Senior Sensory Systems Function: Zero Defects

It is not unusual that as your dog ages, their senses might decline. Particularly their sight and/or hearing can deteriorate with age.Jasmine is no doubt a senior dog. How are her senses holding up?She could hear a pin drop on a subway.Well, OK, I never tested that, nor I believe she'd care to listen for it. Here is what I do know, though.While on the main floor, she can hear the difference between my putting on regular pants versus walking pants...

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Veterinary Highlights: Veterinary Electrocardiogram (ECG) Made Simple

An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to detect and locate the source of heart problems. An ECG shows how fast the heart is beating, the heart’s rhythm (steady or irregular), and it records the strength and timing of the electrical signals as they pass through each part of the heart. It also records the strength and timing of the electrical signals as they pass through each part of the heart.San Francisco-based AliveCor,  originator of the  iPhone ECG, is going to the...

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Dog Nutrition: Vegan Diet For Dogs?

"Sometimes we get so focused on whether we could, that we don't stop to think whether we should."—Jurassic ParkA friend of mine, over from Canis bonus, recently asked me about my opinion on vegan diets for dogs. Shen then wrote quite an awesome post Dog: Vegan Dog or Raw Meat? She did a great job, the article is worth reading.My answer was, "if you want to feed vegan, get a rabbit".She went right ahead and quoted me on that.I also asked Jasmine,...

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Dog Cartoon Of The Week: Nice Costume!

*** Dog Cartoon of the Week is brought to you by Andertoons. Check out the website for more great cartoons.Cartoonist Mark Anderson lives in the Chicago area with his wife, their children, two cats, a dog and several dust bunnies. You might have seen his cartoons in a number of publications including Reader's Digest, The Wall Street Journal, Good...

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Something You Wouldn't Think Cold Laser Could Be Good For: Snake Bite

This story was posted by Dr. Patrick Mahaney as part of FlexPet's Summertime Pet Safety Series. The story is based on a case report by Dr. Yukiko Kuwahara, DVM, who treated a nasty snake bite with Multi Radiance Medical Laser.According to my friend, animal physical therapist, Susan E. Davis, lasers are one of the most underutilized treatment modalities that we have to offer animals in the veterinary world.  A cold laser it is one of the safest...

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Adoption Monday: Faith, Rottweiler Mix, Dewitt, NY

Faith is a 1 year old Rottie mix who has been very neglected. She arrived at the shelter with abrasions on her body, very long nails, extremely thin, and filthy!But that doesn't stop this sweetheart from loving everybody she meets!  Faith loves a good belly scratch and she behaved like a perfect lady for her vet exam.  Faith also behaved perfectly in the bathtub.  She has had her first bath and her nails trimmed.  She...

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Treating Minor Skin Infections Without Antibiotics

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Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Top 10 Management Suggestions (Part II)

by Susan E. Davis Last time I introduced Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and the associated challenges. The following is a list of my top 10 suggestions for management of DM:1.Specialty Regional Veterinary hospitals can be considered  to provide  inpatient care, diagnostic tests and rehabilitation services to initially “maximize” the dog’s condition and formulate a home treatment plan, order equipment, etc.  2. If inpatient care is too...

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Veterinary Highlights: Arresting Canine Epileptic Seizures

This is a great tip that I discovered on Dog Dish Diet Facebook page. It's not really new but if you haven't heard of it yet, and have a dog with seizures, it might come in handy.The original article, A Simple, Effective Technique for Arresting Canine Epileptic Seizures, was published in the Journal of American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association in 2004.So is it simple? It couldn't get any simpler.It involves placing an ice pack on your dog's...

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Book Review: Labrador Retrievers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend

"A dog is the only family member you get to choose."So you're thinking about getting a Labrador Retriever? Make sure that your choice is right both for you and your dog.Let me ask you this. How much effort did you invest into choosing your car or your plasma TV? You should give at least as much thought to getting a dog. But where do you start?Labrador Retrievers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend by Lorie Huston, DVM is a great guide to lead you through...

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Dog Cartoon Of The Week: If I Take Your Case

*** Dog Cartoon of the Week is brought to you by Andertoons. Check out the website for more great cartoons.Cartoonist Mark Anderson lives in the Chicago area with his wife, their children, two cats, a dog and several dust bunnies. You might have seen his cartoons in a number of publications including Reader's Digest, The Wall Street Journal, Good...

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Is There No Place Safe? Jasmine's Acupuncture Session

Finally I get to write about Jasmine's acupuncture session, which by now there actually have been two. There are always some challenges to deal with; Jasmine likes to keep us occupied.There are always challenges hanging in the air as well. For example, a recent porcupine sighting at the friends' farm, where the guys spend almost every weekend, does not make me happy. For a good reason—today, one of the horses got a nose full of quills.I didn't even...

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Adoption Monday: Charlie, Boxer/Labrador Retriever Mix, Deerfield, NH

Check out this beautiful boy at Mary's Dogs Rescue & Adoption!Charlie is about 2 years old Lab mix. He came to Mary's Dogs Rescue & Adoption very thing but he is putting weight on  now. They are thrilled with his progress.Charlie is a very friendly dog with lots of energy. He gets along with other dogs, and people. Charlie wants to have a bed to call his own in a nice home.He wants someone to give all of his love to. Is that...

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Training Your Dog For Medical Treatment

Training your dog to accept medical treatments before they need them is a great idea. The most important thing is to teach your dog to feel OK about these things. This, although kind of lengthy, video features useful tips on getting your dog accept medical treatment they might ne...

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The Challenge Of Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Knowledge Is Power (Part I)

by Susan E. Davis When faced with a particularly difficult challenge in life, I have always felt the best weapon of combat is knowledge. Along with that is keeping a positive attitude. As a physical therapist, dealing with canine patients diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy is both rewarding and heart wrenching. Keeping dog parents informed and equipped with management tools is essential to optimization of the condition.Degenerative...

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Veterinary Highlights: Were All Stem Cell Treatments Created Equal?

Stem cell treatment is gaining popularity. When we were considering it for Jasmine few years ago, it was hard to find much information or a veterinarian who had any experience with it.Today, every other veterinary clinic in town has a big sign promoting stem cell treatment.Jasmine had her treatments done through Vet-Stem, who have pioneered the treatment for dogs. Today, in-house kits are available to veterinarians.Were all stem cell treatments created...

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Just When You Thought You Knew Everything About Hip Dysplasia

Last time Jasmine was at her chiropractor's, she met a young Rottie girl. They really liked each other and both wanted to play really badly. They could not.Her new friend had hip dysplasia so bad, her back end had to be carried around. A friend of mine from Kenzo the Hovawart found this research, the results of which might come as a surprise. It does not surprise me that much; it has been my observation that what has been written in stone one day,...

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