It will surprise many people to learn that animals may become allergic to plastic. Areas of skin that contact the plastic become inflamed and often bleed. Once the normal dermal barrier is damaged, bacteria and fungi often develop secondary infections. Pictured below is the chin of a dog who received an automatic plastic feeder for Christmas. The lesions often start on the chin and spread to the lips and nose. << MORE >>

Please remember to perform regular hygienic shaves on all hairy animals to prevent fecal mats. I commonly see this condition in Old English sheepdogs, Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Shih- tzus, Poodles and Lhasa apsos, Bichon frises, and Samoyeds. In cats, Persians, Himalayans and their mixes are most commonly affected. If you live with a hairy animal, check their rear ends daily and keep them groomed to prevent fecal mats. << MORE >>

To prevent this aggressive cancer, protect pink skinned pets from the sun. Avoidance is the best approach if possible. Limit sun exposure from 10am to 4pm. Watch sun loving pets who look for sunbeams for a nap. When outdoors, pets may wear protective hats and t-shirts or sunscreen. Use zinc-free sunscreen with a high SPF. I do not recommend sunscreen in cats because most contain salicylates which is toxic if ingested chronically or in high doses.<< MORE >>

Last November I announced a contest for National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. I am pleased to announce the honorees of the donations to the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota, the Humane Society of Seattle/King County and the Arizona Humane Society. << MORE >>

Pictured below is a handsome cat named Cheetah. He was a little shy at first but awfully nice. It turns out he is a very sweet fellow. Although to some he might look like a wild feline, his family tree includes only domestic cats. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, this breed is a mix of Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair. The CFA recognizes twelve different color varieties. Name this rare breed of cat. << MORE >>

There are several options for treating hyperthyroidism in cats. Since each treatment has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, it is vital to match the treatment to the individual cat. Please discuss these options with your veterinarian before deciding on a course of therapy.<< MORE >>

I am taking one more break from animal related topics to help people who are recovering from the CODOX-M/IVAC plus Rituxan protocol (Modified MaGrath). As a patient, I was frustrated by the lack of information regarding this protocol. I didn't know what to expect. This post will cover what I experienced the year after finishing chemo. Please remember, every person will react differently. Just because I experienced it, does not mean you will.<< MORE >>

I'm happy to announce the 2012 Animal Charity Grant.  It is open to animal and wildlife nonprofits in all 50 of the United States.  Details are at veterinarycreative.com on the Animal Charity Grant tab on the left hand side.   Please let the director of your favorite nonprofit know about this opportunity. 

Congratulations again to the 2011 winner - Spay Neuter Project of Los Angeles!

Normally, this blog is dedicated to providing information that will improve animal health. Well, the next two posts will focus on humans and helping people with cancer. When I was diagnosed with double hit lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's large B cell lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma), the lack of information surprised me. So, this post will focus on what I experienced during the CODOX-M plus Rituxan with IVAC protocol (also known as the Modified McGrath's protocol). The next post will address the delayed effects that occurred after the chemotherapy was over. I hope this helps all the patients and their care-givers get through this tough protocol. Please note, this is my experience and yours will likely vary. If you have questions or information to add, please comment. I want to do everything possible to help other people who are battling cancer. My prayer and best wishes are with you! As you walk this trail, I hope you are surrounded with love including that of animals - both at home and the hospital, they helped me enormously. << MORE >>

In early December 2011, I had the privilege of going to Costa Rica. Wow, what a great country! It is beautiful and filled with amazing animals. If you enjoy watching wildlife in their natural environment, I would strongly recommend a trip to Costa Rica. During a boat trip through a national park, I recorded the following video. Please listen closely and name this monkey. << MORE >>