Adequan – Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan for Joint Integrity

dog joint pain

Brand Names: Adequan, Chondroprotec What is Adequan? The articulating bones are capped by cushions of cartilage to facilitate this frictionless gliding. The integrity of the smooth, somewhat soft cartilage is crucial to normal range of motion and comfort. A joint consists of articulating bones, a capsule enclosing the joint, and  lubricating joint fluid to allow low friction movement […]

Getting Your Cat Used to Nail Trimmers

Getting Your Cat Used to Nail Trimmers

Helpful hints to get your cat get used to having their nails trimmed Start by putting the trimmers in a common area like your living room where your cat can choose to explore them at their pace. Putting treats around the nail trimmers can help to create more positive associations with them. If your cat […]

Steroid (Glucocorticoid) Use in Dogs and Cats

steroid use in dogs and cats

Most folks know what cortisone and hydrocortisone is. These are steroids or a very potent anti-inflammatory drug used for a range of conditions. While steroids are commonly prescribed to both people and animals, long-term use comes with serious complications. Steroids can be used to treat many types of diseases and at different doses can work […]

Vaccine Reactions in Dogs and Cats

vaccine reactions in dogs and cats

Many vaccinations are needed annually, although rabies a couple of others can be done every 3 years. As such, most pet owners take their pets to the vet for annual immunizations. This is similar to people getting annual flu vaccinations. While certain vaccinations are needed yearly, it’s important to remember that vaccinations represent stimulation of the […]

I-131 Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroid Cats

I-131 Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroid Cats

A handful of cats over 8 years of age will develop hyperthyroidism which is usually a benign tumor of the thyroid that produces excessive thyroid hormone. Your family veterinarian can often diagnose this with labwork as well as weight loss and other symptoms of the disease. Once diagnosed, it can be managed with an oral […]

Alopecia X – Baldness in Dogs

Alopecia X - Baldness in Dogs

Alopecia is the medical term for baldness. A particular type of baldness has been described in the Nordic or double-coated breeds whereby the dog develops symmetrical coat loss on the trunk as well as darkly pigmented skin in the bald areas. This pattern of baldness is commonly called “endocrine alopecia” as it is common in […]

The Vomiting Cat – Consider Triaditis

What is triaditis? It’s is a condition in cats in which they are affected with three separate diseases at the same time:  pancreatitis, cholangitis (a form of hepatitis), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).  It is unclear why this happens to cats, especially because cats can have one disease, such as pancreatitis, without having the other diseases. It may results […]

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) in Dogs

HOD in dogs

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is an auto-inflammatory disease of the bones that is usually first seen  in puppies between 7 weeks and 8 months of age.  In general, most cases will appear for the first time when the puppy is between 3 – 5 months of age. Relapses may occur until about 20 months of age. HOD […]

Blindness and Its Causes in Dogs and Cats

Blindness and Its Causes in Dogs and Cats

Owners may notice their pet is bumping into objects and struggling to find food and toys. These may be signs of blindness.  Many things can lead to blindness in dogs and cats. But before we delve deeper, here’s a basic overview of how the eye works: The eye acts like a camera that takes pictures […]

Pet Insurance – The Facts, Fiction and What’s Right for You…

pet insurance fact vs fiction

What is Pet Insurance? Pet insurance helps cover the cost of medical expenses should your pet become ill or have an accident. A few plans also cover wellness visits and routine veterinary expenses such as  vaccinations, spaying/neutering, heartworm testing/medications, etc. for an additional fee. Why Should You Consider Using Pet Insurance? Pet insurance can be most […]