Pet education
Caesarean 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 MoreDeclawing
By: Ivan Alvarez, DVM [printer-friendly version] Congratulations you have introduced a new kitty to the household! Everything is going well, she is adapting to the new environment, is playful and you couldn’t be happier. Then you start noticing scratch marks in your favorite sofa, your curtains or other furniture. You have tried corrective measures but…
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 MoreFeline Infectious Peritonitis
By: Carley Gates, DVM [printer-friendly version] What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis? Feline Infectious Peritonitis is ultimately a fatal disease which can affect many organ systems. It occurs when the non-fatal Feline Enteric Corona Virus (FeCoV)* spontaneously mutates within the body into the fatal Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV). The fatal virus (FIPV) is most associated…
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 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 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…
Read MoreEPIC 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…
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