Herpes Virus – Medical Case History

According to Matthew J. Chavkin, DVM, MS – Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists of  Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado – Ophthalmology (VRCC):   “The feline herpes virus most commonly infects kittens and causes sneezing, ocular and nasal discharge, and a reluctance to eat and play. With good nursing care, the vast majority of kittens return to normal within three weeks. … Read More

Advantages to Microchipping Your Persian Cat

In 2012, I started to microchip all of my Persian kittens.  Before a kitten leaves our home it is registered into the new owner’s name with the registering agency – Microchip ID Systems. UPDATE:     As of August 2013, Pelaqita Persians is using the “new” Mini Pro ID microchip which is only 1/4 inch long and uses a slimmer, sharper … Read More

Antibiotic Use in Veterinary Dentistry

© Adobe Stock Photo The management of bacterial infections and the use of antibiotics are complex subjects. This will be a brief discussion of some of the issues involved. The clinical decision to use or not use antibiotics in a particular case always resides with the attending veterinarian. What follows is my opinion. There are others with differing opinions. My … Read More

Banfield and VCA Are Under Same Corporate Umbrella

Recently, I came across an article written by Laura Northrup on Consumerist.com dated January 9, 2017, regarding a pending merger of a number of the nation’s biggest veterinary care chains (VCA, Banfield Pet Hospital, and BluePearl Veterinary Partners) under the ownership of Mars Inc. (the candy and packaged foods giant). This is NOT a good thing. I have my own bad experience … Read More

Cat Emergency First Aid Kit

You never know when an accident will happen or an emergency involving your cat, keeping a cat emergency kit at your home is a good idea. You can put a first aid kit together yourself and buy the items separately or buy one ready-made. If you make one yourself, use a small plastic tub with a tight fitting lid to … Read More

Cat Vaccinations

© Pelaqita Persians For a while now, I have been noticing an increase in the instances of kitten owners not taking their kitten in for its 16th week vaccination. Not only are kitten owners not getting this crucial vaccination for their kitten, but there seems to be a few breeders out there that are also not properly vaccinating their kittens … Read More

Cats and Bad Breath

In medical terms, bad breath is “halitosis” and it is a common problem reported by pet owners to their veterinarians. Some sort of dental problem is the most common cause of bad breath in cats as bacteria, saliva, and food particles can form plaque which causes bad breath. If left untreated, the build-up of plaque can develop into gingivitis, or … Read More

Cats and Toxoplasmosis

I came across a report published in Arch Gen Psychiatry, “Tosoplasma gondii Infection and Self-Directed Violence in Mothers” which is an example of the bad journalism that is rampant on the internet and as seen on CNN Health, NPR.org and TIME. The actual study does not suggest that cats cause women to commit suicide. In fact, other studies have shown quite the contrary, that cats … Read More