Cancer rates in pets are similar to those in humans, with one in four dogs developing the condition during their lifetime. The rate increases to 50% in pets older than 10 years, and cancer is the leading cause of death in pets overall. The good news is that research into new and innovative treatments that [...]
If you’ve noticed your cat spending more time in their litter box, having accidents around the house, or acting strangely, you’re not alone. Cats are predisposed to urinary disease, a condition so common that it’s the presenting complaint for up to 8% of veterinary visits. Cats are complicated creatures, and so are their diseases—feline lower [...]
If your pet is scheduled for an anesthetic procedure, you may have some concerns about the process. While most pets experience no problems during anesthesia, we understand that you probably want to know more about how we prioritize your pet’s safety. Our Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center team wants to help by answering [...]
Brachycephalic pets, including French and English bulldogs, pugs, shih tzus, boxers, Pekingese, Boston terriers, and Persian and Himalayan cats, have taken the world by storm. Known for their short—nearly nonexistent—muzzle, big eyes, and endearing snorts, these flat-faced dogs and cats are a common sight from the dog park to the big screen. Sadly, the iconic [...]
Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that veterinarians use to view your pet’s internal body structures. Ultrasound probes, or transducers, contain special ceramic crystal materials (i.e., piezoelectrics) that produce sound waves that travel through your pet’s body when the probe is placed on your pet’s skin. When these sound waves encounter boundaries between tissues in [...]
Any ear infection can be irritating, unpleasant, and downright painful for your pet, but a chronic infection can cause significant problems that can be difficult to manage. Pets with chronic ear infections routinely visit their primary care veterinarian for their latest flare-up, but some chronic ear infections require urgent treatment for the pet to get [...]
Blood tests are one of the most important diagnostic tools your veterinarian uses to monitor your pet’s health. Collecting blood is quick, minimally invasive, and provides information about several body systems. Our Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency in-house laboratory provides results quickly, so our veterinarians can begin directing your pet’s treatment plan right away. [...]
Thyroid Disease in Dogs and Cats Thyroid disease is a common endocrine (i.e., hormonal) abnormality that affects dogs and cats, although they suffer from different thyroid conditions. Dogs typically are affected by hypothyroidism (i.e., underactive thyroid), whereas cats usually suffer from hyperthyroidism (i.e., overactive thyroid). Our team at Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency [...]
You are taking your new puppy to visit your friend, and realize that you have forgotten to bring their “puppy peanut butter” to stuff their Kong. However, you figure your friend’s peanut butter will do in a pinch, and ask for a dollop. As you scoop out a spoonful, your friend starts telling you about [...]
As winter weather starts to settle in, dog owners need to start thinking about how to keep their four-legged friends comfortable and safe on daily walks. It can be easy to dismiss the cold because your dog has fur, but the truth is that there does come a time when it’s unsafe to take your [...]
