Author Archives: kristennelsondvm

Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s Disease is a serious health problem that can cause death if left untreated. In this disease, the adrenal glands fail to produce two very important hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is the stress hormone important for regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Aldosterone is the hormone that regulates electrolyte levels. Without aldosterone, levels of sodium plummet while potassium surges. Without …

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Now that Walmart is offering an NPH insulin (RelinOn) for approximately $25.00 a vial, I am getting questions from some people wanting to switch their pets to save money. Unfortunately, not all insulin is the same which means switching may not save money. Let me explain: There are many types of insulin used in human and veterinary …

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Weight loss and/or poor appetite is a common problem in elderly cats. A cat who used to be a good eater suddenly becomes selective, refusing to eat any food consistently. Concerned owners try all kinds of foods including a variety of canned and dry food, human baby food and home cooking. Unfortunately, the results are disappointing, the cat will …

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Tear stains are a common problem in toy breed dogs due to their confirmation. Once and awhile, a dog with normal confirmation will develop tear stains from a blocked tear duct. In either case, tears spill down the face usually between the inner corner of the eye and nose. I was taught in veterinary college that the stains are …

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Demodex mange is a very itchy skin condition caused by a mite named Demodex canis. Most dogs are infected as puppies while they are nursing.  The mites live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands on the skin.  Many dogs will have mites without showing any clinical signs. In some dogs thought to be immuno-compromised, the mites cause …

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Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a horrible disease seen most frequently in young cats and kittens. The disease is caused by a corona virus shed in the feces and then ingested. Most cats will develop diarrhea that resolves with time. In 5 to 10% of infected cats, the virus causes severe, usually fatal immune-mediated disease. The virus damages …

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One of the most frustrating conditions I treat in dogs is acral lick dermatitis (commonly called a lick granuloma). This condition most commonly occurs on the legs of large breed dogs. The condition starts as a discoloration of the fur. With more licking, the skin thickens and the hair falls out. Eventually the area becomes an …

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    As many of you know, I am alive today because of my cat. Tigre diagnosed cancer in my abdomen by scent, then hissed and tried to paw a sheet over me. Now it is my turn to help Tigs. During the last year, he stopped jumping up on counters and furniture.  At night, he sat by the …

Continue reading “Arthritis Treatment For Cats”