Dr Erik Johnson - Veterinarian
Companion Animal & Fish Health
Professional topics, usually for my own benefit for later, but perhaps of some use to other veterinarians
What are the BIG Threats to Longevity in Dogs? I’d like to do an article that describes “what really kills dogs“, or “What gets in the way of dog and cat longevity?” There’s just so much stuff out there. With the advent of the Interwebs, veryone can sell advertising! 15 or 20 years ago it … Read more
Avoid The Spay or Neuter to Avoid Cancer? Video at end of post Interesting information has shown up (a little ‘fringe-y) that suggests that altering (spay, neuter) pets robs them of sex-hormones (testosterone, estrogens) that maintain their vitality into later years. Without those hormones, and after they pass the age of 9+ years, the odds … Read more
I found a vet in California who treats fish all day long! Not only that, she’s really smart and went to Tufts! Check out her web site, and information. This is a fish health veterinarian who is in practice in California you should be aware of. I can’t introduce the doctor(s) there any better than … Read more
Did you know that there’s a program that takes your address off your veterinary record and runs it through Zillow (Radian?) and finds out what you paid for your house, plus the comparable home values around you? Yep. They just want to know how much you can spend on your animal. What could possibly go … Read more
Overview: Koi are generally hardy fish. They’re descended from the common carp and are tough, essentially omnivorous fish with the ability to withstand a range of living conditions. As an ornamental specimen, the Koi is beautiful, and sought after for it’s highly strained color varieties. Koi health and disease is essentially a balancing act or … Read more
Not unlike the human side of things, veterinary health insurance is going to come on, and become a “thing” and that’s great. Clients secure services and get reimbursed by the insurance company, not unlike the old days of human medicine. Then veterinary corporations will recognize that ‘filing for the client’ is an advantage they have … Read more
Long ago, traditional Chinese medicine derived that Black Bear gall bladder contents was therapeutic for numerous diseases (link) and disorders. I wasn’t even born at that point and my exposure to TCM is limited. Fast forward to the Vietnam War when military personnel were exposed to large amounts of Agent Orange and suffered severe liver … Read more
Why Won’t I Prescribe ProHeart 6/12? It’s not because of money! I’d *double* my preventative revenues recommending and giving that product! It’s not because of effectiveness! It works just fine! In fact, fully 1% (one percent) better than monthlies. Not because of convenience! What could be easier than a shot every year to prevent heartworms? … Read more
It’s important that you know I’m not being sarcastic when I say I can fix (almost) any skin case. I’m being serious; but I’m also discounting the fact that some of what I am saying may come at the expense of the pet, or at the expense of your wallet. Specifically, I’m talking about giving … Read more
The practice of Veterinary Medicine “without a license” would have you diagnosing diseases and making prescriptions for fish*. To avoid doing that, you can make an assessment of the pond and fish and note ‘what you found’ without actually referring to a parasite or condition as a diagnosis. Identifying the presence of a parasite isn’t … Read more
Why do you pick on veterinarians working on commission? How does that even matter to me? Let me start by saying I was on commission for a while after I got out of school (1994) so I know something about it. A recent market change has created the situation where any emergency clinic that you … Read more