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  • Esophagostomy Tube Feeding in Dogs

    Esophagostomy tubes are placed through the skin of the neck into the esophagus to enable ongoing nutrition in dogs that either refuse to eat or are unable to chew and swallow food. A diet will be recommended by your veterinarian but must be liquefied with water before it can pass through the tube. Medications can also be administered through the tube. Step-by-step instructions are provided. The decision to remove the tube will be determined by your veterinarian.

  • Essential Oil and Liquid Potpourri Poisoning in Dogs

    Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

  • Estriol

    Estriol (brand name Incurin®) is a natural estrogen used to treat urinary incontinence and other diseases responsive to estrogen. Estriol is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or a compounded capsule, liquid tablet, or chewable tablet. This article discusses how this medication is given, potential side effects, risks, and monitoring.

  • Estrous Cycles in Dogs

    Female dogs will have their first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle when they reach puberty. Each cycle consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female can become pregnant. This handout explains the cycle stages and signs as well as how to prevent mating and pregnancy in your female dog.

  • Estrus and Mating in Dogs

    Estrus (heat) begins when a female dog reaches sexual maturity and occurs about twice per year, although it varies from dog to dog. From the beginning of a female’s estrus period, she will be attractive to male dogs, though she will usually not be receptive or allow mating until seven to ten days into her cycle. The time of mating is extremely critical and it is highly recommended to have your female tested to determine the optimal days for breeding.

  • Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Dogs

    Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in antifreeze. Ethylene glycol can also be found, in lower concentrations, in some windshield de-icing agents, hydraulic brake fluid, motor oils, solvents, paints, film processing solutions, wood stains, inks, and printer cartridges. Ethylene glycol is poisonous to dogs: as little as half a teaspoon per pound of a dog's body weight can result in death. Immediate treatment is essential.

  • Euthanasia Decisions and Your Dog

    Maintaining open and honest communication with your veterinary healthcare team throughout your dog's life creates a foundation for effective communication when the dog's life draws to a close. Your veterinarian can clarify any medical implications of your dog's disease that may suggest that euthanasia should be considered. Most often, euthanasia is provided at the veterinary practice or in your home. Your veterinarian can clarify any medical implications of your dog's disease that may suggest that euthanasia should be considered.

  • Evan’s Syndrome in Dogs and Cats

    Evan’s syndrome is the term used when a pet has both immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). With this condition, the body destroys its own red blood cells and platelets. Prognosis is variable and depends on the underlying cause and the pet’s general condition at the time of diagnosis. Relapses are common.

  • Exercise Restriction in Dogs

    Exercise restriction refers to the act of intentionally limiting a pet’s physical activity. Veterinarians often recommend exercise restriction to allow a pet to heal after a surgical procedure or injury, although it may also be recommended to prevent worsening of a medical condition. Different circumstances require different degrees of exercise restriction, so your veterinarian’s guidance is essential when implementing exercise restriction.

  • Exercises to Improve Proprioception

    Proprioception is the ability to know where your body is in space. This is what helps reduce falls and injury. Proprioception may be lost suddenly through spinal cord trauma, or it may be reduced with age, joint disease (osteoarthritis), or other orthopedic or neurologic disease. Some specific controlled exercises that can improve proprioception are discussed. Any exercise plan needs to be formulated by a veterinary rehabilitation therapist to avoid injury.