As pet owners we all tend to closely observe our pets. We know their habits, behaviors and routines. So when something doesn’t seem quite right….what should we do? As a veterinarian I always consider the pet family’s observation the most valuable clue we have in evaluating health. Of course sometimes we all push the panic… Continue reading
There is an unusual aspect to fall in New England. For some unknown reason there is an increase in Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease at the onset of the cooler fall weather. FLUTD as this condition is most often named is associated with many different diseases. Interstitial Cystitis or severe inflammation and pain in the… Continue reading
Sooner or later all of us with pets will have to clean up an unfortunate mess. According to pet health insurance company statistics, digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common reasons that pet owners present cats and dogs to the veterinarian. While an occasional episode is not usually life… Continue reading
A few days ago we received a call from a client with a 6 month old mixed breed hound. While vacationing on Cape Cod this weekend the pup began to limp on a rear leg after running through the sand. No cry was heard, no catastrophic event noted. But there was no question that for… Continue reading
As the holidays arrive and we pause to give thanks to all the positive in our lives our thoughts turn warmly to our pets. Though at times demanding more than our time may seem to allow, remember that even the few moments for a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears is… Continue reading
As the cheerful greeting of “Happy Holidays” rings out this holiday season, remember that the same happiness may not be experienced by your pet. As families reunite and households become busy with all the plans, the family dog or cat is often left out of the focus. In some ways this is positive since cats in… Continue reading
As the holidays are rapidly approaching it is important to note that one of the most serious conditions that affect cats (as well as other pets) is a linear foreign body. This refers to the ingestion of such materials as ribbons, strings, tinsel, or thread which in some instances may actually have a sewing needles attached. The condition’s severity stems from the possibiilty… Continue reading
As the holidays approach various threats to your pet increase in likelihood. With Halloween just around the corner there is no more potentially serious substance available than chocolate. While there are many myths regarding chocolate such as causing parasites or imminent death with the ingestion of small quantities the truth is that chocolate can be… Continue reading
In the previous posts we identified signs of heat distress in dogs and cats. If minor symptoms do not resolve quickly and/or they progress to those of a more serious nature it is essential that corrective measures be taken quickly. There are several steps that can be achieved at home while making contact with the closest urgent care… Continue reading
Previously some of the basic care of dogs and cats during these hot summer months were reviewed. But how do we assess the onset and severity of heat related illnesses in our pets. There is a broad range of conditions varying from mild overheating which may only require rest and shelter to full blown heat stroke which can… Continue reading