Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/author/dr-monique-fitzpatrick/)
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.
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.
Ferrets are becoming a more popular pet in the US. They are related to weasels and exude a musky scent like their wild counterparts.
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.
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.
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.
Oct. 13–19 was Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week. Many people do not realize how important technicians are to the veterinary field. We wouldn’t be able to function without them.
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.
According to The American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 37 million U.S. households have cats. Keeping our felines active and engaged is very important for their health and welfare. Many feline behaviorists will divide a cat’s environment into five systems: space, nutritional, elimination, social, and behavioral.
When Dr. Violette approached me about taking over his column at the Drummer, I was honored. I know I have big shoes to fill, and I hope to meet expectations.