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Double digits

Dear Dr. Forsythe:  Do cats born with extra digits also have extra health problems?  I saw a kitten I wanted to adopt who is really special, but she does have the unusual trait of having six fingers and toes. Is this just a small abnormal... Continue

Pet tales and travels – continued

Again this week I want to share with you a couple of interesting things that I encountered while on a recent trip to Sweden.  It seems that no matter which country I venture into, there are always people willing to share stories about their pets and... Continue

Pet tales and travels

Today I wanted to share with you a couple of interesting things that I encountered while on a recent trip to Costa Rica.  Next week I will highlight another trip to Sweden.  It seems that no matter which country I venture into, there are always people... Continue

The curious world of female felines

Dear Dr. F:  My friend has two cats and one of them is behaving rather badly of late. They are both Persians, a boy, Guido, and a girl, Cossette.  Cossette was the first to join the family about a year ago.  Guido followed a few... Continue

Supplements and sneezing

Dear Dr. Forsythe: Are there any supplements that you recommend for pets? My dog just seems to have less energy lately and after the vet ran every test he could, we decided a good vitamin or supplement might be all he really needs. What do... Continue

Dooney retires

Dear Readers: As many of you already know, this week marks another major milestone at Altimira Veterinary Hospital. Dunstable Dooney Dunsmuir, age nine, our beloved and treasured mascot, soothsayer, greeter and dog-nurse for the past seven years, retired permanently. Voted best business mascot in Sonoma... Continue

Puzzlement over the perfect puppy

Dear Dr. Forsythe: I’m finally planning to reward myself by getting a puppy to keep me company and give me companionship.  I’ve wanted to do this for several years, and now that I’ve finished grad school and have a position where I can spend some... Continue

Poodle problems

Dear Dr. Forsythe: I went to the vet last week because my dog started scratching his ears.  I noticed on the bill they did something called a gram stain and also a cytology.  I had to pay for both these tests but they only gave... Continue

Fixing cats and dogs

Dr. Forsythe: I recently had my cat fixed and found out that there were many health benefits for her in having the surgery done.  I always thought the biggest reason for getting her spayed was to control population explosions with cats, but according to my... Continue

Popeye the confused Pug

Dear Dr. Forsythe: My 11-year-old Pug and I have run into a problem recently in the building in which we live.  Recently a little boy has moved in who feels it is ok (and even fun) to press ALL the elevator buttons when he goes... Continue