Author: virtuavet

Boxer Bumps

Bumps and lumps grow on and in dogs, and Boxers more than many. Read about some common culprits.

Boxers Grow Lumps and Cancer Better Than Any Other Breed of Dog

But if you live with a Boxer, you probably already know this! Did you know Boxers used to have a predicted lifespan of 4-6 years? The breed was bogged down with genetic predisposition to cancer, and they passed on an inherited heart condition that shortened their lives.

The breeders got together and agreed to selectively breed healthy dogs so as not to pass on the traits. Now, Boxers can expect to live 8-10 years, sometimes as much as 12-14 years, or longer.

Still, if you see a new growth or lump on your Boxer, have your vet check it urgently.  Here is a rundown of the good, the bad, and the ugly… Continue reading “Boxer Bumps”

Cat's Tooth Was Just Hanging Out!

In Simon’s case, his left lower canine tooth avulsed so it stuck out of his lower lip at almost a ninety degree angle. Talk about painful!

Old Red Tabby Cat Needs Dental Surgery
Simon, Before Surgery with his Left Lower Canine Tooth Hanging Out

Sometimes cats need emergency tooth extraction. In Simon’s case, his left lower canine tooth avulsed so it stuck out of his lower lip at almost a ninety degree angle. Talk about painful!

To top it off, Simon was 18 years old. Anesthesia carried inherent risk for him, but there was no way he could go on with that tooth like that!   Continue reading “Cat's Tooth Was Just Hanging Out!”

Dachshund Spreads H3N8 Canine Influenza

They could spread the flu virus to your dog and their parents would not ever know they harbored the virus in their system for 1-5 more days!

Doc Truli heard a cough in the kennel.  A guilty-looking miniature dachshund’s big brown eyes stared back.
Continue reading “Dachshund Spreads H3N8 Canine Influenza”

Doc Truli's Top Ten Spoiled Pet Stories

Doc Truli says, “If you can, and you want to, it’s not spoiling.”

Doc Truli’s definition of spoiling your pet: “Your pet is spoiled if you are doing something for your pet that you do not want to be doing.” Therefore, technically speaking, none of these pets are spoiled. Continue reading “Doc Truli's Top Ten Spoiled Pet Stories”

Doc Truli's Top 10 Requirements for Pet Anesthesia

Staff and a veterinarian who demonstrate caring and concern for your pet are #1 for the best anesthesia.

Anesthesia for Pets is Customized and Tricky, Especially for Tiny Pets

Make sure your animal hospital has and does the following before you agree to an anesthetic procedure:

1. oxygen, endotracheal tubes, gas anesthesia (most states mandate these, yet some places, especially low cost places, may not have these basics)
Continue reading “Doc Truli's Top 10 Requirements for Pet Anesthesia”

Standard Poodle Learns to Play

Gariella was rescued from a garage where she and her sister had spent the first year of their lives.

I met Gabriella in the living room of her parents’ house. She was a beautiful, well-groomed apricot Standard Poodle. Her parents had spoken of her in my office because they were worried about her.
Continue reading “Standard Poodle Learns to Play”

When a Twisted Stomach is Not Twisted

Sammy would have died if I hadn’t pumped the dog treats out of his distended stomach

One look at Sammy, and anyone would know he was in trouble.

At 120 pounds, Sammy was a gigantic, chubby yellow lab. But that night in the emergency room, he looked miserable. He was pacing around the waiting room and retching up mostly nothing with a little foamy phlegm every few minutes. He couldn’t even sit down for a second.

Sammy’s gums were almost blue and his femoral pulses were weak and thready. His stomach bulged out behind his ribs; he looked as if he had a soccer ball inside his abdomen. Sammy was in shock, and near total collapse. Continue reading “When a Twisted Stomach is Not Twisted”