By: Cynthia Quezada, DVM Once your pet has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA), there are several treatment options available that can help alleviate your pet’s achy joints. Medications Since OA is an inflammatory condition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are the treatment of choice for most patients suffering from OA. Examples of NSAIDs used in veterinary medicine include Rimadyl, Metacam, Deramaxx, Previcox, Onsior, and Galliprant. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend blood work and a urinalysis to make sure that your pet is healthy before NSAIDs are prescribed. Over the counter NSAIDs labeled for use in people are not recommended for pets since most of
Read More

By: Cynthia Quezada, DVM What is Osteoarthritis and What are its Causes? Arthritis or Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects as many as 1 in 5 dogs in the United States. Although it is most common in dogs, OA also affects cats. Degenerative joint disease is defined as the break down of the cartilage within a joint that serves to protect the articular surface of the bones. This in turn creates inflammation, swelling, and pain within the joint. Primary osteoarthritis occurs through normal wear and tear of an otherwise healthy joint. It affects mostly middle-aged and geriatric
Read More

February 2017 Due to the recent heavy rainfall in Los Angeles, and the rest of California, Leptospirosis is on the rise. Leptospirosis (Lepto) is an infection caused by a spirochete bacteria that affects wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. It is shed in the urine of infected animals and can survive for months in soil, standing water, lakes, and streams. Dogs become infected by coming into contact with contaminated water or soil. Infections can cause kidney and/or liver failure, severe muscle pains, and bleeding abnormalities. It is recommended that dogs at risk of exposure to Lepto are vaccinated against the disease.
Read More

By: Cynthia Quezada, DVM Did you know that the American Veterinary Medical Association has found that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease by the age of 3? Not only does periodontal disease cause bad breath, but it can lead to other, more significant health problems. In its advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to oral pain, loose teeth, and damage to the kidneys, heart, and liver. Periodontal disease occurs when plaque and tartar begin to accumulate under the gum line. This creates a biofilm for bacteria to attach and multiply. The inflammation triggered
Read More

By: Cynthia Quezada, DVM The holidays are a time of family, friends, giving, and joy. The holidays can also be a very stressful time especially with our busy schedules. In all the excitement and rush to greet the New Year, we may not think about potential dangers that our pets may be exposed to during this time. To help keep your pets safe during the holiday season, here are the most common toxins to be aware of. Plants: Toxic plants that are commonly around during this time of year include lilies, daffodils, holly berries, mistletoe, and Christmas trees. Lilies are
Read More

By: Cynthia Quezada, DVM Our clinic occasionally receives calls from pet parents inquiring if the rabies vaccine is safe and if their dog or cat truly need to be vaccinated against rabies. Before addressing these questions, let’s review a few facts about rabies and the efforts implemented to help control this disease. The last documented cases of rabies in Los Angeles County of a domestic dog was in 1966, and of a domestic cat in 1987. So why is rabies vaccination required by law for dogs and recommended for cats? Rabies is controlled through the implementation of proper vaccine protocols
Read More

By: Cynthia Quezada, DVM Hot summer days can be grueling not only for us but for our pets as well. Dogs and cats are not able to cool off as efficiently as we can. If it is too hot for us, it is even hotter for our pets. Brachycephalic breeds (i.e., English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih-Tzus, Pekingeses, Boston Terriers, Himalayans, Persians) are the most susceptible to heat stroke. Using common sense and simple precautions can help keep our pets cool and safe during the hot weather. Plan dog walks for early in the morning and late in the evening
Read More