NSVH Blog
Category: Insider Scoop
Who’s Gonna Bite?' | November 2, 2016
In the veterinary industry, we frequently talk about how our perception of which dog breeds display aggressive behaviors differs significantly from the general public’s perception. Consider the recent attempt to ban pit bulls in Montreal: this legislation was met with much public outcry and has recently been suspended, pending further review. Most of us who […]
Full PostInternet Pet Meds Come with Hidden Costs' | October 5, 2016
Most of us are cost-conscious. Most of us like to price shop, to ensure we are getting the best deal on a purchase. Most of us use the internet to compare prices for everything from televisions to shoes to diapers. When it comes to pet medications, however, the cheapest drugs found online may be counterfeit, […]
Full PostEasy Rider' | October 3, 2016
I’ve previously written about ways to make your kitty’s trip to the veterinarian less stressful for everyone. Our feline friends sometimes do not receive the medical care they need and deserve, because it may be unpleasant for owners to try and wrangle Fluffy into her cat carrier. There are many strategies that can be implemented to […]
Full PostA Shameful Circus' | August 19, 2016
I recently got on my soapbox about SeaWorld and the scientific reports that whales held in captivity suffer both physically and psychologically. Now I will get on my soapbox again, to say the same for animals forced to perform in circuses across the globe. Responding to widespread public outcry, Ringling Brothers has decided to retire all of […]
Full PostPups on Public Transit?' | August 17, 2016
Some subway passengers in New York have gone to great lengths to obey the transit law, which states “No person may bring any animal on or into any conveyance or facility unless enclosed in a container.” It’s impressive that anyone could train a Husky to ride in a tote bag on the subway. I’m not […]
Full PostA Blackfish is Not a Happy Fish' | July 27, 2016
Many of you remember the documentary Blackfish, about the horrendous conditions endured by captive Orca and other sea mammals at Sea World. The movie has spurred a much needed backlash against Sea World, and against keeping these large whales in captivity while asking them to perform as entertainers. A recent article in Psychology Today confirms […]
Full PostPets Are the Best Medicine' | July 22, 2016
I can only imagine how much hospitalized kiddos must miss their fluffy friends. Many studies have shown the health benefits of owning pets (pets are known to lower blood pressure, reduce the incidence of allergies and asthma and increase longevity). It makes good sense that some children’s hospitals are now allowing pets to visit their […]
Full PostPlus Size Pets' | July 20, 2016
Is your Fido pleasantly plump? Is there even more of Fluffy to love? Your chubby pets are in good company: the majority of American pets today are considered overweight or obese. Even major athletic apparel companies are recognizing the trend: It may seem impossible, but Fluffy and Fido can lose weight! We can create […]
Full PostKitty Can Love the Vet!' | July 15, 2016
I saw this photo on Facebook recently: Hysterical right? It’s funny because it’s true. I wish I could help Diane (and her kitty) learn that there’s a better way to take a cat to the vet. I may not be able to help Diane, but I can help you: http://newtownsquarevet.com/bring-your-cat-to-the-vet-in-3-easy-steps/
Full PostIs Science On the Outs?' | July 7, 2016
There’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and probably something that has occurred to every physician, veterinarian, researcher, pharmacist and scientist at some point recently. When, why and how did it happen that the general public (particularly the educated general public) become distrustful of science? How did it happen that a random dog […]
Full PostBut the Humane Society is Cheaper' | March 4, 2016
A client said to me today: “My brother had his dog spayed at the Humane Society and it was only $100. Why is your clinic so much more expensive? Cost is an issue for us and if all things are equal, we would rather have our dog spayed there, too.” Sigh. All things aren’t equal […]
Full PostThe “Eyes” Have It' | October 17, 2013
My name is Dr. D and yesterday, I removed a cat’s eyeball. Gruesome to think about, I know. Fortunately, enucleations (eye removal surgeries) are rare, but we do perform them on occasion. Why on earth would we ever remove an animal’s eye? There is a short list of reasons, but all are compelling since they result […]
Full PostYour Dog Didn’t Kiss a Toad!' | October 9, 2013
What’s that weird, pink, warty-looking growth on Fido’s lip? Don’t worry, Fido isn’t disfigured for life. We commonly see young dogs (typically under 2 years of age) whose owners have noticed a warty growth on the lips, nose or muzzle. These warts don’t bother Fido, they don’t seem to grow or change rapidly and they […]
Full PostTo Board, or Not to Board?' | May 1, 2013
At my first job out of veterinary school, our hospital had a large boarding kennel where upwards of 100 dogs could stay with us at any given moment. The associate veterinarians at the practice were responsible for addressing any medical concerns about the boarders that were brought to us by the kennel staff. Stress colitis, […]
Full PostFleas, and Ticks, and Worms, Oh My!' | April 24, 2013
At Newtown Square Veterinary Hospital, most of our clients are religiously compliant with administering heartworm and flea/tick preventatives to Fido year-round. We are big advocates for preventative care, and parasite prevention plays a large role in keeping Fido healthy.Occasionally, I hear from clients that they only use parasite preventatives seasonally, in the warmer months. There […]
Full PostLike a Rolling Stone' | April 14, 2013
Oh boy, did I get to perform a fun surgery this week! My favorite surgery to perform is a cystotomy, where an incision is made into the bladder to remove uroliths (bladder stones). While kidney stones are common in humans, they are uncommon in cats and dogs. Bladder stones, however, are a frequent finding in […]
Full PostAKC: Always Kept Confined?' | February 10, 2013
WIth the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show scheduled for this week (February 10th and 11th), an article in The New York Timesraises some significant concerns about the living, breeding and health conditions for many purebred American Kennel Club (AKC)-registered dogs.Unfortunately, as with many, many dog breeders across the nation, even those who register their […]
Full PostGimme Shelter' | June 19, 2012
My favorite appointments to see, of course, are those with new puppies and kittens. These can be long appointments, with much to discuss, but they are an opportunity to educate new pet owners, forge a bond with clients, and smell some seriously wonderful puppy breath! Sadly, sometimes these appointments contain an awkward moment, when the […]
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