// //   Owners of pets with chronic or terminal illnesses commonly ask veterinary professionals - how will I know when it's time? Meaning, how will they know when it is time to consider humane euthanasia to end a pet's suffering?Most professionals are proficient in guiding and advising...

In the world of canine reproduction the factors that contribute to male fertility are largely unknown. Although semen evaluation is standard practice in any Breeding Soundness Evaluation, the relationship between a dog's semen quality and his fertility is poorly understood.  A male of any speci...

Pyometra is the most common disease of the uterus affecting intact female dogs and cats. The incidence in dogs has been reported to range from 9-15.2%, with older nulliparous bitches (those that have never given birth) at greatest risk. Dogs with pyometra develop an infection of the uterus due to c...

Dogs that develop unusual infections or infections that are recurring or persistent and unresponsive to antimicrobial therapy likely suffer from a hereditary (primary) immunodeficiency disorder. Immunodeficiencies represent a large heterogeneous group of dysfunctions of the host's immune system whic...

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurologic disorder of dogs and manifests as focal or generalized seizure activity. Affected dogs may also exhibit other behavioral problems (ADHD-like including anxiety, aggression, poor trainability). The condition can develop due to a genetic predispo...

Diarrhea is manifested as an increase in fecal mass (volume) and/or fecal fluidity (water content).As such, even an increase in the frequency of passing bulky or "normal," formed stools is - by definition - diarrhea. The problem may be intermittent and recurring or persistent in nature.&nb...

The effect of music on anxiety and stress levels in humans and animals has been previously studied, and the positive impact of classical music on animals has been demonstrated. It's also been shown that cats under anesthesia demonstrate different physiological responses to the various...

Advances in veterinary health care - including high tech diagnostics and specialty care treatment options - help us take better care of our pets. Not surprising, many of these options are costly, and bills for veterinary services are an out-of-pocket expense for the pet owner. This cost of care ofte...