Dental health is an important aspect of our pets' health care, particularly for diabetics. February is Dental Month in the veterinary world. Many clinics will offer 5 percent off of their dental prophylaxis prices. I've long suspected that this is because people have overspent during the holidays and are afraid of what they owe the tax man in April!
I thought that it would be a good idea to share some of the questions that I get from the diabetic pet owners that I meet with. Maybe you have had similar questions. If so, I hope that you can also benefit from the below dialogue.
I’ve heard that a third of cats can go into remission […]
Whisper the word pancreatitis and you may send shivers down the spine of many veterinarians. Sure, we diagnose and treat it with fair regularity, but any vet who has been in practice for a few years likely has a memory of a pancreatitis patient that is the source of recurrent nightmares.
You may remember that the pancreas […]
Diabetes comes with a variety of unfortunate possible complications. One such manifestation is the formation of cataracts which when mature result in blindness. Many diabetic dogs develop cataracts, often bilaterally. Luckily, cataracts occur less commonly in diabetic cats.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe and life-threatening complication of diabetes. It is not uncommon for diabetes to be initially diagnosed when a pet is in this severe state if the signs of diabetes were initially not noticed or even ignored by a pet owner.
The classic presentation of a DKA is extreme lethargy, inappetance, nausea, weakness, […]
It is very important to maintain good oral hygiene in our diabetic pets. Infection of any sort can result in insulin resistance, and oral infection is a common cause of insulin resistance. If only we could get our little furry friends to brush and floss! Alas, it ain’t gonna happen.
Oftentimes the task of having a diabetic pet can seem overwhelming. You have to give insulin injections at particular times, buy special food, and monitor the blood glucose… The list goes on. You think, “Seriously? You want me to brush my pet’s teeth, too?!?!” Well, yes! It is important to care for your diabetic pet’s teeth […]
No, I’m not talking about asking Fido to commit to staying out of the litter box in the New Year. We’re talking about your resolutions. You likely make resolutions this time of year to be a better you in the upcoming year. Whether we write them down or just keep them tucked away in the back […]
Going to your pet’s doctor appointments should not feel like going to medical school. The language used needs to be able to be understood by anyone taking care of your animal.
With that in mind, I have tried to make some of the more common terms you have heard in the past or will hear in the […]
During the winter holidays, the average American gains a pound. Some gain more, some not at all. Nonetheless, there is a lot of snacking on delicious goodies going on!
Our pets are keen to these festivities. Your pet’s pleading warm brown eyes that seem to penetrate to your very soul oftentimes sway your better judgment. You give […]