Dr. Nelson's Veterinary Blog
Dr. Nelson's first book, Coated With Fur: A Vet's Life is available in hardcover and e-book formats at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, independent bookstores nationwide and Smashwords.com.
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Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minnesota, where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then complete a small-animal internship at the presitgious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addtion to writing and speaking, she cares for dogs, cats and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include USA TODAY,The Los Angeles Times, DisneyFamily.com and numerous radio and television interviews. Kris and her husband, Steve, share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.
Dr. Nelson's Veterinary Blog
February is Pet Dental Month
The American Veterinary Medical Association has declared February "National Pet Dental Health Month". Pets struggle with a variety of dental problems including periodontal disease, alignment issues, and fractured teeth in carnivores and overgrown teeth making it difficult to eat in herbivores. Besides causing pain, infection from the mouth may spread throughout the body infecting everything from heart valves to the kidneys. Therefore, it is vital to check your pet's mouth frequently and perform home care. Remember, "Pets need dental care, too."
Pictured below is a cat with a painful, fractured lower canine tooth that I found on physical examination. 
You Make The Diagnosis: Name The Rare Blood Disorder Found In Irish Setters
Irish setters have a rare but fatal genetic disease that causes fever, anorexia, recurrent infections, slow wound healing, weight loss, umbilical infections, gingivitis, lymphadenopathy, pododermatitis and osteomyelitis. Name this inherited disease.<< MORE >>
Arizona Humane Society Releases Distemper Alert
I was going to write about food bowls in this post until I received a pet health alert from the Arizona Humane Society regarding distemper in dogs. Normally, the virus affects young, unvaccinated puppies every spring. But this year, the Arizona Humane Society has noticed a difference in the disease. Both puppies and adult dogs with questionable vaccination histories are getting the disease.<< MORE >>
Plastic Allergy In Dogs And Cats
It will surprise many people to learn that animals may become allergic to plastic. Areas of skin that contact the plastic become inflamed and often bleed. Once the normal dermal barrier is damaged, bacteria and fungi often develop secondary infections. Pictured below is the chin of a dog who received an automatic plastic feeder for Christmas. The lesions often start on the chin and spread to the lips and nose. << MORE >>
Fecal Mats On Dogs And Cats
Please remember to perform regular hygienic shaves on all hairy animals to prevent fecal mats. I commonly see this condition in Old English sheepdogs, Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Shih- tzus, Poodles and Lhasa apsos, Bichon frises, and Samoyeds. In cats, Persians, Himalayans and their mixes are most commonly affected. If you live with a hairy animal, check their rear ends daily and keep them groomed to prevent fecal mats.
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Sunburn, Cancer & Pets
To prevent this aggressive cancer, protect pink skinned pets from the sun. Avoidance is the best approach if possible. Limit sun exposure from 10am to 4pm. Watch sun loving pets who look for sunbeams for a nap. When outdoors, pets may wear protective hats and t-shirts or sunscreen. Use zinc-free sunscreen with a high SPF. I do not recommend sunscreen in cats because most contain salicylates which is toxic if ingested chronically or in high doses.<< MORE >>
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
Last November I announced a contest for National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. I am pleased to announce the honorees of the donations to the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota, the Humane Society of Seattle/King County and the Arizona Humane Society. << MORE >>
You Make The Diagnosis: Is This A Wild Or Domestic Cat?
Pictured below is a handsome cat named Cheetah. He was a little shy at first but awfully nice. It turns out he is a very sweet fellow. Although to some he might look like a wild feline, his family tree includes only domestic cats. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, this breed is a mix of Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair. The CFA recognizes twelve different color varieties. Name this rare breed of cat.
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Treatment of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
There are several options for treating hyperthyroidism in cats. Since each treatment has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, it is vital to match the treatment to the individual cat. Please discuss these options with your veterinarian before deciding on a course of therapy.<< MORE >>
After Effects of CODOX-M/IVAC Plus Rituxan
I am taking one more break from animal related topics to help people who are recovering from the CODOX-M/IVAC plus Rituxan protocol (Modified MaGrath). As a patient, I was frustrated by the lack of information regarding this protocol. I didn't know what to expect. This post will cover what I experienced the year after finishing chemo. Please remember, every person will react differently. Just because I experienced it, does not mean you will.<< MORE >>