 |
*
Bladder Stones in Dogs and Cats |
| |
There are many types of bladder stones, and each tends to form
in a specific breed or species under specific conditions. Here are
some common forms. |
|
*
Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) |
| |
This condition represents a classical excess in cortisone-type
hormone circulation in the body. Both cats and dogs can be
affected (though it is primarily a dog's disease) and the onset is
insidious. We have assembled an information center to answer all
your questions on this relatively common hormone imbalance. |
|
*
Diabetes Mellitus Center |
| |
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease involving the body’s
handling of sugar. Learn about some of the basics of this common
hormone problem of dogs and cats. |
|
*
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FUS) |
| |
Feline lower urinary tract disease (formerly known as feline
urologic syndrome) is not a specific disease but a collection of
clinical signs: bloody urine, straining to urinate, and urinating
in inappropriate places. Sometimes a specific cause is found but
often not. There are many different prevention strategies and, of
course, in the male cat a life-threatening urinary blockage can
develop. |
|
*
Heartworm Information Center |
| |
Heartworm is a parasite that most dog owners and many cat owners
have to be concerned about. The more you know, the better
protected your pet can become. We have put together an information
center to take you through the parasite's biology, the preventive
medications, diagnosis, and treatment. |
|
*
Hyperthyroidism Center for Cats |
| |
Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormone imbalance of cats.
This center reviews the physiology of the condition, its
diagnosis, and the pros and cons of the treatment options. |
|
*
Parvovirus Information Center |
| |
Our Canine Parvovirus Information Center has several articles
that explain the disease, how your dog may contract it, how to
prevent it, and how to care for dogs that have been infected. |
|
Abscesses
from Bite Wounds |
| |
At most clinics, a week doesn’t go by without seeing a cat or
two in this condition. Cats fight, bite, and get infected. What do
you need to know? |
|
Abscesses
in Rabbits |
| |
Rabbits can form abscesses in nearly any organ of the body as
well as in skin, tooth roots and bone. The most common causes of
rabbit abscesses are bite wounds that become infected and
infections in tooth roots and tear ducts. Most facial abscesses
are the result of dental disease. Tear duct abscesses can be the
result of an elongated upper incisor tooth root blocking the tear
duct. The accumulated fluid is a perfect breeding ground for
bacteria and an abscess can form easily. Abscesses that form
internally can be more difficult to diagnose or manage and include
areas such as the uterus, lungs, heart, liver, abdominal fat,
intestine and kidneys. |
|
Addison's
Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) |
| |
Also called hypoadrenocorticism, Addison's disease results from
a deficiency of the hormones that enable adaption to stress. Signs
can be vague or can culminate in a circulatory crisis. |
|
Aleutian
Disease in Ferrets |
| |
Aleutian Mink Disease and its associated virus - What is it and
what should you know? |
|
Alopecia
X |
| |
It may be that Alopecia X is not one hair loss-causing disease
but several and we simply do not know how to distinguish them. |
|
Anal
Sacs |
| |
Got a pet who is scooting? Smelling a fishy foul odor? Noticing
some licking under the tail? Dogs with impacted anal sacs usually
scoot their rear on the ground in an attempt to empty the glands.
Some dogs will lick their anal area and other dogs will chase
their tails. Cats often lick the fur off just under their tails. |
|
Arthritis:
Medications for Degenerative Arthritis |
| |
Arthritis pain causes discomfort and loss of mobility in aged
pets, and there are numerous remedies on the market. Which ones
can be combined? Which are proven reliable and which may only work
in some individuals? |
|
Aural
Hematoma |
| |
A hematoma is swelling created by a broken blood vessel after
bleeding has occurred inside tissue. Hematomas within the ear
flaps (aural hematomas) occur when head shaking breaks a blood
vessel. The ear flap may partially or completely swell with blood.
