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How to Tell If a Cat Is Dehydrated

2010 September 1
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by virtuavet

Dehydration in cats can be surprisingly hard to catch — especially because a dehydrated cat may still be drinking plenty of water. If your cat’s body isn’t using that water properly, dehydration can sneak up even while the water bowl keeps emptying.

Why "But He Drinks So Much!" Doesn’t Rule Out Dehydration

Many cat parents assume a cat who drinks constantly can’t possibly be dehydrated. Unfortunately, the opposite can be true. If a cat’s liver, kidneys, or hormone balance isn’t functioning normally, the body can lose water faster than it can be replaced — no matter how much the cat drinks. Conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes are common culprits behind this pattern.

4 Signs of Dehydration in a Cat

  • Sunken eyes
  • Dry, tacky gums that stick to your finger when you touch them
  • Fur that stands up in dull, clumped patches instead of lying smooth
  • A dull, glazed look, and unusual interest — or disinterest — in the water bowl

The At-Home Skin Turgor Test

The classic at-home check for dehydration is called the skin turgor test. Gently pinch a small fold of skin at the back of your cat’s neck or shoulders, then let go and watch how quickly it springs back flat.

  • Snaps back immediately — good hydration.
  • Takes a second or two to flatten — possible mild to moderate dehydration. Offer fresh water and monitor closely.
  • Stays tented and doesn’t flatten — this suggests moderate to severe dehydration and warrants an urgent visit to your veterinarian.

Note: Some cat breeds — including Himalayans, Persians, and hairless breeds — naturally have looser, more elastic skin, which can make this test less reliable for them. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian to check.

Why Moderate to Severe Dehydration Needs Veterinary Care

Rehydrating a significantly dehydrated cat isn’t as simple as adding more water. Your veterinarian will need to determine the underlying cause and, in more severe cases, provide intravenous fluids gradually over time — rushing the process can put dangerous strain on the heart and lungs. If your cat’s skin fails the turgor test, or if you notice several of the signs above together, please contact your veterinarian promptly.

How Ancient Law Pet Wellness Can Help

Once your veterinarian has diagnosed and stabilized the underlying cause of dehydration, Ancient Law Pet Wellness can support your cat’s ongoing recovery and quality of life through TCVM Food Therapy and Herbal Wellness Protocols tailored to conditions like kidney insufficiency, thyroid imbalance, or general recuperative care. We’re glad to work alongside your primary veterinarian as part of your cat’s care team.

Reach out to schedule a consultation: email JLaw@VetVmd.com or call/text (813) 816-1759.

from → Cat Medical Stories, Cats, Himalayan, Long Hair Cats, Mowgi Mews, Pet Health, Pet Medical Stories, Pet Stories, Pets How To, Siamese, Tabby Tales

Emergency First Aid for a Dog-on-Dog Bite Wound

2010 August 29
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by JLaw

How Could Angel’s Family Respond Perfectly to a Dog Bite Attack?

Cocker Spaniel with swollen leg

Cocker Spaniel with swollen leg

When a little Party-Color Cocker Spaniel suffered bite wounds from the neighbor’s dog, her parents did not know how to respond.  The neighbor knew some dog first aid and applied his knowledge as best he could.  No one thought to go to the animal emergency room, even though they lived in a major metropolitan city in the US, 10 minutes from a 24/7 animal e.r.!  Quick thinking and proper urgent care would have allowed Angel to avoid extra pain and heal faster without surgery. read more…

from → American Cocker Spaniel, Dog Medical Stories, Dogs, Pet Care and Health Philosophy, Pet Emergency Stories, Pet Health, Pets How To

Spider-Grooming and Other Inspirational Stories

2010 August 22
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by JLaw

These three pet-parents stand out for their devotion, hope, optimism, and dedication to learning to offer whatever their pet needs to be happy and comfortable.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Mommy

This first pet parent is a single woman on her mid-forties, divorced, with two beautiful Persian cats.  She loved her cats, but she did not realize her older cat, Simon, was in complete and utter kidney failure, with hypercalcemia and hypertension until he needed intensive care just to get him through the first night.

