In the veterinary world, we often see pets that have serious problems with only mild clinical signs.  “He only vomited the one time”, “She has been coughing for a month, but only when she lays on her side to sleep”, and so on. 
 
Sometimes little clinical signs are indications of mild illness, allergy or aging process.  Other times they can be warning signs for a life threatening condition.  It is often impossible to tell the difference when you are seeing these signs at home. 
 
The radiographs below show a dog that presented for a physical exam after one day of diarrhea.  I am sharing these radiographs with the owner’s permission.  This was an older dog, who was well cared for, very well loved and current on his veterinary care.  On exam, I could feel that there was a mass in his abdomen.  We took radiographs and found not one, but two HUGE masses or tumors in his abdomen.  The first picture shows the original radiograph.  The second pictures shows the radiograph with the tumors highlighted.

This dog’s only clinical sign was a sudden onset of diarrhea, which had only been going on for one day.  Due to the size, these masses had probably been growing for some time, but finally reached the point where they were compressing the intestines and causing loose stools. 
 
All too often we see pets that have a long history of clinical signs that the pet owner has been noticing, but did not seem severe enough to warrant the trip to the vet.  All too often, this delay in diagnosis has allowed the issue to advance to the point where more drastic treatment is needed, such as major surgery or referral to specialists, or it is no longer at a stage were treatment is a good option.  The decision to delay is never made out of disregard for the pet.  Most pet owners love their pets like family members.  Postponing veterinary care is usually due to busy schedules, financial constraints or lack of understanding of health issues.
 
Our pets can have almost any medical problem that people can have, and a few more just to keep us vets on our toes.  The body is very complex and animals have an amazing capacity to compensate for illness and injury, often without showing clinical signs.  If your pet has a change in his or her usual habits, contact your veterinarian to ask their advice on whether or not the change is something that should be explored immediately, or if it can be monitored briefly and an exam set up if not resolved on its own in a reasonable time frame. 
 
We cannot always save pets with early intervention, but there is a much better chance when problems are discovered and diagnosed early on.

My name is Dr. Sarah Zuker.  My first blog for MVA is to introduce myself as I recently purchased Mackinaw Veterinary Associates from Dr. Michael Scott.  I have had the pleasure of meeting some of you while working with Dr. Scott over the past two months. 
 
I was born and raised in Owosso, Michigan, and grew up in a small, family run business.
I graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in May of 2012.  While in vet school, I had the unique opportunity to work in MSU’s Advanced Rehabilitation Center for Animals.  I was instantly drawn to how many different ways physical rehabilitation could help pets.  I completed my rehab training concurrently with vet school and received my Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (C.C.R.P.) certificate in June of 2012.
 
After graduation, I accepted an associate position in Florida and have spent the last four years practicing veterinary medicine and physical rehabilitation in the sunshine state.  My husband and I have been keeping an eye out for the perfect practice in mid-Michigan for a few years now.  We were very excited when we first spoke with Dr. Scott and when we came up to visit Mackinaw Veterinary Associates last May. We knew we had found our home. 
 
In addition to physical rehabilitation, I have a strong interest in surgery, hospice and advanced therapies such as stem cell and immunotherapy.  I truly enjoy getting to know clients and their pets.  The best way to learn how to help owners best care for their beloved pets, and the best way to manage medical issues when they arise, is to have a good understanding of the family and the dynamic role each pet plays in that family.
 
You will likely get a chance to meet my husband Andrew, as well.  He is the practice manager at MVA and has been helping out with appointments while both Dr. Scott and I have been seeing patients.  We are both very happy to be home in mid-Michigan and to raise our daughter with her family and small town values. 
 
We look forward to meeting all of you and to help you give your pets a long, happy and healthy life.  Please feel welcome to call and schedule an appointment to meet with me and discuss how rehabilitation or newer therapies could benefit your pet.