For the last several days, I suffered from a severe case of food poisoning. I owe a debt of gratitude to a wonderful cat named Genevieve. This magnificent cat stayed with me through the entire ordeal. Genny slept next to me or on top of me for two solid days. She also followed me whenever I left the bed. When things were really …
Author Archives: kristennelsondvm
Tribute To Cristy Iverson, D.V.M.
The following is a tribute to Dr. Cristy Iverson. Yesterday I attended a beautiful celebration of her life at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Last summer, my husband heard a pathetic meow when he walked into a gas station. A feral kitten was trapped in the downspout. The employees poured water down the roof drain and …
Questions Regarding The Euthanasia of Macho B
As a veterinarian, media reports and other sources raise serious questions in my mind regarding the entrapment and death of Macho B. Through posting the questions here, I hope to encourage those conducting the criminal investigation and other inquiries to go as deeply as the evidence leads. Jaguars are an Endangered Species so we must find the …
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In Support Of Sharon Dial, D.V.M., Ph.D. And The Arizona Jaguar
Recently Dr. Sharon Dial, a pathologist at the University of Arizona’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory examined tissues from a jaguar named Macho B. Recall that jaguars are an Endangered Species. I find pathologists to be straightforward members of my profession. They call it as they see it based on facts and science. She described her findings to the media which brought …
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Jean McFarland – A Friend To Animals
Animals and people lost a good friend recently. As a professional speaker, I met Jean McFarland through the National Speakers Association (NSA). In the course of getting to know her, I came to understand her deep love of animals. Jean made our world a better place and focused her speaking on the prevention of bullying. …
Easter Lilies And Cats Do Not Mix
Several years ago I treated a beautiful kitten for renal disease. The rambunctious girl jumped up on the counter to investigate the Eater Lily that adorned her home. Some of the pollen stuck to her nose as she sniffed the flowers. She licked it off and then left to play with more interesting toys. Two days …
What Is Causing My Dog’s Face To Swell?
Many different factors may cause a dog’s face to swell. Here is a list of the most common causes I see in veterinary practice. 1) Allergic Reactions: Dogs react to allergens in their environment just like people do. The swelling may develop immediately following exposure or several hours later. Other signs of an allergic reaction include lethargy, vomiting, …
Humane Treatment of Downer Cows
I would like to thank President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for closing a loophole in slaughter regulations. Under the former system, cattle who collapsed after their veterinary examination were allowed into our food system. Beside posing a safety risk to humans, these animals suffered as they were picked-up with forklifts or dragged behind tractors to the …
Condors: Born Captive, Set Free
On March 7, 2009 four captive-bred California Condors took wing in the skies above the border between Arizona and Utah! Their release is a symbol of hope for this endangered species. In the wild, the birds will encounter many dangers including power lines. But the biggest threat to their existence may arise from something they will not see coming. …
Tips For Trapping A Feral Cat
Advance planning and patience are the two keys to trapping a feral cat. Step 1: Set-up a plan of action for the cat before it is trapped. If the cat is an active-response feral, will you neuter and release it back into the same area or transfer it to a colony (if the cat’s territory is unsafe)? …