Fannie (in foreground) and Easy My dear friend Juli is a seasoned veterinary technician. So when her own 16-year-old Cattle Dog named Easy developed bleeding into his belly because of a cancerous growth, Juli had a clear sense about the prognosis. Surgical removal of the tumor would likely ... [More]

When my clients make decisions on behalf of their senior dogs and cats, they routinely factor in their pet’s age. I often hear statements such as, “I would pursue a diagnosis if only she weren’t so old.” and “I would treat him if only he were younger.” When my clients voice such “senior objections” I gently encourage them to consider the situation a bit more objectively by considering their pet’s functional age rather than their chronological age. [More]

As veterinarians we have access to so many incredible diagnostic tests. They help us uncover medical issues in our patients that, in the past, we could only guess about. How can you know whether or not to say, “Yes” to your vet when she or he recommends a diagnostic test, whether advanced or more basic? Here are my suggestions:
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