The Vet's Notebook
What I tell owners in the exam room, written down.
One post a week on living with a diagnosis, a new medicine, or an older pet. General education, never advice for one pet.
Dr. Christian K.Small-animal vet for almost 30 years · four rescue dogs
More from the notebook
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Thyroid
Older cat losing weight but still eating: the usual causes
Older cat losing weight but still eating? A vet explains the usual causes, how to weigh your cat at home, what the vet checks, and when it can't wait.
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Diabetes
Diabetic cat: insulin, Bexacat or Senvelgo? Questions to ask
A vet compares insulin, Bexacat and Senvelgo for a diabetic cat: how each works, the FDA label warnings in plain words, and the questions to ask your vet.
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Diabetes
My dog has diabetes: the first two weeks
My dog has diabetes: now what? A vet walks you through the first two weeks: insulin handling, meals and timing, the glucose curve, and low blood sugar.
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Poisons
My dog ate chocolate: what to do (a vet's Halloween guide)
My dog ate chocolate: now what? A vet explains what to do right away, who to call, the signs to watch, and the other Halloween candy dangers.
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Arthritis & pain
Is my senior dog in pain? The quiet signs owners miss
Is my senior dog in pain, or just getting old? A vet explains the quiet signs of arthritis, what the vet checks, and what helps at home.
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Seizures
Dog had a seizure? What to do, and what to write down
Dog had a seizure for the first time? A vet explains what to do during and after, when it's an emergency, and what to write down for your vet.
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Senior dogs
Is my old dog sundowning? Dementia signs and what helps
Old dog pacing and confused at night? A vet explains dog sundowning: the dementia signs, what else it could be, and what helps at home and from your vet.
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Heart
Sleeping respiratory rate in dogs: a 30-second heart check
A vet explains how to count your dog's sleeping respiratory rate in 30 seconds, what's normal, how high is too high, and when to call your vet.
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Vet visits
What to bring to the vet, and what to ask while you're there
What to bring to the vet, from a vet: the medicine bottles, your notes from home, videos of odd episodes, the questions to ask, and how to share records.
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Cushing's
Cushing's in dogs: what I actually tell owners in the exam room
A vet explains Cushing's disease in dogs like he would in the exam room: the clues, the tests, the medication, and two things to watch at home.
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Cushing's
Is my dog drinking too much water? How to measure at home
Is your dog drinking too much water? A vet explains what's normal, how to measure it at home with a simple jug, the usual causes, and when to call your vet.