Tag Archives: lymphoma

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs? Causes, Risks, and New Research

A cat sniffing cat grass
Cats are wonderful creatures with whom to share our homes and lives. They entertain, comfort and sooth. While cats, like Mary Poppins, are practically perfect in every way, they do have one annoying habit: vomiting up hairballs. Cats never seem to vomit a hairball neatly in the corner. Instead, they always choose the exact spot you’re most likely to step on it—soggy, squishy and simply revolting. So why does your cat vomit hairballs? And when might hairballs indicate a medical condition? Let’s take a closer look at what’s new in our understanding of feline hairballs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Lymphoma: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

A woman hugging a dog
November 7th is Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day. This is a day dedicated to helping dog families recognize the signs of lymphoma, understand how it affects dogs and learn what to expect from lymphoma treatment. With those goals in mind, I’ve written today’s blogpost to answer common questions about canine lymphoma, one of the most frequently diagnosed types of canine cancer.

How Secondhand Smoke Harms Pets

A dog and a cat underneath a blanket
For nearly 50 years, the third Thursday of November has been designated the Great American Smokeout to empower people to quit smoking, and now vaping. The sponsors of the Great American Smokeout, the American Cancer Society, provide a variety of resources to help facilitate smoking cessation: guides, videos and smart phone apps. What the American Cancer Society does not communicate, however, is the most important reason for any animal lover to stop smoking… your pet.

Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs and Cats

A veterinarian examining a dog
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends blood tests as part of an annual well pet examination. These tests include a biochemical profile, evaluating your pet’s kidneys, blood sugar, blood protein levels, and electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, sodium and chloride. The panel also always includes multiple tests of liver health, which I will be discussing in today’s blogpost.