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Heartworms are parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes. The mosquito picks up larval stage one (baby heartworms) from the blood of an infected dog. This develops to the third larval stage in the mosquito. The mosquito then passes this larvae to another dog when it bites him/her. Over the next 5-7...

Ticks are often considered insects, but they are actually arachnids- like spiders, scorpions, and mites. They have four life stages, including: egg, 6-legged nymph, 8-legged nymph, and adult. When a tick egg hatches, the tiny larvae (often called "seed ticks") find an appropriate host to feed on, then molts into...

An allergy is an abnormal immune system reaction to something in the environment. Our pets can be allergic to the same things that their humans can be, including: pollens, weeds, grasses, mold spores, and dust mites. We often see "flea allergy" as well, which is not a reaction to the flea itself, but...

Care Credit it a credit card accepted by veterinarians and other healthcare professionals. There are times when it would be nice to not have to worry about pet healthcare costs. Yearly vaccinations, exams, and testing can be a financial burden. Since most veterinary hospitals do not have payment plans, we...

Cataracts happen because the lens of the eye has become opaque or cloudy. The lens of the eye focuses light on the back of the eye (retina). The retina is where vision occurs. Cataracts are commonly an inherited disorder. Some of the affected breeds are Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and...

The adrenal glands sit at the top of the kidneys. Cushing's Disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones. This is also called hyperadrenocorticism. The adrenal glands produce many substances that are important for several different body functions and are needed to sustain life. Excess or...

There are two types of mites that cause skin disease in dogs. It is important to determine which mite is present to determine treatment and prognosis. This is done by taking a skin and hair sample and evaluating it microscopically. Demodectic mange (often called "demodex" or "red mange") is most...

Dental disease is the most frequently diagnosed disease in pets! 85% of cats and dogs have oral disease to some degree by the time they are four years of age.One of the earliest and most commonly described signs of dental disease is bad breath. No one wants kisses from Fido, or Fluffy laying face...

Diabetes is characterized by too much glucose in the blood, and not enough in tissue cells. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that enables glucose (blood sugar) to enter tissue cells. If there isn't enough insulin produced, or the cells don't respond to it properly, the cells will not...

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs and other animals such as raccoons, skunks, and ferrets. It is seen worldwide, but is more common in areas where vaccine rates are low and there are significant stray dog populations. It can persist in recovered carrier dogs and in wildlife....