Articles Index

Good Grooming: A Matter of Life and Health
Good grooming isn't just for looks -- keeping your pet groomed is important for overall health, too. Learn why "good grooming" is more than brushing your pet's coat -- it is an healthy way to view your pet's home care and prevent costly (and often unnecessary) trips to the vet's office.

Odd and Interesting: Not Your Typical Veterinary Medicine Cases
Veterinarians use the term "looking for zebras" to describe oddball medical cases. The "zebras" are fun, though; they serve as a reminder to keep in mind the more common (and anticipated) diagnoses, and to expect just about anything when it comes to animals.

Aging Pet Care Awareness - Separating Myths From Facts
A comment that I hear frequently (and say myself!) is that pets don't live long enough. As veterinary medicine advances and pet lover's awareness grows, longer and healthier lifespans are possible. Average pet lifespan varies greatly between dogs, cats and breeds. Being aware of the changes age brings will help owners prepare for optimal pet health in the senior years.

Dog Days of Summer - Does Coat Color Make A Difference?
A viewer asks: "Does the color of the coat of a dog make much difference in the dog-days of summer?" Learn the answers to this interesting hot weather question and the origins of the term, "dog days of summer".

Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy in Veterinary Medicine
Stem cells have been in the news in recent years because they can grow and differentiate into many types of cell types. For cells originating from human embryos, there are many ethical and legal debates about usage of these cells. Scientists are now focusing on adult stem cells; cells from adult animals that do not harm the animal to procure the cells. Treatment potential spans many types of diseases and injury. Learn more in this article on stem cell therapy in animals.

Veterinary Q & A - Holiday Emergencies
People often ask: Is my pet really sick, or can it wait? Or: I don't know what to do - I don't have enough money for an emergency vet. What should you do when you suspect that your pet is ill and your vet's office is closed? Tips to help figure out the best plan of action for the health of your pet.

The Viewer Viewpoint - Home Care Humor
Mary Shomon is the Guide for the Thyroid site at About.com. Her geriatric cat was recently ill and required some additional fluids to help her out. In addition to the "normal intake" by drinking water, additional fluids can be given by intravenously (IV) (through a catheter into the vein) or subcutaneously (SQ) through a needle and under the skin to be absorbed slowly by the body. The following is Mary's account of performing this task for the first few times on her senior cat.

Dermatology Diary Part 7: Meet Simba and Asia
Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.

Dermatology Diary Part 6: Meet Simba and Asia
Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.

Dermatology Diary Part 5: Meet Simba and Asia
Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.

Dermatology Diary Part 4: Meet Simba and Asia
Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.

Dermatology Diary Part 3: Meet Simba and Asia
Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.

Dermatology Diary Part 2: Meet Simba and Asia
Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.

Dermatology Diary Part 1: Meet Simba and Asia
Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.

Allergy Hot Spots Create Nightmare For Pets This Fall
Just like people, animals suffer from seasonal allergies too. Fall allergens such as ragweed and molds are common causes of allergic reactions. Find out what to look for and how to minimize your pet's exposure to allergens in your environment in this pet news press release.

From The Mailbag
Now and then I try to answer a typical question (or as is often the case, set of questions) in article form to help people understand why a diagnosis cannot be reached via email and the importance of a veterinary examination. This is an actual email from earlier this week.

The Viewer Viewpoint - The Gift of Sight
Viewer-submitted piece describing her pet's diagnosis with diabetes, followed by blindess in both eyes. Thankfully, the diabetes is under control, and a successful eye surgery regained her pet's sight.