Animal Health Topic

In the Pacific Northwest, ticks are most prevalent during the spring and summer.

The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and all the nerves that communicate between tissues and the brain and spinal cord. The pictures above are reprinted with permission by the copyright owner, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, from the Atlas of Veterinary Clinical Anatomy. These illustrations should not be downloaded, printed, or copied except for personal, non-commercial use.

What are the most common spinal injuries in dogs? Two of the most common spinal injuries in dogs are fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) and acute non-progressive nucleus pulposus extrusion. Both conditions cause temporary paralysis and weakness, particularly in the hind legs. The disorders are mainly seen in large breed dogs but can occur in miniature schnauzers […]

What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease (transmitted by insects or arthropods) in people, is caused by corkscrew-shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, carried by ticks that transmit the infection when they feed on animals and humans. In the United States, Lyme disease occurs predominantly on the Pacific Coast, the Midwest, and Atlantic Coast […]

If your pet is having a seizure, remain calm. Note the time the seizure started and how long it lasted, as this information could be helpful to your veterinarian. To prevent your animal from hurting itself, attempt to move it away from hard objects like stairs and furniture. Cushion its head and gently hold and […]

What is intervertebral disc disease? Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae in the spine and function as shock-absorbers to dissipate the force placed on the spine. Intervertebral disc disease occurs when those disks degenerate, lose water content, and calcify, causing them to rupture or protrude. Discs that herniate are known as type I intervertebral disc […]

Some practical advice regarding ticks on your animal.