California Sea Lions – Name The Zoonotic Disease They Carry

On a trip to San Fransisco and Monterrey, I spent time watching sea lions (Zalophus californianus) nap in the warm sun.  The females had given birth in June and then spent the summer nursing their pups.  The little ones grow rapidly on the rich milk.  The males keep a watchful eye over their territory.  They are much larger than the females and darker in color.  …

Warning For Animals On Vetsulin Manufactured By Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health

Recently, I received an e-mail alert from the FDA’s Center For Veterinary Medicine.  I believe it warrants sharing with people who love diabetic animals.  The injectable insulin product Vetsulin manufactured by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health may contain inconsistent amounts of crystalline zinc insulin.  This can result in either over or under dosing a patient on the medication.  If your …

H1N1 Transmited From Humans To Pet Ferrets And A Cat

Recently, the American Veterinary Medical Association notified its members about three cases of H1N1 in pets.  Two ferrets and a cat contracted the virus from their human family.  One of the ferrets and the cat recovered with supportive care.  Unfortunately, the other ferret died from the disease.  So far, there has been no documented spread of …

Black Long Hair Kitten Has A Home!

                         The ‘Thinker’ has a home!This section of the blog is called “The Vet’s Pets”.  So here it is that I announce the following great news;  my husband and I decided to adopt the black long hair kitten!  He is an easy-going guy who should fit in nicely with our other cats.  Every day, I place …

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Happy Halloween!  Tonight emergency clinics around the country will be busy with sick animals.  Unfortunately, Halloween is not all fun and games.  Candy designed for human consumption is a big problem.  Chocolate is toxic for dogs and cats.  While cats seldom eat chocolate, dogs love it.  I treated a cocker spaniel who ate a two pound box of chocolate.  The …