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  • A pet with vomiting may suffer from an isolated incident, or it could be a sign of more severe problems. If the cause for vomiting is not obvious from history and examination, screening tests may be done to eliminate possible causes and determine a treatment plan. Results can also provide a prognosis for recovery and long-term outlook.

  • Weakness can be caused by many different problems and can involve a variety of body systems. Finding the cause of your pet’s weakness starts with a complete history and physical examination. The most commonly recommended screening tests for weakness include complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and in a dog, total thyroxine. Additional tests may be recommended based on the results of these screening tests. 

  • Weight loss can be due to simple problems of feeding and nutrition, or it can be due to a variety of medical conditions that result in poor digestion, decreased absorption of nutrients, or loss of nutrients from the body. This handout outlines the procedures used to investigate the causes.

  • Tetanus is a medical condition caused by a toxin. This toxin, produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, affects the nerves, spinal cord and brain, leading to hyperexcitability resulting in muscle spasms. Dogs are less susceptible to the effects of tetanus toxin than humans and horses. Tetanus is typically diagnosed based on exam findings. Dogs with tetanus require intensive nursing care. Most dogs develop localized, self-limiting disease, which will respond to appropriate early treatment.

  • Tetracaine ophthalmic is a topical anesthetic (numbing agent) used in the eyes before diagnostic procedures and as an adjunctive anesthetic for eye surgeries in cats, dogs, and other animals. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine.

  • Tetracycline (brand names: Achromycin®, Medicycline®, Sumycin®, Tetracyn®) is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections and inflammatory skin conditions in dogs (such as lupus) and off label in cats, dogs, small mammals, horses, or birds to treat bacterial infections.

  • If a dog ingests a potentially poisonous amount of CBD or THC, treatment may involve induction of vomiting followed by administration of activated charcoal, if the pet is not showing signs. Pets with moderate gastrointestinal signs of CBD poisoning are treated with anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications; hospitalization is not usually required.

  • Getting a purebred dog comes with some pros and cons. You know what you are getting but also run a higher risk for genetically tied health problems. Do some research before selecting a new pup, purebred or otherwise.

  • Walking your dog is a simple task that has a positive impact on many aspects of overall health. Both human and canine obesity are a problem. Walking your dog is a great start to fulfilling the recommendations for you and your family by the World Health Organization, and leads to a healthy, happier dog

  • This handout summarizes the differences between brand name and generic medications. Included is an explanation as to why both forms of medications exist, as well as things to watch out for when opting to use or request a generic medication. Cost savings for generic medications are also discussed.