Millie Armstrong's guest appearances

Millie Armstrong

Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

Laura Brown

Francesca Arnoldy

Lisa Blake

Kate Walsh

Rebecca Windsor

Carol Novello

Doggy Dan

Kathryn Primm

Cindy Myers

Peggy Larson

Bo Palazola

Curtis Mack

Susan McMillan

Cristi Eckert

Chuck the Pug

OwlTail

When you head to the veterinarian, you and your pet are likely both a little nervous. Whether it's for yearly vaccinations or to figure out why your furry best friend has been scratching or vomiting, you have to bring them in — and no one likes to be poked and prodded. By the time your vet appears in the exam room, you've both had time to worry about it and the doctor picks up on your combined nerves. That's one of the reasons so many veterinarians will do an initial exam in the room while you're there, but will whisk your pet "to the back" for vaccinations, bloodwork and other procedures."Some pets are actually calmer when they are away from their owners, which makes it easier to perform exams or draw blood or administer a treatment," writes veterinarian Dr. Joanne Intile in PetMD. "This allows the veterinarian to accomplish tasks more efficiently and safely, reducing stress for the pets." Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker agrees. "Your pet may actually be much more difficult (or even dangerous) to handle in your presence, either because he’s trying to protect you or is sensing your concern for him. For many pets, getting away from Mom or Dad and being handled by a confident, experienced, animal-loving veterinary technician means getting the procedure done faster and with less stress for everyone." Especially if you happen to get a little queasy when it comes to medical procedures. If you get lightheaded while your pet is getting vaccinated or having blood drawn, no doubt he will pick up on that. And do you really want to see them getting a fecal sample or drawing a lot of blood (which they usually get from your dog's jugular)? More room to work In most veterinary clinics, "the back" refers to a large open area with access to surgical lights, equipment and more space to move around. It's a comfortable room where it's easy for vets and techs to work with your pet with all the tools they need close at hand. "Exam rooms are generally smaller, with less room to maneuver, especially with the pet owner (or two, and sometimes children as well) taking up room without knowing the best place to stand or how to help — or even if (and when) staying out of the way is better," says Becker. Often there are other staff members in the back who can offer an extra set of hands to help with restraining or calming your pet or getting equipment, medications or anything else that's needed. In exam rooms, owners often insist on restraining pets themselves, but they aren't necessarily all that good at it. Owners have been bitten by their own dogs in exam rooms. "Because veterinarians are liable for anything that happens to owners in the exam room, it's quite normal for them to discourage you from restraining your pooch when they have staff who are professionally trained to perform safe restraining techniques," writes behavior consultant and former animal hospital assistant Adrienne Janet Farricelli. "Many years ago, I took my dog to the vet to have a painful wound cleaned. At first, I tried to help, but the vet said to me, 'Let me have my professionally-trained staff hold your dog for this procedure. We don't want him to associate this not-so-pleasant experience with you.'" Less stress ... or not?  Does your presence comfort your pet or make her feel more anxious? (Photo: Gumpanat/Shutterstock) Although many vets will insist that pets pick up on their owners' stress, not all experts are convinced that dogs and cats are less likely to be anxious when we're with them. Faricelli reflects on her own days working at an animal hospital. "The dog who I thought appeared to be 'calmer' when brought to the back room may have likely been frozen in fear instead," she writes. "Some dogs who initially tried to resist, and then appeared calmer afterwards, may have been a victim of 'learned helplessness.' This means that they simply gave up. Their behavior might be mistaken for 'behaving,' but, in reality, they are in a subdued state of stress and fear." In the 2017 study, researchers in France assessed the behavioral and physiological responses in dogs while being examined by a vet. They found that signs of stress in dogs — which include an increased heart rate and lip licking — decreased when the owners stayed in the room, petting and talking to the dog during the exam. They also were less likely to try to jump off the exam table when the owner was comforting them. The researchers concluded, "This study demonstrates that owner-dog interactions improve the well-being of dogs during a veterinary examination. Future research may assist in further understanding the mechanisms associated with reducing stress in dogs in similar settings. If your vet takes your pet to the back and you aren't happy about it, talk about it. Your vet should be open to a discussion and should be able to give you a tour of the back so you can see what goes on back there. Either way, you'll get to stay in the room with your pet or you'll be more knowledgeable about where he goes when he's out of your sight. Profile Latest Stories  Mary Jo DiLonardo writes about everything from health to parenting — and anything that helps explain why her dog does what he does.