Does not sound very impressive, right?

Listen to this: not only did Simon get better.  Mom gives him his subcutaneous fluids, special food, hypertension meds, kidney meds, and vitamins every day.  This cat has such a poor prognosis (Phosphorus of 24, people…the vets out there know what I’m talking about), that the internist called Doc Truli to ask what the autopsy showed! read more…

from → Boxer, Cats, Dogs, Long Hair Cats, People Stuff, Persian, Pet Care and Health Philosophy, Super Strange

Why Would You Let a Tumor Get Like This?

2010 August 10
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by JLaw

A Huge, Ugly Tumor Ruptured Open, Required Surgery

Every nurse in the animal hospital, and each nursing assistant looked shocked, as they saw this tumor in turn, and asked Doc Truli,

“Why did they let that tumor get like that?”

Do you want to see the disgusting lump?  If you do, read further.  If you really don’t, VirtuaVet has lots of pretty stories for you on other posts! read more…

from → Dog Medical Stories, Dogs, Pet Cancer, Pet Health, Pet Medical Stories, Pet Stories, Pet Surgery Success Stories, Pictures of Dog Lumps and Bumps

Low Blood Sugar Can Kill a Puppy: Know the Warning Signs

2010 August 4
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by virtuavet

Small and toy breed puppies are especially vulnerable to a dangerous drop in blood sugar called hypoglycemia. It can happen quickly, look alarming, and become fatal within hours if not addressed — but it’s also very preventable with the right care.

Signs of Low Blood Sugar in a Puppy

  • Weakness
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Wobbliness or trouble standing
  • Tremors or spastic movements
  • Twitching or seizures
  • Collapse or unresponsiveness

These symptoms can escalate quickly. If you notice any of them, this is a medical emergency — contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency animal hospital immediately.

Breeds Most at Risk

  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Chihuahua
  • Maltese
  • Toy Poodle
  • Shih Tzu
  • Miniature Pinscher
  • Papillon
  • Japanese Chin
  • Pomeranian
  • Any tiny breed under about 10 pounds full grown

What to Do in the Moment

While you’re on your way to the veterinarian, rubbing a small amount of a fast-acting sugar source on your puppy’s gums can help — options include Karo syrup, molasses, maple syrup, or a glucose supplement like Nutri-Cal. Never force liquid into the mouth of a puppy who is not fully alert, as this can cause choking.

Your veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis with a blood glucose test and may recommend hospitalization, since many puppies relapse within the first 24 hours without ongoing support.

Preventing Hypoglycemia in Small Puppies

  • Feed small, frequent meals — every 2-4 hours for very young or tiny puppies
  • Weigh your puppy daily on a gram scale and track the trend; puppies should gain weight steadily
  • Choose a high-quality, palatable puppy food, and mix in puppy milk replacer if your puppy is very young or a picky eater
  • Keep a written feeding and weight log so any household member can track progress accurately
  • Contact your veterinarian promptly if your puppy skips meals, isn’t gaining weight, or seems unusually tired

How Ancient Law Pet Wellness Can Help

Once your veterinarian has stabilized a hypoglycemic puppy, Ancient Law Pet Wellness offers TCVM Food Therapy guidance to help support healthy growth, appetite, and digestion during the vulnerable early months — especially useful for toy breeds prone to picky eating or slow weight gain.

Reach out to schedule a consultation: email JLaw@VetVmd.com or call/text (813) 816-1759.

from → Chihuahua, Daily Practice, Dog Medical Stories, Dogs, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Poodle, Papillon, Pet Care and Health Philosophy, Pet Emergency Stories, Pet Health, Pet Medical Stories, Pet Stories, Pets How To, Pomeranian, Puppies

Baby Bunny Blues

2010 August 1
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by virtuavet

A Sick Baby Bunny is No Joke

Inexperienced Bunny Mom Mistakes Choking

A baby bunny rested on Doc Truli’s examination table.

