Quinn and Nellie - Photo Credit: Susannah Kay

This week, I’m asking you to put your veterinary knowledge to the test. I hope you have fun participating and will learn something in the process. As always, my goal is to help you become a savvy medical advocate for those animals you love so dearly.

So, here’s how it works. Take a look at the following questions and choose the response you believe makes the most sense. I invite you to post your responses publicly from which I will choose two “winners” who will receive a signed copy of Speaking for Spot or Your Dog’s Best Health. I will provide the answers to all of the questions within my next blog post. Enjoy!

A. The best way to diagnose bladder stones is:

1. An x-ray (radiograph) of the abdomen
2. An ultrasound examination of the abdomen
3. Palpation of the abdomen in order to feel the stones within the bladder
4. Via surgery

B. Once a dog or cat is an adult, core vaccinations (the vaccines every dog or cat should receive) should be given:

1. Once a year
2. Once every two years
3. Once every three years
4. Never again once the adult has been vaccinated

C. Tapeworms can cause:

1. Increased appetite
2. Weight loss
3. Itchiness around the anus
4. All of the above

D. Food allergies can cause:

1. Itchy skin
2. Diarrhea
3. Ear infections
4. All of the above

E. Hip dysplasia is:

1. Something a dog is born with
2. Something a dog develops over time
3. The same thing as arthritis in the hips
4. Always a preventable disease

F. Kennel cough is:

1. Caused by bacteria
2. Caused by viruses
3. Is the common name for infectious tracheobronchitis
4. All of the above

G. A veterinary specialist is:

1. An individual who has a special interest in a particular area of veterinary medicine
2. An individual who has completed advanced training in a particular area of veterinary medicine
3. An individual who has completed advanced training and has become certified in a particular area of veterinary medicine
4. An individual with a special personality

Now, don’t forget to post your responses.

Best wishes,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
Author of Your Dog’s Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your Vet
Recipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Recipient, Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best Blog
Recipient, Eukanuba Canine Health Award
Recipient, AKC Club Publication Excellence Award
Become a Fan of Speaking for Spot on Facebook

Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health.   There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health are available at www.speakingforspot.com, Amazon.com, local bookstores, and your favorite online book seller.