Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s Blog

I was very fortunate to recently visit South Africa and Zimbabwe after a veterinary conference. Since 100% of the pet owners we meet are animal lovers, I thought I would share some information and pictures about his incredible trip.

When traveling through southern Africa, it’s impossible to miss the lively antics of monkeys.

We mostly observed 2 species: vervet monkeys and baboons.

These primates are not only fascinating from a scientific perspective, but their bold behavior provides unforgettable moments for visitors – sometimes a bit scary!

Here’s a look at these cheeky creatures and my personal encounters with them.

Vervet Monkeys in South Africa

Vervet monkeys may not be the most well-known monkeys, but they are found across sub-Saharan Africa.

They are small monkeys, weighing only 6 to 11 lbs (3 to 5 kg).

For comparison, that’s the weight of a Yorkie or a mini Doxie.

They have distinctive, cute, black faces framed by white fur and long tails that help with their agile movements.

These monkeys are highly social, living in troops that can range from a few individuals to over 50.

Their diet is omnivorous, meaning they eat a bit of everything, including fruits, flowers, insects, and sometimes small animals.

Adorable Vervet Babies

Vervet monkey babies are adorable, with their tiny black faces and inquisitive eyes.

These shy little ones are often seen clinging tightly to their mothers’ bellies as the moms move gracefully through trees.

As they grow, they begin to explore their surroundings cautiously, staying close to their protective mothers.

The sight of a vervet mother tenderly grooming her baby is a heartwarming reminder of the strong bonds within these social groups.

A Bold Encounter

During lunch in South Africa, I witnessed just how bold vervet monkeys can be.

A guest was enjoying his meal when, in the blink of an eye, a vervet jumped onto the table and grabbed a piece of chicken.

The guest’s surprised scream was met with the monkey’s triumphant retreat to a nearby tree, where she enjoyed her stolen snack.

I apologize for the blurry pictures, but it’s a miracle I was able to get shots from the encounter, which lasted a split second!

And during this entire scene – her baby clung to her belly!

Baboons in Zimbabwe

Baboons are much bigger monkeys. They are among the largest primates in Africa.

Male typically weigh 44 to 88 lbs (20 to 40 kg), so between a Border Collie and a Lab.

Females average 22 to 33 lbs (10 to 15 kg), same as a Cocker or a Beagle.

These primates live in complex social structures and display remarkable intelligence, including tool use and problem-solving skills.

Their diet is even more varied than that of vervet monkeys, ranging from plants to small mammals.

Close Call with a Baboon

One afternoon in Zimbabwe, while visiting the impressive Victoria Falls, I found myself a little too close to a baboon for comfort.

It certainly wasn’t intentional. We simply stumbled across a group crossing the path…

We stopped and observed, respectfully, with complete admiration since it was by far the closest encounter, and the biggest group.

They kept moving around us, looking for food on the ground.

At one point, a large male sat just a few feet away.

I froze (OK, OK, aside from taking 348 pictures of him!).

For a heart-stopping moment, I thought he might leap toward me.

Instead, he jumped into a tree with effortless grace.

While baboons can be intimidating due to their size and sharp canines, they generally avoid conflict with humans unless provoked or seeking food.

The canines of a male are easily the size of those of a German shepherd or a Rottie!

Why Are Monkeys So Bold?

Since we invaded their territory, these monkeys have adapted to human presence, often frequenting tourist spots where they’ve learned that food is very easy to come by.

Both vervet monkeys and baboons have adapted to living alongside humans.

In many areas, their natural habitats overlap with villages, towns, and tourist hotspots.

They’ve learned that humans often mean easy access to food, whether it’s from unattended picnics, restaurant tables, or open car windows.

Their boldness is a testament to their intelligence and adaptability, but it’s also a reminder of the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence.

A Word of Caution

While vervet monkeys and baboons might seem amusing or endearing, it’s important to treat them with respect.

Feeding them or leaving food accessible can encourage aggressive behavior and disrupt their natural foraging habits.

Observing these animals from a safe distance ensures both your safety and their well-being.

Final Thoughts

From the cheeky vervet monkey who stole a restaurant guest’s chicken dinner to the imposing baboon that startled me in the Wild, these primates leave a lasting impression.

Their boldness adds a unique charm to encounters with Africa’s wildlife, blending humor and awe.

Just remember to protect your snacks – and keep your distance!

We can’t help your baboon, but if you would like to learn how we can help your cat or your dog with safe surgery and anesthesia, please contact us through www.DrPhilZeltzman.com 

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Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified

I was very fortunate to recently visit South Africa and Zimbabwe after a veterinary conference. Since 100% of the pet owners we meet are animal lovers, I thought I would share some information and pictures about his incredible trip.

When Malema swiftly moved from his tracker’s seat, on top of the hood of the jeep, to the safety of the passenger seat, we knew that danger was near.

The group went quiet in anticipation, staring at the road ahead.

Suddenly, two majestic male lions appeared, lounging in the middle of the road!

We held our breath, in complete disbelief. After all, this was our very first outing!

The lions just sat there, pretending to ignore us.

At one point, one rolled on his back, like a household cat.

