Articles

Articles from our sister site, AskThePetDoc.com.

Jan 25 2010

Demodex and Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) in Dogs and Cats

Does Your Dog or Cat Have Mange?

"Doc, I think my dog's got mange. Do you think we can treat or is too late?" This is how a conversation once started when I entered an exam room to see a dog that was "bald all over and chewing hair out". Growing up in and starting my veterinary career in south central Texas made me no stranger to itchy dogs and cats. We have allergies and parasites galore down there and of all the common and relatively benign disease processes I see, mange is one of the most misunderstood... read more »

Jan 14 2010

When It's Time to Say Goodbye to Your Best Friend

When to Put Your Pet to Sleep

Unfortunately, it's a common part of everyday vet practice that we need to say goodbye to our patients and friends. As difficult as it can be on me, the veterinary technicians and other staff in the hospital, it is always more difficult for that pet's owner. Making the decision to humanely euthanize your pet can be hard. We all want to minimize or eliminate any pain or discomfort our pet may be experiencing, but when is it time to say goodbye?... read more »

Nov 30 2009

Things Not to Feed Your Dogs or Cats

Harmful if Swallowed

If you have ever had a dog, then surely you know what it is to come home and find your best pair of sneakers, your carpet, or in my case your small animal internal medicine book chewed to pieces. Looking back on these things it often makes for a good story and a laugh, but we also need to understand that there are some household items that can be harmful and even fatal to your pet if chewed on, eaten, or drank. Inanimate objects, improper food, chemicals and poisons, and plants are the most common things I see causing problems on a daily basis... read more »

Jul 31 2009

Canine Osteoarthritis

Canine Osteoarthritis: Age is Not a Disease

We have made great advances in veterinary medicine. New diagnostic tests and improved treatments have given veterinarians more power in their pursuit of preventing and treating illnesses in our pets. Improved client education and client willingness to provide better care for their animals has also given rise to more geriatric patients being seen at veterinary hospitals across the country. Age is not a disease but it predisposes our pets to more disease. Everyday I meet someone who tells me their dog has slowed down or has more trouble getting up and down in the last few years. There are numerous reasons for older animals to slow down with age and one of the most prevalent and common is canine arthritis or canine osteoarthritis... read more »

Jun 18 2009

Getting a New Puppy - What do I Need to Know

Getting a New Puppy?

Getting a new puppy can be both an exciting time and an uncertain one. You have this new living, breathing, chewing addition to your family and you aren't sure what to do next. Every day I have people come in my hospital and say "Doc, educate me." That is what I will try to do here... read more »

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