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The Daily Vet is a blog featuring veterinarians from all walks of life. Every week they will tackle entertaining, interesting, and sometimes difficult topics in the world of animal medicine – all in the hopes that their unique insights and personal experiences will help you to understand your pets.

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Vet:

A Case for Colic, Part 1

For all but the most novice horse owners, the word "colic" sends shivers down the spine. This word is like "shark" for divers, or "oops" to a skydiver — well, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the point. Being a horse owner means that at some point during your horse... READ MORE

May 25, 2012 / (4) comments

Can Dieting Make Pets Fat?

A recent study in humans demonstrated that frequent episodes of intentional weight loss can actually make individuals more prone to weight gain. Similar studies have not been conducted in animals. Because metabolic adaptations to calorie restriction appear to be universal from species to species, it... READ MORE

May 24, 2012 / (2) comments

Is Salt Water Poisonous to Dogs?

Last week, we talked about the rare dangers of drinking out of lakes; the risk of blue-green algae poisoning. This week, the dangers of swimming, or actually drinking out of the ocean. READ MORE

May 23, 2012 / (4) comments

Spring in West Hollywood: It's the Most Hypersensitive Time of the Year

Every spring, the purple flowers blooming on West Hollywood’s plethora of Jacaranda trees make for an astounding sight. Their intense hue brightens the "May gray" and "June gloom" overcast weather that often plagues our otherwise sunny skies. Unfortunately, the Jacaranda blooming... READ MORE

May 22, 2012 / (5) comments

Cats and Allergies

It’s that time of year again. Spring-time heading into summer. The fleas are out in full force. Plants are blooming. Pollen is flying. And your cat may be suffering from allergies. READ MORE

May 21, 2012 / (1) comments

Mad Cow Disease

Recently, as I’m sure many of you are aware, the USDA confirmed a case of mad cow disease in a dairy cow in central California. This animal tested positive in a rendering facility, which is a plant where food animals of “lesser quality” are ground for things other than human consumption... READ MORE

May 18, 2012 / (4) comments

Prebiotics and Weight Loss in Pets

Prebiotics are commonly used to promote better general health and aid in the treatment of a host of intestinal problems common in pets. Recent studies in rats and humans suggest that these fiber supplements may also be an effective aid in treating obesity. READ MORE

May 17, 2012 / (2) comments

Blue-Green Algae: Is it Poisonous to Dogs?

Did you know that as summer approaches, visits to the animal emergency room increase? Dangers like trauma (off leash, running around outside and getting hit by a car), poisonings (spring toxins like poisonous plants, fertilizers, etc.) and heat stroke are all more prominent. But there is one danger most... READ MORE

May 16, 2012 / (2) comments

Physiologic Urge or Taste Preference: Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Why does my dog eat grass? I commonly get this question in my clinical practice, for which there are multiple answers. First, it is normal for a dog to eat grass. Second, dogs do so for a variety of reasons, with each possibility needing consideration when intellectually exploring the reasons one’s... READ MORE

May 15, 2012 / (20) comments

Preventing Injuries from Cats

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is celebrated May 20-26 this year. Dog bite prevention is important, of course. But cat bites and other cat-related injuries can also be dangerous and, in many cases, just like dog bites, injuries from cats are preventable. READ MORE