It is amazing that something as small as a scratch or even a single puncture wound from a bite could cause a body wide infection in your pet, but it can. An abscess forms when the skin is damaged and bacteria is introduced under the skin. The body tries to kill the offendi...

I would like to talk to you about problem joints. No, not the kind from the 60's but the type that may be causing your pet pain. Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, can occur to a person or pet at any age. It is most common in seniors because of the ...

One of the most common skin problems we see in dogs, especially during the spring and summer months is skin disease caused by allergies. Flea allergic dermatitis-an allergic hypersensitivity to flea saliva is very common, but atopy, an allergy to inhaled allergens like poll...

Queening. Sounds like a chess move. In actuality, it is the term used when referring to the birth of kittens. It may seem incongruous to many, but I strongly recommend that all cats be spayed or castrated. No, I am not trying to put myself or colleagues out of business. ...

One of the high points to being a companion animal veterinarian is that initial examination of a new puppy. The owners are so happy and excited. The puppies are all cute little fur balls. It is a time of great potential. But with all of that being said, unless you are a ...

Were you aware that dogs can suffer from allergies just like their owners? Dogs can be allergic to everything that irritates us and then some. Where a pet itches, bites, scratches or fusses can assist a veterinarian in determining the causative agent, but not always. Disc...

Any size dog, any breed and any age dog can be affected; even your dog may be affected. Periodontal disease starts with mild inflammation of the gums and can progress to tooth loss, dental abscesses and body wide infections. Don't expect your dog to show signs of pain. He...

It has often been said that our dogs are "all heart" and fortunately most of these hearts are working beautifully, but we do occasionally examine patients whose hearts are not quite working up to par. In fact, according to the American veterinary medical association, about ...

Heartworms are a very common parasite affecting our dogs, in fact in many parts of the country the disease has reached endemic proportions. The disease itself, if left undetected and untreated can often be fatal, and the sad truth is that screening and prevention is so easy...

What is the best diet to feed my dog? That is a question I am frequently asked by concerned pet owners. You may try to educate yourself by examining labels, or going to the manufacture's web site and reading their claims. You might decide to ask your breeder or seek the a...

I've learned many important lessons over the years from my cats. Cats know how to relax and enjoy the moment. They are not pressured by paying the mortgage, keeping up with the tabby down the street or staying up with fashion. They don't get their fur all riled up over tr...

Age is a matter of feelings rather than years. How long we or our pets will live is a function of diet, genetics and a bit of luck. Having been a veterinarian for over 20 years, I have had the pleasure of caring for many cats and dogs from the time they were puppies and ki...

As most of us know firsthand, cats, instinctively, like to scratch. Our goal is to train them to scratch appropriate surfaces like a scratch post, and to avoid inappropriate surfaces like our couches or drapes. Unfortunately, this is not always an easy task. Well, we here...

Cat scratch fever is a bacterial disease caused by bartonella henselae. As the name implies, a person can contract this ailment from cat scratches but also from cat bites and possibly even flea bites. It is estimated that approximately 40% of all cats in the United States ...

It may seem like it was just yesterday that your pet was a puppy or kitten, chewing up the furniture, learning to walk on a leash and climbing up your leg with those sharp little claws. They grow up too fast, and now you realize, those "highlights" in its fur are actually ...

When we hear the term "mangy dog," we immediately get this picture in our minds of a dog with severe skin lesions, crusts, open sores, hair loss, uncontrollable itching, and very smelly, though we do occasionally encounter this sad sight, most of the times, the mange we diag...

If your dog or cat suddenly seems to be drinking more water than usual, and is having accidents around the house it doesn't necessary mean he needs a housetraining refresher course-he may, in fact, be suffering from one of a few metabolic diseases which can cause these exact...

It not a very pleasant subject but it is such a common problem that I thought I should discuss it, diarrhea. Technically, diarrhea, also known as dysentery, is excessive bowel movement frequency with increased fecal fluidity. The intestinal tract is pretty amazing. You st...

Anyone who has experienced a bad back or has herniated a disc can certainly appreciate the pain and discomfort associated with these problems. Unfortunately back and disc problems can also affect our four legged friends. Most pet parents are aware of the disc problems comm...

It's only my opinion but I am a firm believer that all pediatricians should be parents and all veterinarians should own the species they care for. How else can you really appreciate all the trials and tribulations that parents and pet owners go through? I can whole hearted...

Most elimination problems in dogs involve puppies or newly adopted adult dogs who had been in a shelter or in a boarding environment. Occasionally, even well trained adult dogs can revert to having house training mistakes after certain behavioral issues or stresses, such as...

Though many emergencies you may experience at home with your pets require immediate attention by your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency facility, the simple truth is that most pet "emergencies," aren't! Many problems may look severe, and some may cause you to panic, bu...

