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All Posts in Category: Disease Information

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia by Ben J. Character, DVM Hip dysplasia is a common and controversial skeletal condition that affects many dogs.  Any of the large breed dogs (dogs weighing greater than 50 lbs.), and occasionally, a smaller breed dog can have problems with this disease. Commonly affected breeds include the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, and […]

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Antifreeze Toxicity – What You Should Know

Antifreeze Toxicity – What You Should Know by Ben J. Character, DVM   Traditionally, antifreeze used in engines contains the chemical ethylene glycol (EG).  If EG is ingested by an animal, it can cause serious damage and/or death. Surprisingly, it is the by-products of the EG metabolism, not the EG itself, that is toxic.  Because […]

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Heartworm update

by Ben J. Character, DVM Every few years the American Heartworm Society issues and update to their guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. The American Heartworm Society is one of the few disease specific para-veterinary organizations available.   Unlike human medicine that seems to have a “taskforce” or […]

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Calf Processing

Calf Processing by Ben J. Character, DVM As fall approaches, many spring calves will be nearing weaning. Weaning time is an excellent time to process your calves while they are up. Calf processing can consist of many things. The standard items include deworming, vaccinating, and tagging. Other things that can be done during this time […]

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Understanding FeLv/FIV/FIP

Understanding FeLv/FIV/FIP by Ben J. Character, DVM Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficency Virus (FIV), and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) are three serious viruses that affect domestic cats.  Only Feline Leukemia has an effective vaccination available.  The vaccination is approximately 80% effective in preventing infection with FeLV.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for FeLV.  FIV […]

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Anaplasmosis: What is it?

Anaplasmosis: What is it? by Ben J. Character, DVM   Late summer and early fall are the time of year when cattle are most likely to show signs of an Anaplasmosis infection.  Anaplasmosis (frequently called Anaplaz) is a protozoan parasite that infects red blood cells. It is transmitted from horse flies, which carry the parasite, to […]

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