The Morris Animal Foundation Funds New Feline Studies

The Morris Animal Foundation has a long history of funding studies that help diagnose, treat and prevent disease in animals. Since 1950, the foundation has funded many many projects that have led to significant discoveries. They have invested $15.8 million in 368 studies at 60 different institutions around the world. Here is a list of …

The Morris Animal Foundation Funds Many New Studies on Dog Diseases

The Morris Animal Foundation has a long history of funding studies that help diagnose, treat and prevent disease in dogs and cats. Since 1950, the foundation has funded many many projects that have led to significant discoveries including the first vaccine to prevent parvovirus enteritis in dogs. This infectious disease destroys rapidly dividing cells in …

Grain Free Diets High in Legumes Associated With Cardiomyopathy in Golden Retrievers

Given the marketing push behind grain free diets, I feel urgency to share the following information.  Veterinary Cardiologist, Dr. Joshua Stern, has noticed a a disturbing trend in dogs. Golden Retrievers are developing acquired dilated cardiomyopathy, (DCM) caused by lack of an amino acid called taurine. The other form of dilated cardiomyopathy is called inherited …

‘S. zooepidemicus’ Infects Dogs at Maricopa County Animal Shelter

On January 21, 2018, Mary Martin, Director at Maricopa Animal Care Centers (MCACC), announced that Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was found at their east valley shelter located at 2630 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa, AZ. S. epidemicus is a serious bacterial disease that effects horses, dogs, cats and immune compromised people in rare circumstances. As of yet, there are …

FDA Issues Warning for Dog Bone Treats

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for dog bone treats. From November 1, 2010 to September 12, 2017, many dogs have fallen ill after eating commercially produced dog bone treats. Unfortunately, 15 dogs died. According to their report, the treats are marketed under the names, “Ham Bones, Pork Femur Bones, Rib Bones …

Trump Placed Hold on Decision to Allow Elephant Trophy Imports But Still Allows Lion Trophy Imports

It is with great dismay that I read of the Trump administration’s decision to allow importation of lion and elephant trophies. Lions and elephants are classified as ‘threatened’ which means they are likely to become endangered (become extinct in all or part of their normal habitat) soon. The ban was put in place in 2014 …

A Tribute to Fozzie the Scottsdale Crisis Response Dog

Fozzie, the Scottsdale Crisis Response Dog died last month. This golden retriever responded to all kinds of crimes providing comfort to people suffering from psychological trauma. From homicides to school shootings and everything in between, Fozzie was there ready to help. His big brown eyes and wagging tail were simply irresistible! Animal-assisted therapy came about …

Halloween Dangers for Dogs & Cats

Halloween is a fun holiday for people of all ages to dress up, trick or treat and maybe scare a friend or two. But the noises, decorations and costumes can frighten our pets. Here’s a few tips for keeping cats and dogs safe during Halloween: Pet costumes – Make sure pet costumes do not contain …

Campylobactor Infections After Contact With Puppies

A multi-state outbreak of Campylobacter has occurred in people associated with puppies from Petland as well as private breeders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “a total of 55 people with laboratory-confirmed infections or symptoms consistent with Campylobacter infection who live in Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, …

National Veterinary Technicians Week begins October 15th.

Happy Veterinary Technicians Week! October 15th through the 21st is National Veterinary Technicians Week, a time to celebrate the hard-working men and women who take care of our beloved pets. Veterinary technicians require training in a variety of areas in order to do their jobs. Here’s are partial list of all the things they do: …