Cats and Your New Baby This article was originally printed in the October 1996 issue of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine’s Catnip newsletter. When your full-grown cat cuddles on you lap, kneading you with his massive dinner plate paws and purring like a jet engine, he appears to be […]
Introducing a newborn baby to a dog
One of the most common questions asked of a veterinarian by an expectant parent (or grandparents) is how to introduce a new baby to the resident dog. There are three types of dogs about which parents should be particularly concerned: those that have already manifested aggressive tendencies to babies, those […]
Babesiosis in Dogs
Babesia species, such as B. canis and B. gibsonii, can cause an acute hemolytic anemia in dogs. In a high percentage of dogs with acute or potentially chronic babesiosis, will contribute to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Unless Babesia infection is diagnosed by visualization of the protozoa within the red blood cell, […]
Arthritis treatment for your cats and dogs
Treating arthritis Arthritis can affect dogs and cats of any age, although we frequently think of it as a disease of the geriatric animal. There is still no cure, but veterinarians are able to offer a variety of treatment choices to allow our pets to live a fairly active and […]
Antifreeze poisoning
Every year, by some estimates, about 10,000 dogs and cats are victims of accidental poisoning by automobile antifreeze. A pet does not have to drink a lot of antifreeze to be poisoned. Most brands of commercial antifreeze consist of 95 percent ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical. Even a few […]
Anesthesia during your vet visit
When a pet requires surgery, often the owner’s first concern is the idea of anesthesia. We as veterinarians are very sensitive to your apprehensions and concerns. Although, anesthetic protocols have become considerably safer and much easier to both administer , we are very respectful of these medications. We now have […]
Anal sac disease – Symptoms and treatment
The anal sacs are located on each side of the anus, just under the skin. They open to the outside by tiny passageways or ducts. Glands within the anal sacs produce a dark, foul- smelling substance. The sacs normally empty as the animal has a bowel movement. Their purpose is […]
The aging dog and cat
These days, the average life span of all dog breeds is 13 years, and cats have been known to live well into their twenties. But some dogs age faster than other. Giant breeds, like bull mastiffs and great Danes, usually show signs of aging before their eighth birthday. Cats and […]
Aggressive behavior in multi-cat households
When a cat is frightened or startled, its reaction may be redirected to the nearest available individual or object. In a multi-cat household, this target may be another cat. Redirected aggression is swift and intense, and may begin a cycle of persistent aggressive interaction. The spontaneous eruption can occur between […]
Pets showing aggression at a vet’s office
Dogs or cats visiting a veterinary hospital are often aware before entering the reception area that something different is about to happen. They may have been transported, for the first time, in a carrier or car and sensed anxiety in their owner. The reception area is filled with the scents […]