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Dogs
Cats
Diseases and Conditions
Bilious Vomiting Syndrome in Dogs and Cats
Fractured Teeth in Dogs and Cats
Allergies & Immune System
Adverse Reactions to Spot-on Flea and Tick Products
Allergic Conjunctivitis in Dogs and Cats
Allergies: Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats
Asthma in Cats
Atopic Dermatitis in Cats
Chylothorax is more Common in Cats than Dogs
Dust Mites: Minimizing Exposure in Dogs and Cats
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) in Dogs and Cats
Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT)
Immunotherapy for Allergies in Cats, Dogs, and Horses
Itch Relief for Dogs and Cats
Itching and Allergy in Cats
Pemphigus Foliaceus in Dogs and Cats
Steroid Use in Dogs and Cats
Vaccine Allergic Reactions in Dogs and Cats
Blood-related
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) in Dogs and Cats
Feline Aortic Thromboembolism (FATE or Saddle Thrombus)
Flea Anemia in Cats and Dogs
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) in Dogs and Cats
Multiple Myeloma in Dogs and Cats
Myeloma-Related Disorders in Cats
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis in Cats
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis in Kittens
Renal Anemia, or Inadequate Red Blood Cells, in Dogs and Cats
Thrombocytopenia in Dogs and Cats
Cancers, Lumps & Bumps
Breast Cancer Happens in Companion Animals
Cancer is a Cellular Delinquent
Common Lymphoma Chemotherapy Medications for Cats and Dogs
Cutaneous Lymphoma in Cats
Hemangiosarcoma is Blood or Skin Cancer in Dogs and Cats
Injection Site Sarcoma (Cancer) in Cats
Insulinoma in Dogs and Cats
Liver Tumors and Cancers in Dogs and Cats
Lung Cancer in Dogs and Cats
Lymphoma
Lymphoma in Cats
Lymphoma in the Skin of Dogs
Malignant Melanoma in Dogs and Cats
Malignant Thyroid Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Mammary Tumors in Cats
Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Meningioma in Dogs and Cats
Multiple Myeloma in Dogs and Cats
Myeloma-Related Disorders in Cats
Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats
Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats
Cardiac & Circulatory System: Heart & Blood Vessels
Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs and Cats
Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs and Cats
Cutaneous Vasculitis in Dogs and Cats
Diaphragmatic Hernias in Dogs and Cats
Diets and Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs and Cats
Feline Aortic Thromboembolism (FATE or Saddle Thrombus)
Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Cats
Heartworm Infection in Cats
High Blood Pressure in Our Pets
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Pacemakers in Dogs and Cats
Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Dogs and Cats
Portal Vein Hypoplasia in Dogs and Cats
Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs and Cats
Sleeping and Resting Respiratory Rates of Dogs and Cats with Heart Disease
Vascular Accidents (Strokes) in the Brains of Dogs and Cats
What to Expect From Your Pet’s Echocardiogram
Dental & Oral
Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats
Cat's Teeth Examination for Cat Owners
Cleft Palate or Lip in Puppies and Kittens
Clinical Signs of Oral or Dental Disease in Pets
Dental Care and What to Expect
Dental Care in Cats
Fractured Teeth in Dogs and Cats
Gingivostomatitis in Cats
Oral Masses/Ulcers in Dogs and Cats
Orthodontics for Pets
Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats
Periodontal Disease in Pets
Plasma Cell Stomatitis in Cats
Practical Dental Care Tips for Dogs and Cats
Retained Baby Teeth in Dogs and Cats Need Surgical Extraction
Salivary Mucocele in Dogs and Cats
Stomatitis in Cats
Tooth Resorption in Cats
Toothbrushing and Dental Prophylaxis in Cats and Dogs
Dermatology: Skin & Nails
Adverse Reactions to Spot-on Flea and Tick Products
Breed-Related Dermatoses in Dogs and Cats
Burns: First Aid
Cellulitis in Dogs and Cats
Chemical Injuries: First Aid
Cutaneous Lymphoma in Cats
Cutaneous Vasculitis in Dogs and Cats
Cuterebriasis is a Parasite Causing Skin Infections in Dogs and Cats
Demodectic Mange in Cats
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex in Cats
Feline Acne
Flea and Tick Control Products for Dogs and Cats
Flea Control for Allergic Dogs and Cats
Fleas: Know your Enemy
Fur Mowing in Cats
Hemangioma in Dogs and Cats
Hot Spots (Pyotraumatic Dermatitis) in Dogs and Cats
Hot Spots in Dogs and Cats
Itch Relief for Dogs and Cats
Itching and Allergy in Cats
Lipomas in Dogs and Cats
Malignant Melanoma in Dogs and Cats
Notoedric Mange in Cats (Feline Scabies)
Pemphigus Foliaceus in Dogs and Cats
Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (Pillow Foot) in Cats
Psychogenic Alopecia
Pyoderma in Dogs and Cats
Ringworm Environmental Decontamination: How to Clean Your Home When Your Pet Has Ringworm
Ringworm in Dogs and Cats
Ticks Are Arthropod Parasites for Mammals
Topical Therapy for Skin Conditions in Dogs and Cats
Workups for Itchy Dogs and Cats
Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats
Wounds: First Aid
Digestive System
AAFCO Pet Food Labeling
Alternative Diets for Dogs and Cats
Anorexia, or Lack of Appetite, in Dogs and Cats
Bacterial Diarrheas in Puppies & Kittens
Cholangitis (Cholangiohepatitis) in Cats
Cholangitis and Cholangiohepatitis in Cats
Coccidia Infects Intestines of Cats and Dogs
Colitis-Related Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats
Constipation and Megacolon in Dogs and Cats
Diaphragmatic Hernias in Dogs and Cats
Diarrhea and Vomiting: First Aid
Gallstones in Dogs and Cats
Giardia in Pets
Hairballs (Trichobezoars) In Cats
Helicobacter Infection in Dogs and Cats
Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs and Cats
Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease) in Cats
Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats
Infiltrative Bowel Disease in Cats
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs and Cats
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Dogs
Linear Foreign Bodies in Dogs and Cats
Liver Tumors and Cancers in Dogs and Cats
Pancreatitis in Cats
Portosystemic Shunt in Dogs and Cats
Rectal Prolapse in Dogs and Cats
Straining to Eliminate: First Aid
Triaditis in Cats
Umbilical Hernias in Puppies and Kittens
Ears
Ear Infections (Otitis) in Dogs
Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats
Malassezia Otitis in Dogs and Cats
Otitis Externa Treatment in Dogs and Cats
Total Ear Canal Ablation and Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (TECA) for End-Stage Ears in Dogs and Cats
Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats
Endocrine: Diabetes, Thyroid, Adrenal
Cushing's Syndrome: Classifying the Type
Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction
Diabetic Cat Diet
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Dogs and Cats
Dietary Therapy for Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs and Cats
Flash Glucose Monitoring in Cats and Dogs
Hard to Regulate Diabetic Cats
Home Testing of Blood Glucose for Diabetic Cats
Hypercalcemia in Dogs and Cats
Hyperlipidemia in Dogs and Cats
Hyperthyroidism Medication for Cats (Methimazole)
Hyperthyroidism Treatment Options in Cats
Insulin Administration in Cats
Laboratory Tests Confirming Cushing's Syndrome
Laboratory Tests Hinting at Cushing's Syndrome
Malignant Thyroid Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Monitoring Glucose Regulation in Dogs and Cats
Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Surgical Treatment for Feline Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome
Thyroid Treatment Using Radiotherapy for Cats
Eyes
Allergic Conjunctivitis in Dogs and Cats
Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Cats
Cataracts in Dogs and Cats
Causes of Blindness in Dogs and Cats
Chemical Injuries: First Aid
Corneal Ulcers and Erosions in Dogs and Cats
Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) in Dogs and Cats
Eye Injuries: First Aid
Eye Removal (Enucleation) in Pets
Glaucoma in Dogs and Cats
Haws Syndrome in Cats
Herpes Viral Conjunctivitis: A Feline Problem
Iris Coloboma in Dogs and Cats
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dogs
Uveitis in Dogs and Cats
First Aid
Abscess: First Aid
Bandaging: First Aid
Bee Stings and Insect Bites: First Aid
Bleeding: First Aid
Breathing Problems: First Aid
Burns: First Aid
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPCR): First Aid
Chemical Injuries: First Aid
Choking: First Aid
Dehydration: First Aid
Diarrhea and Vomiting: First Aid
Difficult Birth: First Aid
Drowning or Near Drowning: First Aid
Electrical Burns: First Aid
Eye Injuries: First Aid
Fainting and Dizziness (Syncope): First Aid
Fever: First Aid
Fractures and Injuries: First Aid
Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke): First Aid
Hypothermia: First Aid
Impalement and Penetrating Injuries: First Aid
Introduction: First Aid
Nosebleed: First Aid
Paralysis: First Aid
Physical Exam Checklist for Pets: First Aid
Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Preventing a Health and Safety Crisis: First Aid
Seizures and Convulsions: First Aid
Shock: First Aid
Snakebite: First Aid
Straining to Eliminate: First Aid
Sunburn: First Aid
Transporting an Injured Pet: First Aid
Wound Care for Pets
Wounds: First Aid
Wrapping Up First Aid
Infections: Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses, Parasites
Abscesses from Bite Wounds
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis in Dogs and Cats Is Tick-Borne
Antibiotic Use in Pets
Aspergillosis in Cats
Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Cats
Bacterial Diarrheas in Puppies & Kittens
Bartonella and Cat Scratch Fever
Blastomycosis is a Systemic Fungal infection Affecting Dogs and Cats
Bloody Nose (Epistaxis) in Dogs and Cats
Cats and Ferrets Had SARS in Laboratory Setting
Cellulitis in Dogs and Cats
Clostridium difficile Becoming more Common in North America
Coccidia Infects Intestines of Cats and Dogs
COVID-19 in a Tiger
Cryptosporidium is a Particularly Challenging Type of Coccidia for Pets
Cytauxzoonosis in Cats
Distemper (Panleukopenia) in Cats
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Flea Anemia in Cats and Dogs
Flea Control for Dogs and Cats
Giardia in Pets
Heartworm Infection in Cats
Helicobacter Infection in Dogs and Cats
Herpes Viral Conjunctivitis: A Feline Problem
Histoplasmosis in Dogs and Cats
Hookworms in Cats and Dogs
How Toxoplasmosis Affects Your Cat
Hydrometra, Mucometra, and Pyometra in Dogs and Cats
Infectious Anemia in Cats
Lice in Dogs and Cats
Malassezia Otitis in Dogs and Cats
MRSA vs. MRSP in Dogs & Cats
MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Dogs and Cats
Physaloptera (Stomach Worm) in Dogs and Cats
Pyothorax in Dogs and Cats
Pythiosis (Oomycosis, Lagenidiosis, Swamp Cancer, Bursatti, Leeches) in Dogs, Cats and Horses
Rabies in Animals
Ringworm Environmental Decontamination: How to Clean Your Home When Your Pet Has Ringworm
Roundworms in Cats and Kittens
Taenia Species Tapeworms in Dogs and Cats
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) in Dogs and Cats
Tick Paralysis in Pets
Tritrichomonas Infection Causes Diarrhea in Cats
Tritrichomoniasis in Cats
Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats
Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats
When You Need Antibiotics for Your Pets, and When You Don’t
Whipworm Infection in Dogs and Cats
Nervous System: Brain, Nerves & Spinal Cord
Ataxia in Dogs and Cats
Brachial Plexus Avulsion in Dogs and Cats
Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats Are Clumsy from Birth
Cervical (Neck) Disk Disease in Dogs and Cats
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs
Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs and Cats
Horner's Syndrome in Cats and Dogs
Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain) in Dogs and Cats
Hyperesthesia Syndrome in Cats
Hyperesthesia Syndrome in Cats
Manx Syndrome in Cats
Myasthenia Gravis in Dogs and Cats
Neuropathic Pain in Dogs and Cats
Paralysis: First Aid
Seizure Disorders in Cats
Seizures and Convulsions: First Aid
Serotonin Syndrome in Dogs and Cats
Spina Bifida in Dogs and Cats
Tick Paralysis in Pets
Traumatic Brain Injury in Dogs and Cats
Vascular Accidents (Strokes) in the Brains of Dogs and Cats
Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats
Nose & Sinuses
Bloody Nose (Epistaxis) in Dogs and Cats
Nasal Pharyngeal Polyps in Cats
Rhinitis in Dogs and Cats
Nutrition-related
Calcium Phosphorus Balance in Dogs and Cats
Diabetic Cat Diet
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Dogs and Cats
Diets and Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats
Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Home Cooked or Raw Diets for Dogs and Cats
Hypocalcemia (Low Blood Calcium) in Cats and Dogs
Obesity is Unhealthy in Dogs and Cats
Weight Loss for Obese Cats
Orthopedic: Bones, Joints & Muscles
Amputation is Preferable to Continued Pain
Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: What Can be Done?
Brachial Plexus Avulsion in Dogs and Cats
Cervical (Neck) Disk Disease in Dogs and Cats
Diskospondylitis (Intervertebral Disk Infection) in Dogs and Cats
Fractures and Injuries: First Aid
Fractures in Dogs and Cats
Hemivertebrae are Congenitally Deformed Vertebra in Dogs and Cats
Hip Dislocation in Dogs and Cats
Medications for Degenerative Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Normal Joints Look Like This in Dogs and Cats
Solensia™ (Frunevetmab Injection): An Arthritis Medication Just for Cats
Spondylosis Deformans in Dogs and Cats
Tail Pull Injuries in Cats
Reproductive System
Cryptorchidism (Retained Testicles) in Dogs and Cats
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Dogs and Cats
Paraphimosis and Phimosis in Dogs and Cats
Pyometra in Dogs and Cats
Reproductive Cycle of Cats May Surprise You
Respiratory System: Lungs & Airways
Breathing Problems: First Aid
Chylothorax is more Common in Cats than Dogs
Diaphragmatic Hernias in Dogs and Cats
Electronic Cigarettes are Toxic to Pets
Pneumonia Management in Dogs and Cats
Pneumothorax in Dogs and Cats
Pulmonic Stenosis in Dogs and Cats
Urinary System: Bladder & Kidneys
Bladder Stones (Oxalate) in Cats
Bladder Stones (Struvite) in Cats
Bladder Stones in Dogs and Cats
Blocked Cats are an Emergency
Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs and Cats: Where to Begin
Ectopic Ureters in Dogs
Glomerulonephritis in Dogs and Cats
Idiopathic Cystitis in Cats
Kidney Dialysis: Is It for Your Pet?
Kidney Transplants for Cats and Dogs
Lithotripsy in Dogs and Cats
Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Cats (also known as FLUTD)
Polyuria/Polydipsia in Dogs and Cats
Pyelonephritis in Dogs and Cats
Sterile Cystitis (Pandora Syndrome) in Cats
Straining to Eliminate: First Aid
Urinary Blockage in Cats
Urinary Tract (Bladder) Infection in Dogs and Cats
Care and Husbandry
A Positive Reinforcement Approach to Counter-Surfing
Preparing Pets for the Holidays
Breeding & Baby Animal Care
Caring for Orphaned Kittens
Difficult Birth: First Aid
Feline Pregnancy and Kitten Birth
How to Find a Good, Responsible Breeder
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis in Kittens
Orphan Puppy & Kitten Care
Pregnancy Termination in Dogs and Cats
Reproductive Cycle of Cats May Surprise You
Spaying your Female Cat
Diet & Nutrition
Behavior Supplements in Dogs and Cats
Canned Food Transition for Cats Addicted to Dry Food
Home Cooked or Raw Diets for Dogs and Cats
Nutrition for Your Cat
Obesity is Unhealthy in Dogs and Cats
Omega Three Fatty Acids for our Pets
People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Environment
Cats and High Places: Keeping Them off Counters and Tables
How to Beat Confinement Woes in Dogs and Cats
Ticks Are Arthropod Parasites for Mammals
Treating your Yard for Fleas and Ticks
Winter Holiday Hazards for Pets
General Care: Vaccines & More
Choosing the Right Litterbox for Your Cat
Declawing and Alternatives for Cats
De-Skunking Your Dog or Cat
Giving Oral Medications to Dogs and Cats
Microchipping Could Save your Pet's Life
Nail Trims for Adult Cats
Nail Trims in Kittens
Neutering your Male Cat
Pet Treats... What to Look Out For
Pilling a Cat
Practical Dental Care Tips for Dogs and Cats
Senior Cats' Health Issues
Sunscreen for Pets
Topical Therapy for Skin Conditions in Dogs and Cats
Traveling with Pets
Vaccine Information for Dogs, Cats, Puppies and Kittens
Vaccine Titers for Pets
What First Time Cat Owners Should Know
Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats
Toxicities
Household & Environmental Substances
Common Household Items can Poison Pets
Digging Deeper: Getting the Facts on the Dangers of Antifreeze and Your Pets
Expandable Foaming Glues like Gorilla Glue Cause Obstructions in Pets
Lead Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Rat Poison (Bromethalin-Based) in Dogs and Cats
Rat Poison's Effect on Dogs and Cats
Toxic Disinfectants: What to Use and What Not to Use Around Your Pets
Human Foods, & Recreational Substances
Cannabis Toxicity in Pets
Electronic Cigarettes are Toxic to Pets
Nicotine Poisoning in Pets
Yeast Dough Dangers in Pets
Medications & Supplements
Ibuprofen Toxicity in Dogs and Cats
Zinc Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Poisonous Plants & Venomous Animals
Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats
Safe and Toxic Garden Plant Images
Safe Gardening for Dogs and Cats
Snakebite: First Aid
Toxic and Non-toxic Plants
Behavior
A Positive Reinforcement Approach to Counter-Surfing
Preparing Pets for the Holidays
Aggression, Anxiety & Fear
Car Ride Anxiety in Dogs and Cats
Fear of Noises in Dogs and Cats
Fear-related Aggression in Cats
Feline Play and Play Aggression
Halloween is a Scary Night for Pets
Human Directed Aggression in Cats
Psychogenic Alopecia
PTSD Can Occur in Companion Animals after Disasters
Puppies and Kittens Who Bite
Territorial Marking in Cats
Using Medication to Lower Veterinary Visit Stress in Dogs and Cats
Enrichment & Exercise
How to Beat Confinement Woes in Dogs and Cats
Mealtime Enrichment for Cats
General
Cat Body Language
Body Language of Cats
Cats and High Places: Keeping Them off Counters and Tables
Feline House-soiling
Inappropriate Elimination
Inappropriate Elimination (House-Soiling) in Cats
Understanding your Cat’s Body Language
Introducing New Experiences
Getting your Cat into a Carrier
How to Make Veterinary Visits Less Stressful
How to Prepare Your Cat for a Low Stress Handling® Blood Draw Visit
Introducing the New Baby to Your Cat
Training Your Cat to Use the Carrier
Training
Desensitization and Counterconditioning to Nail Trimmers for Cats
Importance of Socializing Puppies and Kittens
Traveling with Your Cat
What Is Cooperative Care in Veterinary Medicine?
