Loss of appetite, also known as anorexia, is a condition in which an animal loses the desire or ability to eat. The condition affects both cats and dogs, and can be potentially fatal if left untreated. Causes of Loss of Appetite There are numerous potential causes of loss of appetite in pets. These include trauma, […]
Lipids are naturally-occurring fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides. They perform a range of important functions in the body, including providing energy and maintaining cell membranes. Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which there are elevated levels of lipids in the blood. When this happens, pets can develop a number of serious and potentially life-threatening […]
A hernia is a condition in which part of an organ protrudes through the wall of muscle that contains it. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated. However, the majority of pets with a hernia will make a full recovery if the condition is caught and treated […]
Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues. Causes of Hematuria There are many potential causes of hematuria in pets. Some of the most common of these include urinary tract infections, urinary stones, trauma, and bladder […]
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of food from the stomach. It is common in dogs and cats and can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues. Causes of Vomiting There are multiple causes of vomiting in pets. Some of the most common of these are food allergies, ingestion of spoiled or toxic food, dietary […]
Blindness is a condition in which vision is lost in one or both eyes. There are multiple underlying causes of blindness in pets, and the condition can be progressive or sudden in onset. Causes of Blindness There are numerous underlying causes of blindness in pets. These include trauma, infection, and disorders of the eye such […]
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication used to treat and manage itchiness associated with allergies in dogs. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by controlling the immune system’s response to itchiness and inflammation. Uses and Benefits Apoquel is used to treat itchiness and inflammation caused by a […]
Vaccines stimulate a dog’s immune system by introducing modified infectious organisms into the bloodstream. This prepares your dog’s body to fight off disease. Vaccinating your dog is one of the simplest ways to protect them against serious illnesses throughout their lifetime. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) classifies vaccines for dogs as core, noncore, and […]
Subcutaneous (Sub-Q) fluid administration refers to the procedure of injecting fluids into the subcutaneous tissue under a cat’s skin. The procedure is used to rehydrate cats and help manage conditions such as kidney and liver disease. In some cases, it may be necessary to administer subcutaneous fluids at home. If your cat needs home fluid […]
Reverse sneezing is a common respiratory event in dogs but is comparatively rare in cats. When a pet reverse sneezes, they draw in air noisily and forcefully through their nose. This can be startling and worrying for pet owners who are unfamiliar with the phenomenon. Small dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are most prone to […]
Cats, Dogs, General Pet Information, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Radiography is a common imaging technique that uses X-rays to examine tissues, internal organs, and bones. It is a useful tool that can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat many medical conditions in pets. How Does Radiography Work? Radiography machines project a beam of X-rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation, onto a photographic plate. When […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Wellness and Vaccines
Radiography is a common imaging technique that uses X-rays to examine tissues, internal organs, and bones. It is a useful tool that can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat many medical conditions in pets. How Does Radiography Work? Radiography machines project a beam of X-rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation, onto a photographic plate. When […]
Radiography is a common imaging technique that uses X-rays to examine tissues, internal organs, and bones. It is a useful tool that can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat many medical conditions in pets. How Does Radiography Work? Radiography machines project a beam of X-rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation, onto a photographic plate. When […]
Obesity is a preventable condition that occurs when excess fat accumulates in the body. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the US are now overweight or obese. This worrying statistic highlights the fact that obesity is a major health threat to modern pets. […]
Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is an age-related condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and discolored. It is common in older pets and is often mistaken for cataracts. Nuclear sclerosis does not affect vision severely in most animals. However, it is important to visit your veterinarian if your pet […]
Multidrug resistance mutation 1 (MDR-1) is an inherited genetic mutation that causes dogs to be more sensitive to certain medications. When given these drugs, animals with the MDR-1 gene mutation can suffer from severe and potentially life-threatening reactions. Causes of MDR-1 Mutation Some dogs are born with a mutation in the MDR-1 gene, which is […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem in dogs and cats. Pets are curious creatures and will eat a wide variety of objects. Usually, these pass safely through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but sometimes an obstruction can occur. Objects lodged in the GI tract can cause serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. For this reason, […]
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, are a common skin condition in cats and dogs. The condition is characterized by moist, red, and inflamed lesions on the skin. Although not serious, hot spots can be very irritating and painful, so it is important that they are treated as soon as […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Heat stress and heat stroke are dangerous conditions brought on by exposure to heat. The normal body temperature for dogs and cats is between 100-and 102.5-degrees Fahrenheit. Pets will begin to display symptoms of heat stress when their body temperature is elevated above this level. Heatstroke begins when a pet’s core body temperature rises to […]
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is a common medical condition that can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms in cats and dogs. Causes of Gastroenteritis Just as in humans, gastroenteritis in pets can be caused by a wide range of underlying health issues. Some of the most common causes include bacterial infection, […]
Ear infections are a common canine health problem that can cause pain and discomfort. In many dogs, the condition can become chronic, affecting one or both of the ears. While it’s true that dogs are prone to developing ear infections, most canine ear infections respond well to treatment. Causes of Ear Infections One of the […]
Corneal ulcers are deep abrasions on the clear outer surface of the eyeball known as the cornea. This sensitive part of the eye acts as a lens and protective cover for the iris and pupil. Corneal ulcers in pets are often very painful, and serious eye problems can develop if the disorder is left untreated. […]
Constipation is a condition characterized by difficulty passing stools normally. When this happens, feces can harden and accumulate in the colon. The condition is common in pets, and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Causes of Constipation A number of factors can lead to constipation in pets. These include dehydration, lack of […]
Colitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the colon (large intestine). It can be acute or chronic in onset, and is common in both dogs and cats. Colitis can lead to painful and uncomfortable symptoms in pets, and may indicate the presence of underlying health issues. Causes of Colitis Colitis can be caused by […]
A cleft palate is a birth defect which results in an opening between the mouth and nose. It is most common in purebred cats and dogs, and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health issues. Causes of Cleft Palate Cleft palate is usually a congenital disorder that’s inherited at birth. It occurs when tissues […]
Brachycephalic dogs are also known as flat-faced or short-nosed breeds. Examples include pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers. Despite being some of the most popular breeds around, brachycephalic dogs can be challenging to care for. One of the most common health problems these dogs suffer from is brachycephalic syndrome, also referred to as brachycephalic airway obstructive […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Allergies are overreactions of the immune system to substances known as allergens. A wide range of symptoms including skin irritation and respiratory problems can develop when a pet’s body tries to rid itself of allergens. Allergies are common in cats, dogs and other pets. Causes of Allergies Pets can suffer from three main types of […]
Acral lick granuloma, or acral lick dermatitis (ALD), is a disorder which occurs when a pