Rabies in NYC

A few weeks ago, I received a summary of animal rabies and testing in NYC from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  I knew that the incidence of rabies was increasing here, but I had no idea how much!  The report was pretty enlightening. In 2010, a record 145 (!) animals from NYC tested positive for rabies.  The main reason for this was the rabies epidemic in raccoons in Central Park.  Rabies in raccoons was first discovered in NYC in 1992.  In 1993, there were 53 cases.  That was a record high at the time.  In 1998, there was only 1 case of raccoon rabies in NYC.

Tropic of Cancer (a.k.a. lymphosarcoma. a.k.a. lymphoma)

I see a lot of cancer in my cat practice.   A major reason is that cats are living longer than ever before.  Now that they’re living to 17, 18, (and even longer), they’re living long enough to develop cancers that we never saw when they died at 12 or 13.  Another reason is that major medical advances have given us the technology to detect cancers that previously went undiagnosed.  An increased awareness of cancer, coupled with more sophisticated technology, has allowed veterinarians to become pretty adept at making the dreaded diagnosis.

The diagnosis of cancer in a beloved cat can be devastating.  However, it is important to realize that, as in human cancers, many types of cancer in cats can be treated, managed, and sometimes even cured.  Chemotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat cancer.  Fortunately, the most common type of cancer that we diagnose in cats – lymphosarcoma – is very sensitive to chemotherapy. (Note: lymphosarcoma is sometimes called lymphoma.  The terms are synonymous.)

IMPORTANT: RECALL of Phenobarbital tablets Containing Acetaminophen

Some phenobarbital tablets may be mislabeled, FDA warns

March 10, 2011 -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to veterinarians about the possibility that tablets produced and labeled by Qualitest Pharmaceuticals as phenobarbital may actually be hydrocodone tartrate and acetaminophen tablets.

Pet Social Networks

Pet social networks are a great way to show off your friends to your friends, find information about your pet, and even adopt new pets. (thanks Daniel Nations)