There are benefits to vacationing with animals, however, all too often taking your animal on holiday is problematic, expensive, and difficult. We like the idea of traveling with our animals yet the logistics of animal travel is overlooked and the fine print causes the animals distress or to be left behind – and sometimes in [...]
Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis and serious public health problem. Rabies infection is caused by the rabies virus in humans and animals. The disease is an acute, progressive encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Mammals are infected through animal bites which spread the disease through saliva. Once the virus has penetrated the skin of the [...]
At Astoria Animal Hospital, our approach to the canine ear is a little different than most places. This document is written to help the client understand the difficulties with the canine ear, how we recommend it is treated and most importantly WHY we do it the way we do. Normal anatomy The canine ear [...]
Yes, I recommend puppy/kitten vaccinations for young pets. Dogs need to be vaccinated for rabies (and cats should be as well) and licensed by six months of age in our state—that is Oregon State Law. The earliest you can vaccinate for rabies is three months of age. The rabies vaccination must be given by a [...]
Puppies need to eat small amounts and often (about 5-9 times per day). This applies to all puppies but not always for the same reasons. Puppies destined to be large breed dogs grow at an exceptionally rapid rate and often cannot maintain their blood sugar very well. Some puppies are destined for being small [...]
Heartworm disease in dogs (and cats) is a recognized risk in all 50 states. Not only is it recognized in all 50 states, but it has also been diagnosed in every season. There have been many positive diagnoses here in Clatsop County in recent years, though no one knows exactly how many or where [...]
Dogs love to eat fish and fish parts, but in this region they often get sick from eating any part of the Salmonid type fish in its raw state. The disease is called Salmon Poison Disease, Fish Disease, Salmon Infection, Pacific Northwest Fish Fever, and a variety of others. Please note that it is [...]
Dogs cough for many reasons. Some are really important and need urgent attention, yet others aren’t so urgent. Often an owner thinks there is something stuck in a dog's throat. Yes this happens, but not that often. In general, my recommendation is to take your dog in for a complete exam. It seems in [...]
Walking your dog(s) around town is a good thing for both you and your dog, but walking on roads near cars and/or the public can easily turn to tragedy should an unpredictable event occur such as being hit by a car or becoming involved in a dog fight. There are things that you can [...]
As part of the yearly exam (or 6-month exam for elderly or sick dogs) the mouth should be examined along with all the major systems. This exam is part of medical data collection to facilitate good health in your dog. During this exam your veterinarian may find that there is something that indicates bad [...]