When you head to the veterinarian, you and your pet are likely both a little nervous. Whether it's for yearly vaccinations or to figure out why your furry best friend has been scratching or vomiting, you have to bring them in — and no one likes to be poked and prodded. By the time your vet appears in the exam room, you've both had time to worry about it and the doctor picks up on your combined nerves. That's one of the reasons so many veterinarians will do an initial exam in the room while you're there, but will whisk your pet "to the back" for vaccinations, bloodwork and other procedures."Some pets are actually calmer when they are away from their owners, which makes it easier to perform exams or draw blood or administer a treatment," writes <a href="https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/drjintile/2016/january/what-your-vet-really-means-back-33381" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">veterinarian Dr. Joanne Intile</a> in PetMD. "This allows the veterinarian to accomplish tasks more efficiently and safely, reducing stress for the pets." Veterinarian <a href="http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/why-your-vet-may-take-your-pet-to-the-back-room-for-an-exam" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Marty Becker agrees</a>. "Your pet may actually be much more difficult (or even dangerous) to handle in your presence, either because he’s trying to protect you or is sensing your concern for him. For many pets, getting away from Mom or Dad and being handled by a confident, experienced, animal-loving veterinary technician means getting the procedure done faster and with less stress for everyone." Especially if you happen to get a little queasy when it comes to medical procedures. If you get lightheaded while your pet is getting vaccinated or having blood drawn, no doubt he will pick up on that. And do you really want to see them getting a fecal sample or drawing a lot of blood (which they usually get from your dog's jugular)? More room to work In most veterinary clinics, "the back" refers to a large open area with access to surgical lights, equipment and more space to move around. It's a comfortable room where it's easy for vets and techs to work with your pet with all the tools they need close at hand. "Exam rooms are generally smaller, with less room to maneuver, especially with the pet owner (or two, and sometimes children as well) taking up room without knowing the best place to stand or how to help — or even if (and when) staying out of the way is better," says Becker. Often there are other staff members in the back who can offer an extra set of hands to help with restraining or calming your pet or getting equipment, medications or anything else that's needed. In exam rooms, owners often insist on restraining pets themselves, but they aren't necessarily all that good at it. Owners have been bitten by their own dogs in exam rooms. "Because veterinarians are liable for anything that happens to owners in the exam room, it's quite normal for them to discourage you from restraining your pooch when they have staff who are professionally trained to perform safe restraining techniques," writes behavior consultant and former animal hospital assistant <a href="https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Vets-Taking-Dogs-in-the-Back-Room-for-an-Exam-What-Studies-Say" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Adrienne Janet Farricelli</a>. "Many years ago, I took my dog to the vet to have a painful wound cleaned. At first, I tried to help, but the vet said to me, 'Let me have my professionally-trained staff hold your dog for this procedure. We don't want him to associate this not-so-pleasant experience with you.'" Less stress ... or not? <a href="https://media.mnn.com/assets/images/2018/10/scared_cat_being_held.jpg.838x0_q80.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>Does your presence comfort your pet or make her feel more anxious? (Photo: Gumpanat/Shutterstock) Although many vets will insist that pets pick up on their owners' stress, not all experts are convinced that dogs and cats are less likely to be anxious when we're with them. Faricelli reflects on her own days working at an animal hospital. "The dog who I thought appeared to be 'calmer' when brought to the back room may have likely been frozen in fear instead," she writes. "Some dogs who initially tried to resist, and then appeared calmer afterwards, may have been a victim of 'learned helplessness.' This means that they simply gave up. Their behavior might be mistaken for 'behaving,' but, in reality, they are in a subdued state of stress and fear." In the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28501556" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">2017 study</a>, researchers in France assessed the behavioral and physiological responses in dogs while being examined by a vet. They found that signs of stress in dogs — which include an increased heart rate and lip licking — decreased when the owners stayed in the room, petting and talking to the dog during the exam. They also were less likely to try to jump off the exam table when the owner was comforting them. The researchers concluded, "This study demonstrates that owner-dog interactions improve the well-being of dogs during a veterinary examination. Future research may assist in further understanding the mechanisms associated with reducing stress in dogs in similar settings. If your vet takes your pet to the back and you aren't happy about it, talk about it. Your vet should be open to a discussion and should be able to give you a tour of the back so you can see what goes on back there. Either way, you'll get to stay in the room with your pet or you'll be more knowledgeable about where he goes when he's out of your sight.<ul> <li><a href="https://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/why-does-your-vet-take-your-pet-back#author-bio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Profile</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/why-does-your-vet-take-your-pet-back#recent-posts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Latest Stories</a></li> </ul> <a href="https://www.mnn.com/users/mdilonardo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mary Jo DiLonardo</a> writes about everything from health to parenting — and anything that helps explain why her dog does what he does.

