It would be a tragedy if this poorly evidenced representation of the most important function we perform in companion animal medicine were to dissuade anyone from seeking the best, most compassionate end-of-life care and advice that veterinary professionals and their support staff can provide.

Because bacterial cells have different equipment than human cells that they use to replicate and repair themselves, bacteriostatic antibiotics specifically target the replicating equipment in bacteria and stop their growth, dead in their tracks. Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, but what happens when they stop working?

Man’s best friends have long been put to work, and a recent medical study has shown hounds can be trained to smell malaria in children. It means that we can tick off malaria from the list of things that dogs can identify with the 220m olfactory receptors in their noses.

All of their careful work upfront will assist the veterinarian in evaluating your pet's history and assist you in following through on any special needs your pet may require.

I called in the pros: the veterinarians at VetPronto and Dr. Anthony George, doctor of veterinary medicine and certified veterinary acupuncturist, to learn some simple tips to help find a qualified vet in your new hood.