Vestibular Disease in Geriatric Dogs

joanneEyes, Neurological disease, Uncategorized

Head tilt to the dog's right side.

“I think my dog has just had a stroke” is a not uncommon comment we get when a senior dog suddenly collapses. While there are a number of diseases that can lead to collapse, vestibular disease has a very particular presentation that makes it easier to diagnose. This, and the fact that many dogs will go on to recover from … Read More

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Milo’s Story

joanneUncategorized, Viral Infections

  Last November Milo, and his kitty buddy Mumford, were adopted into their new home. Two kittens usually have energy to spare, love to play hard, and try to keep up with each other. Around Christmas time, the family noticed some changes happening to Milo. His tummy was becoming bigger, and by January, he was eating only half of his … Read More

Social Media and ……….. Merry Christmas!

joanneHolidays, Seasonal, Uncategorized

2015 has been the first full year of social media for me, and it is still an adjustment. I’d like to get more traffic onto our Facebook Page, so if you are a member, visit our page and ‘like’ us. I try and post local lost and found pets through the Orillia SPCA, so every little bit of exposure helps. … Read More

My pet can get acne?

joanneSkin, Uncategorized

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.

What is this lump on my pet’s ear?

joanneEars, Uncategorized

The ear flap or pinna is made up of a piece of cartilage covered by skin. Sometimes you will get bleeding between the layers that pushes the skin off the cartilage, and causes a lump. We call this pocket of blood a hematoma, and because it is on the ear, it is classified as an aural hematoma.

Cat abscesses

joanneLumps, Uncategorized, Viral Infections

Cats are a territorial species. Confrontation with other cats usually results in a shouting match, but it can escalate to full contact fighting when the cats are outside. Bite wounds are particularly nasty, since the bacteria in the mouth and on the teeth get through the skin and into the underlying tissue. The skin wound heals over and seals the … Read More

Spring is finally here!

joanneSeasonal, Uncategorized

It is time to get outdoors and enjoy some warmer temperatures. Most dogs had limited exercise over the cold winter, so be sure to ease them into physical activity. Check out this link for more detailed information on fitness and conditioning.

Basic eye care

joanneEyes, Uncategorized

Dogs and cats come in all different shapes and sizes, and so do their eyes. Normal eyes have a snug fitting, black rimmed eyelid that covers up the white part (conjunctiva) of the eye. Dogs and cats also have a third eyelid that can give extra protection. It looks like a pink membrane that sits in the inside corner of … Read More

The Howling Cat

joanneAnimal Behaviour, Uncategorized

I’m fortunate to have had our oldest cat for over 17 years. She is a Siamese named Marty. She is vocal at the best of times, but over the past year, she has developed nightly bouts of howling. As a veterinarian, I recognize this complaint from owners of geriatric cats, and as an owner, I can see how distressing it … Read More