor and inconsequential to life threatening. This week I share information about a relatively common congenital heart defect called subaortic stenosis. Please consider sharing it with other pet parents. Happy reading! Subaortic Stenosis … [Read more…]
Lameness is a common problem in dogs. Muscle injuries like an iliopsoas muscle strain and ligamentous injuries like a cranial cruciate ligament rupture are frequently diagnosed in dogs. Every once and a while, a lameness is more serious than a strain or ligament problem. Sometimes it’s cancer, specifically a cancer in the bone called osteosarcoma. It’s … [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…]
This morning as I was driving home from my own acupuncture appointment for an orthopedic issue, I realized it’s been some time since I posted information about orthopedic conditions in dogs and cats. The musculoskeletal system is so important, so this week I’m sharing some tidbits about an inflammatory cartilage condition called osteochondritis dissecans (also … [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…]