It's the season of giving, and if you're a pet owner you know the unconditional love and support that your pet gives you each and every day. Pet owners give to their animal companions too, offering food, shelter and love. During the holidays, you may be wondering how you can give back to your community, but what you might not have considered is that your pet can give back too! Ways To Give Back Foster a pet: Fostering is one of the best ways you can help homeless pets. By giving a dog or cat a temporary [...]

Many of us share an intense love and bond with our animal companions. A pet is a beloved member of the family, bringing companionship and joy to our lives. A pet can add structure to your day, help you to overcome setbacks and challenges in life, and even provide a sense of purpose. So, when a pet dies, it’s normal to feel racked by grief and loss.  Each person deals with grief differently, but that doesn’t make the death any less painful. The grief process is as individual as the person, lasting days for one person, [...]

As the weather warms up, our pets spend more time outside. Unfortunately, that means they have to deal with allergies, humidity, and bugs, which can lead to hot spots which can make your dog or cat miserable! Hot spots are red moist oozing sores that can develop on your pets body. They typically start out very small, maybe the size of a dime or a quarter, and are very itchy. But they can rapidly expand and become very painful. They're more common in dogs that have heavy coats and undercoats - like golden retrievers, labradors, collies or [...]

Did you know that cats can get heartworm disease? Cats ARE more resistant to this disease than dogs; for every 100 dogs that get heartworm disease, only 10 cats will get it. And while the disease is less severe in cats, it's still something you want to help your cat avoid. Many people presume that if their cat is an indoor cat, they're safe, but fully 1/3 of all the cases IndyVet sees are strictly indoor cats. The disease is spread by mosquitos so how can you protect your pet? Moreover, how can you recognize the [...]

With Spring break right around the corner, some people will need to place their pets in the kennel before they hit the road. Before doing so, Dr. Speiser has some important steps that you should consider before boarding your pet. Make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccines that are required by the boarding facility that you intend to use. Be sure to take care of this a couple of weeks before (not days before) you board them to ensure that they're adequately protected. For dogs, The most important are Distemper, Rabies, Bordetella (Kennel [...]

It's the time of year where everyone vows to make positive changes in their lives. From losing a few pounds, to going to the gym and working out and eating right, New Year's is the perfect time for positive change - but what about your pets? How about considering a few positive changes that will benefit them? A couple of ideas for great starts for 2019 are: Measure out the exact amount of food that you should be feeding your pet for each meal for their target weight so that you're not overfeeding or underfeeding your pet. [...]

Perfect Presents for Pets Americans love their fur babies, so indulging them with toys and treats for the holidays is just something that we do! In fact, pet owners are expected to spend about $62 each on their pets this holiday season! To help you find that perfect gift for your fuzzy friend, consider the following: A Kitty Laser. This small device will fire a laser dot onto the floor and automatically move it around in an erratic fashion for your cat to chase - it's even good for multiple cats! Auto Dog Mug. This is [...]

Traveling with your Pets With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many of us are planning to travel to visit friends and loved ones. According to the American Pet products Association, 37% of us won't board our pets, or leave them with a neighbor, we'll take them with us! Every dog and cat is different, but below are some tips you can use to make traveling with your pet more stress free: Is your pet healthy enough to travel? If they just had surgery, or are being treated for some chronic or acute malady, it might be [...]

Keeping Pets Safe During Halloween Halloween is almost here, and while it can be a lot of fun for us, and our pets, we need to be mindful of some potential threats. Candy. We all know that chocolate is toxic to dogs (especially dark chocolate), but there are other aspects to be aware of. If you're slipping your pet a piece of candy, make sure it does not have any Xylitol in it, Xylitol is sugar substitute that can cause liver failure. Also be careful of candy wrappers. IndyVet has removed many candy wrappers that have [...]

Protecting Against Canine Flu Protecting yourself and your family against the flu isn't just something you should think about for yourself, it's also something you should do for your dogs! Canine flu was first discovered in the southern United States, and it started as a respiratory disease, but then mutated into a very contagious version that is very easily spread from dog to dog. Even dogs that don't appear sick, can be carrying the disease and can spread it to other dogs, So be careful if your dog is in doggie daycare, or a boarding facility, [...]

