It is common sense I suppose, but seeing one of my little rascals in this bag prompted me to write this reminder. Plastic bags are hazardous to pets just as they are for children. The risk of suffocation is obvious. Suffocation can happen so quickly. In addition, animals are fond of swallowing any number of items. I …
Author Archives: kristennelsondvm
You Make The Diagnosis: Name This Common Condition
Pictured below is the rear end of an adult, orange cat. His back legs are seen on the right side of the image and the underside of his tail is on the left. His owner noticed a bloody area of skin just below his anus. Name this common condition in cats. Diagnosis: Cat Fight …
Continue reading “You Make The Diagnosis: Name This Common Condition”
Tribute To Dr. James Herriot
This week, on February 23rd, we mark the anniversary of the death of Dr. James Herriot. It is vital that we pause to reflect on the difference one person – one veterinarian, can make. Few human beings who have ever walked our planet touched so many people and brought such absolute joy as did Dr. James Herriot. …
People May Infect Their Pets With H1N1
Yesterday, the American Veterinary Medical Association issued an alert regarding H1N1. The virus was cultured from a Wisconsin cat. Both of the family’s cats became ill after exposure to a family member with symptoms of the flu. Even with supportive care, the cats’ conditions deteriorated to the point that the owners chose humane euthanasia to end …
Animal Abuse Reporting By Veterinarians
Last week, I was preparing for a radio interview on animal abuse when I came across a surprising fact. Only eight states require veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal abuse. Those states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma and West Virginia. I was shocked and terribly disappointed. Studies demonstrate that animal abusers often commit domestic violence and child abuse. So, mandatory …
Pet Teeth Cleaning Without Anesthesia: Is It Effective?
Since February is Pet Dental Month, I thought it would be a good time to address the question of pet dental cleaning without anesthesia. Why do veterinarians insist on anesthetizing the pet for this procedure when there are lay people who will do it without and charge much less? Let me answer this question by …
Continue reading “Pet Teeth Cleaning Without Anesthesia: Is It Effective?”
You Make The Diagnosis: Name The Disease Conures Often Carry
Conures are a type of small parrot that originate from Central and South America. Although they come in a variety of colors, they all share one thing in common . . . an unquenchable zest for life. These little dynamos are the Jack Russel Terriers of the bird world, bold and inquisitive. They are also quite vocal as demonstrated …
Continue reading “You Make The Diagnosis: Name The Disease Conures Often Carry”
Switching Cats From Dry To Canned Food
In order to reduce the amount of carbohydrates and fat consumed by cats, I recommend feeding a combination of canned and dry food. But what if your cat won’t eat canned food? There are some cats who are hooked on dry and will not even try the canned food. Here are my suggestions for converting a finicky …
Increasing Water Consumption In Cats
There are many medical conditions in which I recommend more water consumption as a part of the treatment protocol. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done with cats. How do you encourage a cat to drink more? Here are my suggestions: 1) Feed canned food instead of dry. Once the cat is eating the canned food …
World Veterinary Year 2011
2011 marks the 250th anniversary of veterinary education. In 1761 King Louis XV established the first veterinary college in Lyon, France. In celebration of that event and in recognition of veterinarian’s work in animal, human and ecosystem health, this year is designated World Veterinary Year! As a veterinarian, speaker and author, I look forward to sharing the many ways our …