Most of us who have terminally ill or aged pets practice hospice care and may not even be aware that we are. There are times when the cost of treatment can overwhelm, particularly young families and those on fixed incomes. With incurable illnesses such as cancer, treatment often causes side effects without any benefit. Pet […]
Special Needs
Caring for a Blind Cat
With their strong senses of smell and hearing, it’s often difficult to tell if a cat (or a dog) is blind. Cats adapt fairly easily to being blind since they don’t realize they are handicapped. Here are some tips on caring for a blind cat. First and very important, a blind cat should remain indoors […]
Living with Tripawds
Amputation is considered one of the oldest medical procedures, even for animals. In ancient times dogs were not kept as pets, only as working animals. Depending on their jobs, tails and ears were docked, dewclaws removed and castration performed. Often these surgeries caused severe infection. If the dog could no longer perform its duties, it […]
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit properly. This malformation can cause pain and lameness, eventually becoming arthritic. There are several options available to help alleviate the problem. Pain killers and restricted exercise are two methods used. Another is removal of the head of the femur. Today, acupuncture […]
Brain disorders
Epilepsy – brain disorder resulting in periodic seizures The following breeds are prone to epilepsy – Brittany Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Vizsla, Italian Greyhound, Poodle, Schipperke, Bearded Collie, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Dogue de Bordeaux. Seizures – Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Norwich Terriers, Papillons, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren and Border Collies appear to have a […]
Dog Allergies
Allergies – Dogs can be allergic just as humans can, to certain foods (wheat, soy, corn, preservatives, even meats, chicken, eggs, etc.), to plants, to insect bites (fleas, ticks, etc.), dust mites and molds to name a few. If the allergy affects the skin itching can be most severe on the feet, flanks, groin, armpits […]