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Giving your cat a pill can be a challenge even for the most experienced veterinarian! The easiest way to give your cat a pill is to hide the pill in food. This usually works best if the pill is hidden in a small amount of tuna, salmon, yogurt or cream cheese.
Learn MoreCertain medical conditions can be controlled by the use of drugs that are only available in an injectable format. Two of these conditions are diabetes mellitus, which is controlled by daily insulin injections, and certain allergies, which are controlled by regular injections of allergenic extracts.
Learn MoreThe easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. To ensure that your cat swallows all of the medication, it is best to mix it into a small amount of canned food that you feed by hand, rather than mixing it into a full bowl of food that the cat may not completely eat.
Learn MoreBuspirone (Buspar®) is a human antidepressant drug. It has been shown to be effective in a significant number of cats with elimination (urination or defecation) disorders such as inappropriate urination, especially urine marking and other behavior problems.
Learn MoreIn order to properly treat inflammatory or infections ear conditions, topical ear medications are often necessary. Some cats will tolerate the administration of liquids or ointments in their ears while others may become irritable or upset.
Learn MoreThe proper administration of eye medication is critical in helping your cat quickly recover from an eye injury or infection. Make sure you have carefully read the drug label and understand the prescription instructions.
Learn MoreCorticosteroids (commonly referred to as steroids or cortisone) are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of activities in the body, including the stress response, immune system response and control of inflammation, nutrient metabolism, and maintenance of blood electrolyte levels.
Learn MoreAn Elizabethan collar (also known as an E-collar or a buster collar) is a plastic hood or cone that helps protect injuries or wounds from further damage. These collars prevent the cat from licking or chewing at an injury on its body, or from scratching or pawing at its face or head.
Learn MoreAn esophagostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters the esophagus through a surgical incision on the side of the neck. This allows food you to place food directly into the esophagus so that it can flow down into the stomach. The feeding tube is not placed directly into the stomach.
Learn MoreThe information below is a general guide for treating allergies in cats.
Learn MoreA gastrostomy tube is a small rubber tube that passes directly into the stomach through the skin and body wall of the cat's abdomen. It permits you to deliver food and water directly into the stomach.
Learn MoreGiardiasis is an intestinal infection of man and animals cased by a protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. intestinalis or G. lamblia). Giardia is a simple one-celled parasitic species; it is not a "worm", bacteria, or virus.
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Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10, CoQ10 or ubiquinone) exists in abundance in every human and animal body. It is an essential component of the mitochondria, which are the parts of the cell that produce energy from oxygen.
Learn MoreYour cat has been diagnosed with feline asthma, and will require long-term medication for this condition, possibly for life. It is important that you follow the appropriate instructions for this treatment.
Learn MoreLASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Radiation. In short, it is a device that generates a beam of light energy at a specific wavelength. The first laser was developed in 1960, and its use in human surgery became widespread in the late 1980's.
Learn MoreWhen your cat is being treated for an illness, it is very important that you follow your veterinarian's advice and instructions precisely. Take your cat for re-examination if and when requested. If your cat's condition worsens unexpectedly, contact your veterinarian for advice.
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Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in antifreeze. Ethylene glycol can also be found, in lower concentrations, in some windshield de-icing agents, hydraulic brake fluid, motor oils, solvents, paints, film processing solutions, wood stains, inks, printer cartridges, etc.
Learn MoreA wound is an injury causing damage to the skin and/or the underlying tissues. It can be an open wound such as a cut or a closed wound such as a contusion or bruise.
Learn MoreAfter arriving home, you should keep your pet warm and comfortable by providing a soft clean bed, ideally in a quiet and draft-free room at approximately 68 -72°F (20 -22°C). Unless otherwise instructed, your cat should be given ample fresh water and access to a litter box. After a few hours, a small amount of food may be given.
Learn MoreAdministering supplemental fluids can benefit cats with a variety of medical conditions. Most commonly, home fluid therapy is recommended for cats with kidney disease or chronic renal failure (CRF). If your cat is diagnosed with a condition that will benefit from fluid therapy, your veterinarian can teach you to perform this simple procedure.
