As many of you know, I am alive today because of my cat. Tigre diagnosed cancer in my abdomen by scent, then hissed and tried to paw a sheet over me. Now it is my turn to help Tigs. During the last year, he stopped jumping up on counters and furniture. At night, he sat by the …
Category Archives: Ask The Vet
Pyometra in Dogs
Pyometra is a life-threatening condition found in intact female dogs. The word pyo means pus and metra means uterus so the translation is a pus-filled uterus. This condition usually occurs in middle age to older females about four to twelve weeks after a heat cycle. During estrus or heat, the cervix opens to give sperm access to the …
Praise to Na Hoku Jewelers for Refusing to Sell Coral Jewelry
I love to snorkel. I float on the surface of the water, watching all the activity below. Unfortunately, coral reefs all over the world are in decline. These complex ecosystems are struggling to adapt to the pollution, unregulated harvesting of fish and coral, as well as, climate change. Knowing this, I was surprised to see coral (black, red, gold and …
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Health Certificates for Dogs and Cats
Health certificates are sometimes required for pets to travel. The purpose is to allow veterinarians to fulfill our public health role and prevent the spread of contagious disease. In addition, some airlines require a statement of acclimation, which means the pet can tolerate the temperatures it will be exposed to during travel. Here are my suggestions for navigating this issue. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: …
Financial Help For Pet Medical Treatments
As a veterinarian, nothing is more frustrating than having to euthanize a beloved pet because of financial constraints. Medical care for both humans and animals is expensive due to the cost of supplies, staff wages and the high cost of veterinary/medical college. Most clinics offer Care Credit which allows a family to make payments over …
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Antifreeze and Engine Coolant Poisoning
Antifreeze and engine coolant are poisonous to humans and animals. Unfortunately, the substance is reported to have a sweet taste that attracts both children and animals. Once inside the body, the toxic principle is metabolized into a chemical that destroys the kidneys. I remember seeing the kidneys of a dog who lapped a little spilled …
Apoquel (Oclacitinib Maleate) for Treating Allergies in Dogs
Treating dogs with allergies can be difficult. Ideally, I like to test them to see what is causing their allergies and then remove those elements from their environment. If the allergen can’t be removed, I place the dog on desensitization therapy by injecting the dog with small amounts of the allergen. But not all dogs respond to …
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Cats Who Attack Visitors At The Door
When I have visitors to the house, my cats head for their favorite hiding spot. As soon as the guests leave, they come running for attention. But not all cats behave this way. Some cats have the opposite response. Instead of hiding, these cats actually attack any visitor who dares enter their domain. As the aggression and injuries …
Organosphate Kills Two Cats and Almost Claims Two Dogs
Organophosphates are commonly used to kill insects and pests in homes and gardens throughout the world. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize this highly effective compound is also highly effective at killing animals. Here is what happened to my friend. She agreed to share her story in order to educate people and hopefully, prevent future poisonings. My …
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Organophosphate Poisoning in Pets
Organophosphates is the name given to a large group of chemicals that inhibit cholinesterase function. The two most common members of this group are malathion and parathion but there are many others. Organophosphates are insecticides used in a variety of products for home and garden use as well as in agriculture. Because organophosphates inhibit two different sites, …