Why are your pets taken to the back room during a routine visit with Dr. Millie Armstrong

Kidney disease is more common as dogs age. It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 dogs will develop kidney disease over a lifetime1,3, so it’s an important topic to understand. When healthy, the two kidneys efficiently:  Filter the blood Process protein wastes and excrete them into the urine Conserve and balance body water, salts and acids Help to maintain normal red blood cells  Kidney disease occurs when one or more of these functions are compromised or reduced. Unfortunately, it typically goes undetected until the organs are functioning at approximately 33% to 25% of their capacity. Dogs with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prone to dehydration and you may notice that your dog is lethargic and has a poor appetite. Treatment options for advanced kidney disease are usually limited to treating the symptoms because dialysis and kidney transplants are not readily available for dogs. Protecting your pooch from kidney disease means you should be prepared to look for problems early. Causes of of chronic kidney disease in dogs The International Renal Interest Society or IRIS is a group of veterinary specialists studying  kidney disease in dogs and cats. They list several risk factors that make pets more susceptible to kidney disease, such as age or breed, and investigate reversible factors that initiate or accelerate kidney damage. Such factors include:   Glomerulonephritis Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)  Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) Ureteral obstruction &amp; hydronephrosis (stones causing a blockage) Tubulointerstitial disease (involving the kidney tubules)  Leptospirosis  Cancer Amyloidosis (protein problem) Hereditary nephropathies (genetic problem)  Signs of chronic kidney disease in dogs One of the earliest signs of kidney disease in dogs is urinating and drinking more (polyuria/polydipsia or PU/PD). Often, dogs need to urinate at nighttime (nocturia) or have "accidents." There are many other causes of PU/PD, but kidney disease is one of the most serious concerns. Taking water away from your dog could make chronic kidney disease worse, so please don’t try to do this without your veterinarian’s direction. Having your dog examined promptly when you note a change in water intake and urine production is key! Dogs tend to be pretty sensitive to changes in their blood levels of waste so even mild to moderate changes may cause signs of illness. Other signs of chronic kidney disease include:  Urinary incontinence (urine leakage) Dehydration Lethargy Reduced appetite Vomiting Weight loss Bad breath with a chemical odor Oral ulcers Pale appearance  Testing your dog for chronic kidney disease Your veterinarian will often suggest these basic tests:  Physical Examination— The first test your veterinarian is likely to perform will be a physical examination, and remember that taking your dog in for routine physical examinations is an excellent way to help protect him. Even normal physical exams may be useful later as a baseline of comparison. During the exam, your veterinarian might detect:  Enlarged, painful kidneys Back or flank pain Changes in the prostate or urinary bladder  A rectal examination can give more detail about the possibility of urethral, bladder or prostatic disease that might relate to kidney disease. Finding a large bladder in a dehydrated pet, or other, less specific, findings may also warn your veterinarian about a kidney problem, for example:  Low body temperature Excessive skin tenting Dry gums (showing dehydration) Unkempt hair coat  Other testing may include:  Complete blood count (CBC)—The CBC may reveal anemia (too few red blood cells) or an elevation in white blood cells consistent with infection, stress or inflammation. Less commonly, blood parasites or circulating cancer cells are found. Chemistry profile with electrolytes Urinalysis with sediment exam—Examining a urine specimen, especially prior to any treatment, is a simple and economical way to gauge urine quality.   