Horses
Birds
Reptiles & Amphibians
Small Mammals
Pigs
Ruminants
Medications
Healthy Pets, Happy Owners
About Veterinary Partner
Cats
Diseases and Conditions
Allergies & Immune System
Adverse Reactions to Spot-on Flea and Tick Products
August 5, 2014
With spot-on preventives, there is the possibility that certain individuals will have adverse local reactions to one or more ingredients in the product.
Allergic Conjunctivitis in Dogs and Cats
October 13, 2021
Allergic conjunctivitis is most commonly treated with eyedrops or ointments containing corticosteroids,
Allergies: Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats
December 15, 2023
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.
Asthma in Cats
July 22, 2022
If your cat needs to open its mouth to breathe or if its abdomen moves excessively as it breathes (and it is 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.
Atopic Dermatitis in Cats
September 19, 2024
You or someone you know may have allergies, but did you know your cat can too?
Many conditions besides allergies can cause your cat to be
itchy.
Chylothorax is more Common in Cats than Dogs
November 25, 2023
When the fluid filling the chest is lymph, the problem is called chylothorax. The fluid is milky when it is drained from the chest, and its whiteness comes being from fat. Chylothorax represents a specific problem and requires specific therapy.
Dust Mites: Minimizing Exposure in Dogs and Cats
February 5, 2020
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.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
October 10, 2024
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.
Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats
August 26, 2023
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.
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) in Dogs and Cats
January 31, 2023
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)
July 31, 2019
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.
Immunotherapy for Allergies in Cats, Dogs, and Horses
May 17, 2023
Most people know someone who gets periodic "allergy shots" for airborne allergies. What this means is that an individually-made serum is created using small amounts of allergens (proteins against which the person reacts). It works for dogs and cats, too.
Itch Relief for Dogs and Cats
June 21, 2021
Is it possible to relieve a pet's itchy skin without the use of cortisone derivatives? Yes, it is.
Itching and Allergy in Cats
July 15, 2024
Coping with an itchy pet can be an extremely frustrating experience for you, the pet owner, and can truly test the limits of the human-animal bond. Persistent scratching and grooming by a cat can also result in more skin damage and even cause open wounds.
Pemphigus Foliaceus in Dogs and Cats
March 15, 2022
Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a type of autoimmune disease of the skin. Although an uncommon skin disease in dogs and cats, any breed of dog or cat can develop PF. Your pet’s veterinarian will need to take skin samples to diagnose PF. Treatment might include corticosteroids and other medications.
Steroid Use in Dogs and Cats
December 16, 2023
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.
Vaccine Allergic Reactions in Dogs and Cats
October 16, 2024
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.
Blood-related
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) in Dogs and Cats
January 20, 2021
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an extreme complication of numerous already life-threatening conditions leading to the deregulation of the body's natural mechanisms of blood clotting and blood clot dissolving.
Feline Aortic Thromboembolism (FATE or Saddle Thrombus)
January 25, 2023
FATE is a serious and painful condition with serious implications. It comes on suddenly and appears to paralyze the cat, causing one or both rear legs to become useless and even noticeably cold. The cat will hyperventilate and cry out with extreme pain. Despite the extreme presentation, the cat may be able to recover from the episode but it is important to understand how it came to be in order to make decisions.
Flea Anemia in Cats and Dogs
April 1, 2023
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 is most at risk.
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) in Dogs and Cats
January 31, 2023
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?
Multiple Myeloma in Dogs and Cats
April 13, 2020
Multiple myeloma is rare in cats and dogs, but cure is rare
Myeloma-Related Disorders in Cats
October 30, 2007
Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. Plasma cells that become cancerous are known as myeloma cells.
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis in Cats
May 28, 2013
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.
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis in Kittens
June 17, 2023
The problem results when a type B mother cat is bred to a type A tomcat. The type B mother has a uterus full of type A kittens. The feline placenta does not allow antibodies to cross over and this is what is life-saving for the kittens, presuming the humans involved know what to do next. The litter develops normally and is born normally. It is with nursing that disaster strikes.
Renal Anemia, or Inadequate Red Blood Cells, in Dogs and Cats
February 14, 2023
There are three important ways in which the kidney patient loses red blood cells. The first way is bone marrow suppression. The second way is bleeding. The third way is called hemodilution. Maintaining a stable red blood cell quantity keeps the patient energetic and spirited and is crucial to staying alive.
Thrombocytopenia in Dogs and Cats
May 24, 2021
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.
Cancers, Lumps & Bumps
Breast Cancer Happens in Companion Animals
October 3, 2017
But it still seems to shock people to learn that dogs, cats, rabbits, rats and a host of other domestic species can get breast cancer, too. Since the aim of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to raise awareness, our aim here is to wave the flag for those who cant speak for themselves and raise awareness of mammary cancer in companion animals. We also want people to know that breast cancer and mammary gland cancer are the same disease; its just called by a different name in other species.
Cancer is a Cellular Delinquent
March 9, 2015
Cancer cells go mad systematically. The cellular delinquents bust past the body's natural immune system, as though a gate was left open, burgeoning into abnormal cells.
Common Lymphoma Chemotherapy Medications for Cats and Dogs
June 28, 2016
These drugs are typically used to treat lymphoma.
Cutaneous Lymphoma in Cats
September 22, 2020
The disease is complex and there are several forms of it, without veterinary consensus on how to treat an individual cat.
Hemangiosarcoma is Blood or Skin Cancer in Dogs and Cats
April 28, 2020
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.
Injection Site Sarcoma (Cancer) in Cats
October 16, 2024
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.
Insulinoma in Dogs and Cats
November 30, 2023
Unfortunately, most insulinomas in dogs and cats are malignant. This is bad news but the good news is that regardless of this fact, surgery is still helpful as the bulk of the tumor (if not all of it) can be removed.
Liver Tumors and Cancers in Dogs and Cats
October 18, 2023
After blood testing and medical imaging has led to a diagnosis of liver tumor, many questions must be answered in order to make proper choices.
Lung Cancer in Dogs and Cats
October 28, 2020
Some lung tumors are benign, and some are not
Lymphoma
September 16, 2023
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
August 20, 2024
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 the Skin of Dogs
April 20, 2023
There are three types of skin lymphoma: mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome, and pagetoid reticulosis.
Malignant Melanoma in Dogs and Cats
June 7, 2024
While a good fur coat generally protects our pets from sun-induced malignant melanoma, a melanoma diagnosis is still just as serious and potentially deadly in our pets as it is for people.
Malignant Thyroid Tumors in Dogs and Cats
May 18, 2023
In dogs, there is an 87% chance that a thyroid growth is malignant. Cats with thyroid carcinomas are usually hyperthyroid.
Mammary Tumors in Cats
July 10, 2024
In cats with mammary tumors, approximately 90% are malignant with rapid spread to adjacent glands and the nearest set of lymph nodes.
Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs and Cats
April 20, 2023
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.
Meningioma in Dogs and Cats
April 15, 2024
Meningioma is the most common brain tumor of cats and dogs. Meningiomas are generally benign. In dogs, seizures are the most common sign. In cats, signs are more vague and consist of listlessness and behavior changes.
Multiple Myeloma in Dogs and Cats
April 13, 2020
Multiple myeloma is rare in cats and dogs, but cure is rare
Myeloma-Related Disorders in Cats
October 30, 2007
Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. Plasma cells that become cancerous are known as myeloma cells.
Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
May 9, 2024
The oral squamous cell carcinoma does not spread as you normally think of a cancer spreading, but it is so locally invasive that it carries a poor prognosis. The only hope of good survival comes from early detection. Learn what to look for and what important risk factors are.
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
October 7, 2023
The squamous cell carcinoma is not only the most common oral malignancy in cats, it has one of the poorest outcomes.
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats
November 30, 2022
When squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the mouth and throat, it's called oral squamous cell carcinoma. In these oral cases, the lesion is usually located on the gums or tonsils.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats
February 22, 2023
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.
Cardiac & Circulatory System: Heart & Blood Vessels
Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs and Cats
May 17, 2018
Atrial fibrillation (sometimes called "A fib") is an arrhythmia, an irregularity of the heart's rhythm.
Cardiomyopathy in Cats
September 7, 2011
Cardiomyopathy means heart muscle disease.
Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs and Cats
April 6, 2018
In congestive heart failure, fluid is retained in specific parts of the body, depending on the side of the heart that is diseased.
Cutaneous Vasculitis in Dogs and Cats
March 6, 2023
Vasculitis is an inflammatory process of the blood vessels (arteries, veins, or capillaries).
Diaphragmatic Hernias in Dogs and Cats
September 15, 2020
Diaphragmatic hernias result from abdominal organs (e.g. liver, stomach, intestines) being pushed through a hole in the diaphragm
Diets and Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats
January 22, 2024
The only common link to diet-associated cardiomyopathy that's been observed is "grain-free" diets.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs and Cats
October 31, 2023
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common acquired heart diseases in dogs. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle.
Feline Aortic Thromboembolism (FATE or Saddle Thrombus)
January 25, 2023
FATE is a serious and painful condition with serious implications. It comes on suddenly and appears to paralyze the cat, causing one or both rear legs to become useless and even noticeably cold. The cat will hyperventilate and cry out with extreme pain. Despite the extreme presentation, the cat may be able to recover from the episode but it is important to understand how it came to be in order to make decisions.
Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Cats
January 1, 2023
A heart murmur is one of several types of abnormal sounds your veterinarian can hear when listening to your pet's heart with a stethoscope. The murmur itself is not treated; the underlying cause of the murmur may or may not be treated.
Heartworm Infection in Cats
April 20, 2023
Do cats get heartworm? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes but the situation is vastly different from the canine situation. It is important to understand the differences and understand why feline infection is so rare.
High Blood Pressure in Our Pets
September 1, 2024
High blood pressure is an extremely important concern in human medicine. High stress lifestyle, smoking, and high salt diet all contribute to this potentially dangerous condition and virtually everyone in the U.S. knows how serious it can be. 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 in age and here is what you probably should know.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
August 2, 2018
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common acquired heart diseases in cats but is rare in dogs.
Pacemakers in Dogs and Cats
November 4, 2008
Just like people, some pets need a pacemaker to keep their hearts ticking.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Dogs and Cats
June 26, 2019
Sometimes the ductus arteriosus fails to close in a newborn. It remains open, or patent, usually because the muscles in the ductus failed to form properly.
Portal Vein Hypoplasia in Dogs and Cats
June 22, 2018
The hepatic portal system consists of numerous veins, but sometimes these systems can go awry. The portal vein is the big one into the liver, where the smaller veins converge before entering the liver.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs and Cats
October 2, 2024
Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is high blood pressure in the arteries leading in and out of your pet's lungs. If the high blood pressure becomes too severe, it can cause disease and failure of the right side of the heart.
Sleeping and Resting Respiratory Rates of Dogs and Cats with Heart Disease
January 24, 2018
For pets with congestive heart failure, it is important to check the response to medication by measuring the respiratory rate at home.
Vascular Accidents (Strokes) in the Brains of Dogs and Cats
September 27, 2023
Most of us know that stroke involves some kind of blood clot lodging or forming somewhere and plugging an important blood vessel, preventing an important area from receiving circulation.
What to Expect From Your Pet’s Echocardiogram
July 29, 2022
An echocardiogram is
a type of ultrasound that looks closely at the heart as well as inside and around it
Dental & Oral
Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats
June 21, 2016
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.
Cat's Teeth Examination for Cat Owners
June 21, 2016
It is easy to recognize if your cat has a broken leg, but how about a broken tooth? You would think pets would stop eating when they had oral problems. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. By the time most owners recognize oral disease in their pets, the problem is chronic and progressive.
Cleft Palate or Lip in Puppies and Kittens
October 23, 2019
With either type, it's difficult for the affected puppy or kitten to eat properly
Clinical Signs of Oral or Dental Disease in Pets
December 18, 2014
If you see any of these clinical signs, take your pet to your veterinarian for a complete oral examination.
Dental Care and What to Expect
June 21, 2016
Root canals, dental x-rays, orthodontics, crowns, caps, implants, and periodontal surgery for pets? You must be kidding? Not at all. Dental procedures are routinely performed in veterinary practices daily. How does a loving pet owner know if dental care is needed and where can a pet owner go for advanced dental care.
Dental Care in Cats
March 28, 2019
Feline dental pathology and care are perhaps the most overlooked and under-treated areas in small animal medicine.
Fractured Teeth in Dogs and Cats
November 9, 2024
Fracture teeth can range in severity and be quite painful for your pet.
Gingivostomatitis in Cats
June 17, 2016
FGS is a severe oral disease that affects some cats where the body becomes allergic to plaque around the teeth.
Oral Masses/Ulcers in Dogs and Cats
June 21, 2016
Some dogs and cats develop growths in their mouths. Similar to humans, these growths may be benign or malignant. Once a mass is noticed, analysis must be made to determine the cause of the growth.
Orthodontics for Pets
June 21, 2016
Just as you would want to cure a painful skin condition or sore joint in your pet, you should also consider relieving pain in your pet's mouth. When an oral problem is caused by poorly aligned teeth, orthodontic treatment may be needed.
Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats
June 22, 2016
Periodontal disease is inflammation of some or all of a tooth's support. When compared to gingivitis, periodontitis indicates bone loss. If left untreated, periodontitis may cause loose painful teeth as well as internal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque (bacteria).
Periodontal Disease in Pets
March 7, 2017
More than 85% of dogs and cats older than 4 years have periodontal pathology.
Plasma Cell Stomatitis in Cats
June 3, 2023
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.
Practical Dental Care Tips for Dogs and Cats
February 15, 2024
Neglecting your pet's oral hygiene can lead to pain and health problems. Here are some easy-to-follow tips on how to care for your pet's teeth without overwhelming yourself or your furry companion.
Retained Baby Teeth in Dogs and Cats Need Surgical Extraction
May 5, 2020
When deciduous (baby) teeth don't fall out to make way for the permanent teeth, they are called retained deciduous teeth. Retained deciduous teeth should be extracted surgically soon after they are discovered because they will cause dental problems (overcrowding in the mouth, plaque buildup, malocclusion, etc.).
Salivary Mucocele in Dogs and Cats
March 31, 2020
The most common place for a salivary mucocele is on or beneath the lower jaw or under the tongue
Stomatitis in Cats
June 21, 2016
Cats can be affected by inflammation of the entire mouth called stomatitis or lymphocytic plasmacytic syndrome (LPS).
Tooth Resorption in Cats
August 8, 2022
A common feline oral malady is the feline oral resorptive lesion (FORL).
Toothbrushing and Dental Prophylaxis in Cats and Dogs
June 21, 2016
Why should I brush my dog's or cat's teeth?
Dermatology: Skin & Nails
Adverse Reactions to Spot-on Flea and Tick Products
August 5, 2014
With spot-on preventives, there is the possibility that certain individuals will have adverse local reactions to one or more ingredients in the product.
Breed-Related Dermatoses in Dogs and Cats
December 20, 2019
Cat and dog breed-related skin diseases are listed.
Burns: First Aid
August 13, 2023
A burn is any injury of tissue caused by heat, flame, chemicals, or electricity. Burn classification determines the severity of the wound based on the depth of the tissue injury.
Cellulitis in Dogs and Cats
July 19, 2023
Cellulitis is a painful inflammation of the tissue under the skin. In animals, it is generally caused by a bacterial infection that has entered the skin from a cut, open wound, or broken skin from an animal bite.
Chemical Injuries: First Aid
August 16, 2023
Injury to tissue caused by contact with harmful chemicals such as lye, acids, and strong cleaning supplies.
Cutaneous Lymphoma in Cats
September 22, 2020
The disease is complex and there are several forms of it, without veterinary consensus on how to treat an individual cat.
Cutaneous Vasculitis in Dogs and Cats
March 6, 2023
Vasculitis is an inflammatory process of the blood vessels (arteries, veins, or capillaries).
