Communicating with Your Veterinarian
Talking to your vet can be stressful. You may already upset because your pet is sick and medical information can be complicated and confusing, and it’s hard not to worry about the bill. But you may not realize it can be frustrating for your vet as well. Nowadays, a lot of pet owners have done […]
Bite Wounds and Resulting Infections
An abscess forms when an infected bite wound heals over on the surface, sealing the infection inside. Fever is generated as the infection incubates. The infected or dying tissue result into a gooey pus. Pus has a foul odor, is suggestive of pain and results in discharge from any opening. Often, this type of wound […]
Imaging Tests (Radiology Options) for Pets
Imaging in veterinary medicine has advanced greatly since the first radiographs (x-rays) were taken of pets just decades ago. Today a range of imaging tests are available to help diagnose and treat diseases in our pets. These tests include radiography (x-rays), ultrasound, CT (or CAT) scans, and MRI scans. Each of these tests has its own advantages and disadvantages, and will […]
Things are heating up: Protect your pets from Heat Stroke
Body temperature may be elevated because of an infection (fever), but it may also increase because of hot and/or humid conditions outside. An increased body temperature caused by environmental conditions is commonly referred to as hyperthermia, heatstroke, and heat prostration. Hyperthermia may be a life-threatening condition, and does require immediate treatment. A dog’s normal body […]
Importance of Socializing Puppies and Kittens
What is Socialization? The word socialization is a bit misleading when taken literally. Socialization sounds like teaching a puppy or kitten how to socialize with other puppies or kittens. While these kinds of interactions help them learn to act like a normal dog or cat, this is only part of what socialization means and why […]
Kennel Cough in Dogs – One of the most common respiratory diseases of dogs
What is it?Kennel cough is an infection of trachea and broncheal region of dogs. Affected animals have a harsh, hacking cough that most people describe as sounding like something stuck in my dog’s throat. This bronchitis may be of brief duration and mild enough to warrant minimal treatment(this is how most cases work). In rare instances, symptoms […]
Cherry Eye in Dogs and Cats
Prolapse of the Tear Gland of the Third Eyelid Unlike humans (who only have two eyelids), dogs and cats have three. The third eyelid, technically called the nictitans or nictating membrane, arises from the inner corner of the eye and covers the eye diagonally as shown. The eye is lubricated by tear film, which consists […]
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dogs – Blindness in Dogs
Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, describes a group of inherited degenerative disorders of the retina that occur commonly in dogs and rarely in cats. The retina is like the film in a camera. It contains photoreceptors that convert light into electrical nerve signals. These disorders cause the photoreceptors to die prematurely. The different forms share […]
GRAIN FREE FOOD LINKED TO CARDIAC DISEASE IN DOGS
FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy February 19, 2019In July 2018, the FDA announced that it had begun investigating reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing a high proportion of peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), and/or potatoes in various forms (whole, flour, protein, etc.) […]
Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats
Please check out sago palm (below) which can cause fatal liver failure. This wide based palm tree is very common in parts of Texas. Many pet owners don’t realize how dangerous it is. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center provides a list of plants that have been reported as having systemic effects on animals and/or […]