Urine culture with susceptibility Urine protein to creatinine ratio Infectious disease testing—Regular testing for heartworm infection and for vector borne diseases such as Ehrlichiosis andLyme can identify risk factors for kidney disease. Diagnostic imaging—Using radiography (X-rays) and diagnostic ultrasound to identify changes in the size, shape and architecture of the kidneys may suggest a specific blockage that needs emergency treatment. Blood pressure measurement—High blood pressure is common in dogs with chronic kidney disease. Kidney Sampling  Management and monitoring of chronic kidney disease Sick pets with signs of kidney disease that include dehydration will likely require more intensive care in a hospital setting, while those that are happy tail waggers and are completely self-supporting will often be treated at home. Your veterinarian will work diligently to find a treatable cause of kidney disease and make individual recommendations for your dog.    General treatment goals for dogs with kidney disease include:  Providing adequate and appropriate nutrition with a kidney friendly diet (always check with your veterinarian before making any diet changes). Ensuring excellent hydration. Balancing salts and acid-base levels. Aggressively treating any protein problems or high blood pressure, since these conditions tend to worsen kidney damage2. Keeping plenty of fresh water available—this is essential!  Keep in mind that dogs with kidney disease are usually going to need more trips outside for bathroom breaks, so building this into the household schedule will be important. A friendly neighbor can help out, or a professional dog walker can come to give your pooch a midday break and help you avoid coming home to a puddle or two on the floor. He really can’t help it!  Your pet’s condition, any other illnesses found and your personal goals for treatment will help determine the course of treatment and dictate how often you visit the veterinarian.  Chronic kidney disease prognosis/advances Some dogs with chronic kidney disease will live years after diagnosis and have a good quality of life. Others will not be so lucky. Your veterinarian will evaluate after testing is finished.  As a motivated pet guardian you can take an active role in your pet’s preventive care by planning for wellness exams and routine lab testing. Team up with your veterinarian to address any problems before they get worse. The discovery of new biomarkers for kidney function, such as SDMA, provides for early recognition of kidney disease before other blood values change and offers the prospect of earlier intervention and kidney care3. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Resources:  Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website. Updated October 2013. Accessed January 14, 2015. Polzin DJ et al. Evidence-based management of chronic kidney disease. In Bonagura J, Twedt D (eds), Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy XIV, Elsevier Saunders, St Louis 2009: 872-879.  https://www.idexx.com/small-animal-health/solutions/articles/sdma-diagnose-kidney-disease.html 

