The thyroid gland is a two-lobed gland located in the neck. It produces thyroid hormones that are responsible for a number of important bodily functions, including regulating metabolism. Thyroid tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that develop in the thyroid gland. Left untreated, they can lead to a variety of health problems in cats and […]
Temaril-P is a medication used to treat itching and coughing in dogs. It contains an antihistamine called Trimeprazine and a corticosteroid called Prednisolone. Thanks to its active ingredients, the medication works in two ways. Trimeprazine counteracts histamine, a chemical that causes itchiness and inflammation during an allergic reaction. Prednisolone acts like cortisol, a naturally occurring […]
A stroke is a medical condition in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. When this happens, the brain is deprived of oxygen and brain damage can occur. Fortunately, many pets can make a full recovery after a stroke. In fact, cats and dogs usually recover from a stroke much more quickly than […]
Simplicef (cefpodoxime proxetil) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It works by suppressing the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and protozoa. Simplicefis FDA-approved for use in dogs. It may also be used to treat cats under the guidance of your veterinarian. Uses and Benefits Simplicef is used to treat skin infections […]
Rimadyl (carprofen) is a medication used to treat pain and inflammation. It is FDA-approved for use in dogs, but is generally not recommended for cats. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that lead to pain and inflammation. Uses and Benefits Rimadyl is used to […]
The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eyeball. Its purpose is to receive light and turn it into signals the brain can understand. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a condition in which the retina degenerates over time. When this happens, pets can suffer from progressive vision loss. Causes […]
Nasal polyps are benign pink growths that originate in the nasal cavity. Nasopharyngeal polyps are similar growths that develop in the middle ear. Both types of polyps are more common in cats than dogs, and can cause respiratory issues if left untreated. Causes of Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Polyps The cause of nasal and nasopharyngeal polyps […]
Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat diarrhea, inflammation of the large intestine, and various types of infections in cats and dogs. It is commonly known by the brand name Flagyl. The medication works by stopping the growth of certain microorganisms, although the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. Uses […]
Meningitis is a condition in which the meninges (the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain) become inflamed. This serious neurologic disease can be fatal to cats and dogs, and requires emergency medical treatment. Causes of Meningitis Meningitis usually occurs as a result of bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection that spreads to the […]
The liver is responsible for many vital roles in the body. These include removing toxins from the blood, contributing to immune regulation, and producing bile to aid digestion. Liver disease is a broad term used to describe any disorder that damages the liver and impairs its function. The condition affects both cats and dogs and […]
Leukemia is a type of cancer characterized by an increased white blood cell count in the bloodstream and bone marrow. The disease is classified into two main types: lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemia. Lymphocytic leukemia is caused by malignant (cancerous) cells in the lymph nodes, while myelogenous leukemia is caused by malignant cells in the bone […]
Leaky gut syndrome (dysbiosis) is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing toxins and undigested food to leak into the bloodstream. When this happens, the immune system launches an inflammatory response and a variety of health problems can develop. Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome The underlying cause of leaky […]
The kidneys are a pair of organs that are responsible for a number of vital roles in the body. These include removing waste products from the blood, producing essential hormones, and regulating blood pressure. Kidney disease is a broad term used to describe any disorder that damages the kidneys and impairs their function. The condition […]
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections in cats and dogs. It is also used to treat hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease). The medication is commonly known by the brand name Nizoral. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungal cell walls. Uses and Benefits Ketoconazole is used to treat a variety of internal […]
Hypertension is the medical name for abnormally high blood pressure. The condition occurs when blood pressure within the arteries places excessive stress on the artery walls. Just as in humans, hypertension in pets can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Causes of Hypertension There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Although this unpleasant condition is often overlooked by pet owners, it can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues that may require treatment. Causes of Halitosis There are many potential causes of halitosis in pets. The most common of these is periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition […]
Gabapentin is a medication used for the treatment of seizures and chronic pain. It was originally developed for use in humans, but is now commonly used to treat pets. Gabapentin appears to work by altering the way that nerves send messages to the brain, although its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. The […]
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a viral disease that affects the immune system of cats. Although FIV is specific to cats, it is similar to the HIV virus in humans. Causes of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus FIV attacks and weakens the immune system, causing cats with the disease to gradually decline in health as the virus […]
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that infects cats. The species-specific virus attacks the immune system and can cause a variety of secondary illnesses. FeLV is a leading cause of death in cats, second only to trauma. Causes of Feline Leukemia Virus FeLV is transmitted through direct contact with virus particles. Uninfected cats […]
Cats, Dogs, General Pet Information, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones and is commonly known by the brand name Baytril. Enrofloxacin kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis. Uses and Benefits Enrofloxacin is used to treat a wide variety of infections. These include […]
The cruciate ligaments are two fibrous bands located within the knee joint. Their role is to connect and stabilize the femur and tibia (the bones directly above and below the knee joint). Cruciate ligament rupture occurs when the ligaments fully or partially tear. This painful condition can cause mobility issues and degeneration of the knee […]
Cats, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Clindamycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It is commonly known by the brand names Antirobeand Cleocin. The medication works by halting bacterial growth. It also kills bacteria by preventing them from creating the proteins they need to survive. Uses and Benefits Clindamycin is used to treat a […]
Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. The medication contains a combination of clavulanate and amoxicillin. Amoxicillin works by preventing bacteria from building cell walls, while clavulanate prevents bacteria from deactivating amoxicillin. Clavamox is stable, effective, and resistant to stomach acid. It is also suitable for use in cats […]
Chronic bronchitis, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is an inflammatory condition of the bronchial airways. The condition is progressive and can lead to serious symptoms if left untreated. Causes of Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is often idiopathic, this means that it has no identifiable cause. The condition can also be triggered by […]
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects dogs. Unvaccinated dogs of any age can contract CPV, although younger dogs are most susceptible to the condition. Causes of Canine Parvovirus Canine parvovirus targets the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems in dogs. The virus is spread through direct contact with infected dogs […]
Canine circovirus is a recently discovered virus that infects dogs. The virus was first identified in 2012. Since 2013, several reports of severe illness and death in dogs have been attributed to canine circovirus in Michigan, Ohio, and California. Causes of Canine Circovirus Circoviruses are small viruses that are known to infect pigs and birds. […]
Ataxia is a condition in which an animal experiences a loss of balance and coordination due to sensory dysfunction. The condition can be caused by multiple underlying health issues and results in debilitating and distressing symptoms in cats and dogs. Causes of Ataxia There are three different types of ataxia: proprioceptive (sensory), vestibular, and cerebellar. […]
Aspiration pneumonia is a condition in which the lungs become inflamed and infected when a foreign substance is inhaled into the lungs. The condition can affect both cats and dogs and requires emergency medical treatment. Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia There are multiple potential causes of aspiration pneumonia in pets. These include eating too fast, chronic […]
Red blood cells are a type of cell that are produced in the bone marrow. They contain a protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. Anemia is a condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Pets with the […]
Yeast is a fungus that exists naturally on your pet’s body. Yeast infections occur when yeast organisms flourish and reproduce uncontrollably. When this happens, the fungus can spread throughout the body causing a wide range of health problems. Causes of Yeast Infections A compromised immune system is the principal underlying cause of yeast infection in […]
Whipworms are a type of parasite with a whip-like shape that can invade a pet’s gastrointestinal tract. They are relatively common in dogs, but rare in cats. Whipworm infection is known as trichuriasis. If left untreated, pets with the condition can develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Causes of Whipworms Several species of whipworms are […]
The vestibular system has components located in the inner ear and brain. Its job is to regulate the body’s ability to maintain balance and coordination. Vestibular disease is a condition in which the vestibular system functions abnormally, resulting in a sudden disturbance of balance. The condition can affect both cats and dogs and is most […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments
Urolithiasis is a condition in which stones or crystals (uroliths) form in the urinary tract. The condition is usually very painful and can be potentially fatal if a complete blockage occurs in the urinary tract. Causes of Urolithiasis Several factors can contribute to the development of urolithiasis in pets. These include genetics, urinary tract infections, […]
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs, and in most cases, they are entirely treatable. Because these conditions can be painful and uncomfortable, it’s important to look out for warning signs that your dog maybe suffering from a UTI. Causes of UTIs The number one cause of UTIs in dogs is a bacterial infection. […]
An ultrasound test is a painless and non-invasive medical procedure used to view structures within the body. It is routinely performed in veterinary practices to help diagnose a range of conditions in pets. How Does Ultrasound Work? An ultrasound machine emits and receives high-frequency ultrasound waves that are inaudible to humans. These sound waves are […]
Spaying is a surgical procedure in which a female animal’s ovaries and uterus are removed. The medical name for spaying is ovariohysterectomy. In male animals, removal of the reproductive organs is referred to as neutering. Benefits of Spaying When a female animal is spayed, they are no longer able to reproduce. The most obvious benefit […]
Seizures are a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They are often distressing to witness and can indicate a wide range of underlying health conditions in pets. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences seizures so the underlying cause of the condition can be diagnosed and treated. Causes of […]
Rabies is a fatal disease that is caused by a virus which attacks the central nervous system. All mammals are susceptible to the disease, and there is no known cure. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, this means that it can be transmitted to humans by infected animals. For this reason, the disease is considered a […]
Pythiosis is a fungal infection caused by the water mold Pythium insidiosum. Although the condition is uncommon, it can be fatal in cats and dogs. Causes of Pythiosis Pythiosis is caused by exposure to Pythium insidiosum spores that are found in stagnant water, particularly throughout the southern United States. The organism can enter the body […]
Pyodermameans “pus in the skin”, itis a common bacterial infection of the skin and hair follicles that can cause itchiness, inflammation, a rash, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Cats and dogs can develop the condition when bacteria multiply to abnormal levels on the skin. Causes of Pyoderma Bacteria usually live on the surface of your pet’s […]