This condition is more common in dogs but can occur in cats as
well. |
|
Bartonella
and Cat Scratch Fever |
| |
Ted Nugent made cat scratch fever (actually called cat scratch
disease) nearly a household name with his song, but most people
still know very little about this infection other than it involves
a fever spread by cat scratches. In fact, it involves infection by
a bacterium called Bartonella henselae, which is spread by
fleas. |
 |
Bladder
Stones (1) |
| |
There are many types of bladder stones each with a tendency to
form in a specific breed or species under specific conditions.
Here is information on some common forms of stone, with more to
come in the future! |
|
Bladder
Stones in Rabbits |
| |
Cystic calculi or bladder stones can be seen in all ages and
breeds of rabbits. In the past one of the frustrations of treating
this disease was the high rate of reoccurrence of stone even after
treatment. However, with improved treatment techniques, we have
been able to reduce the reoccurrence percentages dramatically. |
|
Bloat
- The Mother of All Emergencies |
| |
A serious, life-threatening emergency. Learn to recognize the
signs to get your dog to the vet’s in time to possibly save its
life. |
|
Brachycephalic
Breeds/Brachycephalic Syndrome |
| |
Brachycephalic means short-faced. Short-faced breeds of dogs
have their own share of unique problems. Be familiar with what
they are. |
|
Canine
Atopic Dermatitis |
| |
Atopic animals will usually rub, lick, chew, bite or scratch at
their feet, muzzle, ears, armpits or groin, causing hair loss, and
reddening and thickening of the skin. In some cases several skin
problems can "add" together to cause an animal to itch
where just the allergy alone would not be enough to cause itching. |
|
Canine
Distemper in Ferrets |
| |
Canine distemper is a contagious disease caused by a virus. CDV
can be transmitted to ferrets directly from infected animals of
other species, or through contact with infected material such as
shoes or clothing. In other words, you can bring CDV home if you
are in contact with infected material in places such as the woods
a pet store or a breeding facility. Using a canine distemper
vaccine that is not approved for use in ferrets can also transmit
CDV. |
|
Cataracts |
| |
Cataracts are an important cause of blindness in the dog.
Through special surgery, it may be possible to restore vision.
Would you recognize a cataract if you saw one in your cat or dog? |
|
Cats
and Ferrets Had SARS in Laboratory Setting |
| |
While researching appropriate medicine for humans infected with
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), scientists discovered
that cats and ferrets can get SARS from humans, at least in a
laboratory. At present, no evidence exists to suggest that these
species play a significant role in the epidemiology of SARS
outbreaks. |
|
Cherry
Eye |
| |
Has a red lump suddenly appeared in the corner of your pet’s
eye? What does it mean and what should you do? |
|
Chronic
Steroid Use |
| |
There has never been a class of drug that has more application
in disease treatment than the glucocorticoid class. Indeed, this
group is rivaled only by antibiotics in lives saved. But side
effects from the glucocorticoid group are numerous and can be
classified into those seen with short-term use and those seen in
long-term use. |
|
Coccidia |
| |
Coccidia are parasites that commonly infect young animals housed
in groups. Coccidia causes a bloody diarrhea that can be severe
enough to be life threatening for a very small animal. It's a very
common infection. |
|
Colitis |
| |
Colitis means inflammation of the colon and that spells diarrhea
- often with fresh blood or mucus - and straining and discomfort
for the pet, as well as a mess to clean up. |
|
Constipation
and Megacolon |
| |
Difficulty in passing stool can mean extra effort (constipation)
or complete impossibility (obstipation). Management can be
surgical or with medication, depending on severity. Find out the
difference, and find out what Megacolon is, too, on this
informative page. |
|
Corneal
Ulcers and Erosions |
| |
A scratch or scrape on the eye is extremely painful, causing
squinting, redness and excess tears. What do you need to know
about taking care of a pet with this condition? Read about the
diagnosis and treatment of corneal ulcers and erosions. |
|
Cushing's
Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) (1) |
| |
This condition represents a classical excess in cortisone-type
hormone circulation in the body. Both cats and dogs can be
affected (though it is primarily a dog's disease) and the onset is
insidious. We have assembled an information center to answer all
