Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s Blog
Real stories about actual HRVSS patients.
South Africa’s Rhinoceros: massive yet endangered
I was very fortunate to recently visit South Africa and Zimbabwe after a veterinary conference. Since 100% of the pet owners we meet are animal lovers, I thought I would share some information and pictures about his incredible trip.In the heart of South Africa and...
Chewy’s screw tail surgery, from “very bad” to “great energy”
Chewy, a 3 year old Bulldog, was in a strange situation. He also had a strange condition: a “screw tail.” What is that? Also called corkscrew tail, ingrown tail or tail fold dermatitis, it involves a convoluted, infected, smelly, and painful skin fold around the tail....
5 (more) important questions about postop care
← 5 important questions about postop care This week we share answers to 5 more common questions you should know about if your dog or your cat is having surgery. 1. It’s OK to let my pet lick the sutures, right? Of course not! Pets, not knowing any better, have a...
5 important questions about postop care
Whether your cat or your dog has a minor lump removal or major surgery, there are some basic things you should know. After your pet has surgery, the surgeon & nurse team will answer many of your questions spontaneously. Still, it is useful to know what to expect...
Rocky’s giant belly mass… and giant surprises!
Rocky, a cute 5-year-old, 20 lb Shih Tzu, was in trouble. He had a large, firm, painful mass in his groin area. It was about the size of your fist. His belly appeared to be distended. Where are testicles supposed to live? Although he was never neutered, he had no...
How Pearl’s surgery solved her repeated bladder infections
Pearl, a 3 year old Lab, had had a “ridiculous number of bladder infections” during her short life. Her owner remembers: “When she was a puppy, our family vet told us she may be prone to bladder infections because of her anatomy.” Why did Pearl have bladder...
Gia and the mysterious mammary tumor
Gia, a cute 13 year old Maltipoo, was in trouble. She had an almost 1 inch in diameter mass in one of her mammary glands (breasts). In fact, it wasn’t a single mass, it was multiple small masses. She had bloody discharge from it, and it turned purple. It gets worse. A...
Skeeter and the vanishing neck tumor
Skeeter, a 10 year old Beagle, was drinking & peeing much more than normal. Blood work showed that his calcium levels were too high. This can be due to multiple conditions. An ultrasound of the neck showed an enlarged left para-thyroid gland. The para-thyroid is...
How Dog the Cat Almost Lost his Leg
Dog, a 10 year old kitty, was in a strange situation. 2-3 weeks before I talked to the owner, a child (from another family) apparently jumped on him and broke his shin bone. The fracture was initially managed with a splint, which Dog wouldn't keep on. So surgery was...
Archie, a high-stakes gallbladder surgery
“These clients are among my best friends. Both have very serious health issues. Archie is their life, and he’s in severe trouble. Please save his life.” Such was the high-pressure phone call I received from a referring vet. Archie, a 10 year old Scottish terrier, was...