Pain is a Pain

Recently when suffering a barometric pressure-change headache I was thinking about pain in our companion animals. We can’t ask them where and how it hurts, if the pain is worse with certain activities or at certain times of day. As veterinarians we have to play detective, and try to figure things out [...]

Distemper outbreak in Toronto wildlife

Recently there has been media attention to an issue that has been building over the past two years. Urban wildlife, including raccoons and skunks, are becoming sick and dying from a virus that also causes disease in companion animals such as dogs and ferrets. Distemper virus is still very present in our [...]

Does she need to be vaccinated this year? Blood Titre test can help decision-making.

Recent studies have shown that most core vaccinations last longer than one year. One study found adequate serum antibody titres to last for at least 6 years for feline panleukopenia virus, 4 years for feline calcivirus, and 3 years for feline herpesvirus. Many veterinarians are now adjusting their vaccination protocols and determining [...]

Year of the Tiger

I want to dedicate this article to the memory of Clara, who left our world peacefully on Sunday Feb. 14th, surrounded by friends and companions. She was a real little tiger for all her 21 years, and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

We have entered the Year of [...]

The Magic Curing Pill

Are you looking for an easy quick solution to your pet’s health issues? Is your pet vomiting or having diarrhea? Does she have a dull, dry, itchy coat? Arthritis? Bad breath, dental disease, ear infections, flatulance, or runny eyes? Do you want a cheap, easy to give pill that would solve [...]

Arthritis therapy: Integrative approach

Many patients I see suffer from joint pain, loss of mobility, stiffness, and decreased quality of life due to degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis. A multimodal approach is required for this very challenging condition. Usually an increase in mobility, a decrease in pain and a much better quality of life results. Key modalities are diet, acupuncture, cold-laser therapy, herbal supplements, nutraceuticals, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and non-sedating narcotics. Physical therapy is helpful for improving mobility and building back muscle strength lost due to inactivity. For the very difficult cases, nerve-pain drugs such as Amantadine and Gabapentin are added. Surgery is needed when there is significant joint instability, bone chips in the joint space or for hip replacement. [...]

Stem-cell therapy: successful procedure in the news

Read the article on Chip’s recovery from crippling arthritis in The Toronto Star, July 18, 2009 (you’ll need to scroll the frame below the photo):

FRED THORNHILL FOR THE TORONTO STAR

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Her philosophy is refreshing

Rona has on more than on occasion impressed us with the level of care she has provided for our pets. She has made herself available at times when I wouldn’t expect a response from any other vet. Her philosophy is refreshing I appreciate the way that she always personalizes her advice to [...]

Another Pet Food Recall

Yet Another Pet Food Recall [...]

What is Laser Acupuncture?

Laser Acupuncture uses an infrared “cold” laser beam to stimulate the acupuncture points instead of inserting needles into them. A feeling of warmth or tingling may temporarily occur. Laser Acupuncture is particularly indicated in sensitive, bony areas of the body such as the feet, or in areas that are dangerous to insert [...]