August 17th is Black Cat Appreciation Day! This day was started to bring attention to the blight of black colored animals in shelters. For some reason, black animals are not adopted as quickly as animals of other colors. Some think it is the association with bad luck that is causing this phenomenon. I think the …
Author Archives: kristennelsondvm
Grain Free Diets For Cats
Because of the popularity of grain free diets for people, this method of eating is slowly creeping into animals foods. Is it healthy for cats to eat a grain free diet? The answer is a cautious yes as long as another carbohydrate such as potato is not substituted for the grain. Let me explain: Many …
How to Compare Cat and Dog Foods
Comparing one brand of pet food to another can be difficult because the information on the label is stated in three different ways; as fed, dry matter and metabolizable energy (ME). AS FED: In my experience, as fed is the most common method used by pet food manufacturers. I think of as fed as how …
You Make The Diagnosis: Cat With Hair Loss On Both Rear Legs
Pictured below are the back legs of a cat who suffers with diabetes mellitus. Notice the areas of hairloss below the hock (tarsus) on each leg. Examine the picture closely and then answer the following question, what is the cause of the hair loss? Diagnosis: Diabetic NeuropathyWhen cats experience high levels of glucose in their …
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Marmots Explore Car Engines
After my last post on marmots, I received a wonderful comment that I would like to share. The commenter’s husband is a mineral collector in Colorado who regularly travels above 14,000 feet in elevation. During a trip home, a marmot hitched a ride in his car causing $600 worth of damage. “This cute fellow was in …
Human Food Creates Problems for Marmots and Other Wild Rodents
While in Rocky Mountain National Park, I met this adorable little creature on the Trail Ridge Road. Marmots are large rodents that eat as much as possible during the summer to build up fat reserves that will sustain them during winter hibernation. Unfortunately, these smart marmots learned that it is easier to beg for food from tourists than search for it on …
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Advice for Junior High Students Who Want to Become Veterinarians
Recently, I was contacted by a student in junior high school who wants to become a veterinarian. Here are some thoughts that may be helpful as she prepares her journey to veterinary college. 1) Grades-Grades are very important. When you apply to veterinary school, you must list your overall grade point average as well as your grades in …
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You Make The Diagnosis: Cat Urinating Outside Litter Box
The following x-ray is of a female/spayed cat who started urinating outside the box. She urinated on throw rugs, under a desk, in the sink and in the clothes basket. Unfortunately, the clothes were clean. Study the x-ray closely and then make your diagnosis. Diagnosis: Urinary stones in the bladder and kidneysCats are susceptible …
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Pets Reduce Stress
Most pet people know intuitively that pets are good for us. We feel better in the presence of an animal. The stresses of our day seem less daunting with a cat purring in our lap and a dog at our feet. Scientists Karen Allen, Barbara E. Shykoff and Joseph L. Izzo, Jr. decided to study the interaction between people and …
Urge Officials To Increase Cage Size For Laying Hens
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 …
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