If you’ve been in our office lately, you might have overheard us using the ‘F’ word… that dreaded four letter word that makes us all cringe: Flea! With autumn just around the corner, many people believe that flea season is just about over. Unfortunately, this is not the case. A warm spring or fall can extend the…
Now that we’re starting to see “sun breaks” here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re starting to think about all of the places we’d like to travel… Although traveling is not ideal for all pets (some dogs and cats would much prefer you bring them a souvenir instead), planning ahead can save you lots of stress and…
Did you know that poor dental health in your dog or cat can lead to more serious problems, including hidden infections, diseases of the heart, liver or kidneys, and even diabetes? It all starts when bacteria from food remains in the mouth, where it forms plaque on your dog or cat’s teeth. Minerals in their…
by Lesley Kovar, DVM A few weeks ago, I traveled to San Andres Island (politically part of Columbia, but geographically off the coast of Nicaragua) as a member of a World Vets team—a non-profit organization that provides free veterinary care to communities in undeveloped countries. Last fall was my first experience with this wonderful program,…
Arthritis is a medical term used for any chronic condition that causes damage to the cartilage or joints. Although cats can be affected, arthritis is most commonly found in dogs—both young and old. Arthritis typically appears in the stifle (knee), hip, elbow, shoulder, carpus (wrist), or hock (ankle); it can also occur in the spine. Most cases…
The mere mention of “cancer” often conjures thoughts of angst, fear, and grief. Unfortunately, at Bothell Pet Hospital, as in most veterinary clinics, we deal with cancer on a daily basis. It seems as though everyone knows someone who is fighting cancer, if not themselves; and it is no different in our dog and cat…
“Neurologic disease” refers to disease affecting the nervous system, which is comprised of the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body. Very similar to ours, a dog or cat’s nervous system can be affected by numerous disease processes. These processes can be traumatic, inflammatory or infectious, degenerative, neoplastic and sometimes idiopathic—meaning we do not…
This month’s topic is allergies. So many of our patients are affected that it was hard to select just one “case of the month.” The most common types we see here are atopy (inhalant allergies), food, and flea. The diagnosis can be difficult, especially since some patients have multiple reactions. Achooooo!!! An allergy occurs because…
The upcoming 4th of July holiday is one that most of us humans love, but it can be terrifying for most dogs and cats. The noise from fireworks can cause pets anxiety and fear, and many pets will bolt at the sound of the loud explosions. Below are some steps you can take to help…
Ever wonder what it feels like for a dog helplessly trapped in a hot car? Watch this brief video by Veterinarian Ernie Ward to get an idea: Within just 30 minutes, even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside the car climbed to a sweltering 117 degrees. While most of us here in the Northwest…