Until a few years ago it was darned near impossible to find much in the way of useful research about communication between veterinarians and their clients. Nowadays, several wonderful studies are surfacing. [More]

I first heard of Dr. Leo K Bustad in association with the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award. Since 1986 this award has been bestowed upon veterinarians whose work exemplifies and promotes the human animal bond. When I first learned of the award I remember thinking, how fabulous to honor this important professional achievement rather than the academic/research accomplishments more commonly recognized within the profession. [More]

When your wonderful dog, who has always done his or her “business” outside, begins leaving puddles in the house, please do not default to the notion that this is a behavioral issue. It is highly unlikely your dog is mad at you for sleeping in on Sunday mornings or jealous because you showed some affection to your neighbor’s dog. Chances are, the inappropriate urination is a result of an underlying medical issue. [More]

Just as human docs are seeing more patients with diabetes, so too are veterinarians. A first-of-its-kind study conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital (a corporation with more than 770 veterinary hospitals) documents rises in the incidence of diabetes, dental disease, flea infestations, ear infections, and intestinal parasites. [More]

The news would have us believe that the recession is over and unemployment is declining, but I’ve got to tell you, I’ve not yet seen even a glimmer of this in my professional life. The majority of my clients remain hard pressed to pay for the diagnostic testing and care that would be ideal for their sick pets in spite of the fact that we lowered many of the fees at my hospital approximately one year ago. [More]