Kidney <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/diseases" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">disease</a> is more common as <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/dogs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dogs</a> <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/age" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">age</a>. It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 dogs will develop kidney disease over a lifetime1,3, so it’s an important topic to understand. When healthy, the two kidneys efficiently: <ul> <li>Filter the <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/blood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blood</a></li> <li>Process protein wastes and excrete them into the <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/urine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">urine</a></li> <li>Conserve and balance body water, salts and acids</li> <li>Help to maintain normal red blood cells</li> </ul> Kidney disease occurs when one or more of these functions are compromised or reduced. Unfortunately, it typically goes undetected until the organs are functioning at approximately 33% to 25% of their capacity. Dogs with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prone to dehydration and you may notice that your dog is <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/symptoms/lethargic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lethargic</a> and has a poor appetite. Treatment options for advanced kidney disease are usually limited to treating the symptoms because dialysis and kidney transplants are not readily available for dogs. Protecting your pooch from kidney disease means you should be prepared to look for problems early. Causes of of chronic kidney disease in dogs <a href="http://www.iris-kidney.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The International Renal Interest Society or IRIS</a> is a group of veterinary specialists studying  kidney disease in dogs and <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/cats" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cats</a>. They list several risk factors that make pets more susceptible to kidney disease, such as age or <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/breeds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">breed</a>, and investigate reversible factors that initiate or accelerate kidney damage. Such factors include: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/glomerular-disease-dogs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Glomerulonephritis</a></li> <li>Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)</li> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/chronic-kidney-disease-what-does-kidney-failure-dogs-really" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)</a></li> <li>Ureteral obstruction &amp; hydronephrosis (stones causing a blockage)</li> <li>Tubulointerstitial disease (involving the kidney tubules)</li> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/surviving-leptospirosis-what-you-need-know-protect-your-dog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leptospirosis</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/five-most-common-questions-about-cancer-dogs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Cancer</a></li> <li>Amyloidosis (protein problem)</li> <li>Hereditary nephropathies (genetic problem)</li> </ul> Signs of chronic kidney disease in dogs One of the earliest signs of kidney disease in dogs is <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-behavior/why-my-dog-suddenly-peeing-floor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">urinating</a> and <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/symptoms/drinking-a-lot" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">drinking</a> more (polyuria/polydipsia or PU/PD). Often, dogs need to urinate at nighttime (nocturia) or have "accidents." There are many other causes of PU/PD, but kidney disease is one of the most serious concerns. Taking water away from your dog could make chronic kidney disease worse, so please don’t try to do this without your <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/veterinarian" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">veterinarian’s</a> direction. Having your dog examined promptly when you note a change in water intake and urine production is key! Dogs tend to be pretty sensitive to changes in their blood levels of waste so even mild to moderate changes may cause signs of illness. Other signs of chronic kidney disease include: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/symptoms/floor-peeing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Urinary incontinence (urine leakage)</a></li> <li>Dehydration</li> <li>Lethargy</li> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/symptoms/not-eating" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reduced appetite</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/symptoms/vomiting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vomiting</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/symptoms/weight-loss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Weight loss</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/symptoms/bad-breath" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bad breath with a chemical odor</a></li> <li>Oral ulcers</li> <li>Pale appearance</li> </ul> Testing your dog for chronic kidney disease Your veterinarian will often suggest these basic tests: <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/a-thorough-dog-checkup-what-expect-and-how-you-can-help" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Physical Examination</a>— The first test your veterinarian is likely to perform will be a physical examination, and remember that taking your dog in for routine physical examinations is an excellent way to help protect him. Even normal physical exams may be useful later as a baseline of comparison. During the