Learn MoreFracture is the term used to describe a broken bone. There are many different types of fractures, named according to the location of the fracture, how complex the injury is, and whether or not the pieces pierce through the skin.
Learn MoreTube feeding is an alternative way of providing nutrition to a cat that is suffering from anorexia or has some anatomical or surgical condition that prevents it from eating normally.
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The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to hide the pill in food. This usually works best if you hide it in a special treat such as a small amount of canned dog food, peanut butter or cottage cheese. To ensure that your dog swallows the pill, you should hand feed the medicated piece of food or treat rather than offering it in a large portion that the dog may not completely consume.
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Certain medical conditions can be controlled by the use of drugs that are only available in an injectable formulation. Two of these conditions are diabetes mellitus, which requires daily insulin injections, and certain allergies, which are controlled by regular injections of allergenic extracts. In many cases, dog owners are willing and able to administer these medications at home.
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The proper administration of eye medications is essential for your pet's prompt recovery. Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the prescription instructions. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian for clarification.
Learn MoreTopical ear medications are often necessary to adequately treat inflammatory or infectious ear conditions.
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The easiest way to give your dog a liquid medication is to use a treat specially designed for this purpose or mix it with some canned food. To ensure your dog swallows the medication, it is best to hand feed the medicated food or treat, rather than mixing it into a large portion that the dog may not completely consume.
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Applying topical medications to your pet can sometimes be a challenge. The information provided in this handout may help make treating your pet easier - for both of you.
Learn MoreAcepromazine is used as a sedative and a pre-anesthetic agent. It also possesses the following properties: prevents vomiting, prevents muscle spasms, alleviates itching as a result of skin irritation and decreases temperature.
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This medicine may be prescribed to treat glaucoma – a disease of the eye that increases intraocular pressure and produces defects in the field of vision. Acetazolamide will reduce the amount of pressure in the eye.
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Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles of the airways and improves breathing. Albuterol relieves the cough associated with asthma.
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The esophagus is the muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. An esophagostomy tube is a small rubber tube that is surgically inserted into the esophagus through the skin of the neck. The esophagostomy tube allows food to be delivered to the stomach, by-passing the mouth and pharynx (back of the throat).
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A gastrostomy tube is a rubber feeding tube that passes directly into the stomach through a small opening in the skin and body wall of the dog's abdomen. It allows you to give food and water to your pet while it is recovering from a condition that prevents it from eating and drinking normally.
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Treatment with this drug involves an initiating phase and a maintenance phase. The initiating phase arrests the disease and restores the dog to a more normal state. Some of the clinical signs, especially increased food and water intake, should stop within the first 1-3 weeks.
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In recent years, veterinarians have made great progress in understanding how dogs feel pain and the best ways to manage that pain. Many dogs will instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism, which, in the past, lead to incorrect assumptions about the ability of dogs to feel pain.
Learn MoreMany sick birds can be treated by their owners at home. While some birds are gravely ill and require hospitalization, most birds can recover with proper treatment and care at home. This handout will provide you with some tips to help your bird's recovery.
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Administering supplemental fluids can benefit dogs with a variety of medical conditions. Most commonly, home fluid therapy is recommended for dogs with kidney disease or chronic renal failure (CRF).
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Dogs can get wounded in many ways, and different wounds require different treatments.
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Corticosteroids (commonly referred to as steroids or cortisone) are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range activity in the body, including the stress response, immune system response, control of inflammation, nutrient metabolism, and maintenance of blood electrolyte levels.
Learn MoreCryosurgery (cryotherapy) is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. The term comes from the Greek "cryo" meaning icy cold and the word surgery meaning literally "hand work". Cryosurgery is used to treat a number of diseases and disorders, especially skin conditions.
Learn MoreFollowing certain traumas, after some surgeries, or in the case of a self-mutilating bird or feather picking bird, various protective devices or collars (often called Elizabethan collars) may have to be employed to prevent a bird from further harming or traumatizing itself.
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LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Radiation. In short, it is a device that generates a beam of light energy at a specific wavelength. The first laser was developed in, and its use in human surgery became widespread in the late 1980's.
