Imaging Tests (Radiology Options) for Pets

dog mri

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

dog that is hot

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

socializing puppy

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

kennel cough

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

proclapsed gland in dog

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

Poisonous Plants for Dogs

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 […]

Litter Box Care Guidelines

cat litter box

House-soiling, inappropriate urination/defecation, spraying. A cat’s use of locations other than the litter box comes under many names. Why do our cats do this? First and foremost, it is critical to ensure that there is no medical component to the behavior. Urinary tract-related disease can lead to death in less than 48 hours. The diseases […]

Puppies and Kittens Who Bite

cat biting

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten can be a fun and exciting experience. However, the learning and development process for puppies and kittens can be challenging. Biting is a common issue for young pets and needs to be addressed properly. Why Do Puppies and Kittens Bite? Biting, in which a dog or cat actively […]