Neumeister Animal Hospital

Menu

Topics

Education

Dog breeds and characteristics
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Food Allergy Trials in Dogs
Heart Medications
Mild weather means Fleas and ticks are thriving!
Lucybella – Pets in the classroom
Lymphoma in dogs
New Puppy information
Onion Poisoning in cats and dogs
Purina lifespan study
Self-medicating pets
What do those lab tests mean?
What to expect after vaccinations
Xylitol: hidden source of pet toxin

Topic Highlights

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small organ where bile is stored before it is released into the small intestine. Dogs (and all other Vertebrates) can live without a gallbladder. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy. Gallbladder Mucocele Gallbladder mucocele is a condition in dogs due to the accumulation of mucus in the […]
Read More

Sarcoptic Mange

For this case, Dr. Neumeister was presented with a one-year-old Miniature Poodle who was extremely itchy. Dr. Neumeister noticed some crusted skin around the ear and took some scrapings to view under the microscope. Several Sarcoptes Scabiei parasites were found. These parasites cause Sarcoptic Mange. Typical symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange include hair loss, bald spots, […]
Read More

High Blood pressure in Cats (Systemic Hypertension)

One of our clients came in with her cat after she observed him breathing faster than normal. This particular patient is currently being treated for renal failure, but had not shown any increased respiratory rates yet. Cats in renal failure often have high blood pressure, which if left too high for too long, can lead […]
Read More

Splenic Hematoma

Warning: This article includes descriptions and images of a surgical procedure for mass removal. A 10-year-old neutered male Australian Shepherd mix was presented for a second opinion after being diagnosed with a possible Hemangiosarcoma. Hemangiosarcoma is a fast-growing, highly invasive variety of cancer that arises from the blood vessels. If this were […]
Read More

Sebaceous Cyst

As a rule: if you discover any kind of growth on your pet we urgently recommend you have it checked out by Dr. Neumeister. During the exam, Dr. Neumeister will check the entire body of your pet to determine the location, number, and appearance of any growths. If the growth turns out to be a […]
Read More

Poultry mites on cats

A client came in because she noticed that her cats were itching and scratching. After taking a close look at the cats’ skin a few tiny black spots were found and Dr. Neumeister took a look under the microscope to find that it was a poultry mite. The client confirmed owning chickens, and the cats must have come in contact […]
Read More

Kidney Mass – Renal Adenocarcinoma

A happy 10-year-old neutered male Yorkie-Poodle was presented due to the owner seeing bloody urine (hematuria) in the snow. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a proliferative mass arising and destroying the left kidney. The right kidney was normal and renal values were normal as well (only 25% of the kidney function is necessary to maintain […]
Read More

Panosteitis

A 6-month-old German Shepherd was presented because of limping. During the exam, Dr. Neumeister found that the dog was very uncomfortable with the extension of the left front leg and was able to extend it only 30%. No fever was present. Radiographs of the front legs were scheduled to rule out osteochondrosis, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), […]
Read More

Ingestion of a “Foreign Body”

A foreign body is an object that, when swallowed, is likely to get stuck in the gut and cause a blockage. If your pet is lucky, and the object is small enough, it may be vomited up or passed without causing any trouble, but it can also lead to intestinal blockage, which is life-threatening Even […]
Read More

Fractured canine front leg

Before: A blue Heeler fractured his leg after being hit by a car. Radiographs reveal both radius and ulna (the 2 long bones) of the left front leg with comminution (crushing/grinding) of the distal (outer) 1/3 diaphysis (main or midsection of a long bone). After: The small […]
Read More

Epulides

Epulides are localized growths on the gingival (gums). Most epulides are benign lesions or -tumors, but malignant tumors can present as epulis as well. Therefore, they should always be histopathologically examined to determine the real nature of the lesion. The most common benign type of epulides in dogs is focal fibrous hyperplasia. These tumors do […]
Read More

Entropion eyelid repair and third eyelid flap

This kitten has been named “Jack Sparrow”. He was presented on October 25th, 2014 by a Dubuque police officer after being found abandoned with his left eye protruding beyond its bony socket. He weighed only 2.1 lbs and was emaciated. Jack Sparrow was immediately fed and medicated to help him gain strength. The eye […]
Read More

Embedded tooth segment

A 5-year-old Golden Retriever was referred to us because of chronic inflammation in the lower mouth arcade. This had started when the dog was only 5 months old. Three years ago a tooth, as well as a gingival mass, had been removed, but the swelling did not recede. Histopathology of the gingival mass confirmed the […]
Read More