Blastomycosis Blastomycosis is a potentially deadly fungal infection which is fairly common in our area. This organism likes to grow in the woodlands and soil where it's moist. Since dogs like to dig and sniff the ground, if they inhale the spores of this organism, then they can contract the infection. Exposure starts as a respiratory condition, moving to the lymph nodes where it will spread throughout the body. Eventually, an infected animal can display an open sore which doesn't heal. By testing the wound, or doing a bronchoscopy (if the symptoms are respiratory only) and [...]

Pet Dangers Many common items around your home can be dangerous to your pet. Even though they may not seem that bad, you need to be very careful. For example, things as innocent as dental floss, empty peanut butter jars or even a garden hose can pose a significant threat to your pet. Garden Hose. When a hose sits outside in the sun all day, the PVC or vinyl they are typically made from can become exceedingly hot and the hose can pose a scalding hazard if it touches your pets skin. Dental Floss. If floss [...]

Pets and Eye Health It's clear we love our pets – and they love us! But to ensure that they can always see their best, it's important to pay close attention to their eyes. Eye problems can be caused by a variety of things including viruses, bacteria, disease, injuries or just simply dust and debris. Many of these issues can not only influence how well your pet can see, but they can also be painful, below are some signs to look for if you think your pet may be suffering from eye problems: Redness Redness can [...]

Pets & Allergies It's that time of year again, allergy season is upon us and unfortunately it doesn't just plague us, our pet's can be affected too. There are 4 different categories of allergies we see in pets, and all of their effects manifest in the skin: Inhalant allergies, like pollens, molds, dust etc. Contact allergies, like poison ivy or chemicals that may come into contact with skin Flea allergies, which are caused by an intense reaction to flea saliva Food allergies: In cats, this is typically in beef, dairy and fish In dogs, we see [...]

Dental Care For Your Pet James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT, RSO March 8, 2018 Dental care is a daily ritual for us, and it should be for your pet too. Brushing and flossing your pet's teeth is not only good for them, but can also extend their life. Poor dental health can be associated with valvular heart disease, kidney disease, joint disease, nasal conditions and many other health issues, so it's important to make sure to take care of your pet's teeth every day! There are many ways that you can help care for your [...]

New Year, New Healthy Pet James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT, RSO February 8, 2018 The new year is a time of new beginnings for many of us, a time of reflection and resolutions for a better year, but what about our furry friends? Do you have any resolutions to help them lead longer, happier, healthier lives? Consider the following: The number one resolution for people is to lose weight. There are many things you can do to help your pets achieve this goal, like cutting out table food, or changing their diet. Next on the [...]

Keeping Pets Safe This Winter James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT January 9, 2017 Unfortunately, when temperatures drop, your pets still need to go outside for a number of reasons, and even though they have some natural protection from the cold, it's still very important to make sure that you give them some additional protection. The question is often asked "How cold is too cold?" and unfortunately, that answer varies depending on the size of the animal. Smaller animals will lose heat faster than larger ones, as will shorter haired animals. Since this is a difficult [...]

Pets as gifts James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT December 8, 2017 Is a new pet something that you or your loved one wants under the tree this year? The idea of giving someone the surprise of a pet sounds like a wonderful holiday gift idea, but giving a pet to someone comes with a serious level of commitment. If you're thinking about giving someone a pet this holiday season (or any other time of year!) there are several things to consider. Ask them if they truly want a pet. Make sure that the person you're [...]

Pocket Pets James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT November 8, 2017 Everyone loves small pets - guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, sugar gliders (if you're into the more exotic pocket pets), but other than their size, what's different about these pets that you need to know about? Today we'll focus the topic to guinea pigs, but your veterinarian should be able to help with any questions you may have about other pocket pets. Housing the pet, nutrition and addressing specific issues that can arise with them are of key importance to ensuring that you and your new [...]

Halloween & Your Pets James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT October 11, 2017 In a few weeks, Trick-or-treaters will be knocking at your door. It's a great time of year and it can be enjoyable to let our furry friends in on the fun too. But between the costumes, candy and the holiday, it can be a little dangerous for your pet. Below are some tips to help maximize the fun, but make sure your dog or cat stay safe. Most people know that chocolate is bad for your dog (especially dark chocolate), but sweeteners like [...]

Common Illnesses In Cats James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT September 6, 2017 Last month, we talked about canine influenza and how to recognize it, but cats are just as prone to getting sick as dogs, and the canine flu virus (H3N2) CAN also affect cats, giving them upper respiratory symptoms - runny eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and possible loss of appetite. In most cases, cat illnesses can be treated by your veterinarian with antibiotics or decongestants. Another common illnesses in cats are ear infections, which can be caused by various yeasts, bacterias or ear mites [...]

Dog Flu Cases In Indiana James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT August 24, 2017 Dog flu cases have been popping up around Indiana recently, it's a highly contagious virus and unfortunately, not that uncommon. We love our pets and want to do our best to protect and take proper care of them, so that means learning how to recognize when there's something wrong. Below are some suggestions on recognizing flu symptoms in your dog and what to do if you think they may be sick. Canine influenza is a respiratory disease, unlike our flu symptoms, your [...]

Top Mistakes Pet Owners Make James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT August 4, 2017 When it comes to our pets, we do our best to give them everything they need. They're a part of our family, and as such, we want what's best for them, but are we really providing our pets the best care possible? Today we'll examine the top 5 mistakes that many pet owners make: Not taking your pet to regular veterinary appointments. It's easy to explain away the need of going to the vet when it looks like your pet is doing [...]

The 19th Annual Pet Carnival James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT July 12, 2017 Humans and human’s best friends are invited to join IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital at their 19th annual free Pet Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15 right outside of the facility near Beech Grove, on Indy’s southeast side. Attendees can browse over 25 central Indiana vendors featuring boarding and grooming salons, food delivery services, pet supplies, homemade fashions and treats, different types of therapeutics and more. Area rescues will have animals on-site for adoption. Other exciting highlights [...]

Canine Competitions James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT June 6, 2017 It's important to keep your dog active as part of a healthy lifestyle. You can certainly walk your dog or run with your them, but there are also all kinds of other activities and competitions that you can get your dog into to help them stay active. Everything from agility competitions, disc tournaments (frisbee throwing and rolling), obedience competitions and more! At this year's IndyVet Pet Carnival - Saturday, July 15th from 10am - 2pm, we'll be showcasing all of these activities and competitive [...]

Aging Pets James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT May 9, 2017 Thanks to better pet food and better medical attention, our furry friends are living longer lives than ever! But sadly, nothing can stop the aging process, and age is relative depending on the type of pet you have. For example, cats start to slow down at 10 - 12 years, small dogs are entering old age between 8 and 10 years old, and larger breed dogs like Great Danes may show signs of old age as quickly as 5 or 6 years. As your [...]

IndyVet Pet Blood Drive & Open House Saturday, April 22, 2017 9am - 12pm IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital (IndyVet), central Indiana’s original 24-hour emergency and critical care veterinary center, will host a canine blood donor drive for central Indiana dog owners from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 22 at its facility right off I-465 and Emerson Avenue on Indianapolis’ southeast side. For many medical conditions and procedures a transfusion is a clinical necessity, without animal blood donors, veterinarians could not undertake important and often life-saving treatments. The IndyVet donor program was created to not only [...]

James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT March 8, 2017 Medical alert dogs are specially trained dogs that can detect medical conditions in people to assist them in controlling or preventing severe consequences that may occur that could be life threatening. Medical alert service dogs have very special talents to be able to detect conditions such as low or high blood sugar (Diabetes alert dogs), impending seizures (Seizure alert dogs), severe drops or elevations in blood pressure (Cardiac alert dogs) and other conditions. This unique talent has to be detected and then further conditioned by intensive training. Many of the [...]

Medical Alert Dogs - Part 1 James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT February 17, 2017 We all know that dogs make fantastic pets and can help to enrich our lives every day, but did you know that many can also be trained to be the difference between life and death? Medical alert dogs have been specially trained to help people identify the onset of a medical condition such as a seizure, or diabetes, and can help their owner safely prevent or handle their condition. Certain dogs can use their keen sense of smell - up [...]

Common Pet Injuries James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT January 10, 2017 Pets are a unique part of our families and they behave like furry children in more ways than one. Sometimes they get hurt and it’s helpful to know how to spot the difference between something serious and something that is not. Sometimes accidents happen or play gets too rough, but by knowing more about which injuries are more common you should be able to recognize when something is serious and needs attention from your veterinarian. Eye Trauma – dogs and cats often obtain [...]

IndyVet Holiday Pet Drive James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT December 12, 2016 ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but a lot of animal shelters struggle daily with having enough supplies to take care of all of the animals they take in. This holiday season, IndyVet is continuing their tradition of a holiday drive to benefit local shelters. Donations received this year will benefit Bartholomew County Humane Society and Waldo's Muttley Crew. Many of these organizations don’t have regular funding, they only survive through donations, and so we like to support their efforts. This year, [...]

TPLO Surgery & Post-op Therapy for Dogs Did you know torn ACL’s are one of the most common orthopedic conditions we treat? It can affect all ages of dogs, but is usually a gradual degenerative injury. Whereas with humans, it’s more so due to trauma. If one knee ruptures, there’s around a 30% chance the other might give out as well. Neeva, almost 2 years old, had TPLO surgery on both knees. Months later, we still see her for post-operative physical therapy, which will help her heal faster and gain more strength in her legs. Her full regimen [...]

Pippin's Success Story Pippin jumped down wrongly from his mother's lap. Immediately, we noticed impaired mobility. By the next afternoon, he was completely paralyzed in his front limbs. Being a 12-year-old dog, we thought it was over for Pippin. Then, our regular vet referred us to IndyVet. Once there, doctors thought he could walk again. They were transparent with costs and potential outcomes. We opted for surgery. With patience, excellent care, and a superb rehabilitation team at IndyVet, we have our boy back after only 1 1/2 months. We are so thankful for IndyVet and their skilled neurosurgery. [...]

Pet Proofing Your Backyard James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT August 14, 2015 With a little over a month left of summer, you might still find yourself trying to tackle backyard projects complete with building materials, ladders, paints, stains, or gardening supplies. But when these projects include our pets, there might be some consequences that could result in injury or intoxication if you don’t think of your pet’s safety. Here are a few recommendations to help “pet proof” your backyard: Chemicals. Many common chemicals used in backyard projects such as petroleum distillates (i.e. deck stains [...]

Laser Therapy In Pets James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT August 7, 2015 Laser therapy in veterinary medicine is being used more commonly as a therapeutic aid to many different maladies. There are two types of lasers used in veterinary medicine. There are surgical lasers, which are used as a scalpel to cut tissue, and then there are therapeutic lasers that are used to help tissue heal. What is a laser? LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Wow! What this means is that a particular type of crystal is bombarded with [...]

Why Do Cats and Dogs Eat Grass? James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT July 24, 2015 Many people ask why their cat or dog goes out and eats grass, only to later vomit. I too often have wondered and have heard the various theories. Here are some of the common explanations and my thoughts on them: Dogs and cats eat grass because they have a nutritional deficiency. Cats and dogs are carnivores—defined as meat eaters. Wild cats and dogs kill other animals (usually herbivores—defined as vegetable eaters), and eat the meat. Knowing this, millions of [...]

10 Early Warning Signs Of Cancer In Pets James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT June 26, 2015 Would you know how to detect cancer in your pet? Early cancer detection is associated with the best outcomes and in many cases a cure. Here are 10 of the most common warnings signs you might want to explore further with your veterinarian: Lumps & bumps. Not all lumps and bumps on or under the skin are cancerous, but it is something to be concerned with. A needle aspirate or biopsy is a routine procedure to help determine [...]

Bee Stings & Pet First Aid James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT June 19, 2015 The warmer months bring out stinging insects that our furry friends can have a bad encounter with. Dogs will occasionally chase and snap at bees and wasps, while cats can find these moving objects interesting enough to paw at, catch, or play with. And then this curiosity results in a sting! When our pets get stung, they might need some home remedy or veterinary care depending on the severity of their reaction. Here are some things you can watch for [...]

Why Does My Pet Scratch All The Time? James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT June 12, 2015 Cats and dogs can be very hard to live with when they are itchy! Here are some of the most common reasons why they might be scratching: Allergies Inhalant allergies. Dogs are different than people in that pollens and dusts that are inhaled do not bind to cells in the respiratory tract that release histamine and other inflammatory substances, which causes runny nose, sneezing, and stuffiness. Instead, the substances are absorbed and bind to cells in the skin [...]

Facts On Fleas James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT May 29, 2015 How much do you know about fleas? You probably won’t believe how quickly (and how much) they reproduce! Here are some interesting facts that might surprise you: There are 4 stages to the flea life cycle. They include the egg, the larva, the pupa (cocoon), and the adult. Short of fire, or chemicals that would destroy the environment, the only stages that can be assaulted to control fleas are the larva and the adult stages. The egg and the pupa are very resistant [...]

When Curious Puppies Get Stuck James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT May 22, 2015 Dogs and cats have a tendency to stick their heads into places they should not. That perilous attribute of our furry friends has been the source of more than a few interesting stories! I often think of an experience that my wife (also a veterinarian) had early in her career that demonstrates this fact. It was late on a Friday afternoon in April. Dr. Barnes was working in the treatment area where she was cleaning a patient's ears. Suddenly, there was [...]

Tips For Pet Travel James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT May 15, 2015 Some pet owners opt to board their pet when they travel, but others like to take their companions with them! Here are some tips to make travel easier and safe for both you and your pet, particularly dogs: Give a calming aid. If your pet is an anxious traveler, using a tranquilizer to reduce stress on your dog is helpful, and can also reduce the potential for carsickness. You can get a travel tranquilizer from your veterinarian and it’s best to test [...]

Is Fido Guzzling An Excessive Amount Of Water? How To Manage Diabetes In Your Pet – The New Way! James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT May 8, 2015 As obesity in our pets continues to rise, so does the prevalence of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease where the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin. Insulin is required for the cells in the body to take in and utilize a sugar called glucose for energy. Without insulin, glucose accumulates in the blood stream and eventually spills out into the urine. Dogs and cats with diabetes often [...]

Your Dog Ate What? James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT May 1, 2015 Over 30 years of veterinary practice has taught me one lesson: the creativity of a dog’s appetite has no boundaries. If a dog can swallow it, they will! Here are some true and unique cases that demonstrate this observation: The $10,000 diamond ring. Two newlyweds went to their mother-in-law’s home for Christmas bringing their dog “Pete” as an unwelcome guest. But Pete did not reciprocate disgust for the mother-in-law, and actually enjoyed her company. Early one morning as the mother-in-law was “sharing [...]

Should My Dog Get The Canine Influenza Vaccine? Alicia Howser, DVM April 21, 2015 I am not going to give you a definitive “yes” or “no” answer to this question. You have to decide if it is best for your dog, just like you decide if you should get the flu shot every year yourself. What I am going to do is give you some more information to help you make an informed decision. For starters, let’s address these 3 questions: Is your dog going to be around a lot of other dogs or in [...]

6 Important Facts To Know About Canine Influenza James R. Speiser, DVM, DABVP, CCRT April 21, 2015 Recent reports of fatal dog flu in Chicago have created a maelstrom of concern for central Indiana dog owners. Here are some important facts you need to know: The media reported an epidemic of over 1,000 cases of flu in Chicago. There have only been a few (<12) cases of documented flu in the Chicago area, and there were only a handful of fatalities. While some of the non-documented cases may be canine influenza cases, many are not. [...]