your questions on this relatively common hormone imbalance. |
|
Demodectic
Mange |
| |
This condition is also called Red Mange. It is not contagious,
but it does have a hereditary component. What are the options for
treatment? |
|
Demodectic
Mange in Cats |
| |
Demodectic mange in dogs is extremely common, especially in
puppies. Demodicosis in cats is much more unusual. |
|
Demodicosis
(Red Mange) |
| |
Demodicosis (red mange) is a skin disease caused by a small mite
not visible to the naked eye. This mite lives down in the root of
the hair. All normal dogs have a small population of mites, but
only certain animals will get a disease from mite overgrowth. In
some cases, the tendency to develop demodectic mange runs in
families. |
|
Diarrhea
and Vomiting |
| |
Diarrhea is the frequent evacuation of watery stools. Vomiting
is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. |
|
Dry
Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) |
| |
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS, is a fancy way of saying the
eye is dry. There are many causes of dry eye, but the most common
one appears to be immune mediated destruction of the
tear-producing gland tissue. |
|
Dust
Mites: Minimizing Exposure |
| |
Dust mites feed off of skin scales and dander shed by humans and
animals. mites love bedding, carpeting, and anywhere they can find
a hiding place with the likelihood of skin dander being present.
Dust mites also require a relatively high humidity in the home to
truly thrive. |
|
Ear
Infections |
| |
Did you know the most common cause of recurrent ear infections
is allergic skin disease? What do you do to keep the ear
scratching and head shaking from becoming chronic? |
|
Eosinophilic
Granuloma Complex |
| |
Feline allergic skin disease can take some highly ulcerative
forms, especially involving the upper lip. EGC is a hard condition
to explain, especially since it has several forms, but we’ll
give it a try. |
|
Epistaxis:
The Bloody Nose |
| |
Some blood-tinged droplets sneezed on the floor might be the
only sign or there might be a steady bloody drip from one or both
nostrils. These findings are alarming as well as messy and we want
to identify the cause and take care of it promptly. The problem is
that there are many causes and not all of them are localized to
the nose, and many are serious diseases. |
|
Euthanasia |
| |
The decision to euthanize a pet should be one that you always
look back upon and know that the best decision was made and that
you would make the same decision again in the same situation. So
how do you know if it is time? |
|
Exocrine
Pancreatic Insufficiency |
| |
Generally a high digestibility diet is the best choice for an
EPI patient. These foods are low in fiber and fat and may be
especially helpful for patients with trouble gaining weight. Many
animals simply use enzymes mixed with their regular food. |
|
Feline
Asthma |
| |
If your cat needs to open its mouth to breathe or if its abdomen
moves excessively as it breathes (and it's not purring), then it
may be suffering from feline asthma. Asthma is a recurring
respiratory compromise that occurs when the lung airways constrict
either spontaneously or in response to stimuli that normally
should not cause a reaction. |
|
Feline
Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) |
| |
FIV is a virus that causes AIDS in cats; however, there is a
long asymptomatic period before AIDS occurs and our job is to
prolong this asymptomatic period. |
|
Feline
Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) |
| |
FIP is a serious disease with near 100% mortality, no good test,
no good treatment, and no good vaccine. If your cat is an FIP
suspect, we know how painful the lack of knowing can be. We hope
these resources can provide facts and understanding during this
difficult time. |
|
Feline
Leukemia Virus (FeLV) |
| |
Feline leukemia virus, a retrovirus, is a common infection of
cats. It is the cause of more cat deaths, directly or indirectly,
than any other organism and is widespread in the cat population. |
|
Feline
Upper Respiratory Disease |
| |
Does your cat sneeze, have runny eyes, and a runny nose? A cold
for a cat is usually just a nuisance as a cold usually is for one
of us. Sometimes, though, an upper respiratory infection can be
serious. |
|
Flea
Anemia |
| |
We all know fleas are a nuisance and can lead to itching and
dermatitis, but did you know a heavy flea infestation can be life
threatening? The owners of most victims were not aware of the
problem. Read more about this condition and who’s most at risk. |
|
Food
Allergies |
| |
Have an itchy pet all year round? Maybe there is a food allergy.
