What is Feline Asthma? Feline asthma is a chronic respiratory condition caused by inflammation in the small airways of a cat’s lungs. Similar to human asthma, this inflammation results in airway constriction, mucus production, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, asthma attacks can become more frequent and severe, leading to irreversible lung damage and significantly [...]
Understanding End-of-Life Care for Pets in Austin, Texas End-of-life care for pets focuses on ensuring comfort, dignity, and quality of life during their final days, weeks, or months. Whether through hospice care, pain management, or euthanasia, compassionate care during this time helps pets transition peacefully. At Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to [...]
Understanding Feline Pancreatitis: Symptoms and Care Feline pancreatitis is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the pancreas, an organ crucial for digestion and insulin regulation. Because symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other illnesses, early detection and veterinary care are essential for managing the disease and improving your cat’s quality of life. At Star [...]
Understanding Your Pet's Skin Masses: A Guide for Concerned Owners in Austin, Texas Finding a lump or bump on your pet can be concerning, but not all skin masses are cause for alarm. Skin growths can range from harmless fatty tumors (lipomas) to potentially serious malignancies, and early detection is key to ensuring your [...]
Pet Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for the Unexpected in Austin, Texas Emergencies are unpredictable and can profoundly impact both you and your pet. Whether it’s a heatwave, accidental poisoning, severe weather, or a sudden injury, being prepared in advance can make all the difference. Having a pet emergency plan ensures your pet’s safety, reduces stress [...]
Understanding Bloat in Dogs: A Critical Guide for Pet Owners in Austin, Texas Bloat, or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention. This condition occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and twists on itself (volvulus), blocking normal digestion and cutting off blood flow to [...]
Understanding Seasonal Allergies in Pets: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Seasonal allergies are a common but often overlooked problem for pets, especially in areas with high pollen and environmental allergens like Austin, Texas. Just like humans, pets can suffer from itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing, and respiratory issues due to seasonal allergies. If left untreated, these [...]
Understanding Your Cat's Increased Vocalization: Causes and Solutions Cats are naturally communicative animals, using meows, purrs, chirps, and even yowls to express their needs and emotions. However, if your cat has suddenly become more vocal than usual, it could indicate a medical issue, behavioral change, or environmental stressor. Understanding the cause behind increased meowing is [...]
Pet Hydration: Why It’s Important and How to Keep Your Pet Hydrated Water is essential for every living creature, including pets. Proper hydration supports organ function, temperature regulation, and overall health, but many pets don’t drink enough water daily. In Texas, where the heat can be intense, dehydration can quickly become a serious medical concern [...]
At Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital, we hear this question from pet owners regularly: "Why does my pet lick so much?" While licking is a normal behavior in pets, excessive licking can sometimes indicate an underlying health or behavioral issue. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is crucial to ensuring your pet's overall well-being. As [...]
