Just getting old

“Watching my senior dog struggle in her old age is one of the most difficult things I’ve had to experience in my life thus far, but the thought of ever abandoning her or giving her up makes me physically ill.” These are the thoughts of Brooke, a loving and caring pet owner that is doing what she and her family … Read More

An Amazing Recovery

This past year I have had the pleasure of working with Chip, a German Shorthair Pointer and sporting dog. Although we take care of all the dogs that visit us, it is always a pleasure to work with an athletic dog in top physical condition with a dedicated owner. Mr. Townsend and Chip is that combination and the following is … Read More

All Dogs May Go To Heaven. These Days, Some Go To Hospice.

By MATT RICHTEL Published: November 30, 2013 in the New York Times A growing number of veterinarians are offering hospice care to cats and dogs, giving the pets — and their owners — a less anxious, more comfortable passing. More and more, cats and dogs get the human treatment. There are pet spas, pet therapists, pet clothes. And as it goes … Read More

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Often Leaves Doctors Baffled and Patients Untreated

The Washington Post published a very good article discussing Myofascial pain syndrome.  The article discusses how this often  goes undiagnosed. The Washington Post published a very good article discussing Myofascial pain syndrome.  The article discusses how this is an often undiagnosed syndrome that can be treated once detected.  We see these same syndromes in our pets and have also seen … Read More

Myofascial Pain

What is Myofascial Pain? Myofascia is the connective tissue covering all of the muscles of the body.  Myofascial pain is caused by the body’s response to an injury or excessive strain.  The injury or strain may be at a distant location and the overuse of the affected area is a compensatory mechanism. Just as in our own bodies, an injury … Read More

Deciding When A Pet Has Suffered Enough

I am posting  a New York Times article that speaks about a personal experience with end of life decisions.  Opinion – “Deciding When a Pet Has Suffered Enough” By JESSICA PIERCE Published: September 22, 2012 Lyons, Colo.   ODY died peacefully last year, Nov. 29. He was 14 and a half. Truth be told, Ody didn’t just die. I killed … Read More

“Oh My Aching Back”

We have all experienced that muscle knot that causes us pain.  If only someone would massage that one spot, we know it would get better.  What do our pets do when they experience this discomfort? These muscle knots are called myofacial trigger points.  One of the physical rehabilitation and pain management techniques we employ is called myofacial trigger point dry … Read More

What Is Hospice Care For Pets?

This is a very common question and is becoming a well-recognized area of practice in veterinary medicine.  When a pet is diagnosed with a terminal disease, a different type of care is required. The focus of your pet’s care becomes an issue of quality of life and pain management.  This is best accomplished in the pet’s home where they are … Read More