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Choosing the Best Family Pet
By Dr. Kathryn Sarpong, DVM Selecting a new pet is an important decision since bringing an animal into your home means providing shelter, food, care, and love. Most cats and dogs have a lifespan of 12-20 years and it is a large commitment to adopt one into your home! Many families with small yards, or…
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Cold Weather Hazards
By Dr. Kathryn Sarpong, DVM, DACVP Each season brings special hazards and concerns for family pets. Even in Texas, winter’s biggest threat is the low temperatures. Make certain to provide shelter to your pets from the cold and rainy weather. Some breeds of dogs tolerate the cold weather better than others. Generally, dogs with thick…
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Congenital Eyelid Agenesis
Attending DVM: Dr. Jennifer Lavender This kitten was presented to Metro Paws Animal Hospital by Operation Kindness. He had a birth defect that resulted in his eyelids not developing. These kittens cannot blink and their eye remains open even when they are sleeping. This kitten had to have one eye removed because it had become…
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Chocolate and Pets Don’t Mix
By Dr. Kathryn Sarpong, DVM Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs. As little as an ounce of chocolate per 10 pounds of body weight can be potentially fatal depending on the type of chocolate. Dark chocolates and baking chocolates are more toxic than milk or white chocolate. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity range from mild…
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Cushing’s Disease
Dr. David Deresz [printer-friendly version] Cushing’s Disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disease that is seen in older dogs, usually over seven years of age. The excessive production of the steroid, cortisol, is the driving force of this disease. Clinical signs include excessive thirst, urinary accidents, voracious appetite, pot-belly appearance, and hair thinning…
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Dementia in Dogs and Cats
By Kathryn Sarpong, DVM, DABVP [printer-friendly version] The aging brains of cats and dogs can have cognitive impairments that become distressing to those that love them. Many people notice changes that are subtle and some that are very disruptive as pets live longer with improved nutrition and healthcare. Some animals will stare blankly at walls…
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Dementia in Senior Pets: Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)
by Dr. Sadie Fraleigh Does my dog or cat have dementia? Because our pets are living longer, they are at risk to develop diseases associated with advanced age. Symptoms that may appear to pet owners as simple age-related changes in reality could be signs of medical issues, behavioral issues, or dementia. What is Dementia? In…
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Diabetes Treatment for Pets
Dr. Cassandra Gail Knapp [printer-friendly version] Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar levels. When discussing blood sugar, we must also discuss insulin because they literally go hand-in-hand. Insulin is a hormone made within the body (specifically, the pancreas) in response to sugar. When an animal eats sugar (glucose), the body must release insulin…
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Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet
Dr. Kathryn Sarpong [printer-friendly version] The news reminds us that disaster can strike at any point and result in the need to quickly evacuate your family from your home. Your family includes the furry and feathered members. The floods in New Orleans taught many lessons including the need to include pets in disaster plans. You…
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Dog Park Safety
Katie Curtis, Veterinary Technician Taking your pet to the dog park is a terrific way for your pet to socialize while expending excess energy. Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe while at the dog park! Always check with the dog park to see if they have any requirements and/or rules before going to…
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