exam, your veterinarian might detect: <ul> <li>Enlarged, painful kidneys</li> <li>Back or flank pain</li> <li>Changes in the prostate or urinary bladder</li> </ul> A rectal examination can give more detail about the possibility of urethral, bladder or prostatic disease that might relate to kidney disease. Finding a large bladder in a dehydrated pet, or other, less specific, findings may also warn your veterinarian about a kidney problem, for example: <ul> <li>Low body temperature</li> <li>Excessive skin tenting</li> <li>Dry gums (showing dehydration)</li> <li>Unkempt hair coat</li> </ul> Other testing may include: <ul> <li>Complete blood count (CBC)—The CBC may reveal anemia (too few red blood cells) or an elevation in white blood cells consistent with <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/infection" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">infection</a>, <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/stress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stress</a> or <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/symptoms/inflammation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">inflammation</a>. Less commonly, blood <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/parasites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">parasites</a> or circulating cancer cells are found.</li> <li>Chemistry profile with electrolytes</li> <li>Urinalysis with sediment exam—Examining a urine specimen, especially prior to any treatment, is a simple and economical way to gauge urine quality.  </li> <li>Urine culture with susceptibility</li> <li>Urine protein to creatinine ratio</li> <li>Infectious disease testing—Regular testing for <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/heartworm-disease-dogs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">heartworm infection</a> and for vector borne diseases such as <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/ehrlichiosis-dogs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ehrlichiosis</a> and<a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/your-dog-and-dangers-lyme-disease-part-i" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lyme</a> can identify risk factors for kidney disease.</li> <li>Diagnostic imaging—Using radiography (<a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/x-ray" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">X-rays</a>) and diagnostic ultrasound to identify changes in the size, shape and architecture of the kidneys may suggest a specific blockage that needs <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/emergency" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">emergency</a> treatment.</li> <li>Blood pressure measurement—High blood pressure is common in dogs with chronic kidney disease.</li> <li>Kidney Sampling</li> </ul> Management and monitoring of chronic kidney disease Sick pets with signs of kidney disease that include dehydration will likely require more intensive care in a hospital setting, while those that are happy tail waggers and are completely self-supporting will often be treated at home. Your veterinarian will work diligently to find a treatable cause of kidney disease and make individual recommendations for your dog.   General treatment goals for dogs with kidney disease include: <ul> <li>Providing adequate and appropriate <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/nutrition" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nutrition</a> with a kidney friendly <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/tags/diet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">diet</a> (always check with your veterinarian before making any diet changes).</li> <li>Ensuring excellent hydration.</li> <li>Balancing salts and acid-base levels.</li> <li>Aggressively treating any protein problems or high blood pressure, since these conditions tend to worsen kidney damage2.</li> <li>Keeping plenty of fresh water available—this is essential!</li> </ul> Keep in mind that dogs with kidney disease are usually going to need more trips outside for bathroom breaks, so building this into the household schedule will be important. A friendly neighbor can help out, or a professional dog walker can come to give your pooch a midday break and help you avoid coming home to a puddle or two on the floor. He really can’t help it! Your pet’s condition, any other illnesses found and your personal goals for treatment will help determine the course of treatment and dictate how often you visit the veterinarian. Chronic kidney disease prognosis/advances Some dogs with chronic kidney disease will live years after diagnosis and have a good quality of life. Others will not be so lucky. Your veterinarian will evaluate after testing is finished. As a motivated pet guardian you can take an active role in your pet’s preventive care by planning for wellness exams and routine lab testing. Team up with your veterinarian to address any problems before they get worse. The discovery of new biomarkers for kidney function, such as SDMA, provides for early recognition of kidney disease before other blood values change and offers the prospect of earlier intervention and kidney care3. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Resources: <ol> <li><a href="http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/urinary_system/noninfectious_diseases_of_the_urinary_system_in_small_animals/renal_dysfunction_in_small_animals.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website. Updated October 2013. Accessed January 14, 2015.</a></li> <li>Polzin DJ et al. Evidence-based management of chronic kidney disease. In Bonagura J, Twedt D (eds), Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy XIV, Elsevier Saunders, St Louis 2009: 872-879.</li> <li><a href="https://www.idexx.com/small-animal-health/solutions/articles/sdma-diagnose-kidney-disease.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.idexx.com/small-animal-health/solutions/articles/sdma-diagnose-kidney-disease.html</a></li> </ol>

