Thank you for your continuous support. There have been few changes in our clinic set-up because I am currently working in a piggery farm with 2500 sow-level. You read it right, from small animal practice to swine production! It is a very tough, challenging and exciting job for me. However, for our loyal clients, you can still ask questions or even set an appointment on weekends. Feel free to reach me at 09328508876 or by email [email protected].

Not so serious? Think again. Owners become depressed and stressed because of this upper respiratory tract disease complications. It is a syndrome caused by several pathogens that can be transmitted easily from one cat to another. Most cats become less playful, reluctant to eat and drink, have nasal and ocular discharges, difficult to breathe and even have ulcers on skin. Kittens are most susceptible to this condition and can even cause death to immune-suppressed ones.

Luckily,it is not a zoonotic concern so their human friends should not be alarmed. After identification of the bacteria and virus through swab samples, your vet will treat the underlying causative agent as well as its symptoms. These include eye drops, mucolytics, antibiotics, IV fluids and immune boosters.  Encouragement to eat should be given to affected cats by their respective owners.

As prevention, vaccines are available as well as maintenance of good sanitation and clean environment should be observed.

Why would an animal requires a leg amputation? This maybe due to severe fracture that can't be restored by healing or surgery as well as loss of blood supply to its extremities resulting to necrosis, infection and more damage.

Our recent case involved a one-month old pup that has traumatized right hind leg. The puppy had fever and the affected thigh area was swollen. The foot was also bluish and unresponsive to stimulus. After few days, there was drainage on the thigh with pus, water and blood. Because of licking, the drainage hole got bigger until the bone was exposed. Although the leg is almost on normal size, the wound is big and the color/odor of the area is abnormal. The dog is still on supportive treatment like antibiotics, vitamins and proper wound dressing is being implemented until ready for surgery.

Even dogs have belly button. However, some breeds are predisposed to have bigger and more prominent one like on Shih Tzus. This condition is believed to be inherent so parents are not recommended to breed to stop this. It is generally normal and can even close at an early age. It will also not cause any alarm if the size is small or negligible. The problem will arise if the opening becomes large and cause intestinal strangulation. If the intestine become twisted or trapped in this opening, the blood supply will be cut off and may cause necrosis. It is considered an emergency situation and surgery should be performed. For more helpful diagnosis, sonogram and radiographs can be done.

I must say that this procedure is controversial. Most animal welfare activists and even countries are already opposed this. They even have some laws that prohibit this kind of surgery. However, some dog shows prefer the standard breed looks and push breeders to do them. I personally turn down ear cropping as I believe that it would not promote the animal's good health and is purely for cosmetic reasons. In the end, it would be the decisions of the attending veterinarian and owner that would decide the fate of the pet.

Why do owners prefer to tail dock certain breeds of dogs? This is because of breed standard and aesthetics. There are specific tail lengths for specific breeds. Moreover, this procedure is also recommended to promote hygiene and prevent self-mutilation. Veterinarians primarily consider the age of the puppy and overall health condition before doing it. The ideal age is 2-5 days without the use of anesthesia. It would take less than an hour to finish and with minimal risk. The suture used should be removed after 5-7 days. Just be cautious about the mother's grooming habits when the puppy is placed back to her.