Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog
The Power of Prevention: Orthopedic Injuries in Pets
Human and animal athletes have more in common than you might think, including a wide variety of orthopedic injuries and problems. In both human and veterinary medicine, we are learning more and more about preventing this kind of trouble. We also have several new and effective options for treating orthopedic injuries in pets.
The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is your expert resource for keeping your active pets in tip top shape.
Pounds of Prevention
Bones and joints are the framework that carry the body. It only makes sense that adding additional weight, and therefore burden, to that framework might predispose the body to orthopedic problems.
In fact, helping your pet to maintain an ideal weight is one of the most powerful things you can do to prevent an orthopedic injury. Weight management is crucial to your pet’s overall health, whether he or she is a couch potato or agility champion.
An Owner’s Guide to Lymphoma in Pets
Cancer comes in all shapes and forms in pets and people alike. While we use the term to describe any condition that results in an unchecked growth of cells within the body, different types of cancer can behave very differently.
Lymphoma in pets is a common diagnosis here in our oncology department, and a condition that we want all pet owners to know about.
Lymphoma Basics
One of the most common forms of cancer seen in both dogs and cats, lymphoma results from a cancerous mutation in one of the cells in the bloodstream, the lymphocyte. Lymphoma can begin in several areas of the body responsible for lymphocyte production, including the:
Options for Helping Pets with Hyperthyroidism
The endocrine system is a group of glandular organs that secrete hormones, and is responsible for regulating bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, tissue function, and reproduction. It is composed of important players, including the adrenal glands, the thyroid gland, and the ovaries or testes. The endocrine system is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus of the brain, and Its health is essential for the proper functioning of the body.
One of the most common dysfunctions of this system we see in pets involves the thyroid gland.
Learn about how this affects our animal patients and what we can do to treat hyperthyroidism in pets.
Staying Sharp: Cognitive Care for Senior Pets
Thanks to better care and nutrition, our pets are living longer than ever before. Senior pets can be a great addition to any household, but with age comes a few new challenges.
We are learning more about caring for older animals as the pet population ages. We understand that, much like in older people, pets can suffer from mental changes, in addition to physical ones, as they enter their geriatric years.
Cognitive care for senior pets is an important part of animal care that can greatly impact quality of life.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Senility is a real issue that we see in our animal friends. The veterinary term used to describe this is cognitive dysfunction, or CD. Many liken this condition to Alzheimer’s disease, which occurs in some people as they age. In fact, there are studies that show that brain changes in older pets exhibiting signs of cognitive dysfunction are quite similar to those seen in people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
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Meeting the Needs of a Disabled Pet
Adopting a pet is big commitment, one that typically lasts over a decade and involves numerous supportive elements for long-term wellness. Adopted or rescued pets love unconditionally (as all pets do), and a critical component of pet ownership is accepting pets as they are. But, what happens when a pet is – or becomes – disabled?
Certainly, the various needs of a disabled pet might be challenging at first, but the benefits are far-reaching, all-consuming, and deeply felt.
Together Forever
Whether your pet came to you with disabilities, or you are learning how to adjust to a disability, there is hope. Modern technological advances make it easier to care for a disabled pet than ever before. While many disabilities affect quality and length of life, many others allow us to provide the care they need for health and wellness, and promote a normal life expectancy.
Delicious Pumpkin Pet Treats and More
Fall has arrived, and with it comes the inevitable smorgasbord of pumpkin flavored products. Pumpkin coffee, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pasta, and pumpkin beer are widely available. There are even pumpkin spice hair and nail colors to choose from at your local salon.
The pumpkin trend appears to be firmly rooted in our culture for the time being, so why not let pets in on the fun? Pumpkin pet treats are easy to make, and can bring happiness (and nutrition) to your pet’s day.
Pumpkin Pet Treats
Fall’s favorite squash is not only versatile; it’s packed with nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and beta-carotene. Pumpkins are also low-calorie, high-fiber, and fairly inexpensive this time of year. Continue…
On Pins and Needles: Acupuncture for Pets with Cancer
When a pet is diagnosed with cancer, their human family members are often on a mission to find answers. Thankfully, we have more options than ever before when it comes to treating animal neoplasia. Some treatments are more traditional – such as chemotherapy and radiation, while others fall into the alternative or complementary category. Learn how Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is making life better for our patients by utilizing acupuncture for pets with cancer.
Not Just Needles
While some people may turn a skeptical eye towards treatments like acupuncture, alternative non-traditional treatments are gaining popularity. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and is a mainstay of Eastern medicine. Continue…
It’s That Time Again: Our 2016 TEAR Cancer Fundraiser
At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, helping pets in need is our passion; which is why October is such an exciting month for us! After much planning and many preparations, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of our annual TEAR Cancer Evening & Auction fundraising event, October 21, 2016 at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham.
Our TEAR fundraiser will include a scrumptious buffet dinner, a live and silent auction, and a variety of raffles, including the Lucky Charms raffle and the Bugaboo Whitt Memorial raffle. Tickets are priced at $100 each, or you may purchase a table of 10, along with a champagne toast and introduction, for $950. Continue…
Trouble Brewing: Hops Toxicity in Dogs
You probably know that sharing your brew with Fido isn’t smart or safe, but few people realize that the hops used to make beer are also toxic to pets. With the increase in people brewing their own beers, more people now have hops in their homes or gardens. If you are among those who have taken up home brewing, keep reading so that you can know all you need to about hops toxicity in dogs.
The Problem with Hops
Hops, better known to you scientific types as Humulus lupulus, are a type of plant used in brewing beer. It isn’t known exactly what the toxic component in the plant is, but we do know that hops toxicity in dogs (and actually cats as well) is a very real and dangerous thing. Continue…
Combating Pain in Pets: It’s What We Do
Our pets are arguably one of the best parts of life. We naturally want to do what is best for them. They deserve it, after all.
We are better than ever at recognizing when pets are hurting and have more options for managing pain in pets now that we have a better understanding of how our pets experience pain. Learn how Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is working everyday to keep your special furry friends as comfortable as possible.
Understanding the Physiology of Pain
Our pet patients experience pain for many reasons. It may be related to an injury, a surgery, an orthopedic problem, or even a disease process such as pancreatitis or cancer. Continue…