Dental Surgery

Dental surgery for cats and dogs is a routine procedure at Neumeister Animal Hospital. It ranges from preventive care to tooth extractions. You can read up on our routine dental procedures on our Services page about Dental Care and Oral Radiology. In this particular case, a dog was scheduled for routine cleaning. After the dog […]
Read More

Cystotomy

A 9-year-old Shih-Tzu mix was showing an increased urge to urinate but was straining to do so once outside. After viewing a urine sample under the microscope Dr. Neumeister found a large amount of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and transitional cells. A radiograph of the abdomen showed 4 uroliths (bladder stones) […]
Read More

Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy

A client came to the office with her 10-year-old Boston Terrier because she felt that his vision was impaired. Dr. Neumeister measured the fluid pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) and evaluated the retina and optic nerve function with color-based pupil testing. Both tests came back with results in the normal range. After ruling out […]
Read More

Canine fetus

Fetus at approximately day 44 (of 63 days of gestation)
Read More

Canine Benign Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome

A dog owner called us in a panic because her elderly dog (Shelby) suddenly had difficulty walking and was falling over. She was also tilting her head, the eyes were rotating in a circle and flicking back and forth, and up and down. The owner thought that her dog might be having a stroke. We […]
Read More

Blastomycosis

When coming in with an ill pet it is always important to provide Dr. Neumeister with as much information as possible, even if you think it might not be of importance. In one particular case, Dr. Neumeister was able to diagnose Blastomycosis early on after the owners shared that the dog had been playing in […]
Read More

Chewing Lice – Mallophaga

A client presented with a 7-week-old puppy for his first puppy exam. The client noted that she noticed something moving on the puppy’s skin and that it seemed extremely itchy and had dandruff-like flakes. Rubbing, scratching, and biting of infested areas can be signs of louse infestation. Heavy infestations may even cause pruritus (severe itching […]
Read More

Anaplasmosis in dogs

Here at Neumeister Animal Hospital we always stress to bring your dog in for a heartworm – and tick panel screening at least once a year. If infected, regular testing can provide early detection, which can improve your dog’s prognosis. This was the case after doing the yearly test on one of our clients Poodlepointer. […]
Read More

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs. It is caused by a parasitic worm that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworms can live for up to seven years in a dog’s body, and they can cause a variety of health problems, including: Coughing Fatigue Weight […]
Read More

What to expect after your pet’s vaccination

It’s fairly common for your pet to experience some or all of the following mild side effects – usually starting within hours of vaccination and typically lasting no longer than a few days. If these side effects last for more than a few days call us at 563-582-8417. Discomfort and local swelling at […]
Read More

What do those lab tests mean?

ALB (Albumin) – Low levels of this protein can be an indication of chronic liver or kidney disease or of an parasitic infection. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) – These are found in liver, bone, kidney and intestines. High levels of this enzyme may indicate organ disease. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) – Increased levels of this enzyme can […]
Read More

Selfmedicating pets is not a good idea

There are several reasons why we ask pet owners to not give their pet ANY medication unless under the direct treatment of Doctor Neumeister or another veterinarian. You may believe the ailment in your pet is one thing, but the doctor could find it to be something else altogether. The medication you were given prior […]
Read More

Onion (allium) poisoning in cats and dogs

In North America, there are about 95 species of cultivated/native Allium species (e.g. onion, garlic, scallion, shallot, leek, and chives) plus at least another 80 ornamental species. All these species and the products derived from them (e.g. onion powder, garlic powder, etc.) be it raw, cooked, dehydrated or after spoilage, are toxic to cats and […]
Read More

Crate Training

A PET OWNER’S GUIDE TO A DOG CRATE What is a Dog Crate? A dog crate is a rectangular enclosure with a top and a door, made in a variety of sizes proportioned to fit any type of dog. Constructed of wire, wood, metal, or molded plastic, its purpose is to provide guaranteed confinement for […]
Read More

Vaccines

Vaccines help prevent many illnesses that affect pets. Vaccinating your pet has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help him live a long, healthy life. Not only are there different vaccines for different diseases, but there are also different types and combinations of vaccines. Vaccination is a procedure that has risks and […]
Read More

Submissive Urination

This is a clear-cut situation that you will have little trouble with once you understand it. The reasoning behind it gets into a rather sophisticated area of dog knowledge. If, when you come home, your dog runs to greet you at the door, tail wagging, ears down or back, hind leg tentatively lifting, observe. He […]
Read More

Housebreaking

Feed at set times. Do not vary your schedule, even on weekends. If you feed at 7:00 AM on a weekday, feed at that same time on Saturday and Sunday, at least until your puppy is housetrained. Feed one diet and DO NOT vary it. DO NOT feed table scraps and do not give treats […]
Read More