Cuterebriasis is a Parasite Causing Skin Infections in Dogs and Cats
February 18, 2020
Treatment (removal of the larva) is one of the simplest things in veterinary medicine; your veterinarian will probe and enlarge the breathing hole, grasp the parasite with forceps, and just pull the invader out.
Demodectic Mange in Cats
May 14, 2021
Demodectic mange in dogs is extremely common, especially in puppies. Demodicosis in cats is much more unusual.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex in Cats
September 20, 2023
Feline allergic skin disease can take some highly ulcerative forms, especially involving the upper lip. Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex is a hard condition to explain, especially since it has several forms, but we will give it a try.
Feline Acne
January 4, 2023
While the initial acne and infection can be healed, additional outbreaks may occur.
Flea and Tick Control Products for Dogs and Cats
November 21, 2019
The comparison charts - one for dogs, one for cats - allows side-by-side glimpse of available products so you can determine what is best for your pets.
Flea Control for Allergic Dogs and Cats
January 17, 2019
For some pets, fleas are just an annoyance. But when a pet is allergic to fleas or has other types of allergic skin disease, the need to control fleas is more critical.
Fleas: Know your Enemy
April 12, 2017
Fleas are not just a nuisance; they can kill, cause serious skin disease, and transmit infections and parasites.
Fur Mowing in Cats
December 27, 2023
Got a cat with a large balding spot? Wondering why the fur is falling out? Chances are excellent that the fur is not falling out at all; it is being licked off instead. Is the cat anxious? Obsessive? Maybe, but it is likely that the cat is just plain itchy. There is generally a medical approach to this problem.
Hemangioma in Dogs and Cats
April 28, 2021
Hemangiomas are a type of benign tumor of the blood vessels or skin
Hot Spots (Pyotraumatic Dermatitis) in Dogs and Cats
November 12, 2024
Hot spots are weepy, wet, red and sometimes bloody when they are fresh, and dry and scabby when they are resolving.
Hot Spots in Dogs and Cats
July 7, 2016
A hot spot is a superficial skin infection that results when the normal skin bacteria overrun the skin's defenses as a result of damage to the skin surface.
Itch Relief for Dogs and Cats
June 21, 2021
Is it possible to relieve a pet's itchy skin without the use of cortisone derivatives? Yes, it is.
Itching and Allergy in Cats
July 15, 2024
Coping with an itchy pet can be an extremely frustrating experience for you, the pet owner, and can truly test the limits of the human-animal bond. Persistent scratching and grooming by a cat can also result in more skin damage and even cause open wounds.
Lipomas in Dogs and Cats
November 9, 2023
Oftentimes a lump turns out to be "just a lipoma" or simply a fatty tumor and nothing to worry about.
Malignant Melanoma in Dogs and Cats
June 7, 2024
While a good fur coat generally protects our pets from sun-induced malignant melanoma, a melanoma diagnosis is still just as serious and potentially deadly in our pets as it is for people.
Notoedric Mange in Cats (Feline Scabies)
January 10, 2023
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.
Pemphigus Foliaceus in Dogs and Cats
March 15, 2022
Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a type of autoimmune disease of the skin. Although an uncommon skin disease in dogs and cats, any breed of dog or cat can develop PF. Your pet’s veterinarian will need to take skin samples to diagnose PF. Treatment might include corticosteroids and other medications.
Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (Pillow Foot) in Cats
November 18, 2024
Easy to recognize but not as easy to understand, this condition is often called pillow foot in cats for reasons that are obvious. This condition is described as rare. Most cats do not require treatment.
Psychogenic Alopecia
February 9, 2024
Psychogenic alopecia, also known as self-trauma, is a condition in which cats compulsively pull out their hair, leading to thin, uneven coats or baldness.
Pyoderma in Dogs and Cats
July 31, 2018
Pyoderma is caused by bacterial infection of the skin. The causative organism is almost always
Staphylococcus
. 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.
Ringworm Environmental Decontamination: How to Clean Your Home When Your Pet Has Ringworm
November 3, 2015
Infected dogs and cats will shed fur containing dermatophyte fungal spores into the home environment. This fur can re-infect dogs and cats and make it difficult to treat the dermatophyte infection.
Ringworm in Dogs and Cats
May 17, 2023
Ringworm is not a worm at all but a fungal infection of the skin. It is contagious to humans, too. This FAQ provides answers.
Ticks Are Arthropod Parasites for Mammals
May 20, 2024
Ticks are skin parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts. Ticks like motion, warm temperatures from body heat, and the carbon dioxide exhaled by mammals, which is why they are attracted to such hosts as dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, cattle, small mammals, etc. The bite itself is not usually painful, but the parasite can transmit diseases and cause tick paralysis.
Topical Therapy for Skin Conditions in Dogs and Cats
November 8, 2016
Applying shampoos, rinses, ointments or wipes to your pet's skin can be important when managing your pet's skin condition.
Workups for Itchy Dogs and Cats
February 5, 2024
Itching, or pruritus, is the most common symptom of skin disease in pets. Many conditions can cause a pet to itch, including allergies, fleas, and other skin parasites.
Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats
November 4, 2023
Wear and tear on the body is sure to create wounds, some mild, some surgical, and some severe and traumatic. The body is designed to heal damaged tissue regardless of what caused the initial injury and we can help this process by using proper wound disinfection, tissue protection, and trimming.
Wounds: First Aid
July 10, 2018
Many wounds will require pain control and sedation or general anesthesia for cleaning and closure once your pet has been evaluated by a veterinarian.
Digestive System
AAFCO Pet Food Labeling
May 4, 2023
Pet food labeling does not provide detailed nutritional information and it’s easily misunderstood by pet owners
Alternative Diets for Dogs and Cats
July 27, 2021
There are about as many diet options for your pet as there are for you, so which one is best? Breed, age, weight, allergies, medical conditions, and finances are some of the contributing factors that need to be considered when choosing an alternative diet.
Anorexia, or Lack of Appetite, in Dogs and Cats
June 3, 2024
Loss of appetite is one of the most important criteria in determining if a pet is significantly ill or just having a minor malady. When the veterinarian says the pet has anorexia, it means the pet is not eating.
Bacterial Diarrheas in Puppies & Kittens
December 16, 2023
Bacterial diarrheas are generally a nuisance for the adult animal but can be lethal to a small puppy, kitten, or even a human baby. Most of these problems stem from contaminated food or fecal contaminated environment. Raw food diets for pets dramatically increase the risk of human exposure.
Cholangitis (Cholangiohepatitis) in Cats
November 1, 2023
The word cholangiohepatitis breaks down into "(bile), (vessel), hepat (liver) and (inflammation)." Putting this all together means inflammation of the liver and bile ducts. It is one of the four most common liver concerns in cats.
Cholangitis and Cholangiohepatitis in Cats
May 14, 2020
Cholangitis means inflammation of the biliary tree. Cholangiohepatitis means inflammation of the biliary tree and surrounding liver cells.
Coccidia Infects Intestines of Cats and Dogs
August 16, 2021
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 small animal. It is a common infection.
Colitis-Related Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats
February 28, 2024
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 in Dogs and Cats
January 31, 2023
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.
Diaphragmatic Hernias in Dogs and Cats
September 15, 2020
Diaphragmatic hernias result from abdominal organs (e.g. liver, stomach, intestines) being pushed through a hole in the diaphragm
Diarrhea and Vomiting: First Aid
August 16, 2023
Diarrhea is the frequent evacuation of watery stools. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Gallstones in Dogs and Cats
August 7, 2024
Gallstones form because either the gallbladder isn’t functioning properly or something is wrong with the bile
Giardia in Pets
August 12, 2023
Giardia is the genus of a protozoan parasite that is infectious to both humans and pets all over the world. Diarrhea can precede the shedding of the Giardia. Infection is more common in kennel situations where animals are housed in groups.
Hairballs (Trichobezoars) In Cats
April 7, 2014
If a cat is throwing up hairballs, there is more going on than most owners realize.
Helicobacter Infection in Dogs and Cats
September 19, 2024
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.
Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs and Cats
May 3, 2021
It is a neurological condition that can occur in pets that already have liver disease
Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease) in Cats
August 26, 2023
The liver failure cat is jaundiced, inappetent, frequently nauseated, and generally an obviously ill animal.
Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats
April 12, 2021
The primary disease that caused the problem also needs to be addressed
Infiltrative Bowel Disease in Cats
June 13, 2016
Chronic intestinal disease in cats can involve appetite loss, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, vomiting, weight loss and debilitation. The intestinal tract does not lend itself to blood test evaluation so where do you go if intestinal disease is likely? Infiltration of the bowel by lymphocytes is a typical feature of the most common causes of chronic intestinal disease in cats.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs and Cats
March 25, 2023
Does your pet seem to have chronic vomiting or diarrhea? Those can be signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Dogs
March 7, 2023
Irritable bowel syndrome is a psychosomatic disease. This means that it is the activity of the mind that causes the symptoms. Most people do not have difficulty imagining having so much anxiety that diarrhea results. Chronic anxiety can similarly result in chronic diarrhea. This is basically what irritable bowel syndrome is all about.
Linear Foreign Bodies in Dogs and Cats
June 9, 2024
Pets, especially younger ones, have the unfortunate tendency to eat things they shouldn't and we aren't talking about food. Toys, socks, rocks and other materials find their way into pet stomachs but when the foreign body is a string, the consequences are especially dire.
Liver Tumors and Cancers in Dogs and Cats
October 18, 2023
After blood testing and medical imaging has led to a diagnosis of liver tumor, many questions must be answered in order to make proper choices.
Pancreatitis in Cats
July 17, 2024
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.
Portosystemic Shunt in Dogs and Cats
March 31, 2021
A portosystemic shunt happens when a pet's venous blood from the intestine bypasses the liver. The pet can be born with the shunt or can get it later.
Rectal Prolapse in Dogs and Cats
October 9, 2024
If your pet has a rectal prolapse, you may have noticed that recently he's been spending a lot of time trying to poop
Straining to Eliminate: First Aid
April 6, 2020
Straining is a frequent and sometimes exaggerated effort to have a bowel movement or to urinate.
Triaditis in Cats
October 9, 2024
Triaditis is a disease condition in cats in which they are simultaneously affected with three separate diseases: pancreatitis, cholangitis, and inflammatory bowel disease
Umbilical Hernias in Puppies and Kittens
July 6, 2010
An umbilical hernia is a condition in which abdominal contents (fat, intestines, etc.) protrude past the abdominal wall at the location where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus.
Ears
Ear Infections (Otitis) in Dogs
May 8, 2020
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?
Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats
July 10, 2024
This annoying parasite is a common source of ear infections, especially in cats and kittens. Where do they come from? How do you get rid of them?
Malassezia Otitis in Dogs and Cats
August 4, 2020
Malassezia
ear infection is common in dogs, but cats can also be infected
Otitis Externa Treatment in Dogs and Cats
December 5, 2023
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.
Total Ear Canal Ablation and Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (TECA) for End-Stage Ears in Dogs and Cats
October 10, 2024
In a TECA, all the diseased tissue including the entire ear canal, bones of the middle ear, etc., are simply removed and the healthy tissue around the ear is closed. This ends what has generally been a long tribulation of pain, odor, ear cleaning, and expensive veterinary medications and rechecks.
Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats
September 24, 2019
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.).
Endocrine: Diabetes, Thyroid, Adrenal
Cushing's Syndrome: Classifying the Type
January 24, 2024
Excess thirst, excess urination, excess appetite, poor hair coat and a pot-bellied appearance. This is a classical disease for which lots of information is available. We have attempted to include an explanation of this complicated problem and all the latest information.
Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction
April 24, 2023
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.
Diabetic Cat Diet
November 4, 2023
It is now well known that optimal dietary management for diabetic cats consists of a high protein / low carbohydrate diet, a completely different strategy than what is recommended for diabetic dogs.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Dogs and Cats
January 23, 2023
Ketoacidosis is one of the most extreme complications of diabetes mellitus that can be experienced. Unfortunately, most cases of ketoacidosis are in patients who were not previously known to be diabetic so the owner and pet must deal with two serious diagnoses at the same time.
Dietary Therapy for Hyperthyroidism in Cats
March 6, 2024
A new commercial diet created for hyperthyroid cats is now available at your veterinarian's clinic. Where this diet fits in this picture and whether it should replace traditional therapy or be considered an acceptable last resort remain to be seen over time.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs and Cats
September 11, 2024
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.
Flash Glucose Monitoring with FreeStyle Libre in Cats and Dogs
October 4, 2022
Hard to Regulate Diabetic Cats
June 12, 2024
The goal in long-term management of diabetes mellitus is the alleviation of unpleasant clinical signs (constant thirst, weight loss etc.) and prevention of dangerous secondary conditions (infections, ketoacidosis, etc.). To accomplish this, blood sugar levels should be regulated between 250 mg/dl and 80 mg/dl. This is not as good as the body's natural regulation but it is a fair and achievable goal in most cases.
Home Testing of Blood Glucose for Diabetic Cats
November 24, 2014
Video and slides are provided for owners of diabetic cats who wish to learn how to conduct home tests that determine blood glucose (blood sugar) readings for their cat.
Hypercalcemia in Dogs and Cats
April 30, 2024
Elevated calcium starts with the bones. They receive an inappropriate message to mobilize their calcium. This message is either from excess parathyroid hormone or from high amounts of parathyroid hormone-related protein. When calcium is removed from the bones, all that is left is a fibrous scaffold, which is not really strong enough to support us. Our bones break, even fold.
Hyperlipidemia in Dogs and Cats
July 5, 2016
Hyperlipidemia is a general term for disorders in which too many fat molecules (called lipids) circulate in the blood. The two most important lipids in pets are cholesterol and triglycerides.
Hyperthyroidism Medication for Cats (Methimazole)
August 15, 2024
The most common medication prescribed to treat feline hyperthyroidism is called methimazole (trade name Tapazole or Felimazole).
Hyperthyroidism Treatment Options in Cats
February 27, 2017
Three methods of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism are discussed.
Insulin Administration in Cats
February 18, 2021
Insulin is the injectable medication you use to control your diabetic cat's blood sugar. This beginner's guide will explain how to give your cat insulin injections.
Laboratory Tests Confirming Cushing's Syndrome
November 13, 2024
Excess thirst, excess urination, excess appetite, poor hair coat and a pot-bellied appearance. This is a classical disease for which lots of information is available. We have attempted to include an explanation of this complicated problem and all the latest information.
Laboratory Tests Hinting at Cushing's Syndrome
October 7, 2023
Excess thirst, excess urination, excess appetite, poor hair coat and a pot-bellied appearance. This is a classical disease for which lots of information is available. We have attempted to include an explanation of this complicated problem and all the latest information.
Malignant Thyroid Tumors in Dogs and Cats
May 18, 2023
In dogs, there is an 87% chance that a thyroid growth is malignant. Cats with thyroid carcinomas are usually hyperthyroid.
Monitoring Glucose Regulation in Dogs and Cats
June 18, 2023
Monitoring is crucial to determining your pet's proper insulin dose. Much monitoring can be done at home; however, some tests simply must be done at the veterinarian's office.
Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
March 6, 2024
Do you have an older cat who is losing weight despite having an excellent appetite? That is the hallmark sign of hyperthyroidism in cats.
Surgical Treatment for Feline Hyperthyroidism
February 10, 2024
Considering that the average hyperthyroid cat is a geriatric patient with special potential for high blood pressure and heart disease, quite a bit of patient preparation is necessary to reduce anesthetic risk.
Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome
November 16, 2022
Excess thirst, excess urination, excess appetite, poor hair coat and a pot-bellied appearance. This is a classical disease for which lots of information is available. We have attempted to include an explanation of this complicated problem and all the latest information.
Thyroid Treatment Using Radiotherapy for Cats
September 5, 2023
This method of therapy is generally considered the safest and most effective method of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism.
Eyes
Allergic Conjunctivitis in Dogs and Cats
October 13, 2021
Allergic conjunctivitis is most commonly treated with eyedrops or ointments containing corticosteroids,
Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Cats
August 27, 2021
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a tissue that makes up part of the eye and eyelid. Conjunctivitis is common in cats and can be a result of infection or injury.
Cataracts in Dogs and Cats
December 16, 2023
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?
Causes of Blindness in Dogs and Cats
September 8, 2020
Abnormalities in eye structures may lead to blindness
Chemical Injuries: First Aid
August 16, 2023
Injury to tissue caused by contact with harmful chemicals such as lye, acids, and strong cleaning supplies.
Corneal Ulcers and Erosions in Dogs and Cats
October 9, 2022
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.
Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) in Dogs and Cats
November 6, 2024
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.
Eye Injuries: First Aid
July 10, 2018
Seek veterinary attention immediately as signs can indicate potentially serious eye problems that can risk your pet's vision.
Eye Removal (Enucleation) in Pets
October 7, 2024
Enucleation means removal of the eye. What are the common reasons this procedure may be necessary, what can you expect after surgery, and what complications are possible?
Glaucoma in Dogs and Cats
September 26, 2018
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause significant pain and lead to blindness.
Haws Syndrome in Cats
January 28, 2020
Haws syndrome is an elevation of the third eyelid in both eyes.
Herpes Viral Conjunctivitis: A Feline Problem
September 16, 2023
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.
Iris Coloboma in Dogs and Cats
July 16, 2018
The iris coloboma, which is relatively uncommon, does not affect vision, nor does it progress to anything else.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dogs
September 26, 2018
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) describes a group of inherited degenerative disorders of the retina that occur commonly in dogs and rarely in cats. Dogs eventually become blind, but remain happy and otherwise healthy.
