Articles
-
Lanthanum is a phosphorus binding agent used to treat high blood phosphorus levels due to kidney disease in cats and dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Lanthanum comes in tablet and powder forms to be given orally.
-
Laryngeal paralysis is a condition in which the larynx can’t open all the way, causing it to partly block the trachea. It can be a congenital condition of young dogs or due to a neuromuscular disease in older dogs. Clinical signs include coughing, noisy breathing, and exercise intolerance.
-
Laser surgery is a procedure in which a beam of light energy is generated at a specific wavelength, resulting in the cutting of tissues. Laser surgery has major advantages when compared to traditional surgery, including decreased pain, decreased inflammation, and improved tissue healing.
-
Latanoprost (brand names: Xalatan®, Monoprost®, Xelpros®) is used off label to reduce pressure in the eye and treat glaucoma in dogs and other animals. Latanoprost is applied to the eye as a liquid solution.
-
Leaky gut syndrome refers to an increase in the permeability of the intestines. This condition may be caused by any significant damage to the intestines. Acute cases of leaky gut may be caused by infection, trauma, toxins, or medication overdoses. Chronic cases, in contrast, may be caused by food allergies, long-term NSAID use, or other causes. Treatments will be targeted at the underlying disease causing your dog's leaky gut.
-
Leflunomide is an immunomodulating agent agent (a substance that modifies the immune system) used to treat certain immune-mediated conditions in cats and dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine.
-
The femoral head is the ball part of the hip joint and if it develops necrosis or dies, it can no longer function properly. Necrosis is due to loss of the blood supply to the femoral head, which may be the result of a growth abnormality or trauma to the hip. It is a hereditary condition of small breed dogs. The most common clinical signs are slowly progressing hind limb lameness with a resulting inability to bear weight on the affected limb or both hind limbs. Diagnosis is made by radiographs of the hip joint. The treatment of choice is femoral head and neck ostectomy, which results in a good prognosis.
-
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a single-celled parasite that infects dogs, cats, and certain rodents. Humans can also become infected. The parasite is transmitted by small, biting sand flies. Leishmaniasis can cause one or two types of infections: a cutaneous (skin) infection and a visceral (organ) infection.
-
This handout discusses lens luxation in dogs. The lens is the transparent structure within the eye that focuses light on the retina. Lens luxation is when the support ligaments of the lens weaken or break, causing the lens to dislocate from its normal position. The various types, clinical signs, heredity of the condition, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are outlined.
-
Lenticular sclerosis is the term for a bluish, transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes denser or harder with age. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary.