Most middle-aged and older people are familiar with arthritis, a common, chronic condition that can affect nearly any joint. Dogs and cats can also develop arthritis, but cats hide their pain well and display only subtle changes, so are diagnosed less often. You may be surprised to learn how many cats have arthritis, and how [...]

The most frustrating part of cat ownership is tangling with litter box issues. Your feline friend may scatter litter over the floor, leave messy paw prints of litter on your bed, or miss the litter box entirely—intentionally or unintentionally.   Discovering puddles of urine or piles of feces is equally as frustrating and irritating. Inappropriate urination [...]

Considering that the average human lives 70 to 80 years, our pets’ average 12- to 15-year life span can feel devastatingly short. We all want to help our pets live the longest, healthiest lives possible, and the best way to do that is by proactively approaching pet health, rather than reacting to disease. Your pet’s [...]

Is your pet living with hazardous materials? Are toxins lurking on your lawn? Is your home sweet home a danger zone for your four-legged friend? We know that sounds a bit alarmist, but many everyday items are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. And, because these products are so commonplace, they’re easy to overlook—leaving curious, [...]

Leptospirosis, which was once considered a rural disease, is now increasing in incidence throughout the United States, including urban and suburban areas. The disease is zoonotic, which means that the infection can affect humans and animals, including your dog. Our Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital team doesn’t want your dog targeted by this disease, so we [...]

Heave, retch, throw up, puke—whatever you call it, vomiting is an inevitable, unfortunate reality of living with pets. In dogs, vomiting can signal widely varied disease processes, from mild, self-limiting issues, to acute emergencies, to chronic primary or secondary conditions. Our Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital team can help you determine the cause of your pet’s [...]

If your pet’s kidneys become diseased, they can experience a cascade of health issues that lead to a poor quality of life. While chronic kidney disease (CKD) has no cure, the condition can be successfully managed to provide your pet with several months and potentially years of a comfortable quality of life. Learn how our [...]

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in adult pets, and diagnosed cases are on the rise. Each year in the United States, 6 million new cases are diagnosed in dogs, and an equal number in cats. About one in three dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime, and 50% of dogs [...]

For the majority of pet owners, pets are not just animals; they are also cherished family members. They bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into the lives of everyone they touch. However, there comes a time in every pet owner's journey when they must face the difficult decision of saying “Goodbye” to their beloved companion. [...]

Pets bring people joy in many different ways. Some people want a pet to care for and observe, others want protection, and some want a pet who can be an exercise buddy, snuggle pal, or devoted companion. Deciding that you want a new pet is easy, but choosing a species or breed that fits well [...]