Cushing’s Disease in Dogs, Part 1: What It Is and What to Watch For
One of the first—and most telling—symptoms pet owners often notice is increased thirst and urination. A dog with Cushing’s may begin emptying the water bowl faster than usual and needing to go outside much more frequently, even having accidents in the house. This change is often what prompts owners to schedule a veterinary exam.
Heart Murmurs in Cats: What You Should Know About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscular walls of the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) become abnormally thick. This reduces the heart’s ability to fill with blood and, over time, can lead to heart failure or dangerous blood clots. HCM is the most common form of heart disease in cats, particularly in breeds like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and American Shorthairs, but it can affect any cat—purebred or mixed.
Understanding Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, there’s a good chance it’s due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)—the most common type of acquired heart disease in adult dogs. This condition is especially prevalent in small-breed dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Toy Poodles.
Understanding Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Cats
Hearing that your dog or cat has a heart murmur can be unsettling—but it doesn’t always mean something serious is going on. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a physical exam with a stethoscope. Instead of the usual “lub-dub” of a healthy heartbeat, a murmur may sound like a whooshing or swishing noise. This happens when there’s turbulent blood flow within the heart.
Introducing Specialized Ultrasound Appointments for Pets Who Need a Little Extra Care
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we understand that sometimes pets need a closer look—especially when something just isn’t adding up. That’s why we’re proud to offer abdominal ultrasound appointments, designed specifically for patients who need a little extra diagnostic attention.
Unlike radiographs (X-rays), which provide an excellent overview of the size and shape of organs, ultrasound allows us to see inside the tissue of those organs. This detailed, real-time imaging helps us evaluate subtle changes that may not be visible with other forms of imaging. It’s an invaluable tool for diagnosing conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, intestines, bladder, spleen, and more.
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up?
At Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, one of the most common questions we hear from cat owners is, “Why is my cat throwing up?” While an occasional hairball might not be cause for concern, frequent vomiting is a sign that something deeper could be going on—and it’s worth investigating.
Top 5 Houseplants to Avoid (and 5 Safer Alternatives) for Pet Owners
Houseplants add beauty and calm to our living spaces—but for pet owners, some plants can pose serious risks. Whether your furry friend is a curious chewer or just likes to nap near your greenery, knowing which plants are dangerous (and which are safe) can make all the difference.
So You Want to Be a Vet Tech? An Interview with Megan, Vet Tech in Training
If you’ve ever dreamed of working hands-on with animals every day, a career as a veterinary technician might be the perfect fit. Vet techs are the heart of any veterinary clinic—they perform blood draws, assist in surgeries, take x-rays, monitor anesthesia, educate pet parents, and offer compassionate care to pets in every stage of life.
To get an inside look at the journey, we sat down with Megan, one of our team members who’s currently working through the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program, an accredited online degree that allows her to study and gain clinical hours at the same time.
Anaplasmosis in Dogs: A Lesser-Known but Serious Tick-Borne Disease
You may have heard of Lyme disease, but there’s another tick-borne illness we see frequently in the Fargo-Moorhead area: Anaplasmosis. Caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, this disease is carried by the same black-legged ticks that transmit Lyme—meaning your dog can be at risk for both. As your local veterinarian Fargo ND, we want you to be aware of the signs of this disease and how to protect your pet.
Lyme Disease in Dogs: What Every Pet Owner in Fargo Needs to Know
Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses in dogs, and it’s a growing concern in the Fargo-Moorhead area. As our climate changes and ticks expand their range, we’re seeing more cases of Lyme disease each year—sometimes in dogs that rarely leave the backyard.