Discovering a new lump on a dog or cat can be alarming. Some masses are harmless fatty growths, cysts or warts, while others may be inflammatory lesions or tumours that require treatment. Unfortunately, it is not usually possible to determine whether a lump is benign or malignant by appearance or touch alone. A soft, slow-growing mass may still need testing, while a firm or rapidly changing lump does not automatically mean cancer. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we recom

Seeing a dog drag its bottom across the floor can be amusing at first, but repeated scooting is usually a sign of irritation or discomfort. Although anal gland problems are a common cause, they are not the only possibility. Allergies, parasites, skin infections, digestive problems and irritation around the rectum can produce similar behaviour. For this reason, repeatedly scooting pets should be examined rather than treated automatically with anal gland expression. At Lonsdale

When a pet is scheduled for a dental procedure, surgery or another treatment requiring anesthesia, owners are often asked to authorize pre-anesthetic bloodwork. If a dog or cat appears healthy, it may be tempting to wonder whether this testing is truly necessary. A physical examination provides valuable information, but it cannot reveal every internal health problem. Bloodwork can identify abnormalities that are not yet causing visible symptoms and helps the veterinary team d

Every pet has slightly different drinking habits. Some dogs enthusiastically empty their water bowls after exercise, while many cats take only small drinks throughout the day. Weather, activity, diet and individual preference can all influence how much water a pet consumes. However, a noticeable and persistent increase in thirst should not be dismissed as a harmless change. Drinking more water and producing more urine can be early signs of kidney disease, diabetes, hormonal d