There are two amendments working their way through Congress to provide more humane conditions for egg-laying chickens. I will never forget walking into an egg-laying facility in during veterinary training. Three hens were crammed into tiny cages, cages smaller than most people use for finches and canaries. The next time I needed eggs, I made […]
Monthly Archives: June 2012
Please Help Dogs Trapped In Puppy Mills
Right now the United States Department of Agriculture is considering a proposal to crack down on puppy mills. Because of a loophole in the law, many dogs live in filthy conditions with no medical care. The females are bred back to back which means after they whelp a litter of puppies, they are bred again […]
Tips For People Who Are Allergic To Pets
As a veterinarian, I receive calls from distraught pet owners who think they have to get rid of their pets because a family member is allergic on a regular basis. It breaks my heart to see these pets ripped from their homes when there are other options available. In my experience, some physicians recommend getting rid of […]
Shar Pei Wrinkles and Mucinosis
Shar peis are known for their wrinkles, deep dermal folds that make them look like the Michelin Man. What causes the wrinkles? Hyaluronan the major compoment of mucin. Shar peis have a genetic defect that leads to excess production of hyaluronan, formerly called hyaluronic acid. Although the excess hyaluronan makes this breed of dog very […]
You Make The Diagnosis: Shar Pei Health Problems
This beautiful girl is Lulu, the most well behaved Shar pei I have ever met. She greets everyone with a sniff before retreating to her gaurdian’s side. Shar peis are known for their wrinkles and rough coats which may cause a rash in humans. Name the most common health problems associated with the Shar pei breed of […]