Just changing to a new diet probably won’t be enough. Find out
what to do here and see if your pet fits the profile for this
condition. |
|
Glomerulonephritis |
| |
In glomerular disease, holes are punched out in the filtration
system, allowing molecules that the body needs to keep entering
the urine flow and be urinated away. Chronic inflammation leads to
the holes in the filtration system. |
|
Halitosis
(Bad Breath) |
| |
Halitosis, also called bad breath, is as an offensive odor
emanating from the oral cavity. Bad breath is a common presenting
pet odor complaint. Causes may be commonly be related to the mouth
or rarely related to other health problems. |
|
Head
Tilt & Other Neurological Disease in the House Rabbit |
| |
Head tilts in rabbits are seen with some frequency and can be
caused by a variety of diseases. Another common name for head tilt
is “wry neck” and the “scientific” name is vestibular
disease (which can include other signs besides the head tilt).
Rabbits exhibiting a head tilt also experience a loss of balance.
They may fall over or walk in circles. |
|
Heartworm
Information (1) |
| |
Heartworm is a parasite that most dog owners and many cat owners
have to be concerned about. The more you know, the better
protected your pet can become. We have put together an information
center to take you through the parasite's biology, the preventive
medications, diagnosis, and treatment. |
|
Helicobacter
Infection |
| |
This bacterium is not new but focus on it by both the veterinary
and human medical community certainly is. The role of Helicobacter
in stomach ulcer formation is now well recognized. If you have a
pet with chronic nausea, you may want to be familiar with this
infection. |
|
Hemangiopericytoma |
| |
Hemangiopericytoma is a common tumor in dogs. It does not spread
the way one normally thinks of cancer. It does tend to recur at
the site where it was originally removed. If left alone, this
tumor eventually becomes inoperable, disfiguring, and lethal
though generally this takes years. |
|
Hemangiosarcoma |
| |
Hemangiosarcoma has three classic locations: skin and
subcutaneous forms, splenic forms, and heart-based forms. With the
exception of the skin form, which can often be eliminated by
surgery, a diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma is bad news. |
|
Hepatic
Lipidosis (Fatty Liver) |
| |
The liver failure cat is jaundiced, inappetant, frequently
nauseated, and generally an obviously ill animal. |
|
Herpes
Viral Conjunctivitis: A Feline Problem |
| |
Conjunctivitis in cats is usually of viral origin and usually
that means a Herpesvirus. Herpesvirus grow in the tissues of the
body that interface with the environment, such as the upper
respiratory tissues and conjunctivae. |
|
Hookworms |
| |
The adult hookworm lives in the small intestine of its host. It
hangs on to the intestinal wall using its six sharp teeth and
unlike other worms that just absorb the digested food through
their skin as it passes by, the hookworm drinks its host's blood.
Humans can get hookworms too. |
|
Horner's
Syndrome |
| |
Slight squint, small pupil, raised third eyelid... it all looks
pretty strange, as if something is wrong with the eye. In fact, it
is not the eye itself that is the problem, but rather it is a
nerve problem. Read more about this symptom and its causes. |
|
Hypertension
(High Blood Pressure) |
| |
High blood pressure is an extremely important concern in human
medicine. But what about our pets? They don’t smoke or
worry about the mortgage and they don’t deposit cholesterol in
their blood vessels. They do, however, get high blood pressure,
especially when they age. |
|
Hypothyroidism |
| |
Healthy skin and a normal hair coat are the same result of many
factors, both external and internal. There are several glands in
the body responsible for the production of hormones that are vital
for the regulation of other body functions as well as a normal
skin surface and hair coat. |
|
Hypothyroidism
in Dogs |
| |
Hypothyroidism is the most common hormone imbalance in dogs.
