Articles
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Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is a genetic, recessive, inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or loss and may also include flaky and/or itchy skin. Some dogs will also be affected by secondary bacterial infections so topical management and pruritus treatments may be needed to improve the dog's comfort. Affected dogs and their relatives should not be bred.
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Colostrum is the antibody-rich fluid produced by the mother's mammary glands in the first few days after birth. Colostrum is used as a supplement in all ages and species of animals to support the immune system. It may also be used as a local anti-inflammatory in the intestinal tract when ingested or on the skin when applied topically.
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This article discusses some common over-the-counter medications and supplements that are toxic for cats, including pain medications, decongestants, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Symptoms depend on the type and quantity of toxin ingested. Early intervention is key to successful treatment.
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This article discusses some common over-the-counter medications and supplements that are toxic for dogs, including pain medications, decongestants, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Symptoms depend on the type and quantity of toxin ingested. Early intervention is key to successful treatment.
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The complete blood count (CBC) assesses different parameters of the cells in the blood including total number, appearance, size, and shape. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets comprise the cellular component of the blood.
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Compulsive disorders are repetitive behaviors that are repeated so frequently they interfere with a dog's daily routine. Some behaviors performed compulsively can cause physical injury. Compulsive disorders may reflect underlying behavioral illness, medical illness, or a combination. They are complex and often require life-long monitoring.
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Dogs and cats sometimes repeat behaviors such as licking, circling, or tail chasing in ways that seem out of context or difficult to stop. These behaviors can have physical or emotional causes, including pain, itchiness, frustration, fear, or anxiety. This handout explains the different types of repetitive behavior, how they are diagnosed, and how they may be treated.
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Severe heart disease in cats can lead to congestive heart failure, a condition that occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the body, and fluid starts to back up. With right-sided heart failure, fluid backs up in body cavities, whereas with left-sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs. The most common type of heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Difficulty breathing is the number one clinical sign.
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Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to the heart's inability to pump adequate blood to the body. There are many causes of CHF in dogs. The two most common causes are mitral valve insufficiency (MVI), or a leaky mitral valve, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The most common clinical sign of CHF is persistent coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing. Other signs include coughing when at rest or sleeping, an increased resting respiratory rate or excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums.
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Conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva. If you see excessive tearing from one or both eyes, abnormal discharge, and reddened conjunctival membranes, your cat may have conjunctivitis. The most common causes of conjunctivitis include infectious diseases and non-infectious conditions, including allergies, injuries, hereditary conditions, and tumors. The approach to non-specific conjunctivitis is to use eye medications containing a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics to control the bacterial infection and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the inflammation. The prognosis depends on the specific diagnosis. It can be a recurring condition in some cats.