LRVSS’s Blog
Real stories about actual LRVSS patients.
Cape Buffaloes: feared and respected
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.They may not be the most common...
How Kimmy escaped “possible instant death”
Kimmy, a 14 year old Terrier mix, was in deep trouble. She had seen multiple vets at several practices. Long story short, after an ultrasound and a cat scan, she had been diagnosed with a large cancerous tumor of the liver. Her signs appeared out of the blue. Instead...
Zebras in South Africa: A Striped Wonder
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.Zebras are not only beautiful, they...
Were Howie’s diagnosis and surgery a first?
“The situation was horrible. Howie was always sneezing and regurgitating food. He would hide constantly. We were so distraught, as we were told to either get him a feeding tube, do nothing and let him suffer, or put him down.” Our most memorable patient in 2024 at...
5 (more) critical questions about postop care
← 5 critical questions about postop care Today, we provide answers to 5 more questions we commonly hear from pet owners before surgery. 1. When are the next follow-ups due? Typically, there will be an appointment for suture or staple removal, usually 14 days after...
5 critical questions about postop care
Whether your cat or your dog has a minor lump removal or major surgery, there are some basic things you should know. After your pet has surgery, the surgeon & nurse team will answer many of your questions spontaneously. Still, it is useful to know what to expect...
Keeva, the unexpected 2 year cancer survivor
Do you believe in karma? By complete accident, I stumbled upon an old email sent by a vet student who was shadowing me during surgery. The email contained a picture she had taken during surgery. I still remembered the student, the patient, and the challenging surgery....
Chemo beads, our secret weapon against cancer
There aren’t 50 options to fight cancer. The main options are surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, chemo and radiation therapy can be expensive and can have side effects. Around 15 years ago, I was lucky to hear about a revolutionary option that is...
“My dog needs less anesthesia”
A patient under anesthesia for open chest surgery.Since every single surgery patient requires anesthesia, we hear many questions from fearful pet lovers. A very common question is: “I've heard that XYZ breed doesn't take the amount of anesthesia you would think for...
How Mollie almost died 9 months ago – a crazy spleen cancer story
Can you imagine what it must feel like to live with the conviction that your pet has cancer for 9 months? “Stress, anxiety and panic.” But let’s go back in time a bit. Nine months ago, Mollie, a sweet and loving 10 years Lab, “had an episode where she was lying on her...