Veterinarian, Speaker & Author
Many plastic bags come with a printed warning “May cause suffocation in children.” I wish this warning also included animals. If you use plastic bags, please store and dispose of them properly and promptly. Each year animals, pets and wildlife die after encountering these bags. Some die of suffocation if they crawl inside while others die of gastrointestinal obstructions after eating them. …
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The main goal of treatment in pancreatitis is simple: to quiet down inflammation in the pancreas. This involves removing the cause (if known), treating the side effects caused by the release of pancreatic enzymes and providing supportive care. Since most cats with pancreatitis have severe nausea and vomiting, I place them on intravenous fluids to maintain their …
Since the most common signs of pancreatitis in the cat are nonspecific; lethargy and anorexia, diagnosis can be challenging. The gold standard is a surgical biopsy of the pancreas and evaluation by a veterinary pathologist. During surgery, the pancreas is swollen and often an angry pinkish-orange color. The downside of a surgical biopsy is that it …
The book signing at Garrison Keillor’s bookstore, Common Good Books, was a great deal of fun! Thanks to everyone who came to learn about the book and the first year of my veterinary clinic in Minnesota. It was wonderful and fitting that so many dogs and such varied breeds would participate in the celebration. Thanks as well to the …
If you are looking for a fun activity for you and your dog, give flyball a try. In this timed sport, two teams of four dogs and their handlers compete against each other in a best of three heat format. Each dog takes their turn running over hurdles to grab a tennisball from a box and then run back …
Pancreatitis in cats may be caused by several factors. Here are some to consider: 1) Inflammatory Bowel Disease – It is thought that bacteria migrate into the pancreas, triggering an infection which leads to inflammation. 2) Trauma – When I interned at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, I saw several cats develop pancreatitis …
The pancreas is a pink/tan lacy organ that has two big jobs. First, it secretes insulin to control blood sugar levels. Second, it produces enzymes that flow into the intestines to digest food. In a normal pancreas, these powerful enzymes are stored in special compartments and then secreted into the pancreatic duct when needed. If the …
Since I’ve got jet lag from the trip to Asia, I decided to ask for your opinion on breed specific legislation. While walking in a park along the South China Sea, my husband noticed this sign posted prominently. Singapore requires certain breeds of dogs to wear muzzles when in public places. Although I appreciate the intent behind the …
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Last Saturday, I met a wonderful terrier mix. He greeted me with warmth and affection until he realized who I was . . . THE VET. He promptly crawled under the chair occupied by his owner. What a smart boy! When I opened his mouth I noticed damage to his teeth. Review the photo and note …
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Today our nation rightfully celebrates the passage twenty years ago of the Americans With Disabilities Act. When signing it into law, President H.W. Bush ushered in a new perspective on how we treat people. This anniversary led me to reflect on the magnificent animals who touch and have touched, my life. Some had disabilities . …
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