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A pharyngostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters the skin through a small incision in the side of the neck. The tube enters the esophagus, through the pharynx (back of the throat), allowing food to bypass the mouth and be delivered to the stomach. The pharyngostomy tube does not go all the way into the stomach because of the risk of complications that can occur.
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Skunks have a pair of specialized sacs located in their anus; each sac is connected to the outside by a small duct that opens just inside the anus. The sacs are merely pouches that store an extremely foul smelling secretion produced by glands that line the sacs.
Learn MoreSpondylosis deformans is a condition that affects the vertebral bones of the spine and is characterized by the presence of bony spurs or ‘osteophytes’ along the edges of the bones of the spine. A bony spur may develop in a single spot on the spine; more commonly, there will be multiple bone spurs in several different locations along the spine.
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Spondylosis deformans is a condition that affects the vertebral bones of the spine and is characterized by the presence of bony spurs or ‘osteophytes’ along the edges of the bones of the spine. A bony spur may develop in a single spot on the spine; more commonly, there will be multiple bone spurs in several different locations along the spine.
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Milk thistle is an herbal remedy that has been used for around 2000 years in the treatment of various health concerns. The Latin name for milk thistle is Silybum marianum. The active ingredient of milk thistle is a flavinoid called silymarin that is found in the seeds. Most herbal preparations contain extracts that are derived from crushed seeds and are standardized to contain a specific concentration of silymarin.
Learn MoreBandages are mainly used to protect a wound, incision, or injury while it is healing. A bandage protects the wound surface from contamination with dirt or debris from the environment. It may be used to cover a layer of topical medication that was applied to the wound, preventing the medication from being rubbed or licked off.
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Bandages are mainly used to protect a wound, incision, or injury while it is healing. A bandage protects the wound surface from contamination with dirt or debris from the environment. It may be used to cover a layer of topical medication that was applied to the wound, preventing the medication from being rubbed or licked off.
Learn MoreThe purpose of this handout is to provide you with general information about the routine care of your cat’s surgical incision. If your cat’s incision requires special care, your veterinarian will discuss the details of this care with you.
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The purpose of this handout is to provide you with general information about the routine care of your dog’s surgical incision. If your dog’s incision requires special care, your veterinarian will discuss the details of this care with you.
Learn MoreTaurine is a type of amino acid, and amino acids form the main constituents of all proteins. Taurine is exclusively found in animal-based proteins.
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Aluminum hydroxide is used to reduce hyperphosphatemia (elevated blood levels of phosphate) in patients with kidney failure. Aluminum salts work by reducing the amount of phosphorus absorbed from the intestine by physically binding to dietary phosphorus.
Learn MoreAn insulinoma is a tumor that involves the beta cells of the pancreas. Beta cells are the cells that produce the hormone insulin. Insulinomas are surprisingly common in ferrets.
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Dogs, like people, can develop a variety of bladder and kidney stones. Bladder stones (uroliths or cystic calculi), are rock-like formations of minerals that form in the urinary bladder, and are more common than kidney stones in dogs. A somewhat rare form of urolith in the dog is composed of cystine crystals.
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Dogs, like people, can develop a variety of bladder and kidney stones. Bladder stones (uroliths or cystic calculi), are rock-like formations of minerals that form in the urinary bladder, and are more common than kidney stones in dogs There may be a large, single stone or a collection of stones that range in size from sand-like grains to gravel.
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Maropitant is a medication (technically a neurokinin receptor antagonist) that makes stimulation of the vomit center extremely difficult. In dogs 16 weeks and older, it is used to prevent vomiting due to motion sickness and to prevent acute vomiting which may be associated with many illnesses.
Learn MoreEclampsia (hypocalcemia or puerperal tetany) is an emergency medical condition associated with a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that occurs in nursing mothers. Eclampsia occurs most commonly when the kittens are one to five weeks of age and the mother is producing the most milk.
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Penetrating trauma typically refers to a deep wound that enters a body cavity such as the abdomen or chest. Most injuries are caused by traumas such as gunshot or arrow wounds, animal fights, impalement on sticks or metal, and automobile accidents. Falls from high places may also result in serious penetrating injuries.
