Category: Veterinary Emergency

Epilepsy Task Force

Far and away, epilepsy is the most common neurological disease affecting dogs and cats. Within the United States, it is estimated that approximately 780,000 dogs are diagnosed with this disorder every year (sorry, no numbers available for cats)…. Read More

Animals Eat the Craziest Things!

Every year Veterinary Practice News (VPN) holds its, “They Ate What?” Contest. Here’s how it works. Veterinarians submit X-rays of patients who have eaten highly inappropriate things along with photos of the foreign matter once it’s been removed…. Read More

Were You Smarter Than a Vet Student About Canine Heatstroke?

Thanks to all of you who tested your knowledge about heatstroke in dogs. Below you will find the answers you’ve been waiting for! Kathleen, one of my regular readers, told me that four San Quentin inmates who participate… Read More

Are You Smarter Than a Vet Student About Canine Heatstroke?

Time once again for the ageless classic, “Are You Smarter Than A Vet Student?” Given the summer season, I’m providing you with the opportunity to test your knowledge about heatstroke. You know what to do. Read the questions… Read More

Service Dog Goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

An eight-year-old Golden Retriever named Figo (pronounced “FEE-go”) is my new hero. Figo is a devoted service dog and he recently demonstrated his devotion by putting his life on the line for his human companion Audrey Stone who… Read More

New Information about Jerky Treats for Pets

Since 2007, we’ve known that chicken jerky treats manufactured in China can cause gastrointestinal and/or kidney issues in some dogs. Until recently, virtually all commercially sold jerky treats in the United States were manufactured in China. Despite extensive… Read More

Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS)

Pay close attention all of you Miniature Schnauzer lovers! The breed you fancy is prone to a heart condition called Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS). The sinus involved is not within the respiratory tract. Rather, it is a structure… Read More

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)

Over the years I’ve developed a top ten list of my most despised diseases. Those that make it to this list tend to be diseases that are untreatable, leaving me helpless to help my patient. Such is the… Read More

A Summertime Safety Reminder

Tuffy, a scruffy and adorably sweet little terrier arrived at my hospital in a state of collapse with profoundly labored breathing, purplish gums, and a temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit (the normal body temperature for a dog is… Read More

Medical Questions to Ask a Prospective Pet Sitter

If you’re like me, the most stressful part of preparing to go out of town is feeling reassured that the animals left behind will be well cared for. I prefer to have my menagerie cared for in their… Read More