The intervertebral discs (the cushion that resides in the space between adjacent spinal vertebrae) are subject to a number of degenerative conditions and forces that predispose them to bulge or rupture over time. This rupture leads to two types of damage to the spinal cord, compression and concussion.

Vaccination is a medical procedure that should be undertaken with the same thoughtful consideration as any other medical procedure in veterinary practice.

Mast cell tumors (MCT) in dogs are very common, accounting for approximately 20% of all skin tumors in dogs. For most dogs, the underlying cause promoting the development of the tumor is not known.

What Should I Do If My Pet Is Diagnosed With Cancer?

Your veterinary medical "team" should be made up of you, the general practice veterinarian the AVH Board certified veterinary homeopath (CVH), and a specialist when needed.

Difficult surgical cases may be best managed by a specialist. When a referral is indicated, your veterinary homeopath will discuss this process you.

The ACVS's (surgical Board) five questions to ask your vet before your pet has a surgical procedure:

1. "How often does your vet perform this surgery?
2. Does the surgery require special equipment and is it readily available?
3. Does my pet's surgery require a specialist?
4. What should I expect the outcome of the surgery to be?
5. What follow-up care is necessary?"

And I would add a sixth and seventh questions:

1. Which anesthetic protocol will be used?
2. Will my pet be monitored closely by trained personnel (other than the surgeon) both during and after surgical anesthesia?

Find a Board-certified veterinary surgeon here:

Mammary cancer is the third most common cancer in cats. The average age of affected cats is 10-11 years of age. Almost 90% of feline mammary tumors are malignant, meaning they have the potential to spread to other portions of the body. The most common sites of spread are regional lymph nodes and the lungs. Malignant mammary tumors in cats tend to metastasize rapidly. Around 10% of feline mammary tumors are benign, meaning they will not spread except by local growth. To date, surgical excision at the earliest possible opportunity is the most effective therapy for any mammary tumor. If the tumor is benign, complete surgical excision is curative. If the tumor is malignant, post-surgical treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy may be warranted. These options will be discussed with you by the medical oncologist following surgery, if appropriate.

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There are many ways to treat cancer including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, surgery is the oldest and most commonly used form of therapy.

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in dogs and cats causing a variety of clinical and pathological signs related to genital and systemic disease. 

Osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) is a condition of abnormal cartilage growth seen in rapidly growing dogs. Its exact cause is not fully understood but genetics and over nutrition appears to contribute.