Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s Blog
Real stories about actual HRVSS patients.
Puff Had FHO Surgery on Both Hips at The Same Time!
Puff was only 10 month old, but with a long medical history already… His owner recalls: “Puff started having some problems with his back legs shortly after we adopted him. He was probably 5 or 6 months old. He also had some unexplained eye problems, that resulted in...
Our top 10 surgeries in cats and dogs in 2025
A new year is a perfect opportunity to reflect on our top 10 surgeries last year at HRVSS. 1. ACL surgery There is no question, year after year, that ACL surgery is #1 in our practice. We offer 3 main surgery options, depending on the patient (cat, small dog, big dog)...
Gazelles and Antelopes of South Africa
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.Among the most captivating and...
Bird Watching in South Africa
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.White-fronted Bee-eaters near their...
How can I tell if my pet is in pain?
This is a very common question, which we will try to answer today. Granted, pain can vary dramatically from breed to breed, and from pet to pet. But here are some general guidelines about 4 obvious signs of pain.1. Crying If you step on your pet’s paw, they mostly...
Speeding toward danger: The Story of South Africa’s Cheetahs
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 bush of South Africa, the...
Leela, from snotty to thriving
Leela, a Russian Blue kitty, barely weighed 4 pounds, even though she was 2-year-old. She had a rough start in life: rescued on the street with “a really bad eye infection,” she eventually lost her right eye. Leela was snotty, congested and skinny Her owner remembers:...
Lions of South Africa: Kings of the Bush
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.Lions symbolize power and grace....
Charlie and the giant spleen mass
Charlie, a sweet 9 year old Basset Hound, was in serious trouble. His signs were really minor, but what was growing inside was shocking. Interestingly, the mass was found by accident. Charlie’s owner recalls: “We had noticed lumps on Charlie’s hip and belly. We had...
Graceful Giants: Discovering Giraffes in South Africa
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.South Africa, a land renowned for...