Karen Fine DVM

Karen Fine DVM Veterinarian, veterinary acupuncturist, writer In 2002 Dr. Fine became certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

Dr. Karen Fine graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1992, and operated Fine Veterinary House Calls from 1995-2000. She works at Central Animal Hospital in Leominster, Massachusetts. Dr Fine is the author of memoir The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life and Mortality, coming in March 2023 from Penguin Random House, and

the textbook Narrative Medicine in Veterinary Practice: Improving Client Communication, Patient Care, and Veterinary Well-being.

The next time you see a French Bulldog, or a photo of one, look at their nostrils. See if they’re wide enough to breathe...
05/09/2026

The next time you see a French Bulldog, or a photo of one, look at their nostrils. See if they’re wide enough to breathe through. I love dogs, and I hate to see them struggling to breathe. Breeders need to do better by these lovely animals, as many need these surgeries just to breathe comfortably.

🐾 Is your dog struggling to breathe? It might not be “normal.”

Flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Bulldogs are incredibly lovable—but many quietly struggle every single day just to get enough air.

That “cute snoring,” heavy panting, or collapsing after activity?
👉 Those are often signs of BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)

Signs to watch for:
• Loud breathing or snoring—even when awake
• Exercise intolerance or quick exhaustion
• Gagging or regurgitation
• Overheating easily
• Blue-tinged gums or collapsing episodes

These aren’t just quirks—they’re signs your dog may not be getting enough oxygen.

✨ The good news: We can help.

At Waukesha Veterinary Service, we perform BOAS corrective surgery to dramatically improve airflow and quality of life.

This may include:
• Widening narrowed nostrils
• Shortening an elongated soft palate
• Removing obstructive throat tissue
• Addressing enlarged tonsils when needed

💙 What owners often notice after surgery:
• Quieter breathing
• Increased energy and stamina
• Better sleep
• Less stress and overheating
• A happier, more comfortable life

Many families tell us: “It’s like we have a completely different dog.”

If your dog sounds like they’re working hard just to breathe, it’s worth having the conversation.

📞 Contact us at 262-347-0781 to learn if BOAS surgery could help your pet breathe easier—and truly thrive.

04/30/2026

Great interview with Alexandra Horowitz. Oprah, I’d be happy to be interviewed 😍🐾 (fantasy bucket list!)

04/06/2026

💗💗💗

Clearly I need to fly out of Worcester next time I go somewhere! How gorgeous is Belle?
04/05/2026

Clearly I need to fly out of Worcester next time I go somewhere! How gorgeous is Belle?

Traveling tomorrow? Be sure to say say hello to Belle, one of our therapy dogs, who will be visiting the terminal between 10:30am-12pm. 🐾

03/28/2026

Cats! This is why I have a healthy respect for what they can do. They literally think they are lions!

Tomorrow evening!
03/25/2026

Tomorrow evening!

A victory for dogs, ending the puppy mill to pet store path. Thank you Massachusetts Senate! However, many people purcha...
03/20/2026

A victory for dogs, ending the puppy mill to pet store path. Thank you Massachusetts Senate! However, many people purchase puppy mill dogs online from puppy mills posing as “reputable breeders,” which is harder to regulate.

03/16/2026

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month!

Common household cleaners like bleach and detergents, as well as insect bait, herbicides, and fertilizers can all be toxic for pets. Some chemicals like antifreeze have a pleasant taste that might attract pets. Keep chemicals locked up and out of reach!

If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

03/14/2026

💗Aloka the peace dog

02/12/2026

Winter Olympics Cat Guy---American figure skater Ilia Malinin gave his gold medal to his cat. If you're not following him, you should be. His performances are spectacular.

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Worcester, MA

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