Hot spots are very common. I see them most frequently from spring through fall but in warmer climates they can be seen all year. A hot spot is an area of inflammation and infection usually localized. It is also called acute moist dermatitis. These spots can either be deep or superficial and usually have pus associated with them. They are made worse by scratching. The lesions can be associated with allergies, flea bites, food allergies, ear infections, or traumatic wounds.… Continue reading →

Veterinarians tend to see a lot of gastrointestinal problems in pets this time of year. Our pets tend to indulge just like we do over the holidays. Rich and fatty foods, table scraps and holiday foods like chocolate, cookies and bones from the feast can cause havoc with the digestive tract of dogs and cats. Sometimes pets will get into the Christmas cheer. Alcohol is very dangerous for dogs and cats and will cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Anything spicy,… Continue reading →

Veterinarians are frequently presented with questions about potential pet poisoning due to eating holiday plants. Some Christmas plants are toxic and others are not. It is best if your pets do not have access to any of your plants–that way you do not have to worry if the plant is toxic or not! Here are some common plants and the problems they can cause. Poinsettias–We get a lot of calls about this pretty Christmas plant as it is thought to… Continue reading →

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor seen in dogs. It occurs in middle age to older dogs and is usually large breed dogs. It can develop in any bone in any dog but tends to grow in the limbs of large dogs in 75% of the cases. As the tumour grows, the osteosarcoma weakens the bone The tumor grows from the inside out with the bone being replaced by the cancerous tissue. This tumor becomes progressively more painful, and… Continue reading →

It can be intimidating to visit the veterinarian for the first time for both you and your pet. It always helps to know what to ask, what to do and where to start. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your vet visit. When scheduling your appointment be sure to tell the receptionist what you are coming for and if your pet has a certain symptom. Most veterinary offices will schedule longer appointments for sick pets or… Continue reading →

Winter weather can be very tough on your dog’s paws if you live in the north. With the onset of ice and snow comes salt to melt the ice. This salt can cause havoc with your dog’s paws. Prolonged contact with road salt and other chemical deicers can cause severe chemical burns to your dog’s feet. This can cause limping after a walk on the road or sidewalk in the winter. When possible, walk your dog off the sidewalk and… Continue reading →

Liver disease is fairly common in older dogs. There are many different causes of liver disease because the liver is an organ which is involved in many different physiological processes. The liver is one of the main detoxifying organs of the body. It processes and eliminates toxins from the blood, it is involved in making plasma proteins and it stores glycogen ( a form of sugar) for later use by the body. It is involved in the digestive process, immune… Continue reading →

Most people are familiar with arthritis in dogs but do not know that older cats also suffer from arthritis. Research shows that 100 percent of cats over 10 years of age have arthritis in one or more joint. The difference is that cats show more subtle signs of arthritis than dogs because cats are very good at hiding signs of disease. Symptoms of arthritis can include stiffness on rising, reluctance to jump, obvious limp, litter box accidents ( because the… Continue reading →

Tracheal collapse is a condition commonly seen in Toy breed dogs such as Poodles, Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers. When it does occur, the dog makes a distinctive honking sound that is frightening. It sounds like the dog can not catch his breath. Why does this happen? The trachea or windpipe is a fairly rigid tube made up of rings of cartilage. These rings are not complete circles but rather like 3/4 circles with a muscle ( the tracheal membrane) joining… Continue reading →

Winter is just around the corner, actually starting in about 2 1/2 weeks. Now is the time to get your pet ready for winter. Although I do not agree that pets should be keep outside all the time, there are people who do not allow their pets in the house. If this is the case it is important that outdoor cats and dogs have adequate, warm shelter for the winter. Now is the time to review your dog or cat’s… Continue reading →