Infections

Canine Leptospirosis Vaccination Decisions: Endemic Spread and Risk-Based Choices

Leptospirosis a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects many species, including dogs. The infection can cause mild flu-like symptoms or can turn into a life-threatening disease. Leptospirosis responds well to antibiotics—if treatment starts early. The real problem is recognizing it in time. Early symptoms often look like a mild flu—lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting—so diagnosis is frequently delayed. By then, the bacteria…

by Jana Rade

Pyometra in Dogs: Phoenix’s Lethargy and Loss of Appetite

What if your intact female dog lost appetite and became lethargic shortly after her heat cycle? How does it fit with your dog’s normal? How does it fit in the big picture? What if your dog was a middle-aged intact female who just recently finished her heat cycle? Would that change your point of view on the same set of…

by Jana Rade

A Primer On Skin Fold Infections

Skin-fold infections are prevalent in dogs. The role of breed and body condition score Folds in the skin create a moist environment that favors the growth of bacteria. As a result, they are vulnerable to infections, especially in wrinkly breeds such as: Obese dogs are also at greater risk of pyoderma because of the folds produced by excess fat. In…

by Dr. John A. Bukowski, DVM, and Dr. Susan E. Aiello, DVM

Canine Fecal Transplants: Fecal Transplant Saves A Puppy Dying from Parvo: Felix’s Story

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FTM) treatment is a potentially game-changing addition to traditional supportive treatment for parvo. There is some emerging evidence that this treatment can make a world of difference in the chance of survival for infected puppies. Felix’s story Felix, a sweet Yellow Lab puppy, fell ill shortly after his parents brought him home from a breeder. He was…

by Jana Rade

A Primer on Rabies in Dogs

Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease that people can contract from animals. Rabies in wild animals is most common in bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Because dogs can come in contact with these animals when outdoors, they form a “bridge” between rabid animals in the wild and people. Little can be done once signs of rabies develop. Therefore all…

by Dr. John A. Bukowski, DVM, and Dr. Susan E. Aiello, DVM

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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