By Brittany Schlesener, DACVO / April 1, 2026 Introduction If your pet has ever been sent home with an Elizabethan collar (E-collar), also known as the “cone of shame,” you know it’s not always their favorite accessory. But when it comes to eye problems, an E-collar isn’t optional—it’s often one of the most important parts…
Osteosarcoma in dogs is an aggressive bone cancer that develops from cells responsible for normal bone growth and repair. It most commonly affects the limbs and is diagnosed more frequently in large and giant breed dogs, though it can occur in any breed or size. This cancer is known for causing significant pain and for…
Some diagnoses arrive suddenly, while others take shape slowly, over weeks or months of small, easy-to-dismiss changes. Cat lymphoma often falls into the second category. A cat may eat a little less, lose weight gradually, or seem “off” without appearing truly ill. Lymphoma is not a single disease but a group of cancers that affect…
A wide range of abnormal growths can develop in dogs, from harmless fatty masses to aggressive cancers that require prompt evaluation. These types of dog tumors may appear on the skin, beneath the surface, or internally, and they often vary in how quickly they grow and how they affect a dog’s health. Some are discovered…
Antifreeze poisoning in cats is a medical emergency that unfolds quickly, often before anyone realizes something is wrong. A cat may step through a small spill in a garage or driveway, lick residue from their paws during routine grooming, and ingest a substance that can cause severe internal damage within hours. This is one of…
If your dog ate rat poison, the situation can change from calm to frightening in minutes. Many rodenticides are designed to kill quietly and efficiently, which makes them especially dangerous for dogs who may show few signs at first. This scenario represents a time-sensitive exposure that requires fast, informed action. Knowing what steps to take…
A dog snake bite timeline describes how a dog’s body may respond in the minutes, hours, and days after a snake bite, and why timing matters so much. One moment, a dog may be exploring the yard or trail, and the next, they let out a yelp. Swelling starts, pain sets in, or behavior suddenly…
A splenectomy in dogs is a surgical procedure that removes the spleen, often recommended when this organ becomes damaged, diseased, or dangerous to leave in place. We know that hearing the word “surgery” can stop you in your tracks. Many families first learn about the spleen during an emergency visit or advanced imaging appointment, when…
Bloat is one of those words that makes many dog owners pause, especially if they share their lives with a large or deep-chested breed. Bloat can escalate quickly, often without much warning, and the outcomes can be serious. Gastropexy is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications…
Liver shunts in dogs raise one of the most common and difficult questions we hear from pet owners: does my dog need surgery? In simple terms, a liver shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver instead of flowing through it as it should. Because the liver plays a central…