Veterinarian, Speaker & Author
In dogs and cats, diabetes mellitus is subdivided into three different types– I, II and III. Type I diabetes occurs most commonly in dogs. The islet cells in these animals are destroyed and cannot produce insulin. Treatment to control blood glucose levels in these patients require insulin injections just as do people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Type II …
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There are three basic types of diets used in diabetic dogs; low carbohydrate, low-glycemic index and high insoluble fiber. In the first two diets, fat and protein are used to replace the calories normally obtained from carbohydrates. Unfortunately, high fat content may cause pancreatitis, especially in animals that have already suffered from an episode. The high protein diets are contraindicated …
This week I received an Animal Health Smartbrief from the American Veterinary Medical Association which announced pets in New Mexico contracted plague. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, two dogs and two cats contracted the plague this spring. The hantavirus is carried by fleas often found on rodents. Fortunately, all of the animals …
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Whenever I counsel people about diabetes in animals, I always advise consulting a veterinarian before adjusting their pet’s insulin dosage. Unfortunately, I met one client who ignored this advice. Every day, the diligent woman checked her cat’s urine for glucose and pricked his ear to get an exact blood level. Since the blood level was higher than she wanted and there was glucose in his urine, …
Continue reading “Rebound Hyperglycemia (Somogyi Response) In Diabetic Animals”
After a year of writing and editing, I am pleased to announce that the book is published and available for your enjoyment! Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life celebrates the deep bond between humans and animals. Set in a veterinary practice, the book chronicles my triumphs and trials as a young woman owning her first animal hospital. …
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Last spring, a pair a Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii) moved into my backyard and set-up housekeeping in a flower pot. The male placed small pebbles in a pile and the hen covered them with a few feathers. Two days later, these eggs appeared. I managed to sneak a photo of them while she left to forage for food. For 22 days, the hen faithfully …
Spring has hit the Valley of the Sun – flowers are blooming, birds are nesting and, unfortunately, the snakes are out. When the snakes come out of hibernation they are very thirsty and hungry. Once those needs are satisfied, their minds turn to mating. The single-minded snakes go looking for love and sometimes end up in …
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Cat blood is broken down into three different blood types; A, B and AB. Problems occur when an A type tom is bred to a B type queen. All of the kittens will be type A because A is the dominant gene and B is the recessive. When they nurse, the kittens receive antibodies from the queen through the colostrum. The …
Continue reading “Neonatal Isoerythrolysis And Cat Blood Types”
Based on the blood typing system used in the United States, dogs are divided into eight different blood types depending upon the antigens present on their red blood cells. Dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 is the most important to me in clinical practice because it is the most antigenic. Repeated exposure of a DEA 1.1 …
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After seeing so many poisonous plants for sale at the local home improvement store, I decided to start a new category dealing with poisonous plants. The number of poisonous plants used in landscaping and as indoor plants is absolutely staggering. Before you bring any plant into your house, check to see if it is safe …