Defining an adoptable pet
Animal shelters are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Many have limited resources and more animals in need of placement than people who...
Critter Talk: Whelping Dystocia in Dogs
Dystocia means “difficult birth,” and it can be an all hands on deck kind of emergency since we’re simultaneously dealing with mom’s health as well as that of a sometimes large number of newborn puppies.
Critter Talk: Medication Errors Always Possible
I’ve read a couple of worrisome reports lately on the subject of errors in the filling and taking of prescription medications. One review found that people were more likely to stop taking their medications when an aspect of the medicine’s appearance (color in this case) changed in between refills.
Do you understand what’s in your pet’s medicine?
New medications are constantly being made available for our pets to help improve the safety and efficacy of veterinary medicine. But do you really know what goes on in the animal hospital’s pharmacy?
Critter Talk: Say NO to Homeopathy
Early in January the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will be considering a resolution, submitted by the Connecticut VMA, to discourage veterinarians from treating their patients with homeopathic “remedies.”
14 tips on caring for your cat
In 2012, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) released Feline-Friendly Nursing Care Guidelines for veterinarians and veterinary support staff.
Do Dogs and Cats Develop Seizures After Head Trauma?
The link between head injuries (specifically traumatic brain injuries) and subsequent development of seizures in people is clear but what about dogs and cats?
Beware Feeding Jerky Treats To Your Pets
It’s been three months since I last brought up the subject of jerky treats made in China being linked to illness in dogs in cats. If you’re not familiar with what’s been going on, here’s a quick review.
Elbow dysplasia in dogs
Most owners of large breed dogs are aware of the perils of hip dysplasia. In contrast, when I mention elbow dysplasia as a possible cause of a pet’s lameness, I tend to be met with blank stares.
Tips for Buying Pet Meds Online
I hope I don’t get kicked out of the veterinary fraternity (sorority) for this post, but I shop for most of my pet meds online....
Testing Your Dog’s IQ
I gave Apollo, my boxer, an “IQ” test the other day (yes, I was procrastinating), and it confirmed what I have been saying ever since he moved in with us a couple of years ago — he is not very bright.
Pets and the Placebo Effect: Part One
I often wonder what percentage of my veterinary successes are a result of the placebo effect.
When Chemotherapy is Recommended for Your Dog
I’ve practiced in some very rural parts of the country, meaning that my clients often had to travel long distances to get to and from the clinic (and everywhere else, for that matter).
Hurricane Sandy: Pet Friendly Shelters, Disaster, Evac for Pets
Pet Evacuation, Pet Friendly Emergency Shelters, Disaster Preparedness for Pets