What Is the Difference Between TPLO and Traditional Dog Knee Surgery
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | June 9, 2026
A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), often compared to an ACL tear in humans, is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. When this injury occurs, many pet owners face an important question: should their dog undergo TPLO surgery or a more traditional dog knee surgery? Understanding the differences between these surgical options can help you make a
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Periodontal Disease in Dogs: Stages, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | October 27, 2026
Does your dog have persistent bad breath, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing? These symptoms might indicate periodontal disease, a common dental condition that affects the gums and tissues supporting the teeth. Without treatment, it can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease develops gradually, and many dogs show few signs of discomfort during its early stages. Understanding its progression
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Can a Dog Tear Its ACL Again After TPLO Surgery?
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | October 22, 2026
Seeing your dog limp again after knee surgery can be upsetting, especially when you thought the hardest part of recovery was over. If your dog has undergone tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), you may wonder whether the same ligament can tear again or whether something else is causing the pain. The reassuring news is that TPLO changes how the knee
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Is Pumpkin Good for Pets? Benefits, Serving Sizes, and Tips
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | October 12, 2026
Halloween brings pumpkins to porches, kitchens, and family gatherings across Bettendorf. If you have a dog nearby while carving a jack-o’-lantern or preparing fall treats, you may wonder whether your pet can have some pumpkin too. For most healthy dogs, plain, properly prepared pumpkin can be offered in moderation. Pumpkin contains fiber and several nutrients, and veterinarians sometimes recommend it
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Heartworm Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment, and Prevention
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | October 5, 2026
Heartworm disease is a serious parasitic infection that can damage a dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. What makes this condition concerning is that many infected dogs show no symptoms during the early stages. By the time coughing, fatigue, or breathing problems develop, the disease may have already progressed. Fortunately, heartworm disease is preventable, and early detection can improve treatment
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Small Dogs, Big Injuries: Common Bone and Joint Problems in Toy Breeds
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | September 25, 2026
Toy breeds may be small in size, but their bones and joints can still face significant stress. A short jump from a couch, an awkward landing, or a slip on a smooth floor can sometimes result in an injury that requires veterinary attention. Because small dogs have delicate limbs and relatively fine bones, pet owners should take changes in movement
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How Your Pet’s Nutritional Needs Change With Age
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | September 16, 2026
A pet’s nutritional needs are not the same throughout life. Puppies and kittens need nutrients that support rapid growth, while adult pets generally need balanced nutrition that helps maintain healthy body condition and activity levels. As pets enter their senior years, changes in metabolism, muscle mass, activity, and health may require adjustments to their diet. At Maplewood Veterinary Center, nutrition
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Rescue Cat Dental Care: When and How to Start Brushing
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | September 11, 2026
Bringing a rescue cat home is an exciting experience, but it can also come with unknowns about their previous health and daily care. Dental health is one area that deserves early attention because cats can develop plaque, tartar, gum inflammation, and other oral problems without showing obvious signs. Starting a consistent cat dental care routine can help support better oral
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Effective Rehabilitation Exercises for Large Dogs Recovering From Fractures
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | September 4, 2026
Recovering from a fracture can be a gradual process, especially for large dogs. After a bone injury or procedure, controlled rehabilitation can help restore strength, flexibility, balance, and normal movement. However, exercise should be introduced carefully because doing too much too soon may interfere with healing. At Maplewood Veterinary Center, rehabilitation can be an important part of a comprehensive recovery
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One Cat or Two? How to Choose the Right Number of Cats
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | August 26, 2026
Deciding whether to have one cat or two is an important choice for any potential cat owner. While some cats thrive as the only pet in a household, others enjoy the companionship, play, and social interaction that another cat can provide. Therefore, there is no universal answer to the question of how many cats you should have. The right choice
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The First 72 Hours After TPLO Surgery: Pain Control, Rest, and Care
By Maplewood Veterinary Center | August 19, 2026
The first 72 hours after TPLO surgery can feel overwhelming for pet owners. Your dog may be sleepy, uncomfortable, hesitant to walk, or reluctant to eat. At the same time, you may worry about whether every movement is safe and whether the surgical incision is healing properly. Knowing what to expect can make this early recovery period more manageable. Tibial
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