Understanding Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs: The Itch you Can’t Ignore
We’ve all been there—your dog is curled up at your feet, and suddenly the room starts to smell a little bit funky, or perhaps you’ve noticed your furry friend spending more time than usual licking their paws or scratching at their ears. While we often chalk these things up to...
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Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Hope
When you find a new lump on your dog while scratching their ears or giving them a belly rub, it’s only natural for your heart to sink a little. While we often associate lumps with "old age," some of these masses require a closer look. One of the most common...
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When Your Dog Just Isn’t Themselves: A Guide to Addison’s Disease
You know your dog’s patterns well, it can be incredibly frustrating when something feels off, but you can't quite put your finger on what it is. You might see a day where they seem a bit sluggish, followed by three days where they are perfectly fine. Then, they might skip...
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Understanding Parvovirus: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Canine Parvovirus (CPV) aka “Parvo” is a diagnosis that carries significant weight because of how quickly it moves and how resilient the virus is. At Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC) we know the reality of this difficult illness, but it is one we are equipped to fight—and, more...
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Is Your Dog Limping? Understanding CCL Injuries and How Surgery Can Help
A torn "CCL” (aka “ACL" in humans) is, unfortunately, a common injury in our canine companions. We call it a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injury, and while the name is a bit of a mouthful, the impact on your dog’s life is very real. If you’ve noticed your dog suddenly...
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Pet Heart Health Awareness Month
At Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC), our board-certified veterinary cardiologists perform on-site cardiology assessments and may utilize echocardiograms, EKGs, and x-rays as needed to determine a diagnosis and the best treatment plan for your pet. Talk with your family veterinarian to see if a referral is right for...
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Understanding Urinary Blockages and Why Early Care Matters: What Every Cat Owner Needs to Know About Urinary Blockages
If you’re in Portland, Maine (or the surrounding area) and you’re worried your cat may be blocked, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care (PVESC) provides 24/7/365 emergency care. You can call 207-878-3121 (option 1) and head straight in—time matters. What Is a Urinary Blockage? In the simplest terms, a urinary...
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Understanding Pet Seizures Causes and Response
Noticing your dog or cat having a sudden episode of tremors, paddling, or unresponsiveness can be terrifying. Seizures are a neurological emergency that requires prompt attention to protect your pet’s safety and health. This blog will help you learn what causes seizures. You will also learn how to recognize different...
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What if Your Dog Eats Something Odd on a Hike on Maine? Here Is What to Do
Hiking with your dog in Maine’s forests and coastal trails can be one of the most fun summer experiences. But along the way, dogs are known for sniffing, licking, and sometimes swallowing things they should not, whether it is a plant, mushroom, or piece of discarded food. If your dog...
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Why Is My Dog Throwing Up White Foam?
Seeing your dog vomit or retch white foam can be alarming. Understanding the reasons why dogs vomit white foam and knowing when to seek veterinary care can help you act quickly and confidently. In this blog, we explain common causes, offer advice on what to watch for, and outline when...
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