Chuck the Pug, Bark & Wag model, was diagnosed with kidney failure. Dr. Millie Armstrong explains the diagnosis.

Dr. Millie Armstrong from Petit Brook Veterinary Clinic in Vermont discusses stomach twisting.  Gastric dilation and volvulus syndrome (GDV), more commonly referred to as gastrictorsion or bloat, is a disease in dogs in which the animal’s stomach dilates and then rotates, or twists, around its short axis. A number of emergency conditions may result as a consequence of this gastric rotation, including progressive distension of the stomach, increased pressure within the abdomen, damage to the cardiovascular system, and decreased perfusion. Perfusion is the process of delivering nutrients via blood in the arteries to the body’s tissues. Insufficient perfusion may lead to cellular damage and even organ death.   Symptoms and Types   Symptoms of GDV include anxious behavior, depression, abdominal pain and distention, collapse, excessive drooling, and vomiting to the point of unproductive dry heaving. Further physical examination may also reveal an extremely rapid heart beat (known as tachycardia), labored breathing (known as dyspnea), a weak pulse, and pale mucus membrane (the moist tissues lining the body’s orifices, such as the nose and mouth).   Causes   The exact causes of GDV are unknown. A variety of factors, including genetics, anatomy, and environment, are most likely to blame. For example, dogs that have a first relative with a history of GDV have been shown to be at higher risk. Additionally, large and giant-breed dogs may be at higher risk, especially deep-chested breeds such as great Danes, German shepherds, and standard poodles. Although GDV has been reported in puppies, risk does increase with age.   Some factors that are believed to contribute to the development of GDV include ingestion of excessive amounts of food or water, delayed emptying of the gastrointestinal system, and too much activity after eating. In some cases, dogs affected by GDV have a history of gastrointestinal tract problems. It should be noted, however, that these characteristics do not necessarily occur with all cases.   Diagnosis   A primary method of diagnosing GDV is imaging techniques, such as x-rays of the abdomen. Other tests may include a urine analysis and testing concentrations of lactate substance in the plasma.   If GDV is not to blame, other possible causes of the patient’s symptoms may include bacterial infection, gastroenteritis (which is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract involving both the stomach and small intestine), or “food bloat” due to overeating.

Dr. Millie Armstrong from Petit Brook Veterinary Clinic in Vermont discusses stomach twisting.  Gastric dilation and volvulus syndrome (GDV), more commonly referred to as gastrictorsion or bloat, is a disease in dogs in which the animal’s stomach dilates and then rotates, or twists, around its short axis. A number of emergency conditions may result as a consequence of this gastric rotation, including progressive distension of the stomach, increased pressure within the abdomen, damage to the cardiovascular system, and decreased perfusion. Perfusion is the process of delivering nutrients via blood in the arteries to the body’s tissues. Insufficient perfusion may lead to cellular damage and even organ death.   Symptoms and Types Symptoms of GDV include anxious behavior, depression, abdominal pain and distention, collapse, excessive drooling, and vomiting to the point of unproductive dry heaving. Further physical examination may also reveal an extremely rapid heart beat (known as tachycardia), labored breathing (known as dyspnea), a weak pulse, and pale mucus membrane (the moist tissues lining the body’s orifices, such as the nose and mouth).   Causes The exact causes of GDV are unknown. A variety of factors, including genetics, anatomy, and environment, are most likely to blame. For example, dogs that have a first relative with a history of GDV have been shown to be at higher risk. Additionally, large and giant-breed dogs may be at higher risk, especially deep-chested breeds such as great Danes, German shepherds, and standard poodles. Although GDV has been reported in puppies, risk does increase with age. Some factors that are believed to contribute to the development of GDV include ingestion of excessive amounts of food or water, delayed emptying of the gastrointestinal system, and too much activity after eating. In some cases, dogs affected by GDV have a history of gastrointestinal tract problems. It should be noted, however, that these characteristics do not necessarily occur with all cases.   Diagnosis A primary method of diagnosing GDV is imaging techniques, such as x-rays of the abdomen. Other tests may include a urine analysis and testing concentrations of lactate substance in the plasma. If GDV is not to blame, other possible causes of the patient’s symptoms may include bacterial infection, gastroenteritis (which is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract involving both the stomach and small intestine), or “food bloat” due to overeating.