Dogs
EPIC Study Results May Help Dogs with Heart Disease
By: Lauren Strazdis, DVM [printer-friendly version] The most common cause of heart disease and heart failure in dogs is chronic degenerative valvular disease (CVD). The mitral valve is usually the valve that degenerates, or becomes weaker, over time in a patient with CVD. The mitral valve separates the two main chambers on the left side…
Read MoreWhat Does It Mean if Your Pet Has a Heart Murmur?
By: Lauren Strazdis, DVM [printer-friendly version] A “heart murmur” is an abnormal sound heard by a veterinarian while listening to the heart using a stethoscope. This sound indicates turbulent blood flow in the heart, meaning that some blood is not flowing smoothly through the heart or in the proper direction. There are many parts of…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Heatstroke in Dogs
By: Lauren Strazdis, DVM [printer-friendly version] Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating like humans do because they only have a few sweat glands on their paw pads. They instead rely on evaporation by panting to cool off in hot environments. No matter how much a dog pants, there are some situations where they…
Read MoreDiarrhea in Dogs and Cats
By: Rebecca Donaldson, DVM [printer-friendly version] Unfortunately, we’ve all experienced diarrhea at some point and know first-hand the discomfort it causes. Our pets can experience that same discomfort if they develop diarrhea too. While not pleasant to discuss, and especially not fun to discover on our carpets, it is important to educate yourself on the…
Read MoreSeparation Anxiety in Dogs
by: Kathryn Junkins Sarpong, DVM, DABVP [printer-friendly version] What is it? – Pets acting anxious, destructively or vocalizing when away from their people. Examples – Your dog chews up the rug and urinates in your house whenever you go to work. The neighbors complain your dog cries constantly whenever you have to run an errand.…
Read MoreDr. Lavender Supporting ViDAS
Dr. Lavender has a yearly mission trips in her role as President of the Spay Neuter Network. The team travels the world providing spay-neuter services (and veterinary training) to underprivileged and overwhelmed areas such as Philippines, and most recently, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico, post-Hurricane Maria, has seen a rise in displaced animals. With Dr. Lavender,…
Read MoreAddison’s Disease
by Dr. David Deresz [printer-friendly version] Addison’s Disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder usually seen in younger dogs, typically under 2-3 years of age. The low production of the steroid cortisol, as well as low production of water retaining hormone aldosterone, are the driving forces of this disease. Clinical signs include intermittent…
Read MoreCanine Influenza and the New Vaccine
[printer-friendly version] Canine Influenza is a flu virus that affects dogs. It is thought to have mutated from the equine influenza a few years ago and was first seen in racing greyhounds in 2004. Recently, a new vaccine has been released with conditional approval and has generated a lot of press about this virus. There…
Read MoreRecent Distemper Outbreak in Racoons and Dogs
You may have spotted raccoons in your yard or in the street recently acting confused or “friendly.” Most of these raccoons are suffering from a very deadly virus called distemper. The raccoons should not be approached, and you should keep your pets and children away from them. A call to Dallas Animal Control at 311…
Read MoreWhat is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
By Dr. Kathryn Sarpong, DVM Some dogs with too much unused energy and a highly developed bond to their families can develop destructive tendencies or excessive barking when left alone. This can include destroying items in the house, scratching at doors or windows, destroying blinds, barking continuously, or having accidents in the house. Certain breeds…
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