You Make The Diagnosis: Dental Disease

A month ago, I anesthetized my own cat for an oral evaluation and periodontal treatment.  This is also commonly referred to as a ‘dental’.  On visual examination, I noticed mild inflammation of the gums but no other problems in the crowns of the teeth.  The next step was to take x-rays of Tigre’s mouth.  Look at the image of …

You Make The Diagnosis: Swelling In A Puppy With Parvo

Finn, is an 8 week old mixed breed puppy who presented for severe vomiting and diarrhea.  Testing revealed that he had parvovirus, a severe viral infection in dogs. Finn was hospitalized for intensive care including I.V. fluids, antibiotics, medication to help with the nausea and more medication to protect his gastrointestinal system.  Finn continued to vomit and had large amounts of bloody …

You Make The Diagnosis: What is special with this dog’s vulva?

Last week, I had the privilege of examining a darling Beagle.  She stood patiently on the table for me while I looked in her eyes, ears, mouth and listened to her heart.  When I parted the lips of her vulva to look into her vagina, I encountered something unexpected.  Please examine the picture below then …

You Make the Diagnosis: Name This Gum Condition in Dogs

Pictured below is the mouth of dog who was having surgery.  The clear trach tube seen extending from his mouth is used to pass a mixture of oxygen and an anesthetic gas into the lungs.  It is gently tied around the dog’s head to keep it from slipping out.  Look closely at the dog’s mouth then answer the following questions:  What …

You Make The Diagnosis: Name This Ear Condition in Cats

Ear problems are common in cats and dogs.  Pictured below is a wonderful cat who came to the clinic for an ear problem.  Please study the image then answer the following questions:  What is the name of this condition?  What causes it to occur?  Diagnosis:  Aural Hematoma Notice the thickened right ear on this cat.  This …

You Make The Diagnosis: Dermatitis on a Dog’s Rear End

Recently, I saw a male/neutered dog who suddenly started licking his rear end.  His family noticed a lump on the left side of the anus three days before they brought him in.  Now the lump is gone but the dog is still licking.  They did not notice any other abnormal behavior.  He is eating, drinking, urinating …

You Make The Diagnosis: Intestinal Disease of Humans and Irish Setters

Irish Setters are a wonderful breed with a zest for life.  In my experience, they live life to the fullest with an boundless sense of curiosity.  Unfortunately, this breed is known for suffering from an intestinal disease that is becoming more and more prevalent in humans.  The clinical signs for both dogs and people are …

You Make The Diagnosis: Cat With Hair Loss On Both Rear Legs

Pictured below are the back legs of a cat who suffers with diabetes mellitus.  Notice the areas of hairloss below the hock (tarsus) on each leg.  Examine the picture closely and then answer the following question, what is the cause of the hair loss?  Diagnosis:  Diabetic NeuropathyWhen cats experience high levels of glucose in their …