Selecting a food for your pet can become a frustrating and confusing experience when looking at the label. What does all that information really mean? What is important and what is not? How do you know if you are choosing…

Hookworms get their name from their hook-like teeth. Hookworms are one of the most dangerous intestinal parasites of dogs and cats because they feed on blood. These parasites use their sharp teeth to attach to the interior lining of the…

What exactly is a mast cell tumor? Mast cells are normal inflammatory cells responsible for releasing histamine as part of an allergic response. When disturbed, the mast cells releases granules containing histamine, causing swelling, redness and itchiness of the surrounding…

Fleas are one of the most common parasites of dogs and cats.  These insects live on the skin and feed on the blood of the host.  Animals infested with fleas are extremely itchy due to inflammation caused by the flea bites.…

Neutering is the surgical removal of the testicles from male animals. A neuter surgery can be performed on most species, but this article will describe the surgery as performed in dogs and cats. Purpose All animals that will not be…

A spay (or ovariohysterectomy) is a surgery that removes the ovaries and uterus from female pets. In small animal medicine, this surgery is most often performed on dogs and cats, but can also be performed on rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles,…

A fecal floatation is a laboratory method of collecting parasite eggs from fecal material so they can be identified under the microscope. A gram of fecal material is mixed with a concentrated salt solution, topped with a cover slip, and…

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs and cats. They are so common, in fact, that all puppies and kittens should be routinely dewormed early in life. Roundworms are large worms that are easily seen…