While it seems like it would be a simple subject, there are
complexities. |
|
Immune
Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) |
| |
We depend on red blood cells to bring oxygen to our tissues and
carry waste gases away. Without enough red blood cells we die. We
can lose blood cells from bleeding, but sometimes our immune
system gets confused and destroys them by mistake. What can we do
when this happens? |
|
Immune-Mediated
Thrombocytopenia (IMT) |
| |
Platelets can be mistaken by the immune system as invaders. When
this happens, antibodies coat the platelets and the spleen's
phagocytes remove them in numbers up to 10 times greater than the
normal platelet removal rate. |
|
Inflammatory
Bowel Disease |
| |
Does your pet seem to have chronic vomiting or diarrhea? Those
can be signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). |
|
Inhalant
Allergies |
| |
We get hay fever; dogs get itchy skin. This condition is usually
seasonal - but not always - and many treatments are available.
Find out the causes and what you can do to relieve your pet’s
discomfort. |
|
Intestinal
Lymphangiectasia: An Important Cause of Intestinal Protein Loss |
| |
Protein-losing enteropathy is a fancy way of saying that protein
is being lost from the body through the intestine. This is a
serious problem as the body's proteins are not easily replaced and
the only way to replace them involves the absorption of protein
constituents from the intestine. |
|
Kennel
Cough |
| |
Infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough, is
a complex of infections rather than infection by a single agent.
Find out how infection occurs, how serious it may be, how it is
treated, and understand the vaccination. |
|
Kidney
Failure (Chronic Renal Failure) |
| |
Chronic kidney, or renal, failure is common among geriatric
pets. As treatment frequently is long term, owners should
understand their options. Topics discussed include medications
used in treatment, diagnostics/helpful testing and monitoring, and
how to get involved with on-line resource groups. |
|
Lead
Poisoning |
| |
The most common cause of lead poisoning in pets is ingestion of
lead-based paint. Although lead-based paint is no longer available
in the United States, it was used in buildings for many years. |
|
Leptospirosis |
| |
This is infection can be caught by humans as well as by canines.
Learn about the leptospira organism, and how we test, treat and
vaccinate against the disease (in dogs, that is). |
|
Lick
Granuloma |
| |
Lick granuloma (acral lick granuloma, acral lick dermatitis) is
a common, stubborn skin disease that is directly caused by the dog
licking an area of the body. |
|
Lyme
Disease |
| |
The first lesson to be learned about the Lyme disease infection
is that it manifests completely differently in man's best friend
compared with the human experience. In dogs, Lyme disease is a
minor infection not nearly worthy of the attention it has
received. |
|
Lymphoma |
| |
This form of cancer, also called lymphosarcoma, is the most
common malignancy of dogs, cats, and humans. A plentitude of
information is available, information that is necessary in order
to make intelligent decisions about an affected pet. |
|
Lymphoma
in Cats |
| |
Lymphoma accounts for one third of all cancers developed by
cats. When the mediastinal lymph nodes become infiltrated with
lymphoma, a mass is apparent in the mediastinum and a cancerous
fluid fills the chest, restricting breathing. The fluid can be
tapped but it will be back without treatment. |
|
Lymphoma
in Dogs |
| |
This form of cancer, also called lymphosarcoma, is the most
common malignancy of dogs, cats, and humans. Much information is
available, information that is necessary in order to make
intelligent decisions about an affected pet. |
|
Malassezia
Dermatitis (Yeast Infection of the Skin) |
| |
Technically known as Malessezia Dermatitis, this is one of the
stinkiest and itchiest conditions treated in veterinary
dermatology, and it is one of the chief reasons a previously
well-controlled allergic dog might suddenly increase itching. What
to do? Find some answers here. |
|
Mammary
Tumors in Dogs |
| |
Women get breast cancer, female dogs get mammary cancer. What
many pet owners don't know is that the incidence of mammary tumor
development in dogs is higher than in women, as one in four
unspayed female dogs are affected. This incidence is huge, yet
awareness among owners of female dogs is lacking. |
|
Marijuana
Toxicity |
| |
The usual pet toxicity case involves a dog that has
inadvertently eaten a stash of marijuana. In the dog, clinical
signs typically begin 30 to 90 minutes after the marijuana has
been eaten. Because THC is stored in the body's fat deposits, the
effects of marijuana ingestion can last for days. |
|
Mast
Cell Tumors |
| |
Most mast cell tumors arise in the skin but technically they can
arise anywhere that mast cells are found. Mast cell tumors are
notoriously invasive and difficult to treat. |
|
Megaesophagus |
| |
Do you know the difference between vomiting and regurgitation?