“Doc, I think he’s choking.  Is he going to die?” said the Bunny’s new mom.

Doc Truli looked at the tiny bunny.  He was a soft silvery-grey and white.  He fit in the palm of your hand with his face hanging over the side.  He kicked a little, which is good for a scared bunny.  If a bunny is too sick, they do not even complain about strangers holding them.  Unfortunately, Doc could feel every vertebra and every rib underneath the fluffy soft fur.  This baby bunny was in real trouble. read more…

from → Pet Emergency Stories, Pet Health, Pet Medical Stories, Pet Stories, Rabbits

What’s That Lump on My Dog? Why Every New Lump Deserves a Check

2010 July 29
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by JLaw

Finding a new lump on your dog can be alarming — and it’s easy to put off a vet visit if your dog seems otherwise happy and healthy. But even lumps that seem harmless are worth having checked promptly, since appearance alone can’t tell you what’s really going on underneath the skin.

Why You Can’t Judge a Lump by Looking at It

Lumps can range from harmless fatty deposits to infections, cysts, or tumors — both benign and malignant. Many lumps that turn out to be serious look and feel completely unremarkable at first, while some alarming-looking lumps turn out to be nothing at all. The only reliable way to know is for your veterinarian to examine it, often with a simple needle aspirate that takes just a few minutes.

What to Track Before Your Vet Visit

  • When you first noticed the lump
  • Whether it has grown, changed shape, or changed color
  • Whether it seems painful when touched
  • Its texture (firm, soft, movable, or fixed in place)
  • Any other new symptoms — appetite changes, lethargy, or limping

This information helps your veterinarian assess the lump efficiently and decide whether further testing, such as an aspirate or biopsy, is needed.

A General Rule of Thumb

Any lump that produces blood when aspirated, grows quickly, feels firmly attached to underlying tissue, or is accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated and likely removed promptly. Even lumps that turn out to be benign — like lipomas or hemangiomas — are usually easier and safer to remove while small.

Don’t Wait It Out

It’s a common (and understandable) instinct to "keep an eye on it" for a few months before scheduling a visit. But early evaluation almost always means simpler treatment, faster recovery, and better peace of mind — whatever the lump turns out to be.

How Ancient Law Pet Wellness Can Help

If your dog has a lump removed, Ancient Law Pet Wellness can support post-surgical healing and long-term wellness through Tui-na Massage, TCVM Food Therapy, and Herbal Wellness Protocols — always in coordination with your veterinarian’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

Reach out to schedule a consultation: email JLaw@VetVmd.com or call/text (813) 816-1759.

from → Black Labrador Retriever, Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Dog Medical Stories, Dogs, Pet Cancer, Pet Medical Stories, Pet Stories, Pet Surgery Success Stories, Pictures of Dog Lumps and Bumps, Yellow Labrador Retriever

JRT vs SUV

2010 July 26
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by JLaw

Ever meet a calm, quiet, reasonable Jack Russell Terrier (err, Parson’s Russell Terrier?) Okay, I have, too.  Once in a blue moon.  But usually, the JRT’s are like Henry, the 3-year-old male intact sport-utility-vehicle-stoppin’ JRT in my emergency room.

Henry ran around his mom’s legs and knotted his leash around the waiting room chair legs at 5 pm on a busy Saturday afternoon.  The problem?

“Let’s see that tooth,” said Doc Truli.

“Grrrr,” said Henry.  Then his little stump Jack Russell Tail said, “Wag, wag, wag.”

(Now Doc knew Henry was all show and no go.)

“Open up, Henry,” said the Doc as she placed her thumb into the side of the Jack’s dental arcade behind the canine tooth and before the big carnassial molar in the back.  Henry’s mouth popped open.  “There’s the problem!  And it’s not nearly as bad as we thought,” said the Doc.

