Dr. Bashir's Veterinary Practice

07/26/2026

06/22/2026

View Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB’s profile
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB

Your dog keeps staring at the ceiling, neck extended, eyes fixed on nothing. Before anyone labels this a compulsive disorder or seizure equivalent, I want to tell you about a case report that should change how we think about this presentation.

A 4-year-old Yorkie had been stargazing multiple times daily for a year. No vomiting, no regurgitation, normal appetite. Looked healthy on the outside. The episodes weren’t related to any specific event including meals. Bloodwork looked good, but the bile acids (a liver health indicator) were high. Initial treatment was with metronidazole and a low protein diet, but the episodes increased in frequency so both were discontinued.

The pet was referred and a vet behaviorist, neurologist and internist collaborated to complete a full neurological exam, CBC, chemistry, pancreatic tests, abdominal ultrasound, and endoscopy with biopsies.

It turned out that the dog had erosive gastritis (ulcers in the stomach) and reflux esophagitis (acid reflux). After treatment with omeprazole, sucralfate, and famotidine, the episodes stopped entirely within a week.

A 2012 prospective study found similar GI disease driving fly-biting behavior in dogs. Sandifer syndrome in human infants — abnormal posturing driven by esophageal reflux — is the pediatric parallel.

In 20 years as a boarded veterinary behaviorist, I can count on one hand how many true compulsive disorders I've diagnosed.

Most stargazing dogs are put on anticonvulsants or antidepressants.

Here's the problem: those medications change behavior regardless of whether a behavioral diagnosis is correct.

Response to treatment is not diagnostic confirmation.
Animals cannot tell us where they hurt.

If your dog is stargazing, ask your veterinarian for an upper GI workup. Get videos of every episode. Ask for a referral if needed. And if anxiety is present while you wait for answers, treat it — those two things can coexist.

Assumptions without a workup aren't neutral. They have consequences.

05/28/2026

Start of own practice 2013. Thanks a million to all those wonderful pet-parents who made it a success.

05/12/2026

Be Smart, Vaccinate: A Cornerstone of Responsible Pet Ownership
__________________________________________________
Providing your pets with a consistent vaccination schedule is more than just a routine veterinary task—it is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership and a vital component of public health. Vaccinations act as a primary line of defense, shielding animals from debilitating and often fatal diseases while contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
# # The Mechanism of Protection
Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens without actually causing the disease. When a pet is vaccinated, their body produces antibodies and "memory cells." Should the animal encounter the actual virus or bacteria later in life, their immune system is primed to respond swiftly, either preventing the infection entirely or significantly reducing the severity of symptoms.
# # Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Veterinary medicine typically categorizes vaccinations into two groups:

* Core Vaccines: These are considered essential for all pets regardless of lifestyle. For dogs, this includes protection against Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus. For cats, core vaccines cover Rabies, Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia), Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis.
* Non-Core Vaccines: These are recommended based on a pet's specific environment and risk factors. Examples include Bordetella (kennel cough) for social dogs or Feline Leukemia (FeLV) for outdoor cats.

* Beyond Individual Health: Public Safety and Herd Immunity
The importance of vaccination extends beyond the individual pet. Many animal diseases are "zoonotic," meaning they can be transmitted to humans. Rabies, for instance, remains a significant global health threat; mandatory pet vaccination programs have been instrumental in nearly eliminating domestic rabies transmission to humans in many regions.
Furthermore, high vaccination rates create "herd immunity." When a large percentage of the pet population is immunized, it becomes difficult for an outbreak to spread, which protects vulnerable animals that cannot be vaccinated due to age or underlying health conditions.
* A Cost-Effective Strategy
From a financial perspective, preventative care is far more economical than emergency intervention. The cost of a standard vaccination series is a fraction of the expense required to treat a pet suffering from a preventable illness like Parvovirus, which often requires intensive hospitalization and round-the-clock care.
* Conclusion
Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to ensure our companions live long, healthy lives. By adhering to a schedule recommended by a licensed veterinarian, pet owners protect their beloved animals, their families, and their communities.

Image result from vet.purdue.edu

05/12/2026

Vaccination of Pets: A Crucial Element in Animal Welfare.
Providing your pets with a consistent vaccination schedule is more than just a routine veterinary task—it is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership and a vital component of public health. Vaccinations act as a primary line of defense, shielding animals from debilitating and often fatal diseases while contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
# # The Mechanism of Protection
Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens without actually causing the disease. When a pet is vaccinated, their body produces antibodies and "memory cells." Should the animal encounter the actual virus or bacteria later in life, their immune system is primed to respond swiftly, either preventing the infection entirely or significantly reducing the severity of symptoms.
# # Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Veterinary medicine typically categorizes vaccinations into two groups:

* Core Vaccines: These are considered essential for all pets regardless of lifestyle. For dogs, this includes protection against Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus. For cats, core vaccines cover Rabies, Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia), Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis.
* Non-Core Vaccines: These are recommended based on a pet's specific environment and risk factors. Examples include Bordetella (kennel cough) for social dogs or Feline Leukemia (FeLV) for outdoor cats.

# # Beyond Individual Health: Public Safety and Herd Immunity
The importance of vaccination extends beyond the individual pet. Many animal diseases are "zoonotic," meaning they can be transmitted to humans. Rabies, for instance, remains a significant global health threat; mandatory pet vaccination programs have been instrumental in nearly eliminating domestic rabies transmission to humans in many regions.
Furthermore, high vaccination rates create "herd immunity." When a large percentage of the pet population is immunized, it becomes difficult for an outbreak to spread, which protects vulnerable animals that cannot be vaccinated due to age or underlying health conditions.
# # A Cost-Effective Strategy
From a financial perspective, preventative care is far more economical than emergency intervention. The cost of a standard vaccination series is a fraction of the expense required to treat a pet suffering from a preventable illness like Parvovirus, which often requires intensive hospitalization and round-the-clock care.
# # Conclusion
Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to ensure our companions live long, healthy lives. By adhering to a schedule recommended by a licensed veterinarian, pet owners protect their beloved animals, their families, and their communities.
Would you like me to tailor this article into a shorter blog post or a social media caption for easier sharing?

05/11/2026

A life threatening issue

Aortic Thromboembolism in Cats

What is aortic thromboembolism?
Aortic thromboembolism (ATE) is a devastating condition. The aorta is the main artery of the body and carries oxygenated blood from the heart out to the rest of the body.

The word thromboembolism combines the words thrombus and embolism. A thrombus is a blood clot that occurs inside a blood vessel, and the word embolism indicates that the clot has traveled through a blood vessel to a location distant from where it formed.

An aortic thromboembolism results when a blood clot is dislodged and travels through the aorta, becoming lodged in a distant location. This clot causes severely reduced blood flow to the tissues receiving blood from that section of the aorta, leading to decreased oxygen in the tissues. This condition is also sometimes called a saddle thrombus.

What cats are at risk of aortic thromboembolism?
While aortic thromboembolism is a rare occurrence in dogs, it is much more common in cats. Certain breeds are more commonly affected (mixed breed, Abyssinian, Ragdoll, and Birman), and males are more likely to be diagnosed than females. The age range of affected cats is reported as 1–21 years of age, but most commonly occurs between 8 and 12 years of age.

Affected cats often have underlying heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle thickens and loses function. The lower heart chambers (ventricles) decrease in size and contracting ability (see handout "Cardiomyopathy in Cats" for further information on this type of heart disease). Blood flow through the heart is compromised, and clots can form that later become dislodged into the aorta.

Aortic thromboembolism can also be associated with cancer or with a body-wide generalized infection called sepsis.

What are the signs of aortic thromboembolism?
The most common clinical signs of aortic thromboembolism are sudden paralysis and pain, usually in the rear legs, although weakness and lameness may be seen.
If the rear limbs are affected, there may be decreased or absent pulses in the femoral arteries of the rear legs. Sometimes, a front leg is involved.
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing may be seen.
The cat may vocalize from pain and may act anxious.
Occasionally, the cat will vomit.
The nailbeds and foot pads may be pale or bluish.
The cat may experience a lower-than-normal body temperature.
Sometimes, the heart will sound abnormal through a stethoscope, with a murmur or irregular heartbeat being heard.
How is aortic thromboembolism treated?
Unfortunately, the prognosis for a full recovery is guarded to poor. As the condition can be extremely painful, humane euthanasia is a viable option for many cats. If treatment is attempted, most cats need to be hospitalized to manage pain and any concurrent heart disease. They may be anxious and in pain. Supplemental oxygen therapy may be beneficial.

"If treatment is attempted, most cats need to be hospitalized to manage pain and any concurrent heart disease."
Initially, affected legs should be handled minimally. As blood flow returns, physical therapy (passive extension and flexion of the legs) may speed full recovery. Affected cats may need assistance with urinating and defecating. It is best to restrict activity as treatment starts, and the main goal is to keep the cat stress-free. There may be sudden death, usually associated with irregular heartbeats, secondary to increased levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium and other products are released when blood flow returns to oxygen-deprived tissues.

Stressed cats tend not to eat, so it is important to encourage food intake in any way possible. Cats who stop eating suddenly can accumulate fats in the liver, a condition called hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver syndrome. This condition can be fatal.

Surgical removal of the aortic thromboembolism is typically not recommended, as these are high-risk patients due to their severe heart disease.

Aspirin, and a similar drug called clopidogrel (brand name Plavix®), is theoretically beneficial during and after an episode of aortic thromboembolism but should be used only under the direct supervision of your veterinarian. These drugs prevent platelets (blood cells that assist with blood clotting) from activating to clump together and form a clot while flowing through the blood vessels.

