Boris Sapozhnikov

The Dreaded USDA Form

If you are traveling to France for surgery with your dog, you will either have to make the trip to the USDA's office for your pet's USDA travel certificate or send the documents via courier.  This post includes examples to…

Levi’s Surgery Story

The biggest unexpected surprise for our family came in July of 2016, when we took Levi in for a routine physical exam prior to having his teeth cleaned.  Dogs have to go under anesthesia to have their teeth cleaned, and…

Fred: A Different Open Heart Surgery

Fred, an 11 month old purebred Standard Schnauzer, has large Atrial Septal Defect (sinus venosus), not amendable to trans catheteral closure with Amplatzer device. Fred already developed moderate pulmonic stenosis and right side heart hypertrophy. Without an open heart surgery…

Post-Op Activity

Remember that you have made an incredible journey by choosing open-heart surgery for your beloved dog, so please take care of the repaired valve as best as you can so that you can enjoy a lifetime with it!

Lessons From Zoey’s One Year Checkup

Zoey’s one year checkup was done October 28th 2017.  Zoey’s cardiologist (Dr. Hodge) was a bit worried Zoey’s left ventricle and left atrium (LV/LA) numbers were increasing after each checkup.  According to Dr. Hodge, Zoey’s pressure and her regurgitation were…

Navigating the Japan Trains

Navigating the Japan train systems for the first time can be stressful. This guide was put this together to help others.