Vital Feed

For any dog owner, finding a growth or swelling on your pet can be alarming. This is certainly true if your large-breed dog develops a swelling on his elbow that continues to grow and feels firmer over time. In this instance, while a vet visit is warranted to assess the swelling and determine whether it is something cosmetic or something...

Heavier mixed-breed dogs have higher health risks if neutered or spayed early, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California, Davis. The study found mixed-breed dogs weighing more than 44 pounds as adults are at higher risk for one or more joint disorders if neutered before 1 year of age. Dogs weighing up to 43 pounds had no...

Since vet practices remain closed or have reduced hours, many of you are becoming familiar with telemedicine so that you can connect with your vet for a virtual appointment.  A Vital Vet Consult is different - it's a totally new concept in virtual consultation.  Here's how: You connect with experts from all over world without ever leaving your home - you do not...

Elbow dysplasia is hereditary but is also associated with rapid growth and high energy diet. Large breed dogs tend to be affected. Examples are: German Shepherds Basset Hounds Saint Bernhards Bernese Mountain Dogs Labrador Retrievers Newfoundlands Australian Shepherds However, elbow dysplasia could be seen on rare occasions in smaller breeds. In this condition, the elbow suffers structural defects related to...

If Your Dog's Gait is Changing, Check for Elbow DysplasiaDon't miss the video at the bottom where Dr. Karen Becker discusses four types of canine elbow joint problems that fall into the general category of “elbow dysplasia.” "Elbow dysplasia" is a catchall term used to describe one or more inherited developmental abnormalities in a dog's elbow joint.Generally speaking, elbow dysplasia...