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Few events are more frightening for a pet parent than a surgery. Although surgery may sometimes be unavoidable, fortunately our understanding of pet pain - how it occurs, how it affects all body systems, how to prevent it, and how to treat it - has improved dramatically over the past 5 to 10 years.
Learn MoreAsthma is a chronic disease that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways in the lungs. Most cats with asthma will experience coughing, difficulty breathing, open-mouth panting, and other respiratory distress. In severe cases, death may occur in severe cases that remain untreated.
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The tympanic membrane or “eardrum” is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear canal from the middle and inner ear. The middle ear contains the three tiniest bones in the body, the malleus, incus and stapes, more commonly referred to as the “hammer, anvil and stirrup.” The Eustachian tubes are also located in the middle ear. If the eardrum is perforated or “tears,” bacteria and fungi from the outer ear canal may enter the sensitive middle ear resulting in otitis media or middle ear infection.
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A diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) in your dog can feel devastating and even overwhelming. After all, we know that OA is a progressive, degenerative disease that will worsen over time. By most estimates, 20% of all dogs (regardless of age) are affected by OA, making it the most common chronic disease they face. Once a dog is diagnosed with OA, it is important to understand that our focus is management rather than cure. Success means maximizing your dog’s comfort and function while minimizing pain.
Learn MoreA diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) in your cat can feel devastating and even overwhelming. After all, we know that OA is a progressive, degenerative disease that will worsen over time. By most estimates, 90% of cats over age 10 are affected by OA, making it the most common chronic disease they face. Once a cat is diagnosed with OA, it is important to understand that our focus is management rather than cure. Success means maximizing your cat’s comfort and function while minimizing pain.
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joints. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of dogs. By some estimates, 20% of dogs of all ages are affected by OA.
Learn MoreOsteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joints. Although dramatically underrecognized, it is actually one of the most common chronic diseases of cats. One study at a veterinary teaching hospital suggested that more than 90% of cats over 10 years of age have radiographic evidence of OA.
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Azodyl is a nutritional supplement that may decrease azotemia, a condition in which there is too much nitrogen—in the form of urea, creatinine, and other waste products—in the blood. Azotemia occurs in both dogs and cats that have chronic kidney disease (CKD). In theory, Azodyl works by adding nitrogen-consuming bacteria into the intestines. Azodyl should be considered an adjunct (secondary) treatment for CKD.
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Providing hospice care for pets as they approach their end of life is a relatively young discipline within veterinary medicine. Although the foundational principles of veterinary hospice care are derived fairly directly from those of human hospice care, there are some critical differences between providing hospice care to a human family member and providing hospice care to an animal family member.
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Hospice care for pets is an emerging niche of veterinary medicine that creates and relies on a unique caring collaboration between the pet owner and members of the veterinary healthcare team. Pet hospice is patterned after the delivery of the end-of-life care provided for human patients, with the additional provision from the veterinarian for humane euthanasia when the pet’s day-to-day quality of life becomes unacceptable.
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As veterinarians become more conscious of the details and nuances of how dogs experience pain, they search for more methods with which to battle both acute and chronic pain in these patients. It is quite common now to look to human medicine for ideas and techniques that can be applied to dogs who are dealing with pain issues to help them feel better and to help relive their pain and discomfort. Therapeutic massage is one example of a physical medicine technique that has found a place in the canine pain management armamentarium.
Learn MoreAs veterinarians become more conscious of the details and nuances of how cats experience pain, they search for more methods with which to battle both acute and chronic pain in these patients. It is quite common now to look to human medicine for ideas and techniques that can be applied to cats who are dealing with pain issues to help them feel better and to help relive their pain and discomfort. Therapeutic massage is one example of a physical medicine technique that has found a place in the feline pain management armamentarium.
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Therapeutic laser is the application of light energy to areas of the body to stimulate healing. This light–tissue interaction is called photobiomodulation. In the past, therapeutic laser was often referred to as “low-level” or “cold” laser (as opposed to a surgical or “hot” laser).