If your pet has megaesophagus you probably know all too well. Read
about the latest in treatment and testing (and see a graphic
interactive demonstration). |
|
Myasthenia
gravis |
| |
Myasthenia gravis is a disease that interrupts the way nerves
communicate with muscles. There is no treatment for the congenital
form. The acquired form, which is an autoimmune disease, is
treated medically with immunosuppressive agents. |
|
Neonatal
Isoerythrolysis in Cats |
| |
Neonatal isoerythrolysis, or NI, is a rare immune-mediated
disease that is caused when newborn kittens with type A blood
drink colostrum from a mother with type B blood. |
|
Normal
Joints |
| |
A pet does not have to be a senior citizen to require joint care
supplements or physical therapy. Degenerative arthritis can result
from an injury or can be the result of genetics and joint
conformation. |
|
Notoedric
Mange |
| |
Dogs get sarcoptic mange but what do cats get? It turns out they
have their very own mange mite: Notoedres Cati. Notoedric mange is
a rarity worldwide and many veterinary dermatologists never see a
single case in their entire careers. Notoedric mange exists in
small regional “hotbeds,” one of which happens to be the
Greater Los Angeles area. Our hospital normally sees at least one
confirmed case a month, usually in outdoor or shelter cats. Visit
this page for an explanation and pictures. |
|
Nutritional
Alternatives for Cancer Patients |
| |
With the exception of canine lymphoma, there is no accepted
dietary recommendation for cancer patients. Veterinarians and pet
owners interested in alternatives or complements to conventional
practice often shun commercial diets, and some cancer patients
refuse them, as well. I have used a variety of home-prepared and
commercial diets for my cancer patients. |
|
Osteosarcoma
(Canine) |
| |
Osteosarcoma is by far the most common bone tumor of the dog. We
see 2 to 3 cases a years Owners need information on which to make
proper treatment decisions. |
|
Otitis
Externa |
| |
Otitis externa is an inflammation or infection of the
external ear canal. Bacteria, yeast, ear mites, and allergies can
all cause it. Addressing this problem involves four steps. |
|
Pancreatitis
(Feline) |
| |
Many people have heard of the pancreas but are not sure what it
does, where it is, or what a disaster it can be when it gets
inflamed. Ten years ago, pancreatitis in cats was hardly described
in even the most complete textbooks as we did not have adequate
technology to evaluate the pancreas in cats. Much progress has
been made in understanding this disease. |
|
Paralyzed
Dogs: How to Care for Them |
| |
Spinal damage leading to rear leg paralysis is not uncommon.
