There are many diseases that can affect the lower urinary tracts of dogs and cats – urinary bladder tumors, urinary tract infections, and ectopic ureters. Unfortunately, not all of them can be diagnosed via a simple urinalysis or urine culture. Sometimes we need to look inside the lower urinary tract (LUT). This can be accomplished … [Read more…]
With the warmer weather months upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere, so too are environmental allergens. Those pesky particles blowing around in the wind wreak havoc on many of us because they irritate our upper airways. Naturally our bodies try to expel them through various routes – sneezing, tearing, nasal discharge, etc. Dogs and … [Read more…]
Just like you and me, dogs and cats frequently develop nasal problems. They get infections. They sniff up foreign particles. They develop nasal tumors. To make definitive diagnoses for many of these patients, a minimally invasive procedure called rhinoscopy is needed. This week I share some tidbits about this interventional procedure and hope you find … [Read more…]
With my bald head, I’m keenly aware of my risk for skin cancer, specifically malignant melanoma. Unfortunately, our canine companions can develop this cancer too. This cancer is quite aggressive, so I wanted to share information with pet parents to raise awareness. Please consider sharing with other dog parents you know. Happy reading! Malignant Melanoma – … [Read more…]
Mast cells are unique cells of the immune system that are involved in the body’s response to inflammation and allergies. Unfortunately, these cells can become cancerous to affect different areas of the body, particularly the skin. Given their commonality in our canine companions, I wanted to dedicate some time to sharing information about them. Please … [Read more…]