Veterinarian, Speaker & Author
Losing a pet is never easy. That’s why I commend Ladies’ Home Journal and their sponsors for tackling this difficult, but important subject. Below are some images from the magazine followed by a few more comments. Several months ago, Jenna McCarthy interviewed me for this article. She asked great questions designed to help people with …
Continue reading “Dr. Nelson Quoted In Ladies’ Home Journal”
Dogs rely on panting to cool off their bodies during periods of high temperatures. Unfortunately, the brachycephalic breeds are disadvantaged because of the shape of their skulls. Their compressed faces are adorable but result in abnormalities of the upper airways restricting air flow. Specifically, these breeds often have small nostrils, very long soft palates, everted laryngeal saccules and an under-developed …
Summer is here and with the high temperatures comes hot pavement. Since most of us wear shoes, we don’t think about how hot the concrete and pavement become during the day. A few seconds of contact will burn a child’s feet and a dog’s paws. One of the technicians I work with tried to measure …
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This beauty is Tama, a Bedlington Terrier. She is a friendly girl who enjoys the company of dogs, humans and her family’s cat. She is even nice to her veterinarian! When not making friends, this little socialite loves to play with her ball. She is a wonderful ambassador for her breed. Unfortunately, some Bedlington Terriers will develop severe liver disease. The disease is …
Continue reading “Bedlington Terriers – Name The Liver Disease Often Found In This Breed”
As a child, I remember my dad trimming the oleander bushes at my grandparent’s house. The sap dripped on to his arms and caused painful rashes. I did not understand how truly poisonous these plants were until years later when I entered veterinary school. We were lucky that none of our pets consumed this pretty but deadly …
It is a wonderful experience to write a book and have it well received. Particularly since this is my debut book. I am honored and thrilled to share the news that Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life is now recognized as a Staff Pick at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. This independent bookseller has …
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Here in Arizona, many people use Lantana as a decorative plant in their yards. The groundcover thrives in the high temperatures found in the Valley of the Sun. They also grow in tropical regions. In my neighborhood, I see them in gold, yellow, red and gold, purple, pink and yellow, and white. …
This precious girl is Maggie, a beagle who loves chewing on everything. Like other members of her breed, Maggie has an unquenchable zest for life. She patrols her home looking for her next adventure. She greets each day with a wagging tail and unending curiosity. Beagles are a busy breed who need an active life with …
Continue reading “Name The Uncommon Neurologic Disease Seen In Beagles”
Recently, I was asked about a dog who started nipping at people who enter its home. With a new baby in the house, the owners assumed the little watch dog is ‘protecting’ the new member of the family. I’m afraid this is not the case. Protective aggression is a a manifestation of fear-based aggression. In the above scenario, …
I just received an e-mail from Kari Nienstedt, the Arizona Representative of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), announcing the inaugural public meeting of Arizona Coalition for Equines (ACE). According to her e-mail, the goals of this organization are: 1) Educate owners, law enforcement and the public regarding the appropriate care and treatment …
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