Dogs
Mast Cells
By: Ivan Alvarez, DVM [printer-friendly version] What are mast cells? Mast cells are important immune system cells that help in inflammatory responses of the body. They are activated to fight off parasites and aid in allergic responses, and they do so by releasing inflammatory biochemicals such as histamine. Mast cells in dogs In dogs, the…
Read MoreAt Home Delivery
By: Anna Adams, DVM [printer-friendly version] Delivering puppies at home can be an exciting, captivating, and scary experience! Understanding all of the proper steps before the big day comes can help the process to run much more smoothly for both you and your dog. Furthermore, knowing when to call a veterinarian for assistance can put…
Read MoreCaesarean Section
By: Anna Adams, DVM [printer-friendly version] A caesarean section (C-section) is a surgery performed to manually deliver a litter of puppies. C-sections are used to improve the survival rates of both the mother and her puppies. In dogs, C-sections are not routine and are typically performed on an emergency basis. Occasionally, a C-section is scheduled…
Read MoreLimping Canines
By: Carley Gates, DVM [printer-friendly version] Lameness/limping is a change to the normal canine gait. There are several differentials/possibilities as to the cause for the change in gait. CAUSES: Autoimmune – immune system attacks joints Developmental, Degenerative – congenital abnormalities or arthritis Inflammatory, Infectious – bacterial arthritis or tick-borne diseases Neoplastic – tumor or cancer…
Read MoreGiardia: Testing and Treatment
[printer-friendly version] What is Giardia? Giardia is a protozoal parasite that causes diarrhea in pets. It is transmitted through water, soil, or food contaminated with feces (fecal to oral). Your pet’s veterinarian can test for Giardia via fecal analysis. Can people get Giardia? Some strains of giardia are transmissible to humans. Consult your doctor if…
Read MoreFeatured in Purina ProPlan Commercial, Metro Paws’ Veterinarian and National Champion Agility Trainer, Dr. Maria Badamo
Most of us would think that being a world-class veterinarian would be more than enough to keep a person busy. That’s just not the case for Dr. Maria Badamo from Metro Paws Animal Hospital-Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX. This busy veterinarian is also a National Champion Agility Trainer, and participates in various agility dog sports…
Read MorePROHEART™
By: Caitlin Spillers, DVM [printer-friendly version] Heartworm disease is a very common and serious illness seen in veterinary medicine and can be fatal if not appropriately treated. If you would like to learn more, please see the following article on canine heartworm disease. Fortunately, there are many safe and reliable heartworm preventatives that can protect…
Read MoreCanine Parvovirus
By: Caitlin Spillers, DVM [printer-friendly version] What is parvovirus? Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system of dogs. It most commonly affects puppies, juveniles, and unvaccinated dogs.. The virus attacks the intestinal lining and causes sloughing of the intestines and can even be fatal. When a dog tests positive for parvovirus,…
Read MoreFear Free: Taking the Fear Out Of Veterinary Visits
By: Caitlin Spillers, DVM [printer-friendly version] For some dogs and cats, the vet clinic can be a place that induces anxiety leading them to react in a variety of unpredictable ways that are stressful for not only the animal, but also their owner. If left unaddressed, this stress may lead to some owners avoiding taking…
Read MoreSpaying and Neutering: Benefits and Timing
By: Caitlin Spillers, DVM [printer-friendly version] Determining what age to spay or neuter your pet is an important decision that your veterinarian can help you make! While it may seem like a simple answer, there is a lot that goes into the recommendation and the appropriate age to consider this for your little one. This…
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