So you know that funny little thing you’ve seen your dog doing where he’s scooting his butt across the grass...or heaven forbid, your white carpet in the living room? This is actually an indication that his anal glands are full or impacted.
Mast Cell Tumours
Mast cell tumors are the most common type of skin tumor found in dogs and the second most common in cats. They are most often noticed in middle aged patients, but can occur in any age. They are the most prevalent in Boxers and Boston terriers; these two breeds actually make up 50% of all dog cases. They are still found in many other breeds as well, though.
Pet Diet and Nutrition
Ectoparasites
For most of us, the thought of ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, makes our skin crawl! And for good reason…they are creepy little buggers! Some of them are not only a nuisance, but also a danger to the health and well-being of our pets. Knowing what they look like, how our pets acquire them, and how to prevent/kill them is important.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Pet Fire Safety
As we’re all well aware, the late summer months are the peak of “wildfire season”. Most families have some sort of evacuation plan, but are your pets part of your plan? Fires, whether they are grass fires or house fires, can start and travel very quickly. Having a written out and practiced plan is the best way to keep you and your entire household safe.
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hyperthyroidism is very rare in dogs but fairly common in cats. Also called thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones) from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cat’s neck region. In most cases, this is caused by an adenoma, a non-cancerous tumor.
National Cat Lover's Month
In recognition of December being National Cat Lover’s Month, let’s talk about one of the most controversial pet topics out there, and something that has recently been banned in the province of BC: declawing cats. To some, the act of declawing a cat is the most horrendous form of torture possible, but in some cases, there may be a medical reason why claws need to be removed. So…keeping the well-being of our feline friends a priority, let’s discuss the facts of this subject.
