Tetanus comes from bacterial infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. C tetani lives in the soil. This bacterium produces a toxin that causes the typical signs of tetanus when the environment is right. C tetani enters the body through a break in the...
One method of treating an out of balance immune system is to give low-dose steroids. Steroids at the lowest dose to maintain clinical signs is the definition of low dose. Sometimes, this means every other day. Sometimes this means fraction of a tablet. But is this...
It is generally accepted in most states that young puppies and kittens need to be vaccinated by four months of age against the rabies virus. One year later, these animals can receive a booster good for three years. In the eyes of the law, animals who have been...
Heartworm medications are regulated by the FDA. Legally, your pet’s only protection is with one of the standard veterinary products. These days, those are either monthly chewable or topical products. The problem is that only pharmaceuticals can legally be licensed to...
First question: Will the new veterinarian will accept services provided by your old veterinarian? For example, will they accept the vaccines that your veterinarian provided or insist on starting things all over? Over vaccination is a tremendous problem and leads to...
“Lepto” is the short name for a bacterial infection called leptospirosis. Leptospira are a group of bacteria that can cause kidney disease. Wildlife, especially raccoons, carry the bacteria without becoming ill from the infection. “Lepto” infection is spread when...
