Common toxin series: Anticoagulant rodenticides

Having started my career as an emergency veterinarian, I still have a soft spot for toxin cases. There are a few household toxins that I saw many times at the ER and still see at Salmon Brook Vet. Over the next few issues, I will highlight some of the most common toxins we see, what they do and how we treat them.

Common plants to keep your furry friends away from

Summertime in New England brings loads of green plants and beautiful blossoms. We wait all year for those plants to come alive again, but not all of them are pet friendly. Summer brings an influx of toxicities to veterinary hospitals. This article will describe some common plants that are toxic to pets and what symptoms you may see if your pet has been exposed.

People aren’t the only ones with asthma

Feline asthma is very similar to asthma in humans. It is described as a chronic, progressive inflammatory respiratory condition that causes narrowing of the airways leading to coughing and wheezing. According to a study by Cornell University, about 1–5 percent of felines have feline asthma. This translates to approximately 800,000 cats in the U.S.

Exotic Pet Series Pt. 2: Rabbits and guinea pigs

Small mammals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters and other rodents, can make a wonderful addition to the family. Approximately 8.1 percent of households in 2024 owned some type of small mammal. Much like reptiles, we don’t always see them at the vet for routine visits, but it is still important for them to have veterinary care.

Exotic Pet Series – Part One

Over the next few months, I will be covering topics related to exotic pet ownership. These articles will include information and data on ownership of reptiles/amphibians, small mammals and birds. Exotics can be fun and rewarding to keep as pets but typically have very specific needs depending on the species.

News in Vet Med

In the 2024 election, Colorado had a ballot question about adding a new position within veterinary medicine (Proposition 129). This would create a veterinary professional associate (VPA) and outline the proposed curriculum for the degree.

Why bees need vets

In the past few years, there has been a lot of news and discussion about saving the bees. We know that honey bees are extremely important for food production around the world and without these pollinators, we would be in a grim situation.