Many of us have ways to cope with stressful events- wearing the outfit that gives you the confidence to speak in public, your lucky sneakers to get you through to the finish line, that playlist  that lets you forget the tough day at work, or the comforts of being in the arms (or paws) of a loved one. Animals in shelters and in hospitals , when the are sick or injured, can experience not only  physical stress but a tremendous amount of emotional stress. It is so important for those of us who care for them to remember to not only address their medical needs, but to also think about their emotional ones. We've all heard about the effects of emotional status on healing and wellness, and something as simple (and inexpensive!)  as a paper grocery bag or a cardboard box can make a huge difference to the recovery of our patients. Take a look at this article, referencing to a recent study on cats and  boxes!

No one likes criticism. However, as a doctor, I feel that I am required to deliver the services that my clients pay for even when it means being frank about a pet's weight.. Overweight pets, in spite of being a common issue, is not a trivial problem. A study done on littermates  shows that overweight dogs have a shorter life span. There's no doubt in my mind, that this shorter life is also plagued by chronic pain. There's no sugar coating it- diet, exercise and owner awareness is the prescription for keeping pets fit and trim.  The clinic's veterinary team can help target an ideal weight and develop a plan for pets and their owners for a  healthier, longer life together.  

This article points out the physiological condition of fat cells as building blocks . 

Click on this rolly pup to see a most hilarious little animation film featuring the only fat animals you should laugh at. 


" Fat" 
Direction // Gary Fouchy - Yohann Auroux Bernard - Sebastien De Oliveira Bispo 

When visiting a cat musem in Amsterdam this spring, the Kittenkabinet,  I took a picture of a statue by the artist Edouard Marcel Sandoz and decided to use this photo on my new business cards.  I didn't realize at the time how significant this artist was to me. Born in Switzerland like I was, he made his way to another country, France in his case, where he established himself as a prominent artist. He had a profound respect and understanding of animals and their form and I love both his realistic work as well as his Art Nouveau pieces.

His website has a great slideshow of his art where I discovered a nostalgic surprise: In Lausanne,  the town where  I grew up, the lakeside quarter known as Ouchy is home to one of my favorite statues.  Three donkeys drinking out of a  fountain. I migrated towards this as a kid (it was a guaranteed contact with equids!) and spent lots time petting them pretending they were alive.  Edouard was the artist! Turns out  his Foundation is in a town adjacent. Looks like I need a visit back home soon. Meanwhile, an aerial view my birthplace will have to suffice: 

What are you feeding your pet? No, what are you REALLY feeding your pet? There are lots of marketing words pet foods use to entice you to purchase their products. What do they mean? The nuance of labeling is tricky, so here's your first lesson in how to read pet food labels. (Click on kitty, I think he was too lazy to catch a real mouse: )

I finally joined the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and will start the road to becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner.  Ever since vet school, when I had the luck to have Drs Alicia Karas and Lois Wetmore as professors, mentors and inspiration, I have been a die hard advocate for pain control in animals.  I've come a long way but pain management is a journey, not a goal. There are always discoveries, new things to learn and new therapies to try.  It has been 13 years since my grades depended on my patients being pain free- the motivation however, is the same: my patients and their chances for better clinical outcome and  longer quality of life.  To treat pain, you must identify pain. Dear owners: Here's your guide..
 

I'm really excited about this product : Tailio. It claims to help you keep track of your cat's (or cats') visit to the litterbox. Male cats are especially prone to urinary blockage, where cellular debris from the bladder can clog the urethra and prevent urination. This is an EMERGENCY situation, as the inability to urinate is not only extremely painful, but also allows toxins to build up in the body. With our busy lives, it's nice to see that there are start ups out there to help us keep an eye on our pets. Because, we all know, pets aren't going to text us when they need help........or maybe they will. 

A canine influenza strain, new to the US and previously seen in Asia, has blown into the windy city. THe H3N2 strain is different than the strain in the available vaccine which is the H3N8 strain. 
If you are planning on visiting Chicago with your dog- read up on this disease so you can maximize safety for your canine friend. 


https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/CanineInfluenza.aspx?utm_source=alerts-animal-health&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=gen

Life is beautiful, but death will always be the last chapter. The holiday season is a time where the joy of spending time with our loved ones can also make more poignant the grief of those we've lost. As pet "owners",  our emotions are deeply embedded in those furry creatures we love. Their passing requires us to face this very real sensation, which can be shattering. How We Grieve is as true for the loss of our animals as it is for the people we love. Tom Ashbrook explores grief and the wisdom that comes with having to deal with it.