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Pets

Crazy for Critters

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

BROWARD COUNTY

FOR INFORMATION about adoptable pets and rescue organizations by zip code, log on to www.petfinder.com

Cats and dogs are giving more pet owners a staph infection resistant to certain antibiotics, according to a recent study.

DR. DOLITTLER

Feline heartworms are a potential time bomb

Q: My cat Daisy Mae recently tested positive for feline heartworms. I understand that a positive test doesn't mean she has worms, only that she's been exposed to them. Now I have to recheck her blood to make sure she doesn't actually have the parasites. The worst part is, I recently learned that feline heartworm disease can be prevented. Could you address this issue so that more people in heartworm-prone areas keep their cats protected?
DR. DOLITTLER

Emergency surgery puts a bite on dog owner

Q: Mama, my English bulldog, had to go to the emergency hospital one night last month. She chewed out her stitches after her spaying and there was no other option. But I was very upset because the veterinarian who performed the spay (which cost $300) refused to pay for the $900 emergency surgery. I think he's wrong not to have at least offered to pay half. Also, could you tell me why emergency hospitals are so expensive?