So here’s what happened:

Henry’s mom went into her garage to pull the SUV out into the driveway before loading the family for a drive.  Henry took great offense at the SUV rolling out of his garage, busted between some hapless child’s legs at the kitchen to garage passage door, and shot out into the driveway to stop the SUV.

Yes, the little charger fully implemented his plan to forbid the two-ton family vehicle from pursuing a course out of the driveway!  How did Henry carry out his scheme?  By biting and holding the right front truck tire, of course!  (Why didn’t my dog think of that?  Oh! Because he weighs 10 pounds (5 g) and the car weighs 2 tons!)  Henry succeeded in stopping the vehicle because the kids started screaming, “Stop, stop, stop!”

There was Henry, about 1 1/2 feet up in the air, his canine tooth stuck in the black rubber of the truck tire.  So, in a sense, he did stop the SUV.  The tooth disengaged and Henry slumped to the tarmac, stunned for 10 seconds, just  long enough for the kids to bundle him into the SUV for his journey to the doggie ER.

“Well, considering what he attempted to do, he suffered minimal damage.  His upper canine tooth is crooked, but it will heal almost in a normal position.  I can;t wiggle it, so he has a chance of a normal recovery,” said Doc Truli.

Henry took his painkillers for 2 days, then he ignored all attempts to feed him the non-steroid anti-infammatory medication and went back to his sentry duties without the doctor’s permission to return to work.

Please remember, any time your dog pulls a trick like this, you must prevent it from happening again!  Amazingly, dogs seem not to learn from these “mistakes.”  I suspect the dogs do not consider them mistakes at all, but rather, “missions accomplished!”

from → Dog Medical Stories, Dogs, Parson's Russell Terrier, Pet Dental Success Stories, Pet Emergency Stories, Pet Medical Stories, Pet Stories

A Fat Dog Is a Big Deal!

2010 July 24
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by JLaw

Fat Dogs Epidemic in US

Well, we finally made our dogs as needy, neurotic, and fat as the average American!  65% of American dogs are fat.  Many are obese.  No one seems to either 1) know it, or 2) think it’s a big deal.

Here’s how you know if your dog is fat:

  1. Cannot feel or count the ribs.
  2. Cannot see a waistline from the side.
  3. Cannot see a waistline from the top.

Simple.

A fat dog is a “big” deal.

If your dog is fat, he or she will:

  1. Suffer arthritis, bronchitis, collapsing trachea, or heart failure much more easily than a thin dog.
  2. Die 2-4 years before he or she should.

2-4 years to a chihuahua or a labrador is like 20 years for us!  Imagine that!

fetching chihuahua coquette

fat fetching chihuahua coquette

fat back chihuahua

fat back chihuahua

fat side chihuahua

fat side chihuahua

Get the skinny on your dog’s diet.

from → Chihuahua, Daily Practice, Dogs, Pet Care and Health Philosophy, Pet Health, Pets How To

Fat Chihuahua

2010 July 24
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by virtuavet

Fat Dogs Epidemic in US

Well, we finally made our dogs as needy, neurotic, and fat as the average American!  65% of American dogs are fat.  Many are obese.  No one seems to either 1) know it, or 2) think it’s a big deal.

Here’s how you know if your dog is fat:

  1. Cannot feel or count the ribs.
  2. Cannot see a waistline from the side.
  3. Cannot see a waistline from the top.

Simple. See what I mean?

A fat dog is a “big” deal.

If your dog is fat, he or she will:

  1. Suffer arthritis, bronchitis, collapsing trachea, or heart failure much more easily than a thin dog.
  2. Die 2-4 years before he or she should.

2-4 years to a chihuahua or a labrador is like 20 years for us!  Imagine that!

fetching chihuahua coquette

fat fetching chihuahua coquette

fat back chihuahua

fat back chihuahua

fat side chihuahua

fat side chihuahua

Get the skinny on your dog’s diet.

from → Chihuahua, Daily Practice, Dogs, Pet Care and Health Philosophy, Pet Health, Pets How To

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