Veterinarian, Speaker & Author
During Breast Cancer Awareness month, I want to remind people to check their cats for breast cancer. Unfortunately, ninety percent of breast tumors found in cats are malignant. It spreads rapidly to the regional lymph nodes so it is vitally important to perform regular breast exams on your cat. Early detection is your cat’s only hope. …
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Humans aren’t the only species to develop breast cancer. During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to check your dog for this invasive disease that may occur in females of all kinds. Dogs have 10 sets of mammary glands starting high up in the chest with the final pair in the inguinal area …
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With bed bugs sweeping across the nation, humans aren’t the only ones suffering from these creepy little bugs. Bed bugs bite pets as well as humans causing discomfort and skin irritation. I want to emphasize that pets do not carry bed bugs so do not blame your dog, cat or other pet for infestations! Bed …
It’s overseed time again in the Valley of the Sun. Last weekend, the grounds crew at Troon North mowed down the dried bermuda, scraped up the remnants and then reseeded the courses with rye grass. Bits of grass and dust hung heavy in the air. Thank goodness, the men wore respiratory protection as clouds of …
My husband has long accused me of being an overachiever. Hence, instead of getting just one cancer, I have been diagnosed with “double hit cancer”. It saddens me greatly to let you know I have Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Burkitt’s. They say that attitude matters greatly with cancer and I do expect a cure. My version is labeled aggressive …
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 …
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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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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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 …
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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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