PET HEALTH BLOG
Pre-anesthetic Bloodwork in Veterinary Medicine
Have you ever taken your pet in for a surgery…even a seemingly minor one…and your veterinarian requested “pre-anesthetic bloodwork” first? Some pet owners are leery of this and the extra cost that typically accompanies it; but before you decline it, you should know how important it is.
Fluid Therapy in Pets
Many people outside the veterinary world are not aware that fluid therapy is actually one of the most common therapies provided in small animal medicine. Patients can be given fluids by several different methods and for many different reasons.
Congestive Heart Failure
Are you aware that your pet can have heart problems just like you? Know the symptoms of congestive heart failure so you can get your companion the help they need before it’s too late.
Anal Glands
So you know that funny little thing you’ve seen your dog doing where he’s scooting his butt across the grass...or heaven forbid, your white carpet in the living room? This is actually an indication that his anal glands are full or impacted.
Antibiotic Resistance
We all know that a visit to the veterinary clinic can be expensive. It’s completely understandable to want to try to save money wherever and however you can. Unfortunately, when it comes to your pet and their medications, that is not a good idea.
Mast Cell Tumours
Mast cell tumors are the most common type of skin tumor found in dogs and the second most common in cats. They are most often noticed in middle aged patients, but can occur in any age. They are the most prevalent in Boxers and Boston terriers; these two breeds actually make up 50% of all dog cases. They are still found in many other breeds as well, though.
Pet Diet and Nutrition
When it comes to choosing a diet for your pet, we know how easy it is to become overwhelmed! The choices seem almost endless! How are you supposed to choose one that’s right for YOUR pet? Let us give you a few tips that we think will help.
COVID-19 and Your Pet: FAQ's
The overall risk that most domestic animals can become infected and develop illness is thought to be low. But, there is still limited information available and many unknowns about how this virus will behave
COVID-19 UPDATE
With so much concern around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to let you know what we are doing to help keep you and our staff safe. We are committed to taking the appropriate steps to help contain the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to provide your pets with uninterrupted care.
Otitis in Dogs – “Externa” & “Media”
Otitis is the inflammation of the external ear canal and the middle ear. Otitis externa refers to inflammation that occurs in the external ear canal and otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear.
Ectoparasites
For most of us, the thought of ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, makes our skin crawl! And for good reason…they are creepy little buggers! Some of them are not only a nuisance, but also a danger to the health and well-being of our pets. Knowing what they look like, how our pets acquire them, and how to prevent/kill them is important.
Preparing for a New Kitten
Adding a new kitten to your home will be a fun and exciting experience! They are so much fun! However, they also require lot of attention and the preparation of your home for their arrival. Here are a few tips to prepare yourself and your home for this new addition
Pet Insurance
We have insurance for pretty much all of our worldly possessions, as well as our own lives and health, so why wouldn’t we have it for our pets as well?
Blocked Cats – What does that mean?
The term “blocked cat” actually refers to the obstruction of the urethra in a male cat. (But it is important to remember that it can happen to both dogs and cats, and also in females – just less commonly). The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder and when it becomes blocked, a cat cannot pass its urine. This is an emergency situation and needs to be addressed immediately.
A Day in the Life of a Vet Tech…
Veterinary Technicians are the cornerstone of every veterinary hospital. They walk into work in the morning never quite knowing what the day will look like, and that’s part of the challenge and joy of the job.
Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions (FORL's)
Tooth resorption will occur when cells called odontoclasts destroy the surfaces of the tooth root by causing the enamel to be resorbed. As this happens, layers of the tooth disappear, exposing the pulp cavity and causing pain and sensitivity.
Corneal Ulcers
If you have ever seen a corneal ulcer, then you know how alarming and ugly they can look. Don’t worry, they are not life threatening; but they are very painful and need immediate attention.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
If you are a cat owner, you have no doubt heard of the Feline Leukemia Virus, commonly referred to as FeLV. It is by far the most prevalent disease in cats, killing 85% of infected cats within three years of diagnosis.
Pet Fire Safety
As we’re all well aware, the late summer months are the peak of “wildfire season”. Most families have some sort of evacuation plan, but are your pets part of your plan? Fires, whether they are grass fires or house fires, can start and travel very quickly. Having a written out and practiced plan is the best way to keep you and your entire household safe.