The Day The Heart Stood Still: Timber's Story

by  Krista Magnifico, DVMLast time I introduced you all to Ruger. I told you about the long difficult road it was to finally get him a diagnosis, and then the incredible struggle it was once we got it.In the end, Ruger died of malignant lymphoma two months after his first sign of illness. His story was agonizing to watch and heart breaking for his parents. Through it we became friends and allies in a war against the disease in Ruger's body....

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Adoption Monday: Jenny, Rottweiler: Erin, ON

Jenny is a friendly three-year-old Rottweiler who has captured the hearts of staff and volunteers at the shelter. Jenny knows basic commands and is good with other dogs. She is best suited to families with children over the age of 15. Jenny will be a wonderful addition and loyal companion to her new family.Jenny is house trained and up-to-date with routine shots. ***Upper Credit Humane Society helps hundreds of animals each year find...

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Anemia And Blood Transfusion

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Human-Dog Problem Tree - PART THIRTEEN

by Dino DoganThe Leadership FactorIf you’ve read the Human-Dog Problem Tree series, you might have noticed that my focus is on figuring out WHY aren’t humans following certain instructions we know we ought to follow. One such instruction is the focus on being a pack leader to your dog. While the word “leader” has a different meaning to different people, my focus will be on being a leader to one’s own self. After all, if we can’t be a leader to ourselves,...

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Veterinary Highlights: Analysis Of Dog Hair Reveals Hormonal Imbalance

Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a common endocrinological disorder in dogs.It is estimated that one to two dogs our of a thousand/per year will get it.The symptoms are often written off as signs of normal aging and the diagnosis is complicated.Recent research at the Institute of Medical Biochemistry at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna has shown that glucocorticoids accumulate in the animals’ hair and that analysis of a dog’s...

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Symptoms To Watch For In Your Dog: Excessive Head Shaking

by Jana Rade You might have noticed that when talking about symptoms, sometimes a qualifying word is included, such as excessive panting, excessive drinking, excessive head shaking. That is because these are normal behaviors and whether or not there is a problem is a question of degree.Dogs will shake their heads in response to any irritation, such as pain, an itch, a tickle or a bug bite.If your dog is shaking their head persistently, you need to...

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Wordless Wednesday: Das Boot

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The Dog's Body Knows There Is Something Wrong Before The Labs Do: Ruger's Mysterious Illness

by  Krista Magnifico, DVMRuger’s story began when he came in because he had a decreased appetite and was vomiting. Ruger, a 7 year old Golden Retriever, is owned by two of the nicest people and they adore him. He is a 70 pound gentle, docile, affectionate boy. He is charming and irresistible.On his first visit we treated him like we do many acute gastro-intestinal disease dogs. We took a full history, gave him a thorough physical examination,...

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Adoption Monday: Brynn, Retriever Mix: Deerfield, NH

Check out this lovely girl at Mary's Dogs Rescue & Adoption!Brynn is an extremely sweet 2 year old Retriever mix. She is a great size at approximately 40lbs. Brynn loves the company of other dogs and likes to play. She is respectful of cats and is great with kids. Brynn would love a doggy sibling and lots of companionship from her new family. She's coming to New England soon and looking forward to meeting her new family. Fall...

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The Wackiest Thing I Ever Did For My Dog

Recently, Kimberly, over at Keep the Tail Wagging, wrote a post 11 Ridiculous Things I Do for My Dogs. As I keep going through the memories of my time with Jasmine, it got me thinking about the whackiest thing I ever did for her.It was back when Jasmine's body was secretly struggling with a number of undiagnosed issues.Not for the lack of trying on our part, I must add. She was generally happy and active. While things looked pretty much ok on the...

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Today, Jasmine Would Have Been Ten Years Old

We so wished she had made it—she was so close! Jasmine RadeAugust 3, 2003 - April 12, 2013We have so wished she could have enjoyed at least one more summer at her ranch. And she would have really loved it this year, with the temperatures being so nice and cool.Jasmine, August 2003Almost ten years is a decent age for a Rottie, particularly one who had faced all the health challenges that Jasmine has. More importantly, with the exception of short...

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Veterinary Highlights: Change In Heartworm Guidelines For Dogs - No More Slow Kill

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has changed its guidelines for treatment of heartworm infections.The CAPC now recommends against the slow kill method of heartworm treatment.Heartworm cycle. Image CAPCThis change has been brought on by conclusively documented resistance to commonly used preventive medications in some heartworm populations in the Mississipi River Valley region.The slow kill method should now be avoided.This recommendation...

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