Veterinarian, Speaker & Author
With more people wanting to test their pet’s blood sugar at home, I am often asked the following question: Can I use my human glucometer to measure my pet’s blood sugar level? The answer is a definite maybe. In my experience, the most common glucometer used in veterinary practice is the Alpha Trak by Abbott. This unit is designed specifically …
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This is Susie, a beautiful black Labrador Retriever. Like most labs, Susie has energy to burn. She races from room to room, looking for new toys or other objects to chew. Her shiny black coat, great confirmation and personality make her a hit with everyone she meets. After all, who could resist her sweet face. Unfortunately, …
Insulin is classified based on duration of effect. Regular or crystalline insulin reaches its peak effect quickly, usually around four hours after administration. I use it in the clinic to drop glucose levels quickly in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. It is important to monitor blood glucose levels closely while using this insulin. Once the blood glucose …
In dogs and cats, diabetes mellitus is subdivided into three different types– I, II and III. Type I diabetes occurs most commonly in dogs. The islet cells in these animals are destroyed and cannot produce insulin. Treatment to control blood glucose levels in these patients require insulin injections just as do people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Type II …
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There are three basic types of diets used in diabetic dogs; low carbohydrate, low-glycemic index and high insoluble fiber. In the first two diets, fat and protein are used to replace the calories normally obtained from carbohydrates. Unfortunately, high fat content may cause pancreatitis, especially in animals that have already suffered from an episode. The high protein diets are contraindicated …
This week I received an Animal Health Smartbrief from the American Veterinary Medical Association which announced pets in New Mexico contracted plague. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, two dogs and two cats contracted the plague this spring. The hantavirus is carried by fleas often found on rodents. Fortunately, all of the animals …
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Whenever I counsel people about diabetes in animals, I always advise consulting a veterinarian before adjusting their pet’s insulin dosage. Unfortunately, I met one client who ignored this advice. Every day, the diligent woman checked her cat’s urine for glucose and pricked his ear to get an exact blood level. Since the blood level was higher than she wanted and there was glucose in his urine, …
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After a year of writing and editing, I am pleased to announce that the book is published and available for your enjoyment! Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life celebrates the deep bond between humans and animals. Set in a veterinary practice, the book chronicles my triumphs and trials as a young woman owning her first animal hospital. …
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Last spring, a pair a Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii) moved into my backyard and set-up housekeeping in a flower pot. The male placed small pebbles in a pile and the hen covered them with a few feathers. Two days later, these eggs appeared. I managed to sneak a photo of them while she left to forage for food. For 22 days, the hen faithfully …
Spring has hit the Valley of the Sun – flowers are blooming, birds are nesting and, unfortunately, the snakes are out. When the snakes come out of hibernation they are very thirsty and hungry. Once those needs are satisfied, their minds turn to mating. The single-minded snakes go looking for love and sometimes end up in …
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