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Medical Conditions

  • Nutrition is very important in managing cats with diabetes mellitus. Achieving a lean body condition is associated with better glucose control and an increased chance of remission. Other factors in dietary management of diabetes mellitus are discussed.

  • Pet owners can greatly improve the quality of life for their dogs with osteoarthritis through nutrition. Key steps to managing inflammation and joint pain include managing daily calorie intake and increasing fat metabolism through controlled physical rehabilitation.

  • There are many different causes of colitis, so it is important to have a veterinary evaluation of any dog who experiences diarrhea, especially if it continues for multiple days or includes blood. The veterinary health care team must consider the role of diet in the cause and potential treatment for all cases of colitis.

  • Bladder stones can be a significant problem for dogs. Bladder stones set the stage for chronic urinary tract infection, and some bladder stones (struvites) grow more quickly if the dog already has a urinary tract infection. Diet selection can play a role, and it is important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations to prevent recurrence.

  • In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in cats. Just over 60% of domestic cats are overweight. Scientific evidence now shows that fat tissue is not benign; it actively secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress, both of which contribute to increased risks for several diseases, as well as a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, inflammatory condition means regular veterinary assessments and strict attention to portion control.

  • In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. Almost 60% of domestic dogs are overweight. Scientific evidence now shows that fat tissue is not benign; it actively secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress, both of which contribute to increased risks for several diseases, as well as a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, inflammatory condition means regular veterinary assessments and strict attention to portion control.

  • Open fontanelles are soft spots in the skull, or gaps between the skull’s growth plates. They can be normal in young puppies, especially small breeds, and typically close or harden by 9-12 weeks of age. This handout discusses causes, diagnosis and treatment of open fontanelles in small breed puppies.

  • Ovarian remnant syndrome is a condition that occurs when ovarian tissue remains inside the body after a female cat is spayed. This tissue can produce estrogen, triggering signs of heat (estrus) in the cat. Surgical treatment is typically recommended to prevent other health conditions from developing.

  • Ovarian remnant syndrome is a condition that occurs when ovarian tissue remains inside the body after a female dog is spayed. This tissue can produce estrogen, triggering signs of heat (estrus) in the dog. Surgical treatment is typically recommended to prevent other health conditions from developing.

  • Pancreatitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a vital organ that produces enzymes to assist in food digestion and hormones such as insulin, which regulates blood sugar or glucose metabolism. Pancreatitis occurs occasionally in cats, and it may be acute (sudden) or chronic (recurring).