New Patient Offer: $45 first Exam with Dr. Martin!
Pet Care & Health Blog
Here at Middlesex Veterinary Center, we encourage pet owners to educate themselves on proper pet care and pet health problems by asking questions and finding answers from reliable, trusted sources of information. We are providing our clients access to LifeLearn Client Education library, a unique pet health education library, that strengthens the veterinary team’s role as animal health educators, and provides pet parents with easy-to-understand information.
Heartworm Disease in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Causes Heartworm Disease? Heartworm disease (dirofilariasis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. It is caused by a worm called Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworms are found in the heart and large adjacent vessels of infected dogs. The female worm is six to14 inches (15 to 36 cm) long and 1/8 inch (5 mm) wide; the male is about
Read More
Dog Ear Hematoma
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Is A Hematoma Of The Ear, And How Does It Occur? An aural (ear) hematoma is a collection of blood, serum, or a blood clot within the pinna (ear flap). When present, the pinna will be very thick. The swelling may involve the entire pinna or it may involve only one area. When something irritates the ear canal, the
Read More
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What is Hip Dysplasia? Hip dysplasia is defined as a deformity of the coxofemoral (hip) joint that occurs during the growth period. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that creates a poorly fitting hip joint. As the dog walks on this joint, arthritis will eventually develop, causing pain in the joint. The degree of lameness that occurs is usually dependent
Read More
Hookworm Infection in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Are Hookworms? Hookworms are parasites which get their name from the hook-like mouth parts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. They are only about 1/8″ (3 mm) long and so small in diameter that you have to be looking very carefully to see them. Despite their small size, they suck large amounts of blood from the tiny
Read More
Hypothyroidism in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Is The Thyroid Gland, And What Does It Do? The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body. It is located in the neck near the trachea and is composed of two lobes, one on each side of the trachea. This gland is controlled by the body’s master gland, the pituitary gland, located at the
Read More
Leptospirosis in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs and humans that can affect the blood, liver, or kidneys. It is caused by spiral shaped bacteria called spirochaetes. How do dogs acquire the infection? The bacteria are carried mainly by rats and other rodents, but many different wildlife as well as infected dogs can also act as a source
Read More
Lick Granuloma in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Is A Lick Granuloma? A lick granuloma is an open sore on the skin caused by and perpetuated by constant licking. It is generally located on one of the legs, especially near the carpus (wrist) joint. Typically, the hair will be licked off and the area will be either raw and weeping or thickened and scar-like. Lick granulomas usually
Read More
Luxating Patella in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Is A Luxating Patella? The patella, or knee cap, should be located in the center of the knee joint. The term “luxating” means out of place or dislocated. Therefore, a luxating patella is a knee cap that moves out of its normal location. What causes this to occur? The muscles of the thigh attach directly or indirectly to the
Read More
Lyme Disease in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme Disease (not Lyme’s Disease) is caused by a spirochete called Borrelia. A spirochete is a type of bacterium. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick. Once in the blood stream, it is carried to many parts of the body. It is especially likely to localize in joints. It was first thought
Read More
Pyometra in Dogs
By Middlesex Veterinary Center | April 16, 2025
What Is Pyometra? In its simplest terms, pyometra is an infection in the uterus. However, most cases of pyometra are much more difficult to manage than a routine infection. Infection in the lining of the uterus is established as a result of hormonal changes. Following estrus (“heat”), progesterone levels remain elevated for 8-10 weeks and thicken the lining of the
Read More