700 pictures later, the lions decided they were bored of being the center of attention.

They got up, and peacefully walked around the jeep, one on each side, staring at us with curiosity.

They moved with effortless grace, with a silent, powerful stride. The lion on the right locked eyes with me. It lasted a second, but I will never forget it. He was within 3 feet of me.

After a few moments, the lions disappeared back into the bush.

We sat in stunned silence, hearts pounding, trying to process what just happened.

It was an unforgettable encounter.

It was a reminder of the wild’s power and the incredible privilege of witnessing such beauty.

We can’t help your lion, but if you would like to learn how we can help your cat or your dog with safe surgery and anesthesia, please contact us through www.DrPhilZeltzman.com 

Never miss a blog by subscribing here: www.DrPhilZeltzman.com/blog 

Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified

I was very fortunate to recently visit South Africa and Zimbabwe after a veterinary conference. Since 100% of the pet owners we meet are animal lovers, I thought I would share some information and pictures about his incredible trip.

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the parched South African bush as our safari jeep crept along a dirt road.

The air was thick with anticipation, every sense heightened in search of elusive wildlife.

Suddenly, our tracker raised a hand, signaling silence.

A few feet ahead, completely hidden by leafless bushes, we eventually recognized the unmistakable silhouette of a cheetah.

Her sleek, muscular body lay close to the ground, head bent down as it feasted on the lifeless form of a young gazelle.

This was a rare find!

This was obviously an incredible discovery made by our tracker.

We approached cautiously, keeping a respectful distance.

The cheetah was entirely focused, tearing into the gazelle with efficiency, each rip of her teeth reminding us of the raw survival instinct governing life here. 

It was hard to watch as animal lovers, yet captivating and exceptional.

Our cheetah paused, lifting her head to scan her surroundings with piercing amber eyes, mouth streaked red.

The powerful predator looked more magnificent up close than I could have ever imagined, a blend of grace, innocence and ferocity.

As we watched in complete disbelief, the bush was hushed, except for the occasional crunch and pull of the cheetah’s meal.

The scene felt both brutal and beautiful. It’s the circle of life. No gazelles, no cheetahs…

After a few minutes, the cheetah looked up again, locking eyes with us.

We felt like intruders in a private ritual.

The cheetah resumed her feast, undisturbed by our presence, while we sat in quiet awe, touched by the primal intimacy of witnessing one of Earth’s most powerful hunters in its element.

If you would like to learn how we can help your pet with safe surgery and anesthesia, please contact us through www.DrPhilZeltzman.com 

Never miss a blog by subscribing here: www.DrPhilZeltzman.com/blog 

Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified

I’ve never had this experience, but I’ve heard from colleagues that some pet owners were completely shocked when they stuck their finger in their dog or their cat’s anus.

(granted, it’s not a fun part of the exam for anybody involved!)

There are many excellent reasons for doing it.

In fact, I strongly believe it should be part of any complete physical exam.

In larger, well-behaved dogs, this can be done awake.

In fractious or small pets, it absolutely should be done under sedation.

Here are 13 reasons a veterinarian might perform a rectal exam on a cat or a dog, regardless of gender:

1. To assess or empty anal sacs

Anal sacs are a complete nuisance!!!

Most pets empty them spontaneously when they poop.

Some do not however, and they need a bit of veterinary help when they get too full.

The glands need to be emptied or “expressed.”

Your vet may also check for an infection or a tumor in the anal sacs.

Removing one of both is a common surgery in our practice, both for infection and mostly tumors.

2. To detect a mass in the rectum

Pets can have tumors, either cancerous or benign (like a polyp).

3. To evaluate the prostate

In male pets, the prostate gland can become enlarged and can cause problems peeing.

4. To investigate rectal bleeding

A pet can have blood in their stools for multiple reasons.

Fresh blood could come from the rectum, so that justifies doing a rectal exam.

5. To confirm a hernia

Dogs, mostly intact males, can have a hernia called a perianal hernia.

A simple rectal exam will confirm it.

Repairing it is a fairly common surgery we perform.

6. To detect a foreign body

Occasionally, a foreign body will travel all the way from the mouth, through the stomach and the intestine, and may strangely get stuck in the rectum.

I remember a sewing needle that did exactly that.

I was able to confirm it and remove it through the rectum.

7. To assess fractures of the pelvis

Even better, some fractures can be realigned during a rectal exam.

8. To assess “rectal tone”

A decreased muscle tone (or strength) of the anus can be a sign of neurological issues.

This can happen in paralyzed dogs or dogs who are incontinent.

9. To treat a rectal prolapse

A rectal prolapse means that part of the rectum sticks out of the anus.

The 1st attempt at fixing it should be to try to push it back in place.

10. To diagnose urinary issues

During a rectal exam, a vet can feel the urethra (the tube coming out of the bladder) for abnormalities or blockages, for example if a bladder stone moved downward.

Rarely, a tumor can be felt.

11. To check the area before or after surgery

Before and after any surgery involving the rectum, the anus, or the anal sacs, a rectal exam will typically be performed before and after surgery.

