Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is prescribed to manage inflammation in a wide range of conditions in both cats and dogs. Although prednisone can be very effective for managing and treating medical conditions including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer, it should be always be used […]
Prednisone and NSAIDs are common medications that are used to treat pain and inflammation. Although both types of drug are safe for use in pets when administered correctly, combining them can cause dangerous side effects and should always be avoided. About Prednisone Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory It is […]
The pancreas is an organ located on the right side of the abdomen. It performs a number of vital functions in the body including producing digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. The disease can occur in cats and dogs of any age, size, and […]
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of bone cancer. Pets with the condition develop malignant tumors that can metastasize (spread) throughout the body. Although treatment options are available for osteosarcoma, the condition is incurable and often fatal. Causes of Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma is most often seen in large and giant breeds of dog, including Irish wolfhounds, Great […]
Oral papillomas are benign tumors found in or around the mouth. These small, wart-like growths are caused by the papilloma virus and can affect both cats and dogs. Causes of Oral Papillomas The papilloma virus is highly contagious. It can be easily spread through direct contact, especially when pets share bowls or toys. Since the virus […]
Mast cells are a type of cell that are found in tissues throughout the body. They are particularly numerous in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and organs such as the lungs and liver. Mast cells are an important part of an animal’s immune system and help protect against allergens and inflammation. Mast cell tumors occur when […]
Masses are lumps that form when cells in the body grow abnormally. Some are benign (non-cancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous). A mast cell tumor is an example of a malignant mass that forms on or under the skin. Benign masses include lipomas. These are fatty tumors that form under the surface of the skin. […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. It is a zoonotic disease, this means that it can be spread between many species including dogs, cats, and humans. The condition is highly contagious and can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening symptoms if left untreated. Causes of Leptospirosis Leptospira bacteria thrive in […]
Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a broad term used to describe an infectious condition characterized by coughing and other respiratory symptoms. Kennel cough is rarely serious in healthy animals, but it can lead to complications such as pneumonia in pets with compromised immune systems. It is important to remember that kennel cough is a […]
Conditions, Dogs, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), sometimes referred to as a slipped or herniated disc, is a condition in which the fluid-filled disc between two spinal vertebrae is ruptured or herniated. This leads to inflammation, and compression of the spinal nerve and cord.IVDD can cause severe pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in extreme cases. Causes of […]
Conditions, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
An immune-mediated disease is any condition in which the immune system becomes overstimulated and attacks its own organs or cells. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a condition in which the immune system attacks and breaks down red blood cells in the body. Causes of IMHA There are two types of IMHA: primary (idiopathic) IMHA and […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD can affect both cats and dogs, most frequently seen in middle-aged and senior pets. Some breeds of pet including Siamese cats, French bulldogs, and Irish setters are thought to be predisposed to the condition. Symptoms of IBD can […]
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is common in dogs, but very rarely affects cats. Medium and large dogs are most susceptible to developing hypothyroidism, and certain breeds of dog including Doberman pinschers, cocker spaniels, and golden retrievers appear to be predisposed. Hypothyroidism is characterized by […]
Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces an excess of hormones. When this happens, the body’s metabolism is accelerated and a range of dangerous symptoms can develop. The condition is especially common in middle-aged and senior cats, while dogs are very rarely affected. Causes of Hyperthyroidism The underlying cause of hyperthyroidism is […]
Histiocytoma are a type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that appears on the surface of the skin. They are more common in dogs than cats and are usually painless and self-healing. Causes of Histiocytoma The underlying cause of histiocytoma is unknown, but they originate in the Langerhans cells which form part of the immune system. Histiocytoma […]
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is malformed. It is common in dogs, but relatively rare in cats. The condition is progressive and can lead to painful and debilitating symptoms in pets. Causes of Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is primarily an inherited condition. Large and giant breeds of dog such as […]
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a canine disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. It is most common in small breeds of dog and usually strikes in early adulthood. It is very important that dogs with HGE receive immediate medical treatment as the condition can be life-threatening if left untreated. Causes of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis The underlying cause of […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can affect dogs, cats, and some other species of mammal. It is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected animals. Left untreated, heartworm disease can cause serious health conditions including lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage. […]
Glaucoma is a condition in which fluid pressure builds up in the eye. This can lead to serious eye damage and even blindness. Although seen in both animals, the condition is more common in dogs than cats. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of glaucoma so that pets can be diagnosed and […]
