Even the doctors animals can have problems

One of our clinic cats has been a little off when he walks around the clinic. Many mild lameness are simple sprains/strains that will clear in a few days. Hootie. our black cat at the clinic, is a month shy of being 14 years old. So a little ache and pain might be expected. BUT, when he continued to limp we did an orthopedic evaluation on Wednesday and found him to be sore at his right elbow. Because he was sore and just a bit of swelling in his proximal forearm I took a digital radiograph. We could hardly believe what we saw. About 2 cm of his proximal radius was eaten away.

Diagnosis - Cancer

We took chest films to evaluate for metastisis (spread of the cancer). Good news there - no signs of spreading. Blood work showed everything else to be in order.

Treatment - Amputation of the limb with tissue to the pathologist to confirm the type of cancer so we can plan his chemotherapy.

We are awaiting the results and will try and keep everyone posted on his recovery. Hootie is doing well and his pain medication is keeping him comfortable.

Will post a video on Monday of his slight limp along with the digital image of his leg.

WKYT Channel 27 noon Day

I will be joining Barbara Baily and Bill Bryant for our monthly getting together. Today we will be talking about the risk of heat stroke and protecting our pets from the summer heat. Be sure to tune in and watch. We will be on between 12:30 and 1:00pm

Hot Weather Safety

Just a reminder for everyone. As you travel with your pets on the holiday - or any day - be sure to be aware of the risks of heat stroke if you leave your dog or cat in the car. A closed car's temperature can rise to well over 140 degrees very quickly. These temperatures can generate a heat stroke collapse and potential death.

When traveling with your dog a harness that permits you to buckle your canine friend into the seat belt of the car not only protects you from distraction while driving but also will let you keep the windows down if you stop and need to get out of the car and leave the pet in the car. Also look for a shady spot to park as opposed to being in the direct sun.

Water should also be made available while traveling. Water is important in the cooling process of transpiration. Remember our canine friends do not sweat, they pant. Panting helps cool the body and a lot of moisture is lost in the panting process and must be replaced.

Have a great holiday - and travel safely!

AKC popular dogs

Check out this site on the American Kennel Club. It gives you the listing of registered breeds in order of popularity. Where does your dog fall on the list?

http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm