That goose-like honk from a Yorkie, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, or other toy breed is the signature sound of a collapsing trachea, a windpipe whose weakened cartilage flattens inward when breathing gets fast and hard. Excitement is the classic spark. The doorbell rings, your dog gets worked up, and air rushes through a softened windpipe until it [...]
Heat stroke in a dog or cat on a hot Montana day looks like a pet whose cooling system has quit working in real time. Watch for gums that flush brick red or turn a muddy purple, thick ropy drool, a stumbling back end, vomiting, or a pet who flops down on the trail and [...]
A pet's immune system attacking its own blood is the result of a recognition failure: the system that is supposed to tell the body's own cells apart from invaders stops drawing that line correctly and starts destroying healthy blood cells. When the targets are red blood cells, the result is immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA); when [...]
Setting Up a Home Your Cat Will Actually Like You can tell when a cat is thriving in their home and when it's not meeting their needs. The thriving cat patrols their territory like they own the deed, has spots they prefer at different times of day, shows up when interesting things are happening, and [...]
Allergies in Dogs and Cats: From Itchy Skin to Anaphylaxis Raised bumps on your dog's belly after a hike. A swollen cat face following a bee sting in the backyard. A dog who will not stop licking their paws no matter what you try. Allergic reactions in pets look different every time, and what starts [...]
Trying to brush your pet’s teeth can feel a little like wrestling a tiny, furry alligator. One minute you’re armed with a toothbrush and optimism, the next you’re chasing your dog around the kitchen while they clamp their mouth shut like it’s a high-security vault. Cats, of course, often skip straight to the offended stare [...]
You know the moment. Your dog tries to hop onto the couch and doesn't quite make it. Your cat lands a little harder than they used to after jumping off the counter. Or the vet says those three words nobody wants to hear: "a little overweight." It's easy to feel guilty, but weight gain in [...]
CCL Injuries in Dogs: Conservative Management vs. Surgical Options When a veterinarian diagnoses a torn cranial cruciate ligament, the next question always involves surgery options. It’s a stressful decision, and the questions are valid. Does my dog actually need surgery for a cruciate ligament tear? What kind of surgery is best? TPLO and extracapsular repairs [...]
When a Lump Isn't "Just a Lump": Spotting Cancer in Pets Early Have you been in the middle of a cuddle with your pet, and as you give them a scratch, you feel a small, unexpected bump beneath their skin? That moment of discovery can send your heart racing. Cancer is one of every pet [...]
Kennel cough spreads quickly anywhere dogs gather- boarding facilities, dog parks, or even the groomer. A dry, honking cough, sneezing, or fatigue often appear a few days after exposure. Vaccination and smart preventive habits are the best defense against this contagious condition. At Livingston Veterinary Hospital, we combine modern medicine with old-fashioned service to help [...]