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is a serious and life-threatening condition which requires immediate emergency medical treatment. The condition occurs when two things happen in a pet’s body. First, the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid. This is known as dilatation (or bloat). When dilatation occurs, the stomach expands and pressure is increased within […]
Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a condition in which small stones form in the gallbladder. It is more common in dogs than cats and can cause painful and potentially dangerous symptoms. Causes of Gallstones The gallbladder is a small organ that is located between the lobes of the liver. Its main function is to release bile, a […]
Feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is the medical term used to describe a range of conditions which affect the bladder and urethra in cats. FLUTD is commonly diagnosed in cats and can lead to a variety of painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Causes of Feline Urinary Tract Disease Many cases of FLUTD are idiopathic, meaning their […]
Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) is a common dental disease that can lead to painful symptoms and tooth loss in cats. The condition occurs when the body breaks down and reabsorbs the substances that form the tooth. Causes of Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions FORLs is a progressive disorder that starts at the outer surface (enamel) […]
Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a highly contagious, species-specific virus that causes viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), an upper respiratory infection. It is a common virus that can affect cats of all ages, including wild cats. Causes of Feline Herpesvirus Infection Feline herpesvirus is transmitted through direct contact with virus particles. Uninfected cats can contract the virus by […]
Feline distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects cats. The condition is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FDV), which infects and destroys certain types of cells in a cat’s body. Cats of all ages can contract feline distemper, although it is most common in young kittens with underdeveloped immune systems. […]
Feline calicivirus or (FCV) is a common upper respiratory infection in cats. It is species-specific and highly contagious. For this reason, it’s prevalent in cat shelters and other multi-cat facilities. Cats of all ages are susceptible to the virus, but it is most often seen in kittens over 6 weeks of age. Causes of Feline […]
Pancreatic enzymes are needed to digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in your pet’s body. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a condition in which the pancreas fails to produce sufficient levels of these important digestive enzymes. Both cats and dogs can develop EPI, leading to symptoms which can significantly impact their overall health. Causes of EPI […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria is found in the gastrointestinal tract of most mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. E. coli infection (colibacillosis) occurs when there are elevated levels of E. coli bacteria in the body. When this happens, humans and animals can develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Causes of E. Coli Infection There […]
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened. This causes the heart to pump blood ineffectively. It is most common in certain large breeds of dog, but cats and smaller dog breeds can also be affected. Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM is primarily seen in certain large and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Most dental problems in pets can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations. When problems do occur, they can often be solved with routine cleaning and removal of plaque and tartar buildup. A dental extraction (tooth removal) is performed as a last resort for pets with serious dental problems that cannot be […]
Conditions, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive and incurable disease which impacts the spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease worsen over a period of 6 months to 3 years, resulting in paralysis of the hind end of the body. Fortunately, DM is relatively rare in dogs and there are very few documented cases in cats. Causes […]
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles which can lead to itchiness and skin irritation in pets. Deep folliculitis can occur when pets scratch or bite their skin, leading to infection in the deepest portion of the hair follicle. The condition can be caused by a number of underlying factors and is more common in […]
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the abdomen and bladder. It is commonly performed to facilitate removal of stones or crystals (uroliths) from the urinary tract. The procedure may also be performed to diagnose or treat problems including tumors, trauma to the bladder, and urinary tract infections. Preparing […]
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a thyroid disorder that occurs when a pet’s adrenal glands overproduce the hormone cortisol. The disease tends to occur in middle-aged and senior pets, and is more common in dogs than cats. Cortisol is vital for your pet’s health. It performs important functions in the body including suppressing the immune system […]
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition in which the heart is unable to process enough blood to meet the needs of an animal’s body. When this happens, fluid is retained in or around the lungs, causing congestion. Although CHF is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, the good news is that it can […]
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a hollow tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the lungs. It is an important structure within the respiratory system which delivers oxygen to the bloodstream. A collapsing trachea is a condition in which the trachea narrows during breathing causing obstruction of the airway. It is […]
Chronic renal failure (CRF)is a failure of the kidneys. It is a common progressive condition in cats and dogs which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The kidneys are vital to your pet’s overall health. They are responsible for important functions including removing waste from the blood, controlling blood pressure, manufacturing hormones and encouraging red blood […]
Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
A cataract is a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes, and are more common in dogs than cats. The condition is progressive and can lead to partial loss of vision or complete blindness in pets. It is important to visit your […]