Dangers For Animals Riding With Their Head Out The Window

Last week, I was on the way to work when I saw this beautiful German Shepherd dog riding with his head out the window. Although the dog was having fun, there are many dangers associated with this activity. I have also seen many horse trailers with the windows open or folded back. Even though the …

Amandatine for Dogs and Cats

Amantadine is an antiviral drug that was used to treat influenza in humans. Because of its mode of action, it is also being used for much more including helping dogs and cats with neurologic disease as well as people with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.  Amantadine is a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker. In the nervous system, …

You Make the Diagnosis: Dental Problem in a Dog

Dental problems are common in dogs and cats. Pictured below is the L side of the maxilla, upper jaw, of a dog. Study the image and then answer the following questions: 1) What is wrong with this dog’s mouth? 2) Is is painful? 3) What is the best treatment for the problem? DIAGNOSIS: Fractured incisor …

Trazadone for Animals

Trazadone is a serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibator that veterinarians prescribe for behavior problems in dogs. It is actually an antidepressant that works well for dogs with anxiety or fear issues especially when combined with other anti-anxiety medications such as amitriptyline. It is also used to calm dogs during hospital stays and surgical procedures. Trazadone has less …

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 …

You Make The Diagnosis: Name This Dog Parasite Found On Skin

Last week I examined a dog for itching and wound up with a surprising diagnosis. This beautiful dog has a history of allergies which require constant treatment to keep her comfortable. I though she had another breakthrough of her allergies or maybe developed a secondary bacterial or fungal infection. This wasn’t the case at all. …

‘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 …

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 …

Viral Papillomas (Warts) in Young Dogs

Viral papillomatosis (warts) is a fairly common condition in young dogs. Irregular circular growths appear in the mouth and around the eyes. The growths can be fairly smooth like a human wart or possess tenticle like projections that remind me of tall blades of grass. In dogs, papillomatosis is most often caused by canine papilloma …

The Effect of Smoking on Dogs and Cats

We all know that smoking tobacco products is harmful to the smoker as well as their family who are exposed through second and thirdhand smoke. But what about the pets? Unfortunately, the pets are effected as well when they breathe in the toxic fumes or ingest the residue left behind in the environment. When burned, …