The recent outbreak of measles in United States highlights the importance of vaccinations and prevention of diseases in this new global world. In veterinary medicine, we are extraordinarily fortunate to have a number of safe and effective vaccines to aid in the prevention of many life-threatening viral and bacterial diseases. One viral disease I would
We’ve done it! Our goal was to donate to 52 Chicago non-profits in 52 weeks and this blog marks our final week. We couldn’t have done it without all your great suggestions of local non-profits and we thank you for donating along with us over the past year. For our final blog, we’ve chosen a
Recently, I have seen an exorbitant number of new clients with pets with chronic ear infections, called otitis. One new client brought her sheltie to see me with a six-month history of ear mite infestation. I asked this new client who diagnosed this problem. She said a pet store clerk told her that it was
Yesterday I was discussing with a conscientious dog owner her pet’s diet. It instantly became clear to me that food labeling on pet’s food can be confusing and potentially misleading. She told me that she feeds her dog “human-grade” dog food. But here’s the problem: it is impossible to buy “human-grade” dog food. It just
Do you know what you’re feeding your pet? Do you make the best nutritional and value-based decision when choosing your pet food? Do you choose your pet food based on what a well-intentioned salesperson told you, or was it because you liked the look of the label? However you answered the above questions, I suspect
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is carried by common wildlife and rodents, especially raccoons and opossums. This disease causes high fever, jaundice, vomiting, and in severe cases, fatal liver and kidney damage. Leptospirosis is not limited to dogs. Humans can become infected as well. Vaccines against canine leptospirosis have been available for many years
Canine Influenza was first identified in racing Greyhounds in Florida 2004. Genetic analysis of this virus shows that Canine Influenza is closely related to Equine (Horse) Influenza and not the swine or H1N1 virus. Over the past few years it has spread across the United States. In May and June 2008 it presented itself in
How to Help Your Child When the Family Pet Dies Facing the death of a family pet can be one of the most traumatic events in a child’s young life. Understand that your child may feel a variety of emotions-from emptiness and sadness to guilt and anger at friends whose pets are still alive. Your
