In previous posts we have discussed failure to have neuter surgery in young dogs as one cause of prostate enlargement in older males. Today we were presented with just such a dog, a Cocker spaniel with both testicles intact, a history of urinary tract infections treated by other veterinarians and a swollen prostate. Our concerns [...]
Evamist contains estradiol, a powerful form of estrogen. It is used by menopausal women to reduce hot flashes. It is available in a spray form and is applied to the forearm between the wrist and elbow. Women who use Evamist, however, must take special precautions to ensure that the product does not come in contact [...]
Ectropion is usually thought of as a condition of the eyelids. The term can actually apply to any body part, as its two components stem from the Greek prefix “ec” which means outward, and the Greek root, “tropos,” meaning to turn. For the purposes of our discussion today we will refer only to the eyelids. [...]
Leptospirosis gets its name from lepto, meaning slender, and spiro, from spire, meaning “coil.” The genus of these spiral bacteria includes the leptospires or spirochetes. Leptospirosis, or “lepto,” as it is more-commonly shortened to, is a disease of the kidneys of mammals. There are over 200 serovars, or serologically-individualized varieties of the organism worldwide. Each [...]
Nature is a process of coming and going. Three times this week we have had to tell pet owners that their dogs had terminal conditions. One is already gone. Another will probably not last more than a few days. The third will likely have no more than a couple of months. We enjoy watching songbirds [...]
We have, in our computer software, a message that prints for owners of mature male dogs who have just had neuter surgery. While most neuter surgery for cats and dogs occurs at 8-16 weeks of age, sometimes dogs like Rocky, the OctoDad, will be neutered later in life. Perhaps they have been in the show [...]
What are the chances of one family getting hit with osteosarcoma twice in less than a year? Pretty good if your dogs are of a certain age and certain breeds. Traditionally, we have placed St. Bernards, Rottweilers and Great Danes at the top of the list, while recognizing that all large breed dogs are at [...]
When we lose a pet we experience the same five stages of grief one experiences with any loss. One of the ways to help ease that grief is to perform positive acts that help us keep good memories alive. A memorial for a deceased pet is a healthy way to do just that. It is [...]
I wrote this as a Letter To The Editor on New Year’s Day, 1998. On Monday of this week I lost my best friend, John Lambeth. This letter sums up how we felt about each other: The recent deaths of two pairs of best friends made me stop and appreciate what I have. The first [...]
Lost to followup is a term used commonly in research literature when a patient is in a study but can no longer be found to determine its current status. For example, let’s say Company A comes out with Medication 16, a new and improved version of Medications 1-15. In therapeutic trials 100 dogs are studied, [...]
Every once in a while we see a patient who is simply hard to work with. Notice I said “patient,” as opposed to “client.” While we do sometimes see people (clients) who are difficult, it’s pretty rare. Between dogs and cats it is more common to see a hard-to-handle cat than a dog, simply because [...]
If I vaccinate your puppy or kitten today, he isn’t necessarily protected against disease today. Let’s look at the several factors involved. In the youngest kittens and puppies we are battling nature in the form of maternal antibodies. “Maternal,” means from the mother and “antibodies,” are proteins made by the immune system which help to [...]
Note: Sam’s update posted Thursday without the necessary links to previous stories about him. Click on the “Story” links below to read the original posts. Longtime readers will recall the sad-to-happy story of Sam, the West Highland Terrier. Sam came in for a followup visit with us and we are happy to report that he looks [...]
So, you want to be a veterinarian. For purposes of this discussion we will assume that you are older than age nine, as everyone that age and younger wants to be a veterinarian. At least, according to the kids who come into our practice and talk to me in public when I’m on errands around [...]
Rare is the veterinary practice that doesn’t offer boarding as an ancillary service. You have several choices when it comes to care for your pets during travel. Among them: take them with you have someone house-sit with your pet at home have a family member or friend keep your pets at their home board [...]
Longtime readers will recall the sad-to-happy story of Sam, the West Highland Terrier. Sam came in for a followup visit with us and we are happy to report that he looks and feels just as good as these pictures indicate: fantastic. To look back at Sam’s tale in chronological order, click on these links: Story [...]
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