Are your homes truly "pet safe? " There are many potential dangers right under your, and your pets', noses, and, as is often the case, the best treatment for these dangers is prevention. Let's start with foods: Most of you know that chocolate can be toxic for our pets, bu...

One of the most ungracious ways in which to be awakened is by a cat is by having it sneeze in your face. My cat divot does it to me every spring. She, like many of her feline relatives suffers from allergies. Her problem thankfully is easily controlled with medication. I...

Hello, my name is Dr. Bernadine Cruz. I just don't play a veterinarian on pet care TV, I am one, but my two cats, Bogie and Divot still don't believe me. This was especially true when I first started them as kitten on a at home dental care program. Yes, it is possible to...

Ever wonder what a doctor is listening to when he or she uses one of these? They are listening to the sound of the heart and lungs as well as making note of the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. During your cat's twice-yearly wellness consultation, your veterinarian will ...

When we think of heartworm disease, we usually don't think of it affecting cats. But, we have been seeing more and more feline cases nationwide, so it is a disease we should at least be aware of. As with the dog, the disease is transmitted via a bite from an infected mosqu...

My mom went to see her doctor the other day and was told that her blood pressure was too high. She, like millions of Americans, suffers from hypertension. The cause in people can be a chaotic lifestyle, diet, genetics or a host of medical conditions. Were you aware that t...

Let me test your medical knowledge. What can't be seen with the naked eye, but causes illness in people, pets, plants and bacteria? Antibiotics have no effect on them. Vaccines are available to help protect against some of them but not all. The vaccines that are availabl...

As challenging as it can often be to find the right food for a dog, finding the best food for your furry feline can be even more difficult. Cats are labeled as being finicky for good reason-they are often tough to please. One fact that does separate our felines from our ca...

Dental disease affects our feline friends just as much as it does our canines, and it is a fact that 75% of cats over the age of 3 already have some degree of dental disease. Early signs of dental disease in cats may be nothing more than a little bad breath, but as problems...

It's definitely safe to say that vaccine protocols are not what they used to be! It is often said that in medicine, one-half of what is considered as fact today, will be obsolete in 5 years, and so it is with feline vaccines. The only protocol that still seems to be accept...

If you are coming in today with a newly adopted cat or kitten, I want to first congratulate you for most probably saving a life. Adopting a new cat can be very exciting! I should know-we just added number four to our feline crew. And, sharing your home with a cat is great...

Having some concerns about your new puppy or rescue dog? Well, don't panic! Remember, a new home takes some getting used to. The first few days may require some adjustments from you and your new dog. It's a shock for your new pet - especially a puppy - to be without his ...

Those fleas! They are more than just a nuisance, as they also transmit tapeworms, some bacterial and viral infections, and are the culprits behind one of the most common allergic conditions affecting our pets-flea allergic dermatitis. Fleas are blood suckers, and to surviv...

You and your trusted canine companion are enjoying a great mountain hike when you stop to drink some seemingly fresh water from a running stream. Looks tempting, right? Well, looks can be deceiving, since there's a good chance this stream is filled with more than just clea...

It should be one of those Norman Rockwell moments. Your beloved pet in the tub, it is surrounded by a halo of ethereal bubbles. And you are sharing one of those special bonding moments. If that were only the case!

Probably one of the most common development conditions recognized in large breed dogs is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia can affect any dog, most commonly the large breeds, but seems to have a predilection for the retrievers, German shepherds, great Danes, chow chows, and Rott...

Bringing home a new puppy may be one of the happiest days of your life, and one of the most distressful for your psyche and your carpet. How long will it take to house train your dog? Well, every dog is different, and some are easier to train than others, but it can be don...

If you need to give your pet injections at home, I'm sure that your veterinarian or one of your hospital's staff members have already taught you what to do and walked you through the motions, so treat this as a refresher. Probably the most common reasons you will have to gi...

According to many cat parents who have tried, and considering some cats that I've treated, I'm not sure I disagree; there are few things more difficult in life than bathing a cat. Bathing a cat is truly an art, and, with some pointers, can be mastered with relative ease. T...

Brushing your dog's teeth is one of the more common home care activities you should be doing on a regular basis. Most pet parents are afraid to even try it because they think it is so difficult to do, or that their dog will hate it. The truth is it's actually quite simple,...

You try to convince yourself that it's nothing. It must have been there all along, that bump or lump on your pet's body. Lumps and bumps are fairly common in cats and dogs, especially as they age. It is impossible to tell merely by looking at or feeling a bump whether it ...

They never taught me this in veterinary school. I had to learn it over time. Never doubt a pet owners' intuition. No one knows his or her pet better than the person who sees this cat or dog day in and day out. It is of paramount importance for this primary caregiver not ...

