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One survey, two questions, zero spread of heartworm
September 1st 2008The American Heartworm Society (AHS) asked 40,000 animal-health professionals to respond to a two-question survey this summer that could help prevent the spread of heartworm disease to areas that, until recently, rarely had had a case, AHS President Sheldon Rubin says.
Hoof cracks: Finding cause is key to treatment, repair
September 1st 2008The term "quarter crack" was heard much more frequently this year after Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown was treated for the hoof condition prior to the Belmont Stakes, but equine veterinarians, podiatrists and farriers know that quarter cracks affect all types of racing and performance horses and sometimes work horses.
The effect of hydration status on echocardiographic measurements of normal cats
September 1st 2008In a recent article (The Effect of Hydration Status on the Echocardiographic Measurements of Normal Cats, by Campbell, F.E. & Kittleson, M.D. J Vet Intern Med 2007), the authors examined the effect of hydration status on echocardio-graphic findings in normal cats.
Long-term care insurance: policy choices and elections
September 1st 2008When I wrote the first half of this article a few months ago, I had no idea how much interest and how many inquiries I would receive on the subject of so-called "policies." Consequently, I thought I would put together the final piece sooner rather than later. I will admit that the subject is a bit complex, and may not be the most enthralling topic in the world. Nonetheless, it is an important one for veterinary practitioners who are concerned about their estates, their surviving relatives and the quality of care they hope to receive as seniors.
Story hard to swallow? Chew on it for a while
September 1st 2008The human-animal bond is a strong one, but I'm still amazed sometimes at what people will do for their animals. I know people, for example, who treat their pets to an ice-cream cone before visiting the veterinarian. I've seen painted toenails, dogs with pierced ears, cats with a gold-capped tooth, dogs with rollers in their hair, many types of pet sweaters, even artificial testicles placed back in a dog's scrotum to keep it from looking empty. The list goes on.