The Gift of Goodbye: Hospice Care Eases the Way

When our dogs are young and healthy, it seems as though we have all the time in the world with them. But, as it always does, time catches up with us, and eventually, the “end of the song” begins to play. For many of us, our companion animals are so integral to our lives that their decline and death affect us similarly to the loss of human family members.  Read the entire article, featured in the Spring 2013 issue of Bark Magazine, by clicking below:

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Pictured: Jeff and his girl, Sunny, during their final days.  Sunny was my first hospice patient, and she and her family will forever hold a special place in my heart.  In loving memory of you, Sunny, the best kissy girl ever.

Cloning and Mummification: the lengths we can go to preserve our precious pups

Do you love that dog so much that you would consider duplicating them?  Genetic cloning has been around for more than 15 years. Some pet lovers with the financial means to do so are making genetic duplicates of their beloved four-legged companions; the idea is both pricey and controversial.

Ever Consider a Guinea Pig as a Pet?

March is “Adopt-A-Rescued-Guinea Pig Month,” so I am out to ask if this furry little rodent would make a good pet for you and your family. Guinea pigs are small in size but big in cuteness, and these social critters have much to offer for those whose life-styles may allow for dog or cat companionship.

A “Pot Patch” for Pups?

A company called Medical Marijuana Delivery Systems, LLC (MMDS) acquired the rights to a patent in February 2011 for a transcutaneous (through the skin) delivery of medical marijuana to humans and animals. Since our pets suffer from many of the same debilitating illnesses that we do, and with many states legalizing the use of medical marijuana, it doesn’t seem like such a stretch to apply this concept of care to our pets. This “pot patch for pups” has been given the trade name Tetracan, and the goal is for public availability by year’s end.

The Case of the Puzzling Paper Towel:

Just when I think I’ve seen it all…

Paper towels? Causing an obstruction in the intestines? There’s no way! Those were my first thoughts as I started to read about a dog named Sydney, who recently ended up at our sister hospital, the Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin. The surgeon there saved the life of the 13-year-old Australian Shepherd/Chow mix by performing an intestinal resection, during which she removed a wad of paper towels that Sydney had apparently swallowed during a football party!

Q U I C K QUESTION!

What to do with a choking pet:

Having “something stuck in the throat” is a common problem due to our pets’ curious nature and indiscriminate eating habits. Many of you may remember Clover, the Bernese Mountain Dog, that got a little over exuberant while chewing and accidentally swallowed her tennis ball! This girl presented for difficulties with both swallowing and breathing, and x-rays revealed that her distress was from toy-induced turmoil.

Why do cats do what they do?

I am often asked to explain the rationale behind certain feline behaviors and my answer usually begins with, “Didn’t you know? Cat’s as a species have their own manual, and each cats’ manual is different from the next.” I think this breadth of non-conforming behaviors is just one of the reasons we find cats so endearing. And since dog deeds were examined last week, I thought it only appropriate to address the curious conducts of cats this week.

(Ab)Normal Dog Behaviors and the Reasons Why

From humping to targeted sniffing, our dogs seem to have a plethora of somewhat disturbing behaviors– that is, if you happen to walk on two legs instead of four. While no one  knows for certain the “why” behind these behaviors, we do have some theories.  And until the time dogs begin to speak human and divulge all of their secrets, we’ll just have to continue to make our best guesses of the weird, true and freaky.

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)

One of the more common problems I see on an emergency basis is a disease process called Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, also known as “HGE.” The most common history I hear from owners is their dog started having diarrhea and then all of a sudden it became very watery and bloody. This can appear horrifying to first time observers and usually prompts an immediate trip to the ER.

A Veterinarian’s Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions

Veterinarians love putting together a plan of care for their patients—so why should New Year’s be an exception? Here are my suggestions for ten (I think fairly reasonable) resolutions that can make a big improvement for your dogs and you. For those who’ve already embraced many of these good habits, this list can serve as a chance to pat yourself on the back.

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions:

Holiday Hazards: Tips For Keeping Your Pet Merry This Season

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!  You are beautiful, but you can hurt me!

As the holiday season gears up, have you ever noticed that with the increase in fun and festivities comes a simultaneous increase in the level pet mischief? There just seems to be no way for our curious pups to resist the allure of all that holiday paraphernalia. To the left is one such pup… this little Frenchie arrived at the ER with a one-inch of ribbon peeking out from her rectum, which I was (luckily!) able to remove without incident.

Be Prepared: Four Emergency Room Essentials Before You Leave Home!

Working in the ER, I see a full range of preventable predicaments that complicate addressing a pet’s immediate health crisis. I’d like to highlight four simple measures you can take as a pet parent to prevent distress and concern should an emergency arise while you are away or if you need to seek care outside of your normal veterinary relationship. No one can predict the future, so it is best to plan ahead!

Be Prepared: Four Emergency Room Essentials Before You Leave Home!

Working in the ER, I see a full range of preventable predicaments that complicate addressing a pet’s immediate health crisis. I’d like to highlight four simple measures you can take as a pet parent to prevent distress and concern should an emergency arise while you are away or if you need to seek care outside of your normal veterinary relationship. No one can predict the future, so it is best to plan ahead!

Morgie’s Miracle: The successful treatment of a geriatric dog with acupuncture and herbs

Morgie is a 15-year young girl that initially came to me through our emergency service this past summer, and the story of her continued healing carried on well beyond my initial 24-hours of care with her.