Uveitis in Dogs and Cats
May 21, 2019
Uveitis is an inflammation of the dark tissues (uvea) of the eye
First Aid
Abscess: First Aid
August 1, 2023
A localized accumulation of pus, usually caused by an infection introduced from an animal bite or other penetrating wound.
Bandaging: First Aid
August 1, 2023
We use bandages for several reasons: to protect wounds from the environment, protect the environment from wounds, and to discourage the pet from licking or irritating a wound.
Bee Stings and Insect Bites: First Aid
August 1, 2023
Any insect sting or spider bite can cause problems for your pet.
Bleeding: First Aid
August 2, 2023
Learn how to stop bleeding in an emergency.
Breathing Problems: First Aid
August 13, 2023
Respiratory distress recognized by increased effort to breathe; noisy breathing; cyanosis (a bluish tinge to the lips and mucous membranes); inability to inhale or exhale.
Burns: First Aid
August 13, 2023
A burn is any injury of tissue caused by heat, flame, chemicals, or electricity. Burn classification determines the severity of the wound based on the depth of the tissue injury.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): First Aid
August 16, 2023
CPCR (formerly referred to as CPR) is the treatment required to save an animal or human life when suffering cardiopulmonary arrest.
Chemical Injuries: First Aid
August 16, 2023
Injury to tissue caused by contact with harmful chemicals such as lye, acids, and strong cleaning supplies.
Choking: First Aid
March 21, 2023
Choking is interference with breathing caused by foreign material in, or compression on, the trachea (windpipe).
Dehydration: First Aid
June 19, 2023
Excess loss of water from the body or inappropriate intake of water into the body.
Diarrhea and Vomiting: First Aid
August 16, 2023
Diarrhea is the frequent evacuation of watery stools. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Difficult Birth: First Aid
August 21, 2023
If the contractions are frequent, regular, and strong, and no young is produced in 15 to 30 minutes, the pet should be taken to a veterinarian.
Drowning or Near Drowning: First Aid
August 21, 2023
Suffocation caused by the filling of the lungs with water or other fluid. What to do?
Electrical Burns: First Aid
August 21, 2023
It is imperative that you do not touch the pet until the electrical source has been turned off or moved. Electricity can flow through your pet and affect you as well.
Eye Injuries: First Aid
July 10, 2018
Seek veterinary attention immediately as signs can indicate potentially serious eye problems that can risk your pet's vision.
Fainting and Dizziness (Syncope): First Aid
August 28, 2024
Fainting and dizziness may be associated with anything from low blood sugar to severe heart disease.
Fever: First Aid
August 28, 2024
Fever is the elevation of body temperature in response to infection or inflammation.
Fractures and Injuries: First Aid
July 10, 2018
Fracture: a break or crack in a bone. Learn about the different types of fractures and what to do.
Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke): First Aid
July 9, 2024
The elevation of body temperature above normal. It is sometimes indicative of a fever, but it can also be associated with severe conditions such as heat stroke or heat prostration.
Hypothermia: First Aid
November 15, 2024
When a pet's body temperature dips below 100.5 degrees, the pet is too cold and must be warmed.
Impalement and Penetrating Injuries: First Aid
November 15, 2024
Dogs frequently carry sticks in their mouths and suffer impalements when an end of the stick jams into the ground.
Introduction: First Aid
August 3, 2018
VeterinaryPartner.com has provided this complete reference book online for you to browse through, expanding your knowledge of Dog & Cat First Aid.
Nosebleed: First Aid
July 10, 2018
If the nose is bleeding profusely and/or the bleeding lasts more than 5 minutes, seek veterinary attention.
Paralysis: First Aid
July 10, 2018
It is extremely important to immobilize the spine of a suddenly paralyzed pet before and during transportation.
Physical Exam Checklist for Pets: First Aid
March 26, 2020
To identify an illness or abnormal situation, you must first be able to recognize what is normal for your pet.
Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
April 1, 2020
Try to get in touch with a veterinarian or a poison control center and follow their instructions. It is important to know which substances you should induce vomiting, and which ones you should not.
Preventing a Health and Safety Crisis: First Aid
April 1, 2020
What can you do to prevent a crisis?
Seizures and Convulsions: First Aid
January 4, 2024
Seizure activity that lasts longer than 3 to 5 minutes can cause severe side effects, such as fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or brain (cerebral edema). A dramatic rise in body temperature (hyperthermia) can also result, causing internal organ damage.
Shock: First Aid
July 10, 2018
The term shock can mean different things to different people, and medical professionals still debate the true meaning of the word. Regardless of cause, shock is life-threatening and requires immediate attention and treatment.
Snakebite: First Aid
July 10, 2018
When your pet is "struck" by a snake, it is best to assume it is a poisonous bite.
Straining to Eliminate: First Aid
April 6, 2020
Straining is a frequent and sometimes exaggerated effort to have a bowel movement or to urinate.
Sunburn: First Aid
June 19, 2023
Damage to the tissues caused by exposure to the sun's rays.
Transporting an Injured Pet: First Aid
July 10, 2018
The first aid provider must not only identify and treat injury or illness, but must also safely transport the patient to the veterinary facility for treatment.
Wound Care for Pets
February 2, 2021
Wounds bigger than a small cut are almost always worse than they look
Wounds: First Aid
July 10, 2018
Many wounds will require pain control and sedation or general anesthesia for cleaning and closure once your pet has been evaluated by a veterinarian.
Wrapping Up First Aid
April 6, 2020
If you have questions, seek advice from a veterinarian.
Infections: Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses, Parasites
Abscesses from Bite Wounds
September 7, 2022
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?
Anaplasmosis
April 8, 2014
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease. Two forms of anaplasmosis are known: granulocytic anaplasmosis and infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia.A dog can have both infections at the same time
Anaplasmosis in Dogs and Cats Is Tick-Borne
December 26, 2019
Signs can include poor appetite and fever. Joints are commonly affected,
Antibiotic Use in Pets
January 28, 2019
Antibiotics are useless against viruses and will not cure viral infections. Previously, people and pets with viruses were given preventive antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, but this approach is not favored anymore because of the bacteria's ability to develop antibiotic resistance.
Aspergillosis in Cats
April 20, 2020
Aspergillosis infections in cats are rare and most commonly seen in cats with a poor immune system
Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Cats
August 27, 2021
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a tissue that makes up part of the eye and eyelid. Conjunctivitis is common in cats and can be a result of infection or injury.
Bacterial Diarrheas in Puppies & Kittens
December 16, 2023
Bacterial diarrheas are generally a nuisance for the adult animal but can be lethal to a small puppy, kitten, or even a human baby. Most of these problems stem from contaminated food or fecal contaminated environment. Raw food diets for pets dramatically increase the risk of human exposure.
Bartonella and Cat Scratch Fever
August 29, 2023
Most people 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.
Blastomycosis is a Systemic Fungal infection Affecting Dogs and Cats
November 20, 2019
Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection that affects dogs and cats. Blastomycosis appears in only certain geographic areas in North America, most often the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, and St. Lawrence River valleys. Infection with Blastomyces occurs when a cat or dog inhales the fungal spores into the lungs.
Bloody Nose (Epistaxis) in Dogs and Cats
June 26, 2024
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.
Cats and Ferrets Had SARS in Laboratory Setting
November 9, 2017
The big SARS outbreak ended in 2003, but several smaller outbreaks were reported in 2004, and public health officials expected further outbreaks in the future. However, as of November, 2017, the WHO and the CDC both indicate that there have not been any more cases of SARS reported anywhere in the world.
Cellulitis in Dogs and Cats
July 19, 2023
Cellulitis is a painful inflammation of the tissue under the skin. In animals, it is generally caused by a bacterial infection that has entered the skin from a cut, open wound, or broken skin from an animal bite.
Clostridium difficile Becoming more Common in North America
March 11, 2014
It is unclear if C. difficile can be transmitted from pets to people. The types of C. difficile found in pets are often the same as those found in people, including the epidemic strain ribotype 027/NAP1. So it makes sense that C. difficile could potentially be transmitted between people and animals, but there is still no conclusive proof.
Coccidia Infects Intestines of Cats and Dogs
August 16, 2021
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 small animal. It is a common infection.
COVID-19 in a Tiger
April 6, 2020
Don’t over-react
Cryptosporidium is a Particularly Challenging Type of Coccidia for Pets
August 4, 2023
Cryptosporidium are similar to Coccidia and, until recent advances in molecular biology showed us otherwise, they were believed to be simply another species of Coccidia. They have some particularly unpleasant features.
Cytauxzoonosis in Cats
August 3, 2023
Cytauxzoon felis is spread by tick bites. This condition has a very high mortality rate.
