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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Kennel Cough

We’ve all had that annoying and painful hacking cough before…but have you ever heard your dog do it? No, your dog did not catch your cold…but he may have caught his own type of “cold”! If you’re a dog owner, you have probably heard of kennel cough before, especially if you ever take your dog to a grooming or boarding facility. If your dog is hacking or making constant noises that sound like they are choking, they may have a case of kennel cough, or as it is also known, canine infectious tracheobronchitis.

Read More

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.

Read More

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) in Dogs

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) has, in recent years, been renamed Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS), but you will hear veterinary personnel use either term. The term hemorrhagic gastroenteritis basically means inflammation of the stomach and intestine with bleeding. HGE is a life-threatening condition that occurs when large amounts of fluid or blood seep into the gut.

Read More

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.

Read More

DHPP Vaccine – What is it and who needs it?

These 4, often fatal, viruses can be easily prevented by the administration of the DHPP vaccine.  The vaccine should be given to puppies at 8 weeks of age, and then again as boosters at 12 and 16 weeks of age.  The vaccine should then be administered annually or tri-annually depending on the brand of vaccine given and the recommendations of your veterinarian. 

Read More