In normal canine parturition, the female (bitch) goes through three specific stages of labor. Prior to its onset, her body temperature will drop a few degrees. (The normal body temperature for dogs is 100.0 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.) Labor should start within twenty-four hours of the temperature drop. In stage one, the mother-to-be is restless. She pants and paces. …
Author Archives: kristennelsondvm
Are You Sure You Want A Dog Like Marley?
John Grogan described his dog Marley as the World’s Worst Dog. The truth is that Marley was not an innately bad dog, just one with a superior zest for life. In my clinical work with sporting dogs, (Breeds used for hunting such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and German Short-haired Pointers) I have noticed there are two …
Ear Cropping And Tail Docking In Dogs
On occasion, I have been critical of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). So it is appropriate that I now commend them for taking the proper ethical stand. In November 2008, the AVMA Executive Board approved the following revision to AVMA policy. “The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic …
You Make The Diagnosis: Chihuahua Congenital Defects
During their first examination, I check puppies for congenital defects. What is the most common congenital defect observed in Chihuahuas? Will it correct over time? Is it associated with any other medical problems? Answer: Open Fontanelle (Soft Spot) Open fontanelle’s occur when the bones of the skull fail to meet and fuse. I usually find them on the …
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Animal Philanthropy
Recently, Congress extended the Pension Protection Act. This extension allows people over the age of 70 to make contributions from their IRA or Roth IRA to charity. Each donor must be at least 70 1/2 years old when the donation is made. The maximum donation allowed is $100,00 dollars per person. The gift is not subject to the …
Billy The Elephant
Elephants are highly social creatures who live in complex family groups. In an attempt to meet their emotional needs, the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) states the following in their Standards for Elephant Care and Management: “Institutions should strive to hold no less than three female elephants whenever possible. . . . Adult males (six …
Rabbit Dietary Recomendations
In my experience, obesity and intermittent soft stools are the two biggest health problems of pet rabbits. Both may be caused by an improper diet high in protein and calories while deficient in insoluble fiber. It is important to remember that rabbits are born nibblers. In the wild, they eat a combination of grasses and leaves. In …
Parrot Care
General recommendations for parrot care: Nutrition/Diet: Fifty percent of the diet should consist of high quality pellets. My favorite brand is Harrison’s. (Available on line at www.harrisonsbirdfood.com.) Forty percent of the diet should be high quality vegetables. Dark green, leafy and yellow vegetables are best. Five percent of the diet should be made of fruits. My …
The Proper Way To Pill A Cat
The following entry is a guide to pilling your cat. My cat Tigre is the not-so-willing participant in this demonstration. Note the displeasure on his face. Step 1: Wrap the cat in a towel. Make them a ‘kitty burrito’. Step 2: Hold the cat’s head from the top with your non-dominant hand. Point the cat’s chin …
You Make The Diagnosis: Naked Bird
Ni is a female African Grey parrot of unknown age. She loves to mimic noises. Her repertoire includes meows, barks, trucks backing up and even a bomb drop. She says “hello” in two different voices, a low masculine one and a soft feminine one. Ni loves having her head scratched. About 50% of Ni’s diet is Harrison’s …