About Veterinary Medicine

Pancreatitis and Obesity in Dogs and Cats

2009-11-25T03:03:07Z

Final preparations are being made and travelers are arriving at their destinations. Thanksgiving is almost here.

Dietary moderation isn't what Thanksgiving is known for, but hopefully people will be able to exercise a bit more control with their pet's diets during the holiday season.

Pancreatitis
Overindulgence can have serious consequences if your pet receives lots of "new" and fatty foods in their diet, all of a sudden. One of the common problems seen this time of year is pancreatitis.

Obesity
Another problem seen in pets all year round is obesity, which affects joints, heart, ability to play and exercise and a host of other health aspects, such as being more prone to diabetes, potential trouble with anesthetics, and some types of cancer.

Don't wait until January - assess if your pet is overweight and speak to your veterinarian about a safe weight loss program of diet and exercise for your pet. Have you had success with helping your pet lose weight or get fit?

Please share your tips for keeping your pet fit - it may help other viewers keep their pets healthy, too.

Don't miss:
Pancreatitis Quiz
Great post-dinner quiz fun for the whole family!

Photo: Half in the bag - by klynslis on Flickr

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Pancreatitis and Obesity in Dogs and Cats originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 03:03:07.

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How did YOU find the "best" pet sitter or kennel?

2009-11-24T00:03:45Z

Finding a pet sitter or kennel that you can trust and depend on is a very important task. After all, when selecting someone to watch your pets while you are away, you are selecting someone to watch over your family members. You expect at least the same level of care as you provide on a daily basis.

Over the years I have had the most excellent pet sitters and, sad to say, a couple that really did not do a good job and caused me a great deal of stress. Sometimes I learned the hard way who I could trust, and sometimes it was the (otherwise trusted) pet sitter's personal life affecting their pet care work.

Either way, I have learned some tips on choosing a good pet sitter over the years. I am always eager to learn more though, and your pet sitter tips are wanted.

There are many things to consider when seeking the "best" care for your pet while away. Each pet's age, personality and health all factor in when selecting the best option.

Please share your tips for finding a reliable and caring pet sitter.

Photo: Living Hand To Paw by SuperFantastic on Flickr

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How did YOU find the "best" pet sitter or kennel? originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 00:03:45.

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How To Choose A Pet Sitter Or Kennel For Your Pet

2009-11-23T12:03:44Z

Finding someone to take care of our pets as well as we do can be a tough job. For me, the most stressful thing about traveling isn't the travel itself; it is the pre-trip preparations and making sure that my pets are well cared for in my absence.

Here's how to start your research and find the best option for your pets when away from home.

Related Reading:

Please share:

How did you find the "best" pet sitter or kennel for your pet?

Photo: Puppy in carrier - Getty Images/Lew Robertson

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How To Choose A Pet Sitter Or Kennel For Your Pet originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 12:03:44.

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Product review: Cat FURminator Tool

2009-11-20T00:54:53Z

Barnie, my cat who recently decided to check out the clothes dryer, is back. He was my test subject for a new grooming tool for cats from FURminator. He has lots of long silky hair to deal with. I also tested out this tool on Greta, my 17-year old short-haired cat.

Did they like this new grooming tool? Read my Cat FURminator review, add your own review, and be sure to check out the photo gallery of the tool in action.

Related reviews

Furminator Double Edge Deshedding Tool
Photo gallery with Sophie the dog
FURminator Double Edge Deshedding Tool
Review of the two-blade deshedding tool
Guide-reviewed products for pets and their people
Products for and about pets

Photo: Barnie meets the FURminator � Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM

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Product review: Cat FURminator Tool originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 00:54:53.

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Good Grooming: A Matter of Life and Health

2009-11-19T18:27:53Z

Good grooming encompasses many aspects of pet care. Whether your pet goes to a groomer or you do grooming tasks at home, good grooming is essential year round.

Besides looking (and smelling) good, proper care of your pet's hair coat, ears, teeth and nails will enhance your pet's health and reduce the potential for costly - and often avoidable - veterinary visits.

Photo credit: "Lulu with a brush" � Brief Gasp on Flickr

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Good Grooming: A Matter of Life and Health originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 18:27:53.

