When You Hear Hoofbeats… Think Zebras: Rare Dog & Cat Diagnoses

Marty and Laura dig into veterinary “zebras”—unusual or easily-misdiagnosed conditions in dogs and cats. Using the classic medical rule “when you hear hoofbeats, look for horses, not zebras,” they explain what these rare presentations can look like, when they’re urgent, and why a complete history (boarding exposure, wildlife encounters, travel, family/breed background) helps your veterinarian reach the right diagnosis faster.

What you’ll learn in this episode

Cat “zebras” (unusual but real)

1. Saddle thrombus in cats(often tied to underlying heart disease): sudden rear-leg paralysis/pain, cold paws, absent pulses—an emergency scenario.
2. Rodent ulcer(part of the eosinophilic granuloma complex): a distinctive upper-lip ulcer/swelling linked to immune/allergic processes; often responds to anti-inflammatory treatment.

Dog “zebras” and misdiagnosis look-alikes

1. Toxoplasmosis/Neospora-like neurologic syndrome in puppies: can mimic birth trauma/oxygen deprivation; may respond dramatically to appropriate antibiotics (as in Laura’s story).
2. FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism): sudden paralysis (often rear legs) that can resemble a slipped disc; recovery often depends on intensive nursing/rehab support.
3. Coonhound paralysis: immune-mediated paralysis often followingraccoon bite/scratch; may progress from rear legs forward; requires dedicated supportive care over weeks.

Head, mouth, and eye conditions owners notice fast

1. Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM): painful jaw, difficulty opening mouth; can lead to muscle wasting and a “sunken” head appearance; a specific blood test exists (2M test).
2. Retrobulbar abscess: often from chewing sticks/bones—painful swelling behind the eye causing bulging.

The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

Why Dogs Lick Their Feet (and What It Means)

If your dog is constantly licking, chewing, or biting their feet, it’s not “just a habit.” In this episode, Marty and Laura break down what foot licking really signals, why the red-colored staining happens, and how to sort out environmental allergies vs. food sensitivities.

You’ll learn why some dogs become “closet lickers,” why elimination diets must be strict for 12 full weeks and what modern prescription options may help itchy dogs feel better.

🐾 In This Episode, We Cover:

1. The difference betweenitch (sensation)andscratching/licking (action)
2. Why dogs lick their feet — and why it often gets worse over time
3. Whatrust-colored saliva stainingreally means
4. “Closet lickers”: why you may not see the behavior happening
5. Environmental allergies vs.food allergies/sensitivities
6. Why winter is often the best time to diagnose food allergies
7. How to do a true12-week elimination diet(and what can ruin it)
8. Why switching foods randomly can make diagnosis harder
9. Prescription allergy options includingApoquel, Zenrelia, and Cytopoint
10. A surprising crossover:Demodex mites in people and dogs

✅ Key Takeaway

Dogs don’t lick their feet for fun — they lick because they’re uncomfortable. Early veterinary guidance and careful tracking of foods and treats can save you months of frustration and help your dog get relief faster.

The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

Too LITTLE or Too MUCH: Addison’s vs. Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

In this episode, Marty and Laura dive into two often-confused but fundamentally opposite adrenal diseases in dogs: Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) and Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism). While both involve the adrenal glands, one is caused by too little hormone production and the other by too much.

Marty explains the anatomy and function of the adrenal glands, how these diseases present very differently in real life, and why they can be so challenging to diagnose and manage. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions around genetics and breeding, emphasizing that even dogs from excellent breeding programs can develop these conditions. With real-world examples, including Laura’s own dogs, the episode highlights symptoms to watch for, diagnostic challenges, treatment options, long-term prognosis, and why careful veterinary monitoring is essential.

The discussion expands into related conditions like diabetes and kidney disease, underscoring an important message: similar symptoms can point to very different underlying problems, and accurate diagnosis matters.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Addison’s and Cushing’s Are Opposites — But Equally Serious

Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones, often causing sudden, severe illness. Cushing’s disease is caused by excess cortisol and develops slowly over months or even years. Despite affecting the same body system, they look and behave very differently.

2. You Can’t Always “Breed Away” From These Diseases

While some breeds (like Poodles and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers) show higher incidence, there is no universal genetic test for Addison’s or Cushing’s. Even carefully bred dogs from responsible programs can develop them, making transparency and education more important than blame.

3. Symptoms Can Be Subtle — Until They Aren’t

Addison’s often presents as waxing-and-waning illness, GI upset, lethargy, or sudden collapse. Cushing’s is more insidious, with signs like excessive drinking and urination, pot-bellied appearance, and gradual decline. Early signs are easy to miss or mistake for aging or other diseases.

4. Diagnosis and Management Are Tricky and Ongoing

Testing for both conditions can be complex and sometimes inconclusive. Management requires lifelong medication, frequent blood work, and close veterinary supervision. While both diseases are treatable, they demand commitment from owners and strong communication with the veterinary team.

5. PU/PD Isn’t Just One Disease

Excessive drinking and urination (PU/PD) can signal many different conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, infections, or adrenal disorders. Similar symptoms don’t mean the same diagnosis — which is why thorough diagnostics are critical to getting treatment right.

The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

Five Tips for Fun, Safe Holidays with Pets

Marty and Laura offer up five pro tips for a fun and safe holiday with pets. Sidenote, keep your eyes peeled for Marty during the National Dog Show on NBC at noon Thanksgiving Day.

Tip 1… Canned pumpkin, which may well be not entirely pumpkin, is great for dogs and cats! Give them a tablespoon in their food *before* you make the pie.

Tip 2 … Making soup stock from the turkey carcass? Save the cooked veggies for the dog’s dinner so they can join the celebration.

Tip 3 … The microwave is a GREAT food locker to keep the four-legged family out of the food when you turn your back.

Tip 4 … Save a few bucks on fun pet food toppers by looking for “windfall” apples for homemade applesauce, inquiring with your grocery store for bruised produce or checking out online delivery resources like Imperfect Foods.

Tip 5 … Make a batch of *dog* cookies with your holiday baking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (regular white flour will work as well) 
• 1 cup canned pureed pumpkin (don’t use pumpkin pie filling, as it includes additional sugar, fats, and spices like cinnamon that are dangerous to your dog)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Add the pumpkin and peanut butter to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
• Stir in the flour until the mixture creates a dough.
• Roll out the dough about ½ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
• Cut out fall shapes using a small cookie cutter or knife. Bonus points if you use a fall-themed cookie cutter in a pumpkin shape. 
• Place the treats about half an inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake for 12 minutes.
• Let cool completely before giving to your dog to enjoy.

Bone-Appetit!

Recipe inspired by the American Kennel Club. This article contains recipe information that is considered suitable for pets. However, not all pets can tolerate different foods — it depends on their age, health history, and health conditions. It is important to consult with your veterinarian before feeding your pet any new foods or offering your pet any of the ingredients contained in this recipe.

The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.