Distemper (Panleukopenia) in Cats
April 30, 2024
Feline distemper, caused by a parvovirus, is a life-threatening disease. The virus is considered ubiquitous, meaning it is in virtually every place that is not regularly disinfected. The infection is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats, usually kittens and young adult cats living in groups. Barn cats, feral colonies, animal shelter groups, pet stores, and rescue facilities are high risk for outbreaks.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
October 10, 2024
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
October 15, 2024
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly infection in cats that is caused by the FIP virus. The disease occurs most commonly in young cats, although it can infect older cats too.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
August 22, 2023
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.
Flea Anemia in Cats and Dogs
April 1, 2023
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 is most at risk.
Flea Control for Dogs and Cats
October 31, 2023
Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats! In order to help select the most appropriate products to achieve a flea-free existence for an allergic pet, learn about the life cycle of the flea.
Giardia in Pets
August 12, 2023
Giardia is the genus of a protozoan parasite that is infectious to both humans and pets all over the world. Diarrhea can precede the shedding of the Giardia. Infection is more common in kennel situations where animals are housed in groups.
Heartworm Infection in Cats
April 20, 2023
Do cats get heartworm? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes but the situation is vastly different from the canine situation. It is important to understand the differences and understand why feline infection is so rare.
Helicobacter Infection in Dogs and Cats
September 19, 2024
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.
Herpes Viral Conjunctivitis: A Feline Problem
September 16, 2023
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.
Histoplasmosis in Dogs and Cats
May 24, 2021
Histoplasmosis is a dangerous disease caused by fungus
Hookworms in Cats and Dogs
March 7, 2023
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.
How Toxoplasmosis Affects Your Cat
October 14, 2022
You have probably heard the warnings given to pregnant women about the parasite toxoplasmosis, advising against cleaning litterboxes and the dangers of ingesting raw/undercooked meat or milk products. But should you be concerned about how this parasite affects your cat?
Hydrometra, Mucometra, and Pyometra in Dogs and Cats
October 5, 2021
In hydrometra and mucometra, the fluid is sterile and there is no infection. Only pyometra is an infection
Infectious Anemia in Cats
November 11, 2024
The infected cat's immune system is busy coating infected red blood cells with antibodies. Coated red blood cells are removed from the circulation by the spleen. This kills the organism, and the iron is harvested and recycled into new red blood cells. The problem is that so many red blood cells are being destroyed that the cat becomes anemic.
Lice in Dogs and Cats
May 15, 2023
When lice are found, it is usually in the dogs that are living in or were obtained from filthy, crowded conditions.
Malassezia Otitis in Dogs and Cats
August 4, 2020
Malassezia
ear infection is common in dogs, but cats can also be infected
MRSA vs. MRSP in Dogs & Cats
June 2, 2020
MRSA is the abbreviation for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
.
MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Dogs and Cats
May 12, 2017
In dogs and cats, the most common conditions associated with MRSA tend to be skin infections, post-operative incisional infections and wound infections. The bacteria have also been isolated from the urinary tract, auditory canal, skin, eye and joints.
Physaloptera (Stomach Worm) in Dogs and Cats
November 16, 2020
Physaloptera
are rare but most common in the Midwestern U.S., particularly in pets with access to the outdoors
Pyothorax in Dogs and Cats
January 28, 2023
Pyothorax is one of those conditions where prognosis is reasonably good (assuming the patient is not too far gone at the time of presentation) as long as aggressive treatment is pursued. If one tries to go with inexpensive alternatives to proper treatment, a poor outcome is likely.
Pythiosis (Oomycosis, Lagenidiosis, Swamp Cancer, Bursatti, Leeches) in Dogs, Cats and Horses
November 22, 2010
Pythiosis occurs in dogs and horses more often than in cats.
Rabies in Animals
October 16, 2024
Descriptions of rabies go back thousands of years as rabies has classically been one of the most feared infections of all time. Rabies is a serious disease, but fortunately it can also be easily prevented in dogs and cats by proper vaccination.
Ringworm Environmental Decontamination: How to Clean Your Home When Your Pet Has Ringworm
November 3, 2015
Infected dogs and cats will shed fur containing dermatophyte fungal spores into the home environment. This fur can re-infect dogs and cats and make it difficult to treat the dermatophyte infection.
Roundworms In Cats And Kittens
October 7, 2024
This common parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs, and some pet owners become very concerned when their pet expels 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.
Taenia Species Tapeworms in Dogs and Cats
January 18, 2023
We have generated some confusion regarding tapeworms not contracted from fleas. There actually is another tapeworm besides the common tapeworm whose segments might be seen on a pet's anal area or on their feces.
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) in Dogs and Cats
January 7, 2023
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?
Tick Paralysis in Pets
July 5, 2016
Tick paralysis is caused by neurotoxins secreted in saliva by certain species of female ticks. Death can occur in untreated dogs from paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
Tritrichomonas Infection Causes Diarrhea in Cats
February 22, 2024
Kittens and cats living in groups have an assortment of infectious diseases to contend with.
Tritrichomonas blagburni
is yet another infectious organism yielding diarrhea in cats.
Tritrichomoniasis in Cats
September 18, 2019
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Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats
July 3, 2024
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.
Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats
July 3, 2024
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.
When You Need Antibiotics for Your Pets, and When You Don’t
October 26, 2022
Antibiotics can be literal life savers for your pet when prescribed and used for the kind of infection that responds to the medication. But when given for something where they are not appropriate — such as a virus — antibiotics can create a long-lasting problem of antibiotic resistance.
Whipworm Infection in Dogs and Cats
July 10, 2024
The whipworm of dogs is substantially smaller than the other worms (a mere 30-50 mm in length, about a half inch maximum). The "head" (or more accurately the digestive end of the worm) is skinny vs. its stout tail (or reproductive end) which gives the worm a whip shape, hence the name.
Nervous System: Brain, Nerves & Spinal Cord
Ataxia in Dogs and Cats
November 8, 2022
Ataxia is a symptom caused by some type of central nervous system problem in which the brain cannot correctly tell the body what to do. It is an inability to make normal, coordinated, voluntary movements.
Brachial Plexus Avulsion in Dogs and Cats
November 2, 2022
The brachial plexus is the term for the bundle of nerves in the armpit. Injury or trauma such as an automobile accident, a bite, or a wound in this area can damage and tear nerves.
Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats Are Clumsy from Birth
October 29, 2024
A cat with this disease clearly has balance issues: he walks with his legs widely placed for fear of falling, and places his feet clumsily. He often leans against walls for support. Sitting still, he may look like a fairly normal cat but once focused, tremors begin getting more wobbly as concentration becomes more intense. Despite the obvious impairment, cats with this condition are happy, able to feed themselves and use a litter box, and are felt to have good life quality.
Cervical (Neck) Disk Disease in Dogs and Cats
May 14, 2008
The pet can experience just some neck pain or complete paralysis of all four legs and no pain perception. An acute onset is an absolute emergency.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs
August 7, 2024
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is essentially the dog equivalent of Alzheimer's disease
Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs and Cats
May 3, 2021
It is a neurological condition that can occur in pets that already have liver disease
Horner's Syndrome in Cats and Dogs
September 26, 2023
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.
Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain) in Dogs and Cats
April 10, 2024
This condition literally means "water head" and is more commonly referred to as water on the brain. The central nervous system is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid that is secreted by chambers inside the brain. When fluid builds up, there is no room in the brain for extra volume and disaster can result. This condition is particularly common in dome-headed puppies.
Hyperesthesia Syndrome in Cats
September 11, 2023
Hyperesthesia syndrome is felt to be a type of compulsive disorder, usually initiated when the cat is in conflict. The cat wants to perform one behavior but is prevented from doing so and ultimately in frustration performs another behavior. After a while, this second behavior, which frequently is grooming, is performed compulsively.
Hyperesthesia Syndrome in Cats
April 28, 2023
Feline Hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) means “too much feeling”, hyperesthesia is the opposite of anesthesia which means a lack of feeling or no sensation at all.
Manx Syndrome in Cats
May 16, 2023
Manx syndrome (sacrocaudal dysgenesis, sacrocaudal agenesis) is an array of problems involving the function of the hind legs, urinary bladder, and colon of a tailless cat. In affected cats, the spine and spinal cord are shortened because the last few vertebrae and spinal segments have not developed normally
Myasthenia Gravis in Dogs and Cats
July 22, 2022
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.
Neuropathic Pain in Dogs and Cats
October 18, 2013
People who experience neuropathic pain describe it as "a pins and needles sensation," tingling, burning, itching, numbness or cold, and sometimes feeling as if they had received a small electric shock. Grades of neuropathic pain that have been established in human medicine are definite, probable and possible. Pets cannot describe their pain to us but we believe it's likely to be like what people have.
Paralysis: First Aid
July 10, 2018
It is extremely important to immobilize the spine of a suddenly paralyzed pet before and during transportation.
Seizure Disorders in Cats
August 6, 2020
Seizures are sudden fits of uncontrollable movement and can include twitching, shaking, and/or muscle spasms
Seizures and Convulsions: First Aid