12. To assess narrowing of the rectum

The rectal passage may have a stricture or stenosis, which would cause defecation issues.

13. To check for fistulas

Some dogs, such as German shepherds, can have abnormal connections (i.e. fistulas) between the rectum and the skin.

So there you go.

There are probably other reasons, but the 13 above are the most common reasons a vet may stick a finger up there.

This simple test can save your pet’s life!

If you would like to learn how we can help your pet with safe surgery and anesthesia, please contact us through www.DrPhilZeltzman.com

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Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified
Pete Baia, DVM, MS, DACVS

This is a surprisingly common question from clients.

I will explain my standard answer, then share answers from a few surgeon colleagues when they get the same question from their own clients.

My answer

I typically provide 3 answers:

1. “I’m not a magician, I can’t promise you normal.”

I also typically say: “I can’t promise you your dog will be the agility champion of the universe.”

The goal is to end up with a pet who is comfortable, happy, and able to have normal activities. For a family pet, this includes: running after a ball, jumping on the couch, sleeping on the windowsill, jogging around the block, playing with kids and other pets, etc.

Anything above that is icing on the cake.

Now, we also work on sporting dogs, who need to do much more for a living: police dogs, search and rescue dogs, hunting dogs etc.

In such cases, although I never promise the moon, we mostly need to modify the rehab portion of the postop care for orthopedic patients to get them back to peak performance.

Athletes clearly near more rehab than family pets.

2. “I’m responsible for 10% of the outcome”

Now, of course, the answer greatly depends on the diagnosis.

The outcome of surgery for aggressive cancer in a 15 year old cat, cannot possibly be the same as the outcome of a fracture repair in a healthy 6 month old pup.

Then I explain, tongue in cheek: “I’m responsible for 10% of the outcome of surgery. You’re responsible for 90% of it.”

Why? Isn’t the surgeon entirely responsible for the outcome of their surgery? 

I wish it were that simple.

In a straight-forward case, like ACL surgery or a simple fracture repair, I know exactly what is going to happen in surgery and I can pretty much predict the end-result, from the moment the patient walks in the clinic, to the moment they go home.

However…

3. “I cannot control what happens at home”

Before surgery, we explain, at length, how strict the postop care needs to be.

We explain the importance of keeping the plastic cone on at all times to prevent licking and chewing the incision, and to avoid opening it up, or causing an infection.

We explain the importance of keeping the pet strictly confined, locked up in a small area.

Dogs should always be on a short leash, for a few minutes, to eliminate outside.

In some patients, especially fractures in young pets and after FHO surgery for hip issues in cats and dogs, we insist on the vital importance of physical therapy.

But it doesn’t mean that all of the instructions are followed.

As I always say, “Pets are pets and people are people.”

Now, fortunately, the vast majority of clients are incredibly dedicated and follow the instructions.

And they are typically rewarded with a great outcome.

My hope 

In a straight-forward case, like ACL surgery or a simple fracture repair, my expectation is that 95% of my patients should get to 95% of normal.

Why not 100%?

For the reason explained above. I can’t control what happens at home.

When I feel that the pet owner has a good sense of humor, I also say: “I get the easy part: the surgery. You get the hard part: the recovery at home.”

To get a better idea of what surgeon colleagues tell their clients, I asked a few friends how they answer that question: “Will my pet be normal after surgery?”

Answer from a surgeon in New York

Dr. Kathy Collins, a board-certified traveling surgeon serving western New York State, tells her clients:

“I can’t make your pet normal, but I can make them much better. How much better depends in part on how well you do your tasks at home: rest and rehab. My job is the technical part. Yours is the hard part.”

Answer from a surgeon in Oklahoma 

Another surgeon tells his clients: “As a medical professional, I can’t use words such as “normal,” “cure” or anything that implies a guarantee.

To the human eye, most patients may appear normal after a few months. But I can tell you as someone who has had ACL surgery before, I still have some bad days even 5 years later.

Can I make a patient as normal as before the injury? No.

But I can offer less pain. I would choose that for my own pet over and over again.”

Answer from a surgeon in Florida

Dr. Rob Fernand, a traveling surgeon based in Plantation, FL, tells his clients: 

“After a fracture repair or a torn ACL, a pet will never be normal again. Our goal is to get them to run and jump and play as if nothing ever happened. But they may have good days and bad days.

After ACL surgery specifically, he says: “95% of the time you shouldn’t see them slow down or limp. But the other 5% is when you may see some stiffness in the morning or after a long day in the park. They will never have a “normal” knee again.”

See a trend here? We basically say the same thing!

I should also mention that we still can help these pets long-term. Depending on the situation, we can provide life-long arthritis supplements, and we can use pain medications when they have a bad day.

So the good news is that if the surgeon does their job, and the pet owners follow instructions, and the pet behaves at home, we pretty much all expect that 95% of patients should get to 95% of normal.

If they are better than that, then maybe you should send some chocolates & Champagne to your surgeons and their nurses!

If you would like to learn how we can help your pet with safe surgery and anesthesia, please contact us through www.DrPhilZeltzman.com 

Never miss a blog by subscribing here: www.DrPhilZeltzman.com/blog 

Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified