What are some of the most common diseases we encounter in middle-aged and older cats? Just ask Lynda H. and her 15-year-old cat Ripley. They have experience with two of these diseases: feline hyperthyroidism and chronic renal (kidney) failure. Poll several of your friends with geriatric cats and one of them is sure to say…
Vomiting is a common complaint in many of our patients—whether dogs or cats. The list of things that can cause vomiting is endless and it can sometimes be challenging to pinpoint a specific diagnosis. Sometimes the cause of vomiting is obvious. A young dog that got into the garbage, for example, is clearly suffering the…
Periodontal disease is one of the number one health problems in cats and dogs. In fact, by the age of two, it is estimated that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some degree of periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease may cause more than just oral discomfort and tooth loss. The bacteria associated with…
As the temperature drops during the winter months, here are a few cold weather cautions and tips to follow to help keep your pets safe and comfortable: Step 1: Alert hidden guests… Bang on the hood of your car before starting it up. Cats have been known to crawl up into the engine compartments of…
Rather than a specific case story this month, we thought it might be fun (and informative) to provide you all with a basic overview of your dog or cat’s anatomy. What is anatomy? Anatomy is defined as the study of the structure of the body. Anatomy contributes to a pet’s basic appearance–from the way they…
Did you know that your veterinarian can play an essential role in addressing your pet’s behavioral issues? Behavior problems are the most common reason animals lose their home; however, many people do not realize that with the right intervention, most problems can be corrected. Sometimes an owner may not recognize a behavioral issue or perceive…
Maggie is a 15 year old Tabby belonging to Dorothy Swenson and family. She was brought in to see Dr. Schaeffer last month for weight loss, more frequent vomiting, and vocalizing more around the house. Her vocalizing was mainly at night and seemed to be somewhat random. Maggie’s owners had also observed that she was pulling…
As pet owners, we take the responsibility of caring for our furry friends seriously. Sometimes, however, caring for a pet extends beyond our individual capacity. A group effort is needed… A couple Sundays ago, Joey Coverdale, a Bothell Pet Hospital client, turned the last corner on her morning jog. She was steps away from her house when…
Dennis, an 8-year-old, grey, Domestic Shorthair cat was presented to Dr. Schaeffer at the beginning of May for trouble breathing. His owners, Tresa and John Haines, were up most of the previous night with Dennis. They were very worried because he continually coughed, gagged and sneezed throughout the night. His respiratory rate was increased and…
The weather is thankfully warming up this spring, and we as veterinarians find ourselves preparing to see an increased incidence of pets with fleas, the occasional tick, and discussing parasites in general as our dogs and cats become more active outdoors with us. This month, we’d like to address a concern of most pet owners…