Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) is the leading cause of spontaneous bleeding in dogs and a rare but serious condition in cats. In this article, Tara Ghormley, DVM, DACVIM, reviews the latest updates in the diagnosis and management of ITP, including how to distinguish primary from secondary disease, select the right immunosuppressive protocol, and identify when advanced therapies such as vincristine, IVIg, or thrombopoietin analogs may be warranted. With new insights into relapse prevention, prognosis, and breed-specific considerations, this article provides a current, practical guide to managing ITP and improving outcomes in both canine and feline patients.

Steroids are among the most powerful—and misunderstood—tools in feline medicine. Glucocorticoids can dramatically improve life for cats with inflammatory or immune-mediated disease but carry risks when misused or dosed improperly. In this article, Tara Ghormley, DVM, DACVIM, explains how steroids act at the cellular level, why cats metabolize them differently than dogs, and how that affects drug and dose selection. From the nuances of prednisolone versus prednisone to the targeted use of inhaled or intestinal options like fluticasone and budesonide, this guide outlines evidence-based strategies. Whether treating asthma, IBD, or lymphoma, success lies in balance—using the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time, tailored to each cat’s needs.

Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss lasting more than three weeks is more than a nuisance—it’s a diagnostic challenge that often signals chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE). These cases test a veterinarian’s skill and patience, requiring thorough diagnostics, thoughtful classification, and long-term management that balances client expectations with evidence-based care.

In this article, Tara Ghormley, DVM, DACVIM, examines the spectrum of CIE—its causes, classifications based on treatment response, and current therapeutic options. From dietary trials and microbiome-modifying therapies to immunosuppressants and managing protein-losing enteropathy, this guide offers a clear, practical roadmap for diagnosing and treating one of the most complex gastrointestinal diseases in dogs.

When a cat suddenly starts drinking more or filling the litter box faster than usual, it’s more than a behavioral quirk—it’s a clinical warning sign. Polyuria (PU) and polydipsia (PD) often indicate dysfunction in the kidneys, endocrine system, or other regulators of water balance. While clients may describe “going more often,” it’s the veterinarian’s job to confirm true PU/PD, differentiate it from lower urinary tract disease, and form a structured diagnostic plan.

In this article, Tara Ghormley, DVM, DACVIM, reviews the physiology of water balance, the most common causes—including chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and hyperthyroidism—and the essential diagnostic steps to guide effective case management.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian, but proper management requires more than prescribing antibiotics. Misuse promotes resistance, making future infections harder to treat. The latest ISCAID guidelines emphasize accurate diagnosis, targeted therapy, and antimicrobial stewardship. Most UTIs are caused by E. coli, though Streptococcus, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus may also be involved. Culture confirmation is essential—clinical signs or pyuria alone are not diagnostic, especially in cats. Short antibiotic courses of 3–5 days are effective for uncomplicated cases, while recurrent infections require investigation for underlying disease. Subclinical bacteriuria rarely needs treatment. Tara Ghormley, DVM, DACVIM, shares practical, evidence-based recommendations to improve outcomes and preserve antimicrobial efficacy.

When a client calls about their dog suddenly having diarrhea, it’s easy to assume it’s “just something they ate,” but acute diarrhea is more than a nuisance—it’s one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits and can range from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening. Understanding gastrointestinal physiology, microbiome balance, and the mechanisms behind fluid loss helps veterinarians decide when to reassure, when to support, and when to intervene. In this article, Tara Ghormley, DVM, DACVIM, reviews the science behind acute diarrhea, outlines key diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and offers practical insights for balancing evidence-based medicine with client expectations in everyday clinical practice.