Respiratory distress in dogs and cats is stressful for all involved – pet, owner, and even veterinarians. In previous posts I’ve shared information about various breathing problems, including kennel cough and aspiration pneumonia. This week I wanted to spend some time discussing a truly life-threatening respiratory problem – spontaneous pneumothorax. So, I hope you enjoy … [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…]
Not every mass or fluctuant swelling in dogs is a cancer. Of course, veterinarians should evaluate and aspirate any skin mass that has been present for more than one month and/or that is larger than a pea (approximately one centimeter). Thankfully, most skin masses are benign. If the mass feels fluid-filled and is located over … [Read more…]
In a previous post, I reviewed a cancer in dogs called lymphoma. You can find that information here. Unfortunately, lymphoma also commonly affects our feline friends. So, this week I’ve dedicated some time to spreading news about lymphoma in cats. I hope you find it helpful. Happy reading! Lymphoma – What is it? Lymphoma – … [Read more…]
Every pet parent dreads “The Big C” for their fur babies. Cancer strikes fear in the hearts and minds of pet-owning families. As a board-certified critical care specialist, one of the most common cancers I diagnose and treat is called hemangiosarcoma. I wanted to dedicate some time explaining this cancer, as some encouraging news about … [Read more…]
This week I had the privilege of meeting a wonderful patient referred to me for evaluation of a thyroid tumor. After consulting with the family, I visited this blog and was shocked to find thyroid tumors were a topic about which I had not yet shared information. So this week, I’ve resolved this oversite. Without … [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…]
Pets, like people, can be afflicted with cancer in the lungs. Early identification is key to maximize the likelihood of a positive outcome. In an effort to increase awareness of lung tumors in our fur babies, this week I dedicate some time to explain lung cancers in dogs and cats. I hope you find the … [Read more…]
Dogs and cats like to chew on things. That fact won’t come as a shock to any pet parent. Unfortunately, they also like to swallow some of those foreign items on which they nibble. This week I spend some time discussing how to help your fur baby should you find yourself in a scenario where … [Read more…]
Inevitably at some point in a pet’s life, anesthesia and surgery will be necessary. For example, spaying (called an ovariohysterectomy) and neutering (called and orchiectomy) are very common surgical procedures recommended for non-breeding dogs and cats. Both surgeries are performed while a patient is under anesthesia. Prior to anesthesia veterinarians recommend a few non-invasive tests … [Read more…]