These "downer" dogs have special needs. Rarely is rear
paralysis temporary so management requires commitment. It is not
for everyone and it is important to understand what one is getting
into; though, for the right owner and patient, management can be
rewarding. |
|
Plasma
Cell Stomatitis |
| |
Stringent control of plaque is crucial to the management of cats
with this painful, chronic condition. Expect an affected cat to
require teeth cleaning under general anesthesia at least every 6
months. If medical management fails, all teeth need to be removed. |
|
Prostate
Disease in Ferrets |
| |
Prostate disease can result in urinary discomfort and even an
emergency urinary blockage. Prostate disease occurs in a
significant number of ferrets in the United States. It affects
neutered ferrets over two years of age. |
|
Pruritus:
A Diagnostic Approach |
| |
Graphics illustrate a diagnostic approach to working with
pruritis in dogs and cats. |
|
Pyoderma |
| |
Pyoderma is caused by bacterial infection of the skin. The
causative organism is almost always Staphylococcus intermedius.
Bacteria will not usually cause disease on normal skin, but other
underlying skin diseases cause some changes in the skin surface
making it susceptible to infection, leading to pyoderma. |
|
Pyometra |
| |
Pyometra is the life-threatening infection of the uterus that
generally occurs in middle-aged to older female dogs in the 6
weeks following heat. A uterus with pyometra swells dramatically
and is filled with pus, bacteria, dying tissue, and toxins.
Without treatment, the pet is expected to die. |
|
Rabies |
| |
Descriptions of rabies go back thousands of years as rabies has
classically been one of the most feared infections of all time. It
is caused by a rhabdovirus which is relatively unstable in the
environment, requiring fresh contact with mucous membranes to
establish infection. Rabies is a very serious disease, but
fortunately it can also be easily prevented in dogs and cats by
proper vaccination. |
|
Ringworm
FAQ |
| |
Ringworm is not a worm at all but a fungal infection of the
skin. It's contagious to humans, too. This FAQ provides answers. |
|
Roundworms:
Cats & Kittens |
| |
This common parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and
dogs, and some pet owners become very concerned when their pet
expells a worm up to seven inches in length. Roundworms are also
one of the few dog or cat parasites that can be dangerous when
transmitted to humans. |
|
Roundworms:
Dogs & Puppies |
| |
This common parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and
dogs, and some pet owners become very concerned when their pet
expells a worm up to 7 inches in length. Roundworms are also one
of the few dog or cat parasites that can be dangerous when
transmitted to humans. |
|
Roundworms:
Humans |
| |
This common parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and
dogs, and some pet owners become very concerned when their pet
expells a worm up to 7 inches in length. Roundworms are also one
of the few dog or cat parasites that can be dangerous when
transmitted to humans. |
|
Runny
Eyes (Epiphora) |
| |
Many dogs and cats have tear-stained faces from chronic
excessive tears. Why is this and why is this problem considered
one of the hardest to solve in veterinary ophthalmology? |
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Sarcoptic
Mange |
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Sarcoptic mange is the name for the skin disease caused by
infection with the Sarcoptes scabei mite. They are microscopic and
cannot be seen with the naked eye. Also called “scabies,” this
mite infection is extremely itchy and contagious. While difficult
to diagnose, this condition is usually easy to treat. |
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Sarcoptic
Mange |
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Sarcoptic mange is a very itchy disease caused by a small mite
not visible to the naked eye. Areas where the mites tend to burrow
under the skin include the tips of the ears, elbows, hocks, chest
and belly. However, in a severe infestation, mites can cause
problems on the animal's entire body. |
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Seborrhea |
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Seborrhea is a clinical syndrome that has several different
forms. It can be seen as excessive flaking and extremely dry skin,
odiferous greasy scale and yellow brown adherent oil deposits, or
a combination of the two. |
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Seborrhea
- Keratinization Disorders |
| |
Seborrhea can present in several different forms. It can be seen
as excessive flaking and extremely dry skin, or odiferous greasy
scale and yellow brown adherent oil deposits, or a combination of
the two. |
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Seizure
Disorders |
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Any involuntary behavior that occurs abnormally may represent a
seizure. Seizures may be caused by situations within the brain
(such as trauma or infection) or by situations centered outside
the brain (such as low blood sugar, circulating metabolic toxins,
or external poisons). |
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Separation
Anxiety |
