Articles

SAGE Veterinary Centers Continues to Expand Their Community Of Hospitals and Announces New Partnership with Advanced Veterinary Specialists in Santa Barbara, CAConcord, Calif. (February 16, 2021) – SAGE Veterinary Centers (SAGE) is excited to announce a new...

    The ingredients that pose toxicity in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine, which are both categorized into a group of compounds called methylxanthines.  These compounds act as stimulants that can cause tremoring, increased heart rate or arrhythmias,...

There are multiple reasons a dog may cough. In younger and middle-aged dogs, a disease known as Kennel Cough is very common and highly infectious between dogs. Kennel Cough is caused by a collection of viruses and sometimes bacteria that infect and irritate the upper...

What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis, or Lepto for short, is a worldwide bacteria found in the environment that can infect animals and people. Due to their lifestyle, intact outdoor male working dogs are most often affected, but any dog can contract the disease. Cats...

The PancreasThe pancreas is an organ within the abdomen and serves many important functions. It creates hormones that are used within the body, such as insulin, as well as digestive enzymes used to help digest protein that is ingested. These digestive enzymes are held...

What is Addison’s disease? Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a disorder of the adrenal glands resulting in insufficient levels of stress hormone (cortisol) and, typically, electrolyte balancing hormone (aldosterone). Young to middle aged female...

Overview of Chronic Kidney Disease in CatsThe kidneys are amazing organs within the body that receive 25% of the blood supply. Their job is to filter the blood, so some products are kept, and others are excreted to create urine. Chronic kidney disease often affects...

Do dogs and cats feel pain? Thankfully, an old-fashioned notion that animals do not feel pain in a way comparable to humans is fading from our society. Dogs and cats share the same peripheral pain nerves as human beings and, when these nerves are stimulated, similar...

 Bee Sting in AnimalsOverviewUnfortunately, it is fairly common for pets to get stung by a bee. A bee is only one type of venomous Hymenoptera, and their sting releases venom that causes pain, itchiness, redness, swelling and hives. Common places for a bee sting...

 What is an ear infection? In dogs, ear infections are caused by yeast and bacteria that are already on the skin and in the ears. These infections do not occur spontaneously – there is typically an underlying disease that allows for them to occur. Cats also get...

 CAUTIONThis is one of the most dangerous mouse and rat poisons on the market. Cholecalciferol, or activated vitamin D3, causes a life-threateningly high calcium and phosphorus level in the body, resulting in severe, acute kidney failure, cardiovascular...

   AVS would like to introduce you to a wonderful new organization with which we are working. The Broadie Fund is a registered nonprofit (501c3) that offers financial assistance, through grants, to families in need with a pet fighting cancer. They lovingly...

Our valued client, Advanced Veterinary Specialists is making every attempt to mitigate risk with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our primary concern is always the health and well-being of our patients, clients and staff. We are closely following the latest guidelines from...

 Elevated body temperature caused by environmental factors is called heatstroke, hyperthermia, or heat prostration.A dog’s normal body temperature is between 100-102 F. Body temperature higher than 105 is life-threatening.Environmental factors that lead to...

 Our homes contain dozens of common items that may pose a danger to our pets. Here are some common pet poison awareness tips every pet owner should be aware of:Over-the-counter human anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, herbal and...

 There is an abundance of advice on the internet describing a variety of first aid techniques to employ if your pet is bitten by a snake. Some include cutting over the bite site and sucking out the venom, using a snakebite kit, applying a tourniquet, applying ice...

 Early detection of heart disease in pets can be pivotal in any pet’s long term prognosis and the initial detection often occurs at home. The ability of family members to recognize the common clinical signs relating to heart disease is important in order to...

 We all love our pets and enjoy giving them toys and goodies for chewing. Most of the time, there is little risk to offering these fun and entertaining objects, but sometimes our best intentions can backfire. Sadly, veterinary professionals often see emergencies...

 Most people are aware of the importance of taking care of their own teeth (brushing and flossing daily and regular trips to the dentist). But, do you know that your pet suffers from the same dental problems that you do? In fact, dogs and cats feel dental pain...

 Asthma is a recurring respiratory disease in which there is constriction of the small airways of the lungs. This is due to excess mucus formation, inflammation of the smaller airways, and then spasm of the smaller airway muscles which leads to the constriction....

 Herpes virus in cats (Feline herpes virus) causes upper respiratory signs that can be severe in young kittens or debilitated cats. It is the most common cause for recurrent conjunctivitis in adult cats.Clinical signs can include runny eyes and nose. Initial...