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Oregon Cat Dies from H1N1

2009-11-18T15:24:04Z

I just received a notification from the AVMA that a 10-year old male cat in Oregon has reportedly died from H1N1 infection. The cat was presented to a veterinarian on November 4 and died on November 7, 2009.

From the AVMA Flu Virus Outbreak page:
The Oregon state public health veterinarian has reported that a pet cat has died from presumed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection. The cat was one of 4 cats in the household and became ill approximately one week after a child in household had a flu-like illness.

Samples were obtained and tested (PCR) positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Additional samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation and are still pending.

More from the OVMA
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) reports that the cat presented with rapid shallow breathing, but did not show signs of coughing and sneezing. The three other cats in the household showed signs of sneezing and coughing in varying degrees, but none of them tested positive for H1N1. Read full OVMA report

The Big Picture
While this is a new twist to the H1N1 and pets story, it is important not to panic. All cases of pets becoming ill have been from humans transmitting the virus TO pets. Washing hands, covering coughs, isolating sick individuals and visiting the doctor/vet when sick are the mainstays of prevention.

The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 in pets is extremely small compared to the pet population in general. Many pets housed with humans who are ill from the flu have not caught the virus. Practicing good personal hygiene and environmental sanitation and isolating sick individuals will help keep your pets healthy.

Related Resources

H1N1 and Animals
News timeline of event
H1N1: Information for Veterinarians, How to Submit Samples for Testing
From the OVMA
Frequently Asked Questions by Veterinarians about 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
From the AVMA
Frequently Asked Questions About 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
From the AVMA

Image: Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) of H1N1 virus virions in a tissue sample by CDC/ C. Goldsmith and D. Rollin

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Oregon Cat Dies from H1N1 originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 15:24:04.

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Second Cat Confirmed with H1N1 in Utah

2009-11-17T10:16:04Z

Second Confirmed Feline H1N1 Case
A 14-year old cat in Park City, Utah has been confirmed positive for the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus. This is the second confirmed feline case of H1N1, the first case was confirmed in an Iowa cat on November 4th.

Cat Catches Flu From Human
Like all other known animal cases of H1N1, the human family member was ill first with influenza symptoms. In this case, the owner of the cat was also diagnosed with H1N1. When the cat was presented to veterinarian Dr. Carl Prior, it was having difficulty breathing and upper respiratory problems. The cat is now "nearly recovered," according to the original story in the Park City Record.

Another cat in the Park City household has been isolated from the sick cat and family members and does not show any signs of illness at this time. Read more...

Second Cat Confirmed with H1N1 in Utah originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 10:16:04.

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Finding a Veterinarian You & Your Pets Love

2009-11-17T00:03:39Z

Most of us have experienced the need to find a new vet at some point. Whether you just moved to a new location, adopted a first pet, need to find a vet specialist, or get second opinion for your pets, how did you do it?

Please share how you found your vet and tips for finding a good vet. I would also like to know why you (and your pets!) like your vet or... why you found a new one.

To keep this as useful as possible to a broad audience, please, no mention of names or clinics. Please share the qualities and characteristics about your vet that keeps you coming back or in search of a new vet for your pets.

Mo the cat getting 'fixed' � Bill in Ash Vegas on Flickr

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Finding a Veterinarian You & Your Pets Love originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 00:03:39.

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How To Get Your Vet Questions Answered Or Seek A Second Opinion

2009-11-16T00:03:51Z

Are you confused about your pet's diagnosis or treatment or perhaps unsatisfied with your pet's general care? It is not uncommon for people to be confused or upset with their pet is sick or injured; stress may hinder thinking and memory.

Here are some tips to facilitate good communication for getting the answers you need, or perhaps finding a new pet care provider.

Dealing With Unexpected Grief

2009-11-13T00:03:45Z

VetMed Forum Host Jaime Glasser DVM writes: "My good friend returned home yesterday after a trip far away from home. She knew as soon as her husband picked her up at the airport something was wrong.

He told her the kitten that they had tried to rescue had been hit by a car in front of their house and killed. She was immediately overcome with grief.

Now my friend is feeling remorseful that she had not spent more time with her kitten before leaving on her trip. She felt she did not really get to say goodbye..."

Read full post

Photo: Sadness by SashaW on Flickr

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Dealing With Unexpected Grief originally appeared on About.com Veterinary Medicine on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 00:03:45.

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