Veterinarian, Speaker & Author
Hyperthyroidism or excess thyroid hormone production is a common problem in older cats. For unknown reasons,some cats develop tumors on their thyroid glands as they age. Although the majority of these tumors are considered benign because they do not metastasize, that does not mean that they do not affect the cat. Thyroid ademonas secrete large quantities of thyroid hormone, far more …
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Pictured below is the back of a boxer rescued by Boxer Luv in Arizona. When I first saw the photo, I thought the dog had a thick crust of dried blood on its back. Closer inspection revealed the truth. These are ticks! This is one of the most concentrated infestations I have ever seen. What …
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Congratulations to the Spay Neuter Project of Los Angeles! You are the winner of the 2011 Animal Charity Grant. Pet overpopulation is a terribly difficult problem throughout America. SNP LA is Los Angeles’s largest spay neuter provider. They offer low cost surgeries to help the Los Angeles community prevent the suffering, hardship and too often, euthanasia …
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The news from Ohio regarding this senseless and preventable tragedy breaks my heart. Terry Thompson was convicted in 2005 of animal cruelty! Yet the lack of laws in Ohio which would prevent him from housing animals, the incompetence, negligence or both of USDA and other regulators led to this enormous loss. This is not an isolated incident. As …
Saint Francis is revered through time for many reasons – including his love of animals. I have been privileged to travel to Assisi and highly recommend the trip to that tranquil and beautiful town. Saint Francis understood the interconnectedness humans share with the planet and other creatures. It is therefore fitting that centuries after his death, …
This is Lotar, a well-behaved Airedale terrier. Notice his handsome red color? This is a rare color in Airedales. Among his many other wonderful qualities, that makes Lotar a special dog. Name the most common health problems observed in airedale terriers. Diagnosis: 1) Hip dysplasia2) Allergies/atopy3) Hypothyroidism4) Gastic dilation-volvulus (bloat)5) Autoimmune hemolytic anemia In my experience, these …
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October 9th through the 15th, is National Veterinary Technician Week. The theme for 2011 is “Pets & Vets Need Techs!” which is absolutely true. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with many outstanding technicians. Men and women who dedicate their lives to working with animals, sometimes at great personal risk. I know several technicians who volunteer with …
Pictured below is Delta Dawn, an adorable Cairn Terrier. This ball of fur is in constant motion, exploring the world around her. She loves to make new friends. After a quick sniff, she wiggles into your arms and gives lots of licks. Cairn Terriers are prone to a bony disease that makes it difficult to …
Continue reading “You Make The Diagnosis: Name A Jaw Disease Of Cairn Terriers”
Last weekend, I was in North Dakota for the Grand Forks Women’s Show. At the show, I learned that the Circle of Friends Humane Society is having a special event next weekend. On October 9, 2011 they are hosting the All 4 Fun Dog Festival. The event starts at noon with an alumni reunion i.e., dogs adopted …
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After a PET scan, most patients are told to avoid contact with babies and anyone up through the age of 18. Patients are also told to keep their distance from pregnant women. This prohibition is generally for 6 hours. Physicians provide this warning because the radioactive material used in the scan, 2-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose (2FDG), may damage growth in immature individuals. Unfortunately …