It is not uncommon for male cats to develop an obstruction of the urethra and be unable to urinate. Cats are quite prone to a type of non-infectious inflammation of the bladder, called interstital cystitis. Kitties with this problem may have blood in their urine, urinate in unusual places or go to the litter box [...]
I just had a fun conversation with my dentist, whose husband is a physician. We were remarking on how often well-meaning medical professionals do dangerous things to their pets, because they don ™t realize that animals are not people. A single acetaminophen tablet (Tylenol š) can kill a cat. Ibuprofen (Advil š) can destroy a [...]
Last week I saw Susie, a middle aged Labrador who suddenly went blind. Over the previous 18 months, there had been a few episodes of blood in one eye, but these had resolved. Now Susie had partially detached retinas, inflammation in her eyes and no vision in either eye. Examination revealed no other clues aside [...]
My good friend just had parathyroid surgery and conversations with her family and friends have made me realize that most people don ™t know the difference between thyroid glands and parathyroid glands. The thyroid glands are in the neck, usually just below the larynx (or voice box.) The parathyroid glands are very small and sit [...]
Bandages come in all shapes and sizes, and are used for many reasons, but they all have one thing in common: if they are not cared for properly, they can do more harm than good! A bandage may be placed over a wound simply to keep the area clean and dry. Some bandages are designed [...]
The record heat of Labor Day reminded me of a case I saw a few years ago. One foggy morning, a young lady took her overweight Newfoundland on a hike up Bishop ™s Peak. It was very cool that morning, so she felt Jake ™s heavy coat would not be a problem. As they got [...]
As I write this (on Monday), it is warm and sunny and I am looking forward to sitting out on the lawn in Avila Beach listening to the San Luis Symphony Pops concert this weekend. I will be wearing sun screen and a hat to protect myself from the sun. Sun induced cancers are quite [...]
Ear infections are very common in both dogs and cats, and can sometimes be very frustrating for pet owners. It is not unusual for ear infections to be a manifestation of allergies - either food allergies or inhaled allergies (hayfever.) I remember treating Puff, a 4-year-old German Shepherd who had been fighting with ear infections [...]
Last week I saw a young Labrador Cross, Daisy, who seemed to have pain if she opened her mouth. The owners were not aware of any trauma that could have occurred. She seemed fine otherwise and was eating normally. When I examined Daisy, I could not look into her mouth because she screamed out in [...]
This weekend we saw a little Poodle belonging to a new client. Sheba was pregnant and had a bad smelling vaginal discharge. She was due to have her puppies now, and the owners thought she might need a C-section. She had shown no signs of being in labor. During surgery, Dr. Greenberg and Dr. Tao [...]