Broken toe nails are an injury that pet owners occasionally have to deal with. Most often they occur due to trauma – running or playing on a hard surface, getting caught on something, or banging up against an object. Pet nails have a blood supply called the quick. When this is damaged, the nail bleeds. Though the amount of blood … Read More
My pet can get acne?
Acne is a condition that occurs when the hair follicles get infected. This infection will cause a raised pimple or pustule that breaks to form a small scab. There are two common presentations I see in pets. Cats are prone to chin acne and puppies can get mild skin infections in the tender skin of the groin.
Bum Scooting Boogie
For those in the know, scooting behavior is when a pet drags their bottom on the floor. The way they do this is often comical, but it can be a sign that something is wrong with the hind end, or more specifically, the perineal region.
Ear infections
Ear infections (otitis externa) are a common occurrence in our pets and can cause scratching, rubbing, and head shaking. Some pet owners will notice a dirty ear that needs to be cleaned all the time. A normal, healthy ear needs no intervention, so a build up of wax means something is wrong.
What is a lick granuloma?
When a dog constantly licks an area of skin, they can create a bald, red and often thickened patch of skin that we call a lick granuloma.
Itchy pets
This is the time of year when I see a lot of itchy pets, dogs in particular. There are a number of environmental factors in late summer and fall that affect the skin and cause itching.
Canine hot spots
While many welcome the advent of hot weather, the combination of heat and humidity increases the incidence of skin issues in our pets.