During winter, snow and ice melting products (“snow melt” or “ice melt”) are commonly used on sidewalks, driveways, and roads. While helpful for people, many of these products can be dangerous to pets. Why Snow Melt Is a Problem Snow melt products often contain chemicals such as: salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium... Learn More
During the height of summer, weather conditions can become more than miserable for your furry pal—they can be downright dangerous. Protect your pet from the threat of heatstroke with the following tips. #1: Monitor the weather By keeping a close eye on the temperature and humidity, you can time your pet’s outdoor excursions to the... Learn More
As summer temperatures heat up, you and your furry pal likely want to cool off with a swim. Although it’s in their name, not all dogs–or pets–know how to “doggy paddle,” so take proper precautions when you swim with your four-legged friend. Here are five tips to help your pet stay safe while swimming. #1:... Learn More
In honor of National Animal Poison Prevention Week, which takes place March 19 to 25, our team wants to share some of the most common household products that are toxic to pets. #1: Medications One of the most common household hazards that pets ingest are medications—from an entire pack of beef-flavored heartworm preventives to their... Learn More
What is CPR? How helpful is it from a pet owner’s perspective? Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR, is an emergency first aid technique that sustains blood flow to the brain and heart in the event of cardia arrest. CPR entails chest compressions, assisted breathing, and advance life support measures including medications and defibrillation. Cardiopulmonary... Learn More
Dr. Sara Lister is a veterinarian with ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Her previous work includes Oklahoma State University (class of 2007), followed by internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals. She continued to practice emergency medicine and general practice for the past 10 years, before joining Poison Control. If you think your pet may have ingested a... Learn More
It is quite an unfortunate fact that most cat owners are unaware of the health hazards of lily plants. Flower shops typically do not ask if the recipient of a floral bouquet has a cat in the house and despite educational campaigns from veterinarians, the public is still mostly unaware of just how dangerous lilies... Learn More
Losing your pet can feel devastating at any moment in the year. At the holidays, your grief can appear even greater as you try to find joy amongst your loss and are often contending with added family stressors. It’s normal to wonder how you may ever find happy holidays again when missing your loved one.... Learn More
With the recent report of a tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive for coronavirus, there may be renewed fear about the spread of coronavirus between humans and domestic cats. Multiple cats were showing symptoms The tiger at the Bronx Zoo that tested positive for coronavirus displayed symptoms of a dry cough. Several other tigers... Learn More
In the late summer of 2019, news reports and Facebook accounts from around the country were describing acute neurological signs and even death in dogs that had been out swimming in bodies of water. Even here in the DMV, there were accounts in northern Maryland of dogs falling ill. Blue Green Algae, also known as... Learn More
What is a criticalist? Veterinary Criticalists are specialists in emergency and critical care medicine. The American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care is an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization that approves residency training programs, sets standards for training, and administers the rigorous 2-day examinations required for board certification. How does a veterinarian become a criticalist?... Learn More
With the summer in full swing, one of the more common emergencies seen by the Urgent Care service at Friendship Hospital for Animals is heat stroke. Heat stroke is an illness that develops when the body temperature rises to dangerous levels. This increased temperature has effects on the entire body—it can cause shock, difficulty breathing,... Learn More
Nutmeg presented to Friendship Emergency & Critical Care Services after being hit by a car. Nutmeg suffered severe facial trauma, including facial swelling, nosebleed, the inability to close his jaw, scleral hemorrhage, and signs consistent with a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI; dull mentation). A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs from a sudden and violent... Learn More
Meet Rocky!! Rocky is a 9-year-old Boxer who was immediately rushed in to Friendship Emergency & Critical Care Services after he collapsed following his morning walk. He was stabilized and quickly diagnosed with a life-threatening arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia arises from improper electrical activity causing the filling chambers of the heart (the ventricles) to beat... Learn More
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) One generally asks an emergency vet, “What is the most common or craziest thing you see?” And although this is an impossible answer, I would say one of our more exciting and truly urgent emergencies is something called, gastric-dilatation volvulus or GDV. What is GDV? GDV is the dilation or distension... Learn More
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