Dogfood

WHY FEED YOUR DOG THE HIGH-PRICED STUFF? Fifty pounds of high-protein dog food for six dollars and fifty cents sounds like a good deal. After all, if it’s a high protein, it’s probably pretty good, right? Well, not necessarily. There are so many misconceptions and myths regarding proper nutrition that it would be impossible to […]
Read More

Creating a home for your puppy

Many people go to great lengths to select the right puppy. They speak to breeders, go see puppies, read books, etc. They purchase their puppy, bring it home without considering a very important fact; creating a home for the puppy. The results of not making a home for your new puppy are well-known. The puppy […]
Read More

Chewing

A dog is in a natural behavioral pattern when he is chewing. From the dog’s point of view, chewing serves the same purpose as reading a book, playing tennis, or lighting a big cigar after dinner. Dogs chew to relax. However, dogs chew for many other reasons, and if the behavior is not corrected properly, […]
Read More

Benefits of spay or neuter

BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR DOG Sterilization surgery doesn’t just prevent unwanted puppies; it prevents many health and behavioral problems as well: By Camille J. McArdle, D.V.M. I had another case come into the clinic today, another heartbreak that didn’t have to be. This time it was a huge tumor in the chest that had metastasized […]
Read More

New Puppy Information

Siblings: Ollie and Doc To see more of our clients’ adorable pets click here to visit the Gallery
Read More

Lymphoma in dogs

Cancer has become the leading cause of death in dogs. Approximately 1 in 3 domestic dogs will develop cancer, which is the same incidence of cancer among men. Lymphoma accounts for 7-24% of all canine cancers. Lymphoma generally affects lymphoid tissues, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow, but lymphoma can arise in virtually […]
Read More

Lucybella – Pets in the classroom

Lucybella’s owner shared this nice story with us: “Hi, my name is Lucybella. I am a 15 1/2-year-old wired hair fox terrier. I love the outdoors and one of my favorite activities is going to the river and riding with my owner on our wave runner. You may have seen us; I’m the one wearing […]
Read More

Xylitol: hidden source of pet toxin

Hidden sources of pet toxins could mean trouble for patients Xylitol, a sweetener that causes hypoglycemia and hepatic necrosis (liver failure) in dogs, appears in products you’d never suspect. Many products such as nasal sprays, sleep aids, multivitamins, prescription sedatives, antacids, stool softeners, smoking-cessation gums, and other products may contain unexpectedly large amounts of xylitol. […]
Read More

Mild weather means Fleas and ticks are thriving!

We have all been enjoying the nice weather with mild temperatures! Unfortunately, fleas and ticks are thriving in this weather as well. We have been seeing a large increase in patients with fleas and also had patients test positive for Lyme disease after being infected by ticks. Flea infestations can produce life-threatening anemia in small […]
Read More

Heart medications

ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS (ECEI) An angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (Enalapril or Benazepril) has been added to your pet’s therapy. ACEIs are “vasodilators” that lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. ACEIs also have effects on the kidneys, preventing salt and water retention. When cardiac function decreases, the body tries to maintain blood pressure by constricting blood […]
Read More

Food Allergy trials in dogs

Signs A food allergy is a reaction to food involving the dog’s immune system. A protein particle in the food usually causes the reaction. Typical signs can include itching, licking, chewing paws, etc. In some cases the dogs may only show chronic otitis. Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, belching, and frequent bowel movements are […]
Read More

Purina Life Span Study

The Purina Life Span Study, conducted from 1987 to 2001, represents the first completed canine lifetime restriction study. Findings from the study proved that maintaining dogs in lean body condition extended their media life span by 15 percent or nearly 2 years, for the labrador Retrievers in the study. The study showed several benefits for […]
Read More

Dog breeds and characteristics

Working Group Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds, and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky, and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, […]
Read More

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit, such as alleviating or mitigating some symptoms of the disability, to an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability. Emotional support animals are typically dogs and cats but may include other animals. A person must meet the federal definition of disability and […]
Read More

What diseases can ticks transmit to cats?

Dr. Neumeister recommends that cat owners routinely brush their cat’s coats and search for signs of ticks or fleas. Cats are usually meticulous groomers, therefor it is rare to see more than one or two ticks on a cat. If you do find an attached tick you can remove it with forceps or tweezers, by […]
Read More

Xylitol poisonings in dogs from peanut butter

We had posted information about Xylitol and its danger for pets in the past, but need to revisit the subject because the number of reports to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has increased notably. According to the center medical director Dr. Tina Wismer the center received 3,727 Xylitol-related calls in 2014. The actual number […]
Read More

Titer vs. vaccinations?

“vaccination” is the administration of antigenic material to stimulate an immune system to develop adaptive immunity to a pathogen. Vaccines can prevent or ameliorate morbidity from infection. According to the veterinary medical experts contributing to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) distemper, parvo, hepatitis, and rabies are infectious diseases that pets should be vaccinated for. […]
Read More

Safe Handling of Chemotherapy at Home

Since little is known about the potential harm, if any, to people who care for a pet that is receiving chemotherapy, unnecessary exposure to chemotherapy drugs should be avoided. Chemotherapy drugs are given to destroy cancer cells. While these drugs work on cancer cells, they may also affect normal cells. This causes some of the […]
Read More

Raw food diets

Raw food diet has been gaining in popularity over the last few years. Raw food can be fed as a prepared frozen meal, or as raw meat with individual addition of grain and supplement mixes. Supporters feel that raw meat is better because our dog’s wild canine ancestors survived on uncooked food. Grains and supplements […]
Read More

Tick and mosquito born diseases (Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Heartworm disease)

At Neumeister Animal Hospital, we emphasize the importance of scheduling an annual heartworm and tick panel screening for your dog. By conducting regular tests, any infections can be detected early on, potentially improving your dog’s prognosis. (Photo to the left shows an embedded Tick) Reasons for concern: Ticks and mosquitoes often carry parasites and […]
Read More

Obesity in dogs

As few as five pounds above your dog’s ideal weight could put it at risk for serious medical conditions. When a dog is overweight or obese it no longer is a question of “if” your dog will develop a condition but “when”. Some of the common disorders developing with excess weight include: Diabetes Respiratory and […]
Read More

Microchipping your pet

Consider the following scenarios: Your pet digs under a fence, jumps a fence, or climbs a fence and escapes… Your pet panics when it hears thunder or fireworks… Your pet wanders away into unfamiliar territory while traveling… Your pet gets lost in the turmoil of an emergency… Your pet gets out while a handyman, babysitter, […]
Read More

Lipoma – fatty tumor

Lipomas are a slow-growing collection of fat cells usually found just under the skin. They are usually soft, with limited mobility, and located directly under the skin. They can grow larger and sometimes impede the dogs’ movement depending on the location. Most dogs that develop a lipoma will develop multiple tumors. Since other masses or […]
Read More

Happy story – Phoebe

Phoebe (formerly known as Barbie) is a super sweet Beagle girl that has been through some big heartaches over the last few years. An older gentleman adopted her in 2010. Unfortunately, her owner became ill and had to spend more and more time in hospital care. When at home, he would share his own meals […]
Read More

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs older than 2 years. Especially Golden Retrievers seem to be more predisposed to it (lymphoma, melanoma, osteosarcoma, etc) compared to other breeds. This might have to do with genetics, but the influence of outside factors such as nutrition and environment might be playing a big role […]
Read More

Feline ceruminous cystomatosis

Ceruminous cystomatosis is a skin disease of the ear in cats. It is thought to be a congenital (present from birth) or degenerative (progressive, often irreversible deterioration) and senile (weaknesses or diseases of old age) change. The condition affects cats of all ages, but cysts are more commonly encountered in middle-aged to older cats. Abyssinian […]
Read More

Diabetes in cats and dogs

Type I diabetes – most common in dogs – occurs when the pancreas is incapable of producing or secreting adequate levels of insulin. This is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. Obese dogs and female dogs may run a greater risk of developing diabetes later in life (6-9 years of age). Some breeds may also run a […]
Read More

ChiChi – the important work of therapy dogs

Meet ChiChi, a certified professional therapy dog that works at Loras College and Clinton Community College assisting students in a variety of ways. She and her handlers, Ty and Bianca Perkins, have been specifically trained to work together as a team to help meet the diverse needs of traditional and non-traditional college students. ChiChi has […]
Read More

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

A few years ago we were first presented with an infectious disease named “dog flu” or “canine influenza”. It is highly contagious and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact, aerosols of respiratory secretions, and contact with contaminated environments such as surfaces, food- and water bowls, collars/leashes as well as the hands and clothing of people who […]
Read More

Canine atopic dermatitis (canine atopy)

Canine atopic dermatitis (also referred to as allergic dermatitis and canine atopy) is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following repeated exposure to some otherwise harmless substance that is inhaled such as dust mites or pollen. Most dogs begin to show their allergic signs between 1 and 3 years of age. Due to the […]
Read More