Recently, an anti-blood-clotting medication called low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been proposed for long-term prevention of aortic thromboembolism in cats. Medications to break up the clot have been tried but must be started right away and should only be attempted at specialized referral centers as rates of complications are high.

Finally, the cat’s heart disease should be treated as appropriate for the type and severity of the disease.

Is any monitoring required? What is the expected outlook?
Blood work, chest X-rays, and cardiac ultrasound should be done routinely to assess the management of heart disease. Blood clotting tests will be performed if anti-clotting medication is used. The cat’s legs will be evaluated to assess the clinical response to therapy. Unfortunately, there is a high rate of recurrence of blood clot formation. There may be permanent nervous system damage, or the hind leg muscles may be adversely affected.

The expected course of this disorder is days to weeks for full recovery of function in the legs, but the prognosis in general is very poor. Long-term survival varies between two months to several years, with the average being a few months with treatment. Most cats that survive the initial episode will be on some type of medication to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulant therapy) and may require frequent re-evaluations and an indoor lifestyle.

© Copyright 2024 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Courtney Barnes, BSc, DVM; Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CRPP

Ref: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/aortic-thromboembolism-in-cats

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

Feline stomatitis is an unwelcome nuisance.
Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS), commonly known as feline stomatitis, is a severe and debilitating inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa that affects approximately 0.7% to 12% of the domestic cat population. Unlike standard gingivitis, which is limited to the gum line, FCGS involves widespread inflammation that often extends to the back of the mouth, specifically the palatoglossal folds and caudal oral cavity.
Etiology and Pathogenesis
The exact cause of FCGS remains unknown, but it is widely considered a multifactorial, immune-mediated disease. The current scientific consensus points toward an "aberrant" or exaggerated immune response to chronic antigenic stimulation, likely from dental plaque.
Key Contributing Factors:
Viral Infections: Strong associations exist between FCGS and Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).
Microbial Dysbiosis: Changes in the oral microbiome, specifically an increase in anaerobic bacteria like Pasteurella multocida and Porphyromonas species, play a role in maintaining chronic inflammation.
Immune Dysregulation: High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ are consistently found in affected tissues, along with dense infiltration of B and T lymphocytes.
Clinical Presentation
FCGS is characterized by intense, chronic pain. Owners often observe :
Anorexia or Dysphagia: Reluctance to eat or crying out when chewing.
Ptyalism: Excessive drooling, often blood-tinged.
Poor Grooming: An unkempt coat due to oral discomfort.
Behavioral Changes: Hiding, aggression, or withdrawal.
Diagnosis
Veterinarians diagnose FCGS through a physical exam showing ulcerative or proliferative lesions lateral to the palatoglossal folds.
Histopathology: Biopsies typically reveal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, helping to rule out oral squamous cell carcinoma or eosinophilic granulomas.
Dental Radiographs: Essential to identify underlying periodontal disease or retained root fragments that may exacerbate inflammation.
Treatment Strategies
Treatment focuses on reducing the oral antigenic load to "reset" the immune response.
1. Surgical Intervention (Gold Standard)
Full-mouth or near-full-mouth (caudal) extractions are the primary treatment.
Success Rate: Approximately 70–80% of cats show significant improvement or complete remission following extractions.
Refractory Cases: About 20–30% of cats remain painful post-surgery and require lifelong medical management.
2. Medical Management
For refractory cases or those awaiting surgery, medications include:
Immunomodulators: Cyclosporine and Feline Recombinant Interferon Omega (rFeIFN-ω) have shown efficacy in reducing clinical scores.
Pain Relief: Multimodal analgesia involving buprenorphine, gabapentin, and sometimes corticosteroids for short-term relief.
3. Emerging Therapies: Stem Cells
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) therapy is a promising new avenue for refractory patients. Studies show that intravenous administration of adipose-derived MSCs can induce long-term remission in up to 71% of cats that failed traditional extractions.
💡 Early intervention is critical; cats treated in early disease stages often have a significantly better prognosis than those with chronic, end-stage inflammation.
If you tell me more about your interest in this topic:
Are you a pet owner managing a cat with this condition?

PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis Diagnosis and Treatment through ...
Feb 21, 2024 — * Abstract. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a debilitating inflammatory oral mucosal disease with a multifactorial etiology. The clinical diagnosis o...

PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis current concepts in clinical ... - PMC
Introduction. Feline gingivostomatitis is a chronic oral mucosal disease that affects up to 26% of domestic cats. 1-4. Affected cats typically develop extensive...

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
https://www.vet.cornell.edu
Gingivostomatitis | Cornell University Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Fe adipose-derived MSCs can induce long-term remission in up to 71% of cats that failed traditional extractions.
💡 Early intervention is critical; cats treated in early disease stages often have a significantly better prognosis than those with chronic, end-stage inflammation.
please contact us immediately to help you manage this heart breaking cat tragedy.
Dr.Bashir