Amandatine for Dogs and Cats

Amantadine is an antiviral drug that was used to treat influenza in humans. Because of its mode of action, it is also being used for much more including helping dogs and cats with neurologic disease as well as people with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.  Amantadine is a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker. In the nervous system, …

The Morris Animal Foundation Funds New Feline Studies

The Morris Animal Foundation has a long history of funding studies that help diagnose, treat and prevent disease in animals. Since 1950, the foundation has funded many many projects that have led to significant discoveries. They have invested $15.8 million in 368 studies at 60 different institutions around the world. Here is a list of …

Using Fluorescence to Look For Dental Calculus in Dogs and Cats

Tartar in dogs and cats will fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light. Bacteria found in the mouth produce porphyrins that emit a pinkish orange glow. In fact, researchers have found feline, canine and human tartar as well as bacterial cultures will fluoresce as well. Why is this important? Because fluorescence can be used to look …

Halloween Dangers for Dogs & Cats

Halloween is a fun holiday for people of all ages to dress up, trick or treat and maybe scare a friend or two. But the noises, decorations and costumes can frighten our pets. Here’s a few tips for keeping cats and dogs safe during Halloween: Pet costumes – Make sure pet costumes do not contain …

Frustration-Related Aggression in Cats

Frustration-related aggression is a form of aggression that occurs when a cat is blocked from getting what it wants. I diagnosed it for the first time in my own cat, Genevieve. I met this adorable little furball while working at a friend’s clinic.  A woman approached the counter carrying a cardboard box.  Inside lay a kitten …

Fearful or Defensive Aggression of Cats Toward Humans

Fearful or defensive aggression occurs when a frightened cat attacks the human who caused their fear. A cat with fearful aggression has adopted “the best defense is a good offense” motto to deal with their anxiety. The aggression may be directed toward strangers, family members or both. This kind of aggression occurs when a cat …

Petting-Related Aggression in Cats

Most cats enjoy human interaction especially if it involves petting. As the saying goes, ‘Cats are connoisseurs of pleasure.’ Most love a good head rub, especially when the sides of the face by the whiskers are stroked. Unfortunately, petting may stimulate some cats to bite. The most common history I hear is that the cat …

Aggression in Cats Toward People

Aggression in cats toward people is a serious problem. Beside the pain, a cat’s teeth and claws may harbor organisms that cause serious disease. Scratches may causes cat scratch fever, a condition caused by the organism Bartonella henselae. Cats also often have several bacteria in their mouths including Staphylococcus sp, Streptococcus sp., Moraxella and Pasturella multocida that can …

The Effect of Smoking on Dogs and Cats

We all know that smoking tobacco products is harmful to the smoker as well as their family who are exposed through second and thirdhand smoke. But what about the pets? Unfortunately, the pets are effected as well when they breathe in the toxic fumes or ingest the residue left behind in the environment. When burned, …