Local Mobile Veterinary Service

04/07/2025

Vet visits can be very stressful for animals. Our staff is trained to respond to subtle cues of anxiety in animals so that we can make visits as low-stress and fear-free as possible. In this case, Rosy was not actually anxious at her visit, but is exhibiting subtle signs we can see in anxious dogs (ears back and yawning).

Dogs can display signs of anxiety that might be easy to overlook. Some common, more subtle symptoms include:
1. Pacing or Restlessness: Dogs may pace around the house or seem unable to settle down.
2. Yawning or Lip Licking: These can be stress signals, even when the dog isn’t tired or hungry.
3. Excessive Grooming: Over-grooming or licking at themselves, especially when it’s not related to cleanliness.
4. Changes in Sleeping Patterns: Anxious dogs might either sleep too much or have difficulty sleeping.
5. Avoidance Behavior: Dogs might hide or seek out quiet, secluded places.
6. Whining or Whimpering: Soft whining or soft whimpering, especially when left alone or in stressful situations.
7. Changes in Appetite: Stress can cause either a decrease or increase in appetite.
8. Panting or Drooling: Even when it’s not hot, panting or excessive drooling can be a sign of anxiety.
9. Tail Tucking or Ears Back: While these are often associated with fear, they can also indicate anxiety.

In this circumstance, Rosy was not actually anxious.

04/06/2025

Hoss and Rosy were relaxing on their couch during their visit. Who can name 2 subtle signs of anxiety demonstrated by Rosy (on the right).

04/05/2025

Dr Lorandeau’s cats, Manny and Greycat, wish you a happy Caturday!

04/04/2025

Carver

04/02/2025

Albert was enjoying the weather at his backyard appointment ☀️

04/01/2025

03/31/2025

If you said a cytology from the ear canal and a mixed bacterial and yeast infection, you would be correct.

Collecting samples from the skin, including the ears, can help us know the best way to treat an infection. There are many types of bacteria and yeast and not all antibiotics/antifungals treat every infection.

On this slide we saw many budding yeast (highlighted in chartreuse) and rod-type bacteria (highlighted in aqua) so we knew a medication was needed for both infectious agents in this case.

03/30/2025

Check out this microscope picture (100x). Anybody know where this sample may be from? Anyone want to try and make a diagnosis?

Answer tomorrow for medical Monday

03/29/2025

Happy Caturday from Moe (and his Churu)

03/27/2025

TBT to last month’s snow storm and Maizy enjoying herself

03/26/2025

Check this guy out! Jack has a rockin’ hairdo

03/24/2025

From the reel yesterday, the answer is: Cerebellar hypoplasia (CH)

This is a neurological condition, usually seen in cats, where the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement, is underdeveloped or smaller than normal. This condition is typically congenital, meaning it is present at birth, and it can occur due to infections, toxins, or genetic factors affecting the kitten during fetal development.

Cause: Often caused by a viral infection, such as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), during the pregnancy or early stages of development.

Symptoms: Cats with CH may exhibit symptoms like uncoordinated movements, tremors, difficulty walking (ataxia), and balance issues. Some may also show a wobbly gait or appear to “fall over” frequently.

Severity: The severity of the condition varies. Some cats may only have mild symptoms, while others may be severely affected and unable to walk properly.

Diagnosis: Typically diagnosed through observation of symptoms and medical history. In some cases, imaging studies like an MRI can help confirm the condition.

Treatment: There is no cure for cerebellar hypoplasia, but affected cats can live relatively normal lives with support. They may require environmental adaptations, such as avoiding high places or providing non-slip surfaces to help with mobility. In some cases, physical therapy may help.

Prognosis: While CH doesn’t usually worsen over time, cats may not improve significantly either. Many can lead happy, fulfilling lives, especially if their condition is mild.

It’s important to remember that cerebellar hypoplasia is not painful and does not affect a cat’s lifespan. Most affected cats adapt to their condition and live normal, active lives.

The cat in the video is approaching her senior years, otherwise healthy, and living her best life 😻

03/22/2025

Happy Caturday from Disco 🕺

Doing his best ANTM ‘smeyesing”

03/21/2025

POV: your housemate is the only one on the schedule, but you’re the main character

03/19/2025

AryaDog likes to pretend she can fly

03/17/2025

Medical Monday: Lily toxicosis in cats

The plant pictured in yesterday’s post is an Easter Lily.

Easter lily toxicosis in cats refers to poisoning caused by the ingestion of any part of the Easter lily (Lilium species), which is highly toxic to cats. All parts of the plant—flowers, leaves, stems, and even the pollen—contain toxins that can cause severe kidney damage, and even death, in cats.

• Toxicity: The exact toxin is not fully identified, but it causes kidney failure when ingested by cats.
• Symptoms: Early signs of poisoning can appear within a few hours of ingestion and include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and dehydration. As kidney failure progresses, symptoms can worsen, leading to increased urination or, eventually, no urination at all, which is a life-threatening emergency.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, the history of exposure to lilies, and blood tests indicating kidney damage.
• Treatment: Immediate veterinary care is crucial. Treatment typically involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids to support kidney function, and monitoring for signs of kidney failure. In severe cases, dialysis or other interventions may be necessary.
• Prognosis: If treated early, cats can recover fully, but if treatment is delayed, kidney damage can be fatal.

It’s important to keep lilies, including Easter lilies, away from cats to prevent accidental poisoning.

03/17/2025

Happy St Patrick’s day from Alison’s dog-models

03/16/2025

Pop quiz: what is this and why should all cat owners be wary of this plant?