Vet Talks

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a fairly rare and potentially fatal autoimmune disease that mostly affects dogs. Although rare, it is believed that many cases of SLE go undiagnosed. In today’s blog, we’ll touch on what to look for (signs and symptoms of SLE in pets) and how to best manage your pet with SLE....

In our veterinary practice, liver disease in cats and dogs is unfortunately all too common. The liver is a major organ in the body, and essential to your pet’s immune system; it detoxifies the blood and is a filter for metabolites, a source of energy, produces bile acids necessary for digestion, and produces clotting factors...

It’s not uncommon to notice or feel small lumps and bumps on our beloved animals. We understand that it is scary to find these, and although not all lumps and bumps are necessarily bad, we strongly feel that a veterinarian should check them out, in order to catch any potential problems as early as possible....

Chronic renal failure (CRF) also known as chronic kidney failure is when there is a slow, progressive loss of kidney function, which eventually leads to permanent kidney failure. CRF is one of the most common forms of illness and death in older cats (though it can be seen in younger cats as well). Cats with...

Everyone knows what stress feels like in ourselves, and we all know that too much stress can make us ill—ulcers, high blood pressure, and even cancer can result from excessive stress. A dog can also be, and often are, stressed by numerous factors in their lives too. The more we understand the external contributing factors...

Arnica is a classic sunflower with bright yellow flowers and is found in the alpine regions of North America. It has traditionally been used in western herbalism and homeopathy for discomfort and bruising. Whether the discomfort stems from arthritis or muscle bruising or trauma, arnica can be used topically for your dog or cat as...

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health and is linked to other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year (or twice a year in senior patients) by your veterinarian to look for early signs of a problem and keep your pet’s mouth...

When our pets are healthy and young, it’s natural for us as pet parents to wonder ‘is it really necessary to give my healthy dog or cat a multivitamin?’ The answer is simply—yes. Vitamins are necessary for life. They help to regulate body processes, protect the body from environmental toxins, and break down nutrients such...

Hypothyroidism in dogs is one of the most common diseases we see at the Animal Wellness Clinic (Dr. Cook’s veterinary practice). A thorough understanding of the disease and the symptoms will help with early diagnosis and treatment. Below is an explanation of the complicated and all-encompassing disease of hypothyroidism in dogs. What is hypothyroidism? The...

One of the most important things to know as a pet owner is how to tell when your dog or cat is in discomfort. Discomfort can be a signal of a life-threatening issue.  Signs of discomfort (even the subtle signs) will be more obvious to you if you have a good idea of what your...