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The worst cases of separation anxiety present an unlivable
disaster for the pet owner. The animal becomes destructive, soils
the house, and vocalizes loudly and unabashedly and, since the
behavior occurs almost exclusively when the pet is alone, there is
nothing to stop him from creating a spectacular mess and annoying
the neighbors every time the owner steps out. |
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Splenic
Masses in Dogs |
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Occasionally spleens grow masses. These are generally either
benign or malignant tumors. In dogs, most splenic masses are
either hemangiomas or hemangiosarcomas. What does the spleen do
and what happens when it's removed? |
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Tapeworms |
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Noticing something like grains of rice that move, something that
looks like sesame seeds in your pet’s bedding? Where do
tapeworms come from, how can you eliminate them, and why do they
come back? |
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Thrombocytopenia |
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If your pet has a condition called thrombocytopenia, his
platelet count is low. When the platelet count is low, it is
harder for clotting to occur. |
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Toxoplasmosis |
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Although it is possible to get Toxoplasmosis from cats, no
correlation has been found between cat ownership and Toxoplasma
infection. There is, however, a very strong association between
Toxoplasma infection and working with raw meat as in a
slaughterhouse or as a butcher. Be careful handling raw meat. |
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Tracheal
Collapse |
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The patient is almost always a toy breed dog, especially
poodles, Yorkshire terriers, and Pomeranians. The disease usually
becomes problematic in middle age but can occur at any age. The
cartilage defect that leads to the flattened C rings seems to be
hereditary. |
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Transitional
Cell Carcinoma |
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The transitional cell carcinoma is a particularly unpleasant
tumor of the urinary bladder that usually grows in the lower neck
of the bladder, causing a partial or complete obstruction to
urination. Bloody urine and straining to urinate are typically the
signs noted by the owner. |
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Transmissible
Venereal Tumor |
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The transmissible venereal tumor, affectionately known as the
TVT, may be visible as an external fleshy growth or may simply
present as genital bleeding. The tumor is common where there are
large numbers of roaming dogs or in shelter situations. |
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Vaccinations
- Allergic Reactions |
| |
Immunization represents stimulation of the immune system, an
inherently inflammatory process. Vaccination reactions severe
enough to produce shock are EXTREMELY rare and are a function of
an individual pet's immune response. |
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Vaccine
Associated Fibrosarcoma |
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Fibrosarcomas have been recognized for a very long time as
difficult, deeply rooted tumors of cats. What has only recently
been recognized is the potential for vaccination to lead to the
formation of these tumors. |
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Vestibular
Disease |
| |
Most people think their pet has had a stroke, but in fact a
problem with the vestibular apparatus is to blame. The vestibular
apparatus is the neurological equipment responsible for perceiving
one's body's orientation relative to the earth (determining if you
are upside-down, standing up straight, falling etc.). |
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Viral
Papillomas of Dogs |
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Most everyone knows that dogs get warts, but did you know that
some of these warts are infectious? Find out what they are and how
to deal with them. |
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Von
Willebrand's Disease |
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Von Willebrand's disease is an inherited blood clotting defect
and breeds at high risk should be screened before being allowed to
breed. |
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West
Nile Virus |
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This CDC Fact Sheet offers questions and answers about West Nile
Virus as it relates to dogs and cats. Dogs and cats can be
infected through mosquite bites. DEET-based mosquito repellants
are not recommended for pets. |
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Zinc
Poisoning |
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Now that pennies are made of zinc instead of copper, swallowing
them can be harmful to your pet. Many veterinarians are unaware of
this special syndrome and do not realize that pennies are far more
than a simple foreign body. This is a recently described disease
and many questions are still unanswered. |
