Treatment

Giving Pills to Cats

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.

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Giving Injections to Cats

Certain 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.

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Giving Liquid Medication to Cats

The 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.

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Buspirone in Cats

Buspirone (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.

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Applying Ear Drops to Cats

In 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.

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Applying Eye Drops to Cats

The 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.

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Steroid Treatment - Long-Term Effects in Cats

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 of activities in the body, including the stress response, immune system response and control of inflammation, nutrient metabolism, and maintenance of blood electrolyte levels.

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Elizabethan Collars in Cats

An 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.

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Tube Feeding - Esophagostomy Tubes in Cats

An 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.

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Allergy - Treatment Instructions for Cats

The information below is a general guide for treating allergies in cats.

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Gastrostomy Tube Feeding in Cats

A 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.

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Giardia in Cats

Giardiasis 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

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.

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Asthma - Treatment Instructions for Cats

Your 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.

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Laser Surgery for Cats

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 1960, and its use in human surgery became widespread in the late 1980's.

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Managing the Sick Cat

When 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 Poisoning in Dogs

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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Wounds - Care of Open Wound in Cats

A 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.

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Post Operative Instructions in Cats

After 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.

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Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Cats

Administering 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.

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Surgical Pins and Plates in Cats

Fracture 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.

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Tube Feeding in Cats

Tube 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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Giving Pills to Dogs

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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Giving Injections to Dogs

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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Applying Ear Drops to Dogs

Topical ear medications are often necessary to adequately treat inflammatory or infectious ear conditions.

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Applying Eye Drops to Dogs

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.

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Applying Eye Ointments to Dogs

How to properly administer eye medications to your dog.

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Giving Liquid Medication to Dogs

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 Ointments, Creams, and Lotions on Dogs

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.

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Acepromazine

Acepromazine 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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Acetazolamide

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

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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Tube Feeding - Esophagostomy Tubes in Dogs

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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Tube Feeding - Gastrostomy Tubes in Dogs

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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Cushing's Disease - Treatment Instructions for Dogs

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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Pain Management for Dogs

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.

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Sick Pet Birds - Nursing Care

Many 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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Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Dogs

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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Care of Open Wounds in Dogs

Dogs can get wounded in many ways, and different wounds require different treatments.

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Steroid Treatment - Long-Term Effects in Dogs

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.

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Cryosurgery in Dogs

Cryosurgery (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.

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Elizabethan Collars in Birds

Following 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 Surgery for Dogs

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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Tube Feeding - Pharyngostomy Tubes in Dogs

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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Skunk Spray and Your Dog

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.

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Spondylosis Deformans in Cats

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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Spondylosis Deformans in Dogs

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 or Silymarin

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.

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Bandage and Splint Care in Cats

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.

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Bandage and Splint Care in Dogs

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.

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Care of Surgical Incisions in Cats

The 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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Care of Surgical Incisions in Dogs

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.

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Taurine in Cats

Taurine 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

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.

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Insulinomas in Ferrets

An 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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Cystine Bladder Stones in Dogs

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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Calcium Oxalate Bladder Stones in Dogs

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 Citrate

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.

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Eclampsia in Cats

Eclampsia (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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Gunshot Wounds and Penetrating Trauma

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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Surgical Pain in Dogs

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.

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Inhalant Treatment for Feline Asthma and Bronchitis

Asthma 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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Tympanic Membrane Rupture and Middle Ear Infection in Dogs

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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Helping Your Dog with Osteoarthritis

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.

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Helping Your Cat With Osteoarthritis

A 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 in Dogs - Joint Support and Disease - Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs (DMOADs)

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.

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Osteoarthritis in Cats--Joint Support and Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs (DMOADs)

Osteoarthritis (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

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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Hospice Care for Pets - Overview - Part 1

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 - Overview - Part 2

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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Therapeutic Massage and Your Dog

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.

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Therapeutic Massage and Your Cat

As 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

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

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.

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Mites in Guinea Pigs

Mites 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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Palliative Care for Dogs

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 Drug Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

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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Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair

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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Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair: Extracapsular Repair and TightRope Procedure

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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What You Can Do for a Cat with an Abnormal Bite

If 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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Tympanic Membrane Rupture and Middle Ear Infection in Cats

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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Nutritional Support for the Canine Critical Care Patient

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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Cat Only Veterinary Practices

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 Poisoning in Cats

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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Nutritional Concerns for Dogs with Bladder Stones

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.

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Essential Oil and Liquid Potpourri Poisoning in Cats

Many 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.

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Mothball Toxicity in Cats

Mothballs 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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Tail Injuries in Dogs

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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First Aid for Broken Nails in Dogs

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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First Aid for Insect Stings in Dogs

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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First Aid for Torn or Injured Foot Pads in Dogs

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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Pain, NSAIDs, and Supportive Care

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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Multi-Modal Pain Management

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.

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First Aid for Torn Footpads in Cats

Although 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.

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First Aid for Bleeding Cats

When 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.

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First Aid for Limping Cats

Although most limps need veterinary attention, there are a few first aid measures you can perform at home if your cat begins to hobble around.

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First Aid for Broken Nails

A 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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Pneumothorax in Dogs

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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Are over-the-counter medications safe for my dog?

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.

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Aortic Thromboembolism in Cats

An 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 Toxicity in Dogs

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.

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First Aid for Insect Stings in Cats

Cats 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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Onion, Garlic, Chive, and Leek Toxicity in Dogs

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 in Dogs (Cervical spondylomyopathy)

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,

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First Aid for Injured Tails in Cats

The 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 in Dogs

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.

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Acetaminophen Toxicity in Cats

Acetaminophen 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 in Dogs

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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Caffeine Toxicity in Pets

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.

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Pyelonephritis (Bacterial Infection of the Kidney) in Cats

Urinary 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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Multidrug Resistance Mutation (MDR1)

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 in Dogs

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.

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Eosinophilic Keratitis in Cats

Feline 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.

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Techniques for Nebulization and Coupage in Dogs

Nebulization 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.

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Mastitis in Dogs

Mastitis is a term used to describe inflammation of a mammary gland (breast). In most cases, mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection.

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Techniques for Nebulization and Coupage in Cats

Nebulization 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.

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Heartworm Disease in Cats - Treatment

Heartworms 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.

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Heartworm Disease in Dogs - Treatment

Heartworm 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.

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Instructions for Ear Cleaning in Dogs

Ear 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.

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Lymphoma in the Dog

Lymphoma 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.

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Lymphoma in the Dog

Lymphoma 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.

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Ibuprofen Poisoning in Dogs

Ibuprofen 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.

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Ibuprofen Poisoning in Cats

Ibuprofen 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.

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Toad Poisoning in Dogs

Toad 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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Infertility in Male Dogs

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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Infertility in Female Dogs

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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Infertility in Female Cats

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.

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Infertility in Male Cats

There 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 Willebrand's Disease in Cats

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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