TendingCritters's Blog

Cold Weather

tendingcritters — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:42:38 +0000

The cold weather has hit the south and eastern coast with record snows and low temperatures. Remember your outside pets during these times.They are just as subject to hypothermia as we are and need a protective shelter and adequate bedding. Also, don’t forget about their water supply. It will freeze in these low temperatures and will need to be changed out several times daily to insure they have fluids.

Behavioral Issues in Dogs

tendingcritters — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:44:02 +0000

Over the last two weeks, our guest has been Dr. Heidi Coppotelli who is a Certified Animal Behaviorist and PhD in psychology. This is a four-part series and will continue for the next two weeks. If you have missed any of the programs, you can download the podcast from iTunes or the archives on blogtalkradio.com. Join us and catch up on news topics in veterinary medicine and answers to your e-mails.

Medical Similarities

tendingcritters — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:46:43 +0000

Over the past month, our radio show aired on blogtalkradio.com addressed many topics that could apply to either human or veterinary medicine. One of the topics included a discussion of orthopedic problems in the growing dog with a board certified veterinary surgeon. These same problems are seen in growing children and the treatments are very similar. We also tackled MRSA bacterial infections which plague both veterinary and human patients. MRSA stands for “methicillin resistant Staph aureus.” We also went to the State Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab to get an understanding of their mission and to see what role they play in protecting us from diseases that attack our live stock and pets as well as the zoonotic diseases that affect us. If you missed any of these programs, they are archived on both blogtalkradio.com and on iTunes. Under “Search” just type Clyde Brooks or Vet Doc. Give us your thoughts and comment on this blog so we can engage in a discussion with you on your pet.

Emergency Preparations

tendingcritters — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:14:21 +0000

This week’s blogtalkradio.com program discussed the need for readiness in the face of disaster. It’s never to early to prepare for the unexpected for both your family and your pets. As promised on the program, I have listed an easy to put together first aid kit for your pets.

First Aid Kit
Sterile gauze pads and gauze bandage rolls
Adhesive tape, 1′ roll
Q-tips
Tweezers
Scissors
Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
Styptic pencil or cornstarch (stems blood flow on minor cuts)
Antibacterial ointment
Antiseptic cleansing wipes
Soap
Medications your pet is taking
A pet first aid book
Eyewash
Eye dropper
Digital rectal thermometer in plastic case
Latex gloves
Leash
Thin rope
Splint material (tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine
Place contents in a plastic storage box, tackle box or coffee can with lid

Should veterinarians ban certain veterinary surgical procedures?

tendingcritters — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:44:50 +0000

Tonight’s show brought up controversial issues in veterinary medicine. We discussed docking tails, cropping ears and devocalization in dogs. These procedures are illegal in the UK. Should they be in the US? If you missed the show, go to www.blogtalkradio.com and listen to the archived program. Blog us with your thoughts.

Amazing Animal Facts Contribute to Science

tendingcritters — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:08:03 +0000

On last night’s BlogTalkRadio.com show we explored some unusual facts about all types of animals and how some of the findings are contributing to research that one day may lead to advances in human medicine. For example, animals that produce antlers can do so without developing osteoporesis. How can this information lead to new developments in fracture repair? A girhaff has a blood pressure reaching upwards to 200. Can science tap the secret that keeps this animal from developing strokes? This a fascinating study and one day may help us all.

CATS

tendingcritters — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:33:14 +0000

Thursday’s radio program will be exclusively, well almost so, on the feline species. We will go over their history, special anatomy and many other things. Join us a 7PM on blogtalkradio.com. If you have questions, you can call in to the show, blog to the show, discuss them here or send me an email at info@tendingcritters.com.

This forum is for you and for the discussing of pet and veterinary topics.

radio show August 13, 2009

tendingcritters — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:49:30 +0000

Our radio show tonight on blog talk radio.com was about pandemics. We looked first at what a pandemic is and then at two specific pandemics. The first pandemic we discussed was the 1918 flu which killed 50-75 million people. The next one was the bubonic plague which wiped out one-third of Europe’s population. The flu, of course, was caused by a virus, while the bubonic plague was of bacterial origin. Even though one of these is a virus and the other is a bacteria, they have one thing in common. Experts believe that the massive death toll was due to what is known as a cytokine storm. This is where the immune system overreacts and actually works to the detriment of the healthy individual. Listen to the program and tell me what you think.