PET HEALTH BLOG
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.
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.
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
Cushing's Disease
Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, happens when a dog’s body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps a dog respond to stress, control weight, fight infections, and keep the blood sugar levels normal.
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.
How to Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Dog ownership is a serious commitment that takes time and energy. Part of that commitment is to ensure that your dog has some training so that you can live with him in your community. Some type of “puppy kindergarten” or a basic obedience class is recommended as most dog owners need help in learning how to train their dogs.
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.
Patellar Luxation in Dogs
In simpler terms, “patellar luxation” means the dislocation of the kneecap. This condition occurs when the kneecap, or the patella, is dislocated from its normal position in the groove of the femur.
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.
Leptospirosis – What is it and how can it be prevented?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by contact and infection of the Leptospira bacteria. These leptospires will spread throughout the entire body, reproducing in the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, eyes, and reproductive system. Although dogs are most commonly affected
National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Have you ever experienced the helpless and terrifying feeling of frantically searching for your lost pet? Maybe they got lost in town when they darted out the front door; or in the woods while out for a walk. Perhaps you were on vacation and they were lost in an unfamiliar environment.
The Importance of Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies is a very serious and fatal virus that affects the central nervous system of an animal or human. Although any warm-blooded mammal can contract the rabies virus, it is most commonly found in wild animals such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. The virus is spread through…
Atopy or Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as canine atopy, is a hypersensitivity, or over-reaction, to commonplace substances in the environment. These allergens may include plant pollens, house dust mites, mold spores, etc
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
Most people have heard the term “anemia”, either referred to in humans or animals. Anemia is a condition that occurs when the number of red blood cells in the body falls below the normal values, or they function improperly.
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hyperthyroidism is very rare in dogs but fairly common in cats. Also called thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones) from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cat’s neck region. In most cases, this is caused by an adenoma, a non-cancerous tumor.