As a career journalist who specializes in topics in the veterinary space, I’m compelled to follow and report on the story of the Shively Animal Hospital Shooting on Mother’s Day (May 14, 2023). The hospital is located in Louisville, Kentucky. One staff member, age 21, died. His name is Trent “TJ” Taylor Jr. His mother and younger brother also work at the veterinary hospital and apparently were onsite at the time of the shooting. So far, police aren’t saying much, but here’s what’s out there right now, including a possible claim of self defense.
Current foster dog FOREST (who is a German Shepherd mix dog) ended up in our local shelter after likely being hit by a car in late February 2023. His prognosis looked grim at times, but he came to us in early March and has been staying with us since then. He officially went up for adoption on April 22, but so far no adoption interest. I made a little video to try and help. Don’t miss it. Also, an FAQ below.
At the very end of March 2023, the FDA approved the first generic Cerenia (maropitant citrate pills), which is used to prevent vomiting in dogs (and cats). This is exceptional news because brand-name Cerenia is expensive … at least it was when we tried using it for Tori’s unrelenting carsickness. (Hint: It didn’t work.) Here’s what we know about the new generic Cerenia.
I spent about a day last week worrying and wondering how our eldest dog, Clover, may have ended up testing as suddenly diabetic. Turns out, I made a dog urine sample mistake that threw off the results, a lot. Thankfully, a repeat test — done just hours later via cystocentesis (getting a dog urine sample with a needle) — came back perfect. Whew! What a relief. So, learn from me, pals. Do NOT make this mistake. What you put the urine sample in matters … a lot.
Well, crap friends. There’s some surprising new intel on arthritis supplements for dogs in a recently published veterinary paper that looked at a bunch of prior studies into various types of enhanced diets, nutraceuticals, and arthritis supplements for dogs (and cats).
I emailed the paper to our main DVM. We’ll talk about it more when the dogs get their wellness exams soon. I very well may be changing my strategies for preventing and helping my dogs with joint supplements. (Or not, keep reading to the end.) What works? What doesn’t? What’s *maybe on the horizon as the next big thing in arthritis supplements for dogs? Let’s find out.
Now that French Bulldogs rank number one in popularity in the USA in 2022 (according to AKC stats) a real disaster will get much, much worse. Here’s why (with data) from Nationwide’s Veterinary Analytics team that released chunks of new data and analysis about brachycephalic dogs earlier in 2023. The medical risks due to selective breeding for weirder and weirder faces in these dogs are simply too high, leading to death due to pregnancy (mom and puppies) and rampant, lifelong suffering and death of the puppies who survive birth. It isn’t just breathing problems. Several other health risks in extreme brachycephalic breeds, including French Bulldogs, remain scary high. Lovers of Pugs and English Bulldogs will also find relevant stats and charts.
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