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Therapeutic ultrasound is used as a treatment modality (method) to exert thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects on the treated tissues to enhance and facilitate healing. Physical therapists have used therapeutic ultrasound on human patients since the 1940s, and veterinarians have used it on animals since the 1970’s.
Learn MoreMites are small insect parasites that can cause serious skin problems for your guinea pig. The two common guinea pig fur mites are Trixacarus caviae (sarcoptic mange mite) and Chirodiscoides caviae.
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Veterinary palliative medicine is a philosophy of care in which a decision has been made to decline or withdraw the pursuit of curative therapy for a life-limiting illness. Some diseases that we treat in dogs are managed over the long term without any hope for a cure.
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Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer and other conditions in people because they target and kill rapidly dividing neoplastic (cancer) cells and other cells. They’re primarily used as anti-cancer agents, but may also provide benefit for a variety of auto-immune disorders and for organ transplant recipients as immunosuppressive agents.
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One of the most common injuries to the knee of dogs is tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). This ligament is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. There are actually two cruciate ligaments inside the knee: the cranial cruciate ligament and caudal cruciate ligament. They are called “cruciate” because they “cross” over each other inside the middle of the knee.
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One of the most common injuries to the knee of dogs is tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). This ligament is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. There are actually two cruciate ligaments inside the knee: the cranial cruciate ligament and caudal cruciate ligament. They are called “cruciate” because they “cross” over each other inside the middle of the knee.
Learn MoreIf a tooth is out of place but it’s not interfering with other teeth, , penetrating the gum line or affecting how your cat eats, a functional bite exists. Repairing a functional bite for cosmetic purposes is not necessary and is considered unethical.
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The tympanic membrane or “eardrum” is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear canal from the middle and inner ear. The middle ear contains the three tiniest bones in the body, the malleus, incus and stapes, more commonly referred to as the “hammer, anvil and stirrup.” The Eustachian tubes are also located in the middle ear. If the eardrum is perforated or tears, bacteria and fungi from the outer ear canal may enter the sensitive middle ear resulting in middle ear infection (otitis media).
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Hospitalization can have a profoundly negative impact on a dog’s nutritional status. Hospitalized dogs are commonly malnourished due to decreased food intake which can lead to decreased immune system function, decreased ability of the body’s tissues to repair and restore themselves, and abnormal drug metabolism.
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Veterinarians and veterinary healthcare teams who dedicate themselves to see only cats place a high value on their feline patients’ distinct needs. They are especially interested in delivering medical care to cats in ways that help the cat (and its human family members) experience as little stress as possible.
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Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in antifreeze. Ethylene glycol can also be found, in lower concentrations, in some windshield de-icing agents, hydraulic brake fluid, motor oils, solvents, paints, film processing solutions, wood stains, inks, printer cartridges, etc.
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Bladder stones are the result of one or more underlying abnormalities, making stone analysis a critical step in the diagnostic process. It will also be important to evaluate what the dog was fed before the bladder stone diagnosis, and analyze blood and urine for clues to how nutrition may aid in preventing bladder stone recurrence.
Learn MoreMany liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to cats. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.
Learn MoreMothballs are solid pesticides that slowly release a vapor to kill and repel moths, their larvae, and other insects from stored clothing and fabric. Mothballs are sometimes also used to repel snakes, mice, and other animals, although this use is not recommended and can be harmful to pets, children, and the environment.
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The tail is an important part of the canine anatomy and is actually an extension of the spine. This complex tail structure of bone, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels can easily be injured.
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The pain of a broken nail can be so intense that it can bring the biggest, bravest dog to its knees. Here's what to do about it.
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The stings of bees, wasps, and hornets, and the bites of ants and spiders all spell trouble for the nosy dog. Insect venom causes problems ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening shock.
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Although lowly in position, your dog’s feet occupy a top spot in importance. How can a dog navigate the world without the support of four healthy feet? And the pads on the bottom of those feet are where “the rubber meets the road!”
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OA in the spine can be a very significant source of pain and weakness in older dogs. Relieving their pain, managing any joint disease, normalizing body condition, and managing their environment appropriately can all make important contributions to both comfort and mobility.
