New imported distemper strain in dogs • In early October of 2018, a 12-week old “Sheltie” arrived from Korea. Approximately 12 days later, the dog began showing a cough and lethargy with blood work indicating “anemia.” About 10 days...

ONE OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS TO VETERINARIANS • One of the most common questions veterinarians hear each week is, “When should I spay or neuter my dog or cat?” With so much conflicting advice from friends, breeders, and the Internet, it...

Rabbit Neutering Neutering is also referred to as orchidectomy or castration. It is a surgical procedure in which the testes (and associated tissues) are removed in order to sterilize, or render infertile, a male animal. There are many behavioral...

WHY CATS KNEAD The kneading behavior begins early in life, while kittens are nursing. As kittens knead their mother’s mammary glands, oxytocin is released, causing milk to flow. Animal experts believe other reasons cats knead might...

Bird care • Cage o The cage must be big enough for your bird to stretch his/her wings (parrot-type birds) and fly (finch-type birds) o The cage must be made from nontoxic (nonpoisonous) material (e.g., Zinc, even powder-coated can...

Upstate Veterinary Specialties take on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy • Recent evidence has led the US FDA to announce that diets including legumes, lentils, peas and potatoes as main ingredients may be linked to the development of dilated...

Vaccination is one of the easiest and most important ways to protect your dog’s health. Yet in this age of “overvaccination” scares and “Dr. Google,” some pet owners are hesitant to vaccinate their dogs—even when it’s in their best...

POCKET PETS The most popular pocket pets are guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters. Hedgehogs, chinchillas, and sugar gliders are also popular, though they require more specialized care and are illegal to own in some states, so check with...

Bird care • Cage o The cage must be big enough for your bird to stretch his/her wings (parrot-type birds) and fly (finch-type birds) o The cage must be made from nontoxic (nonpoisonous) material (e.g., Zinc, even powder-coated can flake) o The...

Did you know pet rabbits should be kept indoors to protect against predators, and that rabbits don’t like to be alone? Find out what other facts and responsibilities you should know to take good care of your pet rabbit. Supplies Needed ...