
Michael Richards, D.V.M. co-owns a small animal general veterinary practice in rural tidewater Virginia. Dr. Richards graduated from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979, and has been in private practice ever since.
Dr. Richards has been the director of the PetCare Forum (tm) on America Online (tm) and co-founded TierCom, Inc., the company that produces the VetInfo Digest and created VetInfo.com in 1996. Dr. Richards is married to and practices with Maureen Richards, D.V.M., a graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
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About Dogs - Tell me Why...
Why do dogs have whiskers Q: Why do dogs have whiskers? Do they serve some purpose, or are they just for decoration? RSVP at your convenience, this is obviously not critical information....just curious. Thanks. Nancy PS, I have two wonderful border collies; they're little rocket scientists in puppy...
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About Veterinarians
Question: Hi, my name is Stephanie . In the future I'm thinking about becoming a vet; for now I just have to get some information on the subject. So if its not too much could you please take time and answer these questions. My paper is due on Thursday, so just get back to me before then, if...
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Abscess and other wounds in cats
Retroperitoneal abscess Question: Dear Dr. Mike, I have a four and a half year old cat that was absolutely normal up to ten months of age when she was bitten by a dog. Her entire life changed after that. She sat almost immobile for about 10 days following the bite crouching in a corner and stopped...
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Adaquan and Your Dog
Q: I FOUND A DRUG ON THE WEB CALLED "ADEQUAN" BUT OUR VET ADVISED ME AGAINST IT, HE SAYS IT WILL BE TOO PAINFUL, AND IT MAY DO RUSTY MORE HARM THAN GOOD, DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS ? PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU AGAIN, SUSAN A: Susan-I think the easiest way to explain how I feel about this situation...
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Addison's Disease in Dogs - Diagnosing, and Treating Hypothroidism
Question: I have a Dalmatian with Addison's disease. She gets a shot of percoten once a month and is doing very well. The cost of her shot has just gone up to $115.00 a month. Is there any way I can get this medication on my own and administer it? I am disabled and the expense is getting to be a...
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Adrenal Glands
Adrenal gland enlargement and Mitotane (Lysodren Rx) treatment Question: Dr. Richards, Thank you for the quick response to my last question. We just received news that our 13 year old golden retriever does not have Cushing's disease. He was tested (dexamethasone and other tests) and all was...
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Aggression - Intercat
Intercat Aggression between cats is a difficult problem. In some cases it seems almost unresolvable. I have several clients who have finally just resorted to keeping their cats in separate parts of the house, all the time.We have used medications for these problems and some of the time they either...
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Allergy Problems for Cats
Bee and Wasp Stings Q: Dr. Mike, A wasp got into our home and I originally thought it stung one of our cats (Pooh) before I got him. I watched Pooh for a while and there was no swelling or irritation and he is acting like he usually does (eating, drinking, purring, playing with Keyser-our other...
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Allergy Problems in Dogs
PruritisPruritis is the name for itchiness that causes pets to scratch. Several chemical reactions occur in the skin that stimulate the nerves, causing the brain to feel the itch. We treat a scratching pet by attempting to eliminate these reactions at the source and controlling the body's response...
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Alternative Medicine
Herbal is Not Homeopathic Q: I've been reading your information on cats and arthritis and treatments; my 14 year old cat has been diagnosed thru xrays with arthritis in hind quarters; her back left leg limps badly and she just sits on the sofa all day long; her spirits aren't bad, but i'm concerned...