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Pain research has advanced, suggesting that the best choice for managing the chronic pain of OA is targeted therapy, addressing various specific areas and tissues in the body, and utilizing specific pain management tools.
Learn MoreAlthough lowly in position, your cat’s feet occupy a top spot in importance. How can a cat navigate the world without the support of four healthy feet? Healthy foot pads are crucial, so injuries need prompt attention.
Learn MoreWhen it comes to bleeding, what you can’t see can be more serious than what you can see. Visible bleeding from a broken nail or cut ear looks scary and makes a terrible mess, but internal bleeding in the chest or abdomen that you can’t see is much more dangerous.
Learn MoreAlthough most limps need veterinary attention, there are a few first aid measures you can perform at home if your cat begins to hobble around.
Learn MoreA tiny tear in a tiny nail on a single toe on a single foot can be the source of excruciating pain.
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The definition of a pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
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Our dogs are part of the family. So, it’s understandable that we reach for human medications when they feel poorly. Before you share the contents of your medicine cabinet with your dog, here are some tips regarding common over-the-counter medications.
Learn MoreAn aortic thromboembolism results when a blood clot is dislodged and travels through the aorta, becoming lodged in a distant location. This causes severely reduced blood flow to the tissues receiving blood from that particular part of the aorta, leading to decreased oxygen in the tissues.
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Acetaminophen is a medication that is used to treat fever and/or pain in humans. Acetaminophen is toxic for dogs, and unfortunately, acetaminophen toxicity in dogs is somewhat common as dog owners attempt to treat their dogs for pain without first consulting with a veterinarian.
Learn MoreCats are nosy creatures, sniffing at anything of interest. Since felines find insects interesting, they sniff at them, and if they stick their nose where it doesn’t belong, they may get a quick reprimand that could be fatal.
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Besides making your dinner taste great, onions, garlic, leeks and chives can instigate severe medical problems for your dog. Although clinical signs of illness can occur soon after your dog eats the veggies, symptoms may take days to appear.
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Wobbler syndrome is a disease of the neck (the cervical spine) that is seen in large and giant breeds of dog. These dogs experience compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots, resulting in nervous system deficits and/or neck pain,
Learn MoreThe tail is an important part of the feline anatomy and is actually an extension of the spine. The wagging tail is a communication tool in the feline world, so a cat that doesnt wag his tail is an indication that something might be wrong.
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Diskospondylitis involves infection and inflammation of the disks between the vertebrae in the spine. The most common first clinical signs are difficulty getting up from a down position, reluctance to jump, and an abnormal, unstable gait, including lameness.
Learn MoreAcetaminophen is a medication that is used to treat fever and/or pain in humans. Cats have a genetic deficiency in a metabolic pathway in the liver that… makes cats vulnerable to acetaminophen toxicity.
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Corneal dystrophy is a term used to describe several conditions that occur in dogs and cause the corneas to become opaque. There are three major categories of corneal dystrophy: epithelial, stromal, and endothelial. Each is named by the anatomic location of the abnormal tissue and opacity.
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Pet owners may not realize that caffeine can be harmful to their pets. They also may not know that many foods and drinks in their cupboards contain caffeine. This particular chemical boost can be toxic for them.
Learn MoreUrinary tract infections are fairly uncommon in cats, although they generally involve the bladder and urethra and are described as lower urinary tract infections. Pyelonephritis is more accurately described as an upper urinary tract infection. The upper urinary tract consists of the kidneys and the ureters.
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The phrase ‘multidrug resistance mutation 1 (MDR1)’ refers to a specific mutation that can occur at a gene known as the MDR1 gene, also known as the ABCB1 gene. Many herding breeds (most commonly Collies and Australian Shepherds) have a mutation at the MDR1 gene that makes them more sensitive to the negative effects of certain medications.
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Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is also known as avascular or aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. This is a condition in which the head of the femur (the ‘ball’ in the ball-and-socket joint that forms the hip) spontaneously begins to degenerate. Over time, this degeneration will cause collapse of the hip and lead to arthritis.
