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Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a condition which occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone which allows glucose in the blood to enter the cells. It is very important for overall health as the body uses glucose as its main source of energy. When a pet […]

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Gingival hyperplasia is a condition in which the tissue of the gums becomes enlarged and inflamed. It is rare in cats, but relatively common in dogs. Certain breeds of dog such as Boxers and Bulldogs are predisposed to developing the condition. If left untreated, gingival hyperplasia can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of […]

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Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors run the risk of coming into contact with sharp foreign bodies that can penetrate their skin. Pets with foreign bodies under the skin can suffer from pain and infection. For this reason, it’s important to visit your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs or symptoms of this […]

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A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a specific food ingredient. The condition can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable, painful, and potentially dangerous symptoms in pets. Causes of Food Allergies Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a certain substance. When this happens, the body produces antibodies to defend […]

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Flatulence is a condition in which gas forms in the stomach or intestine. It is then expelled from the digestive system through the anus. Although passing gas is normal in pets, excessive flatulence can indicate an underlying health issue that requires treatment. Causes of Flatulence Common causes of flatulence include dietary changes and ingestion of […]

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Fainting, also known as syncope, is a medical condition characterized by a temporary loss of consciousness. There are a number of possible causes for fainting in cats and dogs, some of which can be serious or potentially life-threatening if left untreated. If your pet faints, it is important to take them to your veterinarian as […]

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Elizabethan Collars (Cones) An Elizabethan collar (or e-collar) is a flexible plastic cone that fits around your pet’s neck following surgery. Its purpose is to prevent damage to surgical wounds. Why does my pet need to wear a cone? Cats and dogs will attempt to lick, scratch, and bite wounds after surgery. This should always […]

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Dental care plays an important role in your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Without proper care, pets are susceptible to periodontal disease (gum disease), an infection of the mouth. Unfortunately, by three years of age, most cats and dogs have some evidence of the disease. Periodontal disease develops when bacteria in the mouth form plaque […]

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Coprophagia is the medical term for the ingestion of feces. This unpleasant problem is more common in dogs than cats, and can be caused by a number of underlying issues. Causes of Coprophagia In most cases, coprophagia is thought to be a behavioral problem. Possible behavioral reasons for eating feces include boredom, scavenging behavior, curiosity, […]

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Asthma is a respiratory condition that can lead to dangerous symptoms in pets. It is more common in cats than dogs, and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are most susceptible to developing the condition. Causes of Asthma Asthma is typically caused by an allergic reaction to an environmental allergen. Common allergens include cigarette smoke, household chemicals, pollen, […]

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The anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of a dog or cat’s anus. They produce an oily, foul-smelling liquid that pets use to mark their territory. Usually, the anal glands are drained when your pet has a bowel movement. Anal gland problems occur when the glands become impacted and are unable to […]

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Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder than can affect both cats and dogs. Just as in humans, the condition is not considered serious and usually improves over time. Causes of Acne Acne is caused by a buildup of skin debris and sebum, an oil secreted from the sebaceous glands. This leads to clogging of the […]

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