Author Archives: debbiehaines415

Here is an explanation regarding the science behind why a puppy/kitten vaccination SERIES of shots is given:    It is all to do with maternal antibodies. If the mom is vaccinated, she passes antibodies for distemper and parvovirus in dogs or distemper and upper respiratory infections in cats to the babies in the colostrum and milk.Continue reading “Why A Series Of Puppy Or Kitten Vaccines”

Feline nasopharyngeal polyps can gro anywhere within the ear canal from just outside the ear drum (may actually be visualized using an otoscope, through the internal ear architecture (needs CT) into the back of the throat (may or may not be seen). CT is often required to diagnose nasopharyngeal polyps in cats, although they mayContinue reading “Feline Nasopharyngeal Polyps”

French Bulldogs are among the sweetest and charming little dogs. However, indiscriminate breeding has resulted in a breed that is genetically prone to a myriad of anatomic disorders – a breed with likely the most possible genetic abnormalities of all breeds. So, we often advise new owners to start a savings account as well asContinue reading “French Bulldogs”

I am a DVM that heavily advocates for pet insurance. Some DVMs do not.Obtaining pet insurance is highly and strongly recommended ASAP literally the day you pick up that puppy / kitten. BEFORE pre-existing conditions occur. Many policies do not cover congenital conditions.  If the breeder or shelter offers you to activate insurance at timeContinue reading “Veterinarian Perspective On Pet Insurance”

When dogs reach certain ages there are often  hormonally and mentally predictable behaviors that develop – there are age-related behavior stages, during which it can be easier to adjust unwanted behaviors than when older. Spaying or neutering ASAP may minimize unwanted behaviors such as inter-dog aggression, but positive results can’t be guaranteed, nor should theyContinue reading “Dog That Bites”

Puppies may be orphaned for many reasons such as rejection by their mother, failure of milk production, found abandoned, rarely, the death of their mother. Newborn puppies are very fragile and problems can develop quickly due to their high reliance on their mother for warmth and nutrition. There are several critical problems that must beContinue reading “Puppies (Orphan)”

Cat/kitten diarrhea: There are numerous causes for recurrent or chronic diarrhea in a kitten/cat. The most common cause would be unsuccessfully treated intestinal parasites or organisms – roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, Giardia (may need an ELISA test). Tritrichomonas is a parasite that is very difficult to diagnose but should be considered in kittens with unrelenting diarrhea.Continue reading “Cat/Kitten Diarrhea”

Skin issues are extremely frustrating for both owners AND veterinarians. Many, many, many, many skin disorders, (and indeed, causes for itching if present) have EXACTLY the same appearance and/or symptoms, so diagnosing on only appearance is usually impossible. And, there is no SINGLE treatment for all of these disorders. Often owners try all sorts ofContinue reading “Skin Issues”

Chronic diarrhea: Long lasting or repeated episodes of loose stool needs addressing! There is a starting point with diet assessment, lab testing,and medications, perhaps including deworming, even if fecal analysis is negative. If unsuccessful, other tests and treatment are used. If routine diagnostics aren’t fruitful we are wise in having a referral to an internalContinue reading “Dog/Puppy Chronic Diarrhea”