Canine Influenza in the US

Canine Influenza in the US

Bridget Andersen, DVM Approximately 4 months ago there was an outbreak of a strain of the Canine Influenza virus in the Chicago area.  While it was first believed that the virus was the same Influenza strain (H3N8) first isolated in Florida in 2004, subsequent studies have shown that this outbreak is more closely related to the […]

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NSAIDs – What you need to know!

NSAIDs – What you need to know!

Dr. Melissa Schupp Your best pal Lassie comes in from playing outside and you notice she is limping on one of her back legs.  You begin browsing through your medicine cabinet looking for some medication that may relieve her pain.  You see some aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.  You also see an old bottle of […]

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Arthritis and Your Pet By Dr. Lauren Goode

Arthritis and Your Pet By Dr. Lauren Goode

Ever wonder what people are really talking about when they use the term ‘arthritis’? Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joint. There are different types of arthritis but the most common is degenerative joint disease (DJD). DJD, or osteoarthritis, is a chronic, progressive disease by which the cartilage in the joint that provides a cushion […]

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Feline Leukemia Virus Q&A

Feline Leukemia Virus Q&A

Dr. Stephanie Everidge What is Feline Leukemia Virus? It is a virus that is one of the most common to infect cats. The virus can become a persistent infection and can lead to the immune system not working properly.  This virus can also cause anemia and cancer in cats.  Since it can affect the immune […]

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Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Red?

Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Red?

Dr. Stephanie Everidge Your pet’s eye or eyes appear red in color due to increased inflammation. This inflammation can be on the eyelids themselves leading to the red appearance or even due to the blood vessels becoming enlarged on the whites of the eyes known as the sclera.  The blood vessels can enlarge or engorge with […]

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The Dangers Of Searching for Pet Care Answers Online

The Dangers Of Searching for Pet Care Answers Online

Dr. Kerri Blackburn When your pet is sick it can be tempting to just Google their symptoms rather than take them to the family veterinarian, but this can be dangerous in many ways. It is too easy to get the wrong information. To use information from a website, without the input of a veterinarian, to […]

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Heartworm Disease in Cats and Dogs

Heartworm Disease in Cats and Dogs

Dr. Stephanie Everidge Is heartworm disease new to the United States? The answer is actually no.  Heartworm disease has been detected in all 50 states at this time with the most prevalent areas being in the southeast and the Mississippi Delta region due to the warm temperatures and the amount of mosquitoes found in these […]

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Do I Really Need to Spay & Neuter my Pets?

Do I Really Need to Spay & Neuter my Pets?

Dr. Kim Ackerman Yes! In addition to avoiding unwanted litters, pet overpopulation, and the deaths of thousands of animals in shelters every day, there are many medical and behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering.   A spay is also called an ovariohysterectomy, which refers to surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries in a female. […]

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Rabies in North Carolina

Rabies in North Carolina

Dr. Bridget Andersen The Rabies virus is an uncommon, yet deadly disease that can be spread from animal to animal or from animal to human.  With the emphasis placed on Rabies vaccination within the pet community in the last 50 years, the United States has been highly effective in decreasing the number of Rabies cases […]

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“Lumps & Bumps & Masses, Oh My!” by Dr. Kimberly Ackerman

“Lumps & Bumps & Masses, Oh My!” by Dr. Kimberly Ackerman

You’re sitting on the couch, watching TV and petting your beloved furry friend when you feel it… a lump! Should you have it checked out or just ignore it? I’m here to tell you that you should always have any lump, bump, growth, or mass checked by your veterinarian.  It’s important to document the characteristics […]

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