In a perfect world, your cat would never get ill. Ok, life is far from perfect and your pet will require medical assistance at some point in its life. Back to wishful thinking, if your cat does become ill, wouldn't it be spectacular if it only needed one injection that wou...

Medicating your dog is one of those things that gets easier with experience. There are a number of types of medications you may be asked to administer to your pet-oral medications, either pills, capsules, or liquids; ear meds, eye meds, or topical medications. Obviously, t...

Ticks are a nuisance for your pets, as well as for us. In many parts of the country ticks are very common, and are the source of many diseases which can affect both us and our pets, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other rickettsial disease...

Clients are frequently surprised when I tell them that their pet needs a dental cleaning. They are shocked when I inform them that I suspect an extraction or two may occur. They often report that they just had them cleaned 2 or 3 years ago. How can the teeth be that bad? ...

I used to snicker under my breath when one of my clients would come to the office just to have their pets' nails trimmed. I recently attempted to give my own cats a manicure but to no avail. My cats just don't realize that I am a veterinarian. They think of me only as `mo...

Like giving your cat a bath, brushing its teeth can be done-just not as easily as brushing your dog's teeth. Even still, it should be done on a somewhat regular basis, and if the procedure is introduced properly, your cat may not hate it as much as you think he or she might...

Have you noticed your older cat suddenly acting a bit more spry and energetic, eating more, yet losing weight? Well this presentation is not too uncommon, and high on the list of possibilities is an endocrine disorder known as hyperthyroidism. Whereas the most common thyro...

They come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are sporty, others glamorous and some are truly exotic. No, I am not talking about cats or dog but rather about identification collars. Identification collars are not just a fashion statement; they could actually save...

Ask 10 different dog owners, the best way to potty train a puppy and you may get 10 different answers. Ask 10 different veterinarians which vaccine protocol offers the best protection for their canine patients, and they will likely give you several distinct answers. Why th...

You may not have realized this, but most veterinary hospitals maintain a fully stocked in-house pharmacy to meet the medication and supplement needs of its patients. Since many of the medications prescribed for your precious pets are made specifically for them, and therefor...

Did you know that your veterinarian can help keep your child healthy? No we are not going to vaccinate your child or even give him or her a physical examination but rather by keeping your dogs and cats internal parasite free. You may be surprised to learn that the center f...

The body's elimination of waste, whether via defacation or urination is something we take for granted-it is also a physiologic necessity! Have you ever stopped to think about why this physiologic act is so necessary? Is there more to urination than to just maintain our hyd...

How about a little anatomy quiz? Where is the liver situated in your pet's body? It is found under the last few ribs, at the upper most portion of the abdominal cavity. Ready for your next question? What is the function of the liver? If you said that it was the critical...

Go in to any department or drug store and you will be impressed and bewildered by all of the lotions and potions aimed at slowing down or reversing the effects of aging on our skin. Luckily our pets don't have to worry about wrinkles; however, their skin is often an indicat...

Itching, biting, scratching, it is enough to drive a dog crazy. Though the skin is the largest organ of the body, it has a very limited number of ways in which it can respond to insults. One of the most painful ways is with a hot spot. Hot spots are areas of self-trauma. ...

Chubby, chunky, extra fluffy, or even full figured. These are all terms I use when giving a physical examination to my client's pets. But you get the idea, these are all ways of saying their pet is fat. Obesity is affecting our pets in epidemic proportions. It is defined ...

Basically, dogs and cats are very well designed. Cat bodies can curl into compact balls that fit perfectly into our laps as we watch TV. Dog tails excel at clearing a coffee table of anything on the surface. I do however take exception with their ear design. Humans have ...

I had some rather painful surgery a few years ago and it made me appreciate how stoic our cats and dogs truly are. I was bedridden for a few weeks. It is not uncommon for my cat and dog patients who have undergone the same procedure to be up and around after only a few day...

Recent newscasts have reported on nationwide outbreaks of a highly contagious canine disease, parvovirus. What is parvo? What signs would you see? Is your dog at risk? How can you prevent it? Parvo is a viral disease that was first identified in dogs in 1978 and is now ...

I just love them, those first `well baby' consultations. Parents have so many questions. One of the most common I hear is `when should we add to our new family? `Now, keep in mind I am a veterinarian and these parents are curious about bringing home another pet. Cats and...

Preparing our families for disasters is something most of us are very aware of, and, hopefully, already have our kits and a plan prepared. But, what about our pets? Have you thought about what to prepare and how to plan for your pets in the event of a disasterThe first mus...

Recently, many pet owners have been asking us about pet insurance. Although pet insurance has been available in the U.S. since 1981, most pet owners are still unaware that it is even an option to help with your pet's care. Operating much like other types of insurance, pet in...

When you consider that cats age considerably more quickly than we do, you should appreciate the fact that they need more frequent checkups as they begin to attain "senior" status. Also, cats are masters at hiding their diseases, so regular checkups become even more importan...

We all know how important regular checkups are for us as we age, well, this is no different for our dogs. As a matter of fact, when you consider how much faster our dogs age, these checkups are even more critical and should be even more frequent. A pet's body goes through ...

It is estimated that there are 10 million more cats in the United States than dogs. That's almost 82 million cats as of the end of 2006 and the number continues to rise. But with the increasing popularity of cats, the fact that these furry felines receive less veterinary c...

There are typically three main aspects to a successful surgical procedure---the pre-surgical phase, the anesthesia and surgery itself, and finally, the post-operative period. The pre-operative phase entails the pre-surgical diagnostics, surgical preparation, and pre-anesthe...

Your veterinarian has told you that your pet needs an anesthetic procedure. Maybe it is for a dental cleaning, a lump removal or neutering. It is normal for you to be nervous. You are constantly vigilant and attempt to keep your pet out of harms way. But once it is remov...

Great news! According to the center for disease control, as of the end of 2007, canine rabies has been totally eradicated in the United States. Now the bad news, rabies is still a major health threat to Americans and their pets. The source of the disease in the U.S. is wi...

The first point I want to make about ringworm is that, despite what is implied by its name, it is not a worm! Ringworm, or microsporum, is actually a dermatophyte, or a fungal infection which invades active hair follicles. The infection caused by this fungal organism present...

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that even though I am a veterinarian, I really don't like needles. Now I administer a great injection but the thought of me getting a shot or having my blood drawn gives me the willies. Nonetheless, I am a brave patient during my yearly w...

Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl. I am talking about mange, specifically the type caused by the microscopic, spider-like parasite, sarcoptes scabies. Though this bug is very small it causes a huge allergic response by the body. And, though this mite loves dogs, ...

One of the more frightening things you can witness is your pet having a seizure. Whether it is a full convulsive-type seizure known as a grand mal, or a more mild form which might present as some intense shaking or shivering, known as a petit mal, it is very scary to watch....

What is the largest organ in your pet's body? No, it is not the liver, heart or brain---it's the skin. And, a dog or cat's skin is actually more sensitive than ours. For protection from the elements, we have a much thicker outer skin layer, whereas your four-legged friend...

Want a cat that travels in the car without screaming from anxiety? Crave a cat that doesn't go crazy when you try to give it a bath, trim its' nails or give it a pill? Wish that when company comes to visit that your cat would actually come out and say hello rather than hid...

It's not uncommon for me to hear the words `oh doctor, this dog and it must have been abused by its previous owners. It is such a fearful dog.` My years of experience as a companion animal veterinarian have shown me that thankfully cases of abuse are less frequent than inst...

If your dog or cat has the pedigree and charisma of Rin Tin Tin or lassie, and you've already invested thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours trying to attain championship status, you probably aren't thinking about spaying or neutering yet-but you hopefully will be in th...

Saying goodbye to a friend is always hard, but when it's a pet that has become a part of your family, it can be especially difficult. The need to allow a pet to pass on quickly, painlessly and with dignity can be due to many reasons - organ failure, uncontrollable medical c...

It is one of my exam room mantras -- "all pets, especially seniors, need twice yearly examinations and yearly blood and urine testing. "I am glad I actually listened to myself. Though my cat, Zachary, appeared to be perfectly fit, on his 16th birthday, I popped him into hi...

The most common behavioral issue for indoor cats is inappropriate elimination, namely urinating or defecating outside the litter box. The laundry list of reasons why they poop and pee where we don't want them to is almost endless. But for this segment of petcare TV, I woul...

Interestingly, of all the amazing senses our pets have, their eyesight is probably their worst. They have an unbelievable sense of smell-about 40 times better than ours, a keen sense of hearing that puts ours to shame, a discerning sense of taste, and, except for some of th...

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons why pets are presented to their veterinarian. Vomiting is not a disease. It can be caused by something as innocuous as eating a bug or it could signify a life threatening illness. Vomiting is defined as the forceful expulsion of ...

It is not uncommon for one of my clients to be utterly surprised when they discover that their dog or cat's weight has toppled the scale either up or down. Why didn't they notice the change? It's because it often occurs little by little, day by day, right before their eyes...

I am sure you've heard about it on the evening news. But if you're like most Americans, you probably don't fully understand what all the concern is about, West Nile virus. This virus is known as an arbovirus, which means it is spread by arthropods. Insects. It was origina...

Being the caregiver of a cat has been shown to provide many health benefits, both for your mind and body. Repeated studies demonstrate that cats can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and even boost your chances of survival after a heart attack. There are however, s...