Toxicosis (i.e., accidental poisoning) is one of the most common—and most preventable—pet emergencies we see at Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, likely because many pet owners don’t realize that many everyday household items are toxic to pets. Knowing how to identify and address these domestic hazards—and recognize active toxin ingestion signs in pets—are [...]

Various conditions cause canine limping—one of the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary care for their dog. Some canine limping causes are more concerning than others, and many dog owners aren’t sure when they can help manage their furry pal’s limp at home and when they should seek veterinary care. Our Southern Arizona Veterinary [...]

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) affect the nose, sinuses, mouth, and throat and are common in cats. They can be caused by numerous pathogens, but infection typically occurs through direct contact with an infected cat or by environmental exposure to objects contaminated with infectious nasal, oral, or ocular secretions. Our Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency [...]

Valley Fever (i.e., coccidioidomycosis) most commonly affects pets in alkaline desert regions in Arizona, New Mexico, southwestern Texas, and central California. Cases have also been reported in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, and desert areas in Central and South America. While dogs seem especially susceptible, cats can also be infected with the disease, which can potentially [...]

Cancer rates in pets are similar to those in humans, with one in four dogs developing the condition during their lifetime. The rate increases to 50% in pets older than 10 years, and cancer is the leading cause of death in pets overall. The good news is that research into new and innovative treatments that [...]

If you’ve noticed your cat spending more time in their litter box, having accidents around the house, or acting strangely, you’re not alone. Cats are predisposed to urinary disease, a condition so common that it’s the presenting complaint for up to 8% of veterinary visits. Cats are complicated creatures, and so are their diseases—feline lower [...]

If your pet is scheduled for an anesthetic procedure, you may have some concerns about the process. While most pets experience no problems during anesthesia, we understand that you probably want to know more about how we prioritize your pet’s safety. Our Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center team wants to help by answering [...]

Brachycephalic pets, including French and English bulldogs, pugs, shih tzus, boxers, Pekingese, Boston terriers, and Persian and Himalayan cats, have taken the world by storm. Known for their short—nearly nonexistent—muzzle, big eyes, and endearing snorts, these flat-faced dogs and cats are a common sight from the dog park to the big screen. Sadly, the iconic [...]

Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that veterinarians use to view your pet’s internal body structures. Ultrasound probes, or transducers, contain special ceramic crystal materials (i.e., piezoelectrics) that produce sound waves that travel through your pet’s body when the probe is placed on your pet’s skin. When these sound waves encounter boundaries between tissues in [...]

Any ear infection can be irritating, unpleasant, and downright painful for your pet, but a chronic infection can cause significant problems that can be difficult to manage. Pets with chronic ear infections routinely visit their primary care veterinarian for their latest flare-up, but some chronic ear infections require urgent treatment for the pet to get [...]