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 –…
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Urethral Obstruction in Cats – When Your Cat Can’t Pee
One of the most common patients seen in veterinary emergency rooms around the world is that of a cat who can’t urinate. These painful critters are frequently called “blocked” cats, and absolutely require immediate veterinary care. This week I wanted to spend some time discussing urethral obstructions in cats, so I…
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Rescue Inhaler Intoxication – Don’t Let Your Pet Inhale!
I’ve just returned from a week in Cartagena, Colombia where I had the privilege of presenting several lectures at the 41st World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress. As I was hurriedly maneuvering through the airport, I saw a young woman use an inhaler after she had clearly run to her…
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IBD – Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs & Cats
I evaluate patients with chronic gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea multiple times per day. Many of these fur babies are referred to me by their family veterinarians with a concern for inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. But what is IBD? This week I endeavor to answer that important question…
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Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Everybody loves chocolate, right? Many of us can’t resist a juicy strawberry dipped in dark chocolate. Unfortunately, our dogs often feel the same way, and that craving can turn deadly. Chocolate toxicity in dogs is one of the most common veterinary emergencies, and understanding the risks can save your pet’s…
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Leptospirosis in Dogs – A Bugger of a Bacterial Infection
In the northern hemisphere we are entering the Summer season. Warmer months bring an increased risk for various health concerns for our dogs, including infectious diseases. This week I share information about a potentially lethal bacterial infection called leptospirosis. I believe you will find the topic especially relevant, and therefore, I hope you…
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Acute Pancreatitis – A Disease That Should Not Be Ignored!
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…
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Vomiting Cats
This is a statement I hear from pet parents almost on a daily basis. When I ask them where they heard such a concept, the response is usually, “that’s what my vet said.” Furthermore their family veterinarians have usually simply treated the vast majority of these cats symptomatically with diets…