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A killer virus is attacking kittens and cats, feline infectious peritonitis, and it’s difficult to diagnose. There are really no signs you can loo k for that might warn you of a serious problem at the onset. The virus occurs when a cat is infected with the virulent form of feline coronavirus and it mutates in the body developing quickly to an always fatal end. Cats catch this virus through personal contact or exposure to feces. Food, water, bedding, dishes and clothing may also be sources of transmission. Kittens with poorly developed immune systems and older cats are most susceptible.
This entry was posted in Mary Haight, Pet Health, Steve Dale and tagged FIP virus, new research FIP, Steve Dale, Wynn Feline Foundation on March 23, 2013 by Mary Haight.
Canine Heart Health, There’s An App for That!
March marks Canine Heart Health Month, a great awareness campaign complete with tools that will help you detect possible heart disease in your dog.  And there’s an app for that!
The Resting Respiratory Rate (RRR) app measures your dog’s respiration rate over time and uploads the information directly to your vet. If your dog has a heart problem, this test will detect it early. You will need to work with your vet before setting up the app. Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Mary Haight, Pet Health, Steve Dale and tagged canine heart health, free mobile testing, your dogs heart on March 7, 2013 by Mary Haight.
Aging Pets, Body and Brain Changes
Aging pets’ physical changes may at first escape our notice — the years pass and while we are busy being busy, one day we look up and see our best friend having a little trouble getting up after a nap. We wonder exactly when this began, realize it’s painful and make an appointment with the vet. Excessive panting, sleeping, changes in appetite — none should be ignored. Talk to your vet about the changes your senior pet is going through and when you should bring the dog in to be seen.
At my last visit to the vet with my dog Tashi a newly developed cataract was checked. I knew changes could occur, and asked what to be aware of. He told me to gently — Shih Tzus have shallow eye sockets — apply pressure to the top of the eyelid and check for any hardening of the eyeball. If I found any, I was to bring him in. He showed me how to do a check and let me feel what is normal so I would have something to measure it by. I have found I can do a bilateral check which will make changes easier to feel if they occur.
If you’re like me, your dog or cat sleeps on your bed. This gives you a good idea of any breathing or sleep difficulties, if s/he is waking up in the night, is restless or wanders around the house. Behavior changes can happen so gradually they’re easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Does your dog suddenly go into the wrong room to go to bed? This may signal cognitive dysfunction. Is your cat uncharacteristically talkative? Yowling around the house could be a sign of hearing loss.
Steve Dale talks to Dr. Gary Landsberg, Veterinary Behaviorist, about problems of aging pets in this video. Enjoy!
This entry was posted in Pet Health, Steve Dale and tagged aging pets, senior pet health, senior pets on February 1, 2013 by Mary Haight.
Canine Influenza or Canine Flu — Is There A Difference?
Canine influenza presents much like the flu in humans, sometimes with a fever but always coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose, and is communicated by touch and in the air by coughing and sneezing. This virus is designated as influenza and not simply “flu” — it’s from a special strain known as H3N8, and acute respiratory infection results. H3N8 is also part of the cocktail of viruses and bacteria that cause “kennel cough.”
Even if your dog has not been on play-dates or at the dog park, they can still get canine influenza. You can transmit the virus to  your dog simply by petting another dog — your hand as the carrier.  This is not something you can diagnose from visiting internet sites. It could be a general flu or it could be this highly contagious strain and it takes some particular testing to diagnose. Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Pet Health, Steve Dale and tagged canine flu, canine influenza, Steve Dale, strains of flu on January 25, 2013 by Mary Haight.
American Animal Hospital Association Veterinary Care
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the sole organization in North America to accredit veterinary practices. The AAHA mission is three-fold:
Enhance the abilities of veterinarians to provide quality medical care to companion animals
Enable veterinarians to successfully conduct their practices and maintain their facilities with high standards of excellence
Meet the public’s needs as they relate to the delivery of small animal veterinary medicine Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Pet Health, Steve Dale and tagged AAHA, healthy pet, pet health, veterinary care on January 17, 2013 by Mary Haight.
Cat Diabetes Epidemic! Early Diagnosis Saves Lives
Did you know that there’s a cat diabetes epidemic in the US? Dr. Ruth McPete, the Pet Vet, explains in this video with Steve Dale what diabetes means for cats and preventive measures to practice. Obesity of course is a major cause of this disease in both cats and humans and with the reported decline in pet visits to the vet, the condition goes undiagnosed. Dr. Ruth states we want to avoid complications from diabetes so early diagnosis is key. Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Pet Health, Steve Dale and tagged cat diabetes epidemic, Steve Dale on January 10, 2013 by Mary Haight.
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Pet Health Care and Prevention
Pet health care is not something pet parents want to skimp on. We know prevention is key to continued good health and lower vet bills. So why is the trend showing less visits to the vets? Watch Steve Dale's video5/27–7/2013
Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes Want Your Dog!
Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are soon to be out in force, looking for a meal. What will you be doing about prevention meds for your pets this year? Watch Steve Dale as he chats with Dr Ernie Ward on visiting your vet.4/26/2013 – 5/3/2012
Rescue Shelter Pets from Testing Labs
You may not know that more than 30 States allow your local animal shelter to sell pets to research and medical testing labs. Listen in as attorney & author Allie Phillips gives us the highlights and lowdown on this controversy.4/09/2013 – 4/16/2013
Dog Play - What Games Are Your Rainy Day Favorites?
Carol Bryant of Fidose of Reality stopped by to share a game she plays with Dex, her cocker spaniel, at home and on the road. Dog play is great fun and an excellent bonding experience - listen in!3/29/2013 – 4/7/2013