Learn MoreFeline eosinophilic keratitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the cornea. In cats with eosinophilic keratitis, eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) invade the cornea, giving the surface of the eye a pink, white, and/or chalky appearance.
Learn MoreNebulization and coupage are two techniques used in the treatment of lung disease. Nebulization is a term used to describe the delivery of a fine mist to the lungs. In some cases, this fine mist may consist of saline or water only. Coupage is performed by striking the chest gently but firmly with cupped hands.
Learn MoreMastitis is a term used to describe inflammation of a mammary gland (breast). In most cases, mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Learn MoreNebulization and coupage are two techniques used in the treatment of lung disease. Nebulization is a term used to describe the delivery of a fine mist to the lungs. Coupage is a technique that can be performed by veterinary staff and pet owners to help clear secretions from the lungs.
Learn MoreHeartworms are a blood-borne parasite called Dirofilaria immitis that reside in the heart or adjacent large blood vessels of infected animals. There is no drug approved for treating heartworms in cats. Veterinarians now strongly recommend that all cats receive year-round monthly heartworm preventative in areas where mosquitoes are active all year round.
Learn MoreHeartworm disease or dirofilariasis is a serious and potentially fatal disease. It is caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis. Treatment usually consists of several parts including an injectable drug to kill adult heartworms, antibiotics, and treatment to kill microfilaria. There is some risk involved in treating dogs with heartworms, although fatalities are rare.
Learn MoreEar cleaning is a very important part of your dogs grooming needs. Some dogs need more frequent ear cleaning than others. Dogs who are prone to ear infections often benefit from more frequent ear cleanings. Cleaning your dogs ears does not require any special equipment. Your veterinarian can help you decide how often your dogs ears should be cleaned.
Learn MoreLymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. This cancer may be localized to one particular region, or may spread throughout the entire body. Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer, accounting for 15-20% of new cancer diagnoses in dogs. The prognosis for lymphoma varies, depending on various characteristics that can only be determined by specialized testing.
Learn MoreLymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. This cancer may be localized to one particular region, or may spread throughout the entire body. Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer, accounting for 15-20% of new cancer diagnoses in dogs. The prognosis for lymphoma varies, depending on various characteristics that can only be determined by specialized testing.
Learn MoreIbuprofen is a commonly used NSAID and is used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in humans. Ibuprofen poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of ibuprofen, either through misuse or by accident. Most commonly in dogs, clinical signs related to irritation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract are observed including decreased appetite, vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, depression, abdominal pain, dark tarry stools, and bloody stools.
Learn MoreIbuprofen is a commonly used NSAID and is used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in humans. Ibuprofen poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of ibuprofen, either through misuse or by accident. Ibuprofen poisoning causes many different clinical signs because many different organ systems can be affected. Most commonly, cats show signs related to kidney problems.
Learn MoreToad poisoning (or toxicity) occurs when a dog is exposed to the toxins secreted by certain species of toads. The two most common species of toads that cause poisonings in the United States are the cane or marine toad and the Colorado River or Sonoran desert toad. While there are toads in Canada that secrete toxic substances, their effects are much less severe than the toxins secreted by the cane or Sonoran desert toads. Death can occur quickly and immediate treatment is required.
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There are many possible causes of infertility in male dogs, including behavioral, physical, and medical factors. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and testing to diagnose the reason for your male dog's infertility, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
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There are many possible causes of infertility in female dogs, including behavioral, physical, and medical factors. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and testing to diagnose the reason for your female dog's infertility, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
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There are many possible causes of infertility in female cats, including behavioral, physical, and medical factors. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and testing to diagnose the reason for your female cat's infertility, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Learn MoreThere are many possible causes of infertility in male cats, including behavioral, genetic, physical, and medical factors. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and testing to diagnose the reason for your male cat's infertility, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
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Von Willebrands disease is an inherited bleeding disorder. Cats with von Willebrands disease lack von Willebrands factor, a blood protein that helps platelets adhere to sites of blood vessel injury. Although affected cats have normal platelets, they experience clotting difficulties because their platelets do not properly adhere to injury sites.
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