High Blood Pressure in Cats and Dogs

My father and his cat Snoop are on the same medication for high blood pressure.   High stress can be a risk factor for high blood pressure in people, as is smoking and drinking.  My father definitely has more stress than the cat does, but neither smoke or drink!   [Read more]

Bloat

The term bloat describes a condition in dogs where the stomach grossly distends with gas and food.    When the stomach stretches to many times the normal size, it causes significant pain.   While the stomach is distended, it rotates about 270 degrees.  This rotation twists off the blood supply   [Read more]

Comfort Care for the Terminally Ill Pet

As a veterinarian, I am often asked when is it the right time?  It's always a difficult decision. I agonized over my beloved 'Alex,' my standard poodle, who was desperately ill.   After many years of experience, I have come to embrace quality of life and want to share with you my experiences   [Read more]

Gus' 1st Acupuncture Treatment:  A Reflection

After pulling my acupuncture bag from the car, I walked up the driveway and decided that between the big dog Gus and me, it was Gus who stood more confidently.  Even with his arthritis, it looked like I might not be able to outrun him!   [Read more]

Weight Control for Pets

I watched my patient, an overweight pug, waddle past three shelves of diet chow on his way out of the clinic.  I couldn’t help but notice how content he seemed with his giggling fat.   [Read more]

Constipation in Cats:

Complication of Cancer

 

Andrew is a 12 year old cat with intestinal cancer.  His cancer is in remission, but he suffers from constipation.  The traditional treatment for constipation is oral medication, which was helpful, but Andrew resisted taking it.   [Read more]

Feeding Cats for Optimal Health

Obesity is the most common health problem in cats. One of the reasons is the TYPE of food being fed, not necessarily the number of calories. Cats are desert creatures and are true carnivores.   [Read more]

Seizures

The entire veterinary clinic was running as we had trained.  I stepped over the gurney resting on the floor and surveyed my patient.  A male German shepherd, middle aged, and ninety pounds at least.   His head was thrown backwards, [Read more]