Archives: Pets

Cannabis Oil For Medicinal Veterinary Use In Dogs & Cats: Can It Help?

Cannabis is the sum of all components derived from the marijuana plant that can be extracted from glands within the plant in the form of oils known as cannabinoids.  There are many different cannabinoids present in the the marijuana plant, including the medical component, cannabidiol (CBD), and the psychotropic component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  Over the counter CBD...

United Airline’s Abysmal Customer Service History Includes An Unusually High Record Of Pet Deaths

After the infamous episode featuring a smart phone video of a customer with a confirmed seat reservation was forcibly dragged off a flight bleeding from his nose, one would think that United Airlines would be conducting themselves at the highest possible standard.  Instead, United has proven yet again that they truly have the worst customer service of any major commercial...

The Serious Consequences Of Dental Disease In Pets

Anyone who has needed a root canal can understand the pain of dental disease.  Why else would we voluntarily opt in for a $1500 root canal?  In my own root canal story, my dentist had been monitoring my left upper incisor for changes (the tooth was damaged and slightly discolored when I was an 11 year old boy after I ran into the back of my friend’s head playing hide...

Gainesville Regional Utilities Condones Dog Murder!

Bentley was a sweet, gentle little Pug that a young lady was gifted by her Mom so she had a friend to take with her to college.  Kiley’s Mom is a friend and she and her daughter chose me to be Bentley’s veterinarian.  Like most Pugs, Bentley was lively, full of personality, and had a gentle and friendly demeanor. Last week, Kiley returned from home and realized...

When There Is No Canine Flu Outbreak, Should Owners Still Have Their Dogs Vaccinated For It?

In my home state of Florida where a significant but generally contained canine influenza outbreak occurred in 2017, most grooming shops, kennels, and agility facilities are still requiring participants to be up to date on the 2 strain canine influenza vaccines despite all signs indicating that the disease has run its course and is in the rear view mirror at this point. ...

How Safe Is Anesthesia For Your Pet?

When confronted with a recommendation for anesthesia for their pet, many pet owners have serious concerns about the safety of the anesthesia, especially when the recommended anesthetic procedure is for something that is not immediately life threatening such as spay or neuter, torn ligament in the knee, or a dental cleaning.  So how safe is veterinary anesthesia?  The short...

What Does AAHA Accreditation Mean For A Veterinary Clinic And Why Should Pet Owners Know About It?

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) sets a standard of excellence for veterinary practices across the United States that holds its accredited member hospitals accountable to a veterinary university standard in all manner of practice: medicine, surgery, sterility, medical record keeping, cleanliness, OSHA compliance, employee compensation and benefits, etc. ...

Why I will Never Compromise Medical/Ethical Standards At The Request Of A Client Again!

Due to cost concerns, veterinarians are asked often by clients to cut medical corners for medical work ups or procedures in order to save them cost.  This is a constant ethical dilemma that we confront as veterinarians at least daily.  Thus, we find ourselves constantly challenged in reconciling our medical standards and what are best practices for the patient and how...

The Cancer Cats Get In Their Mouth

I really couldn’t come up with a catchy title. It’s a sucky disease. Cancer sucks. So the title sucks. It’s a theme. But let’s talk about Squamous Cell Carcinoma. It’s a type of cancer that can occur in a variety of places. Humans get it on their skin (reason to wear your sunblock!!). Dogs and cats can get this kind of cancer on their skin as well, but it is not...

Diarrhea In Dogs & Cats – When To Worry

Everyone with a dog or cat has dealt with it at one point. It’s never pretty. It’s diarrhea. Of course, I could write pages and pages on this topic. Our focus here: when do you start to worry? There are many variables at play. The diarrhea could be a nuisance that clears up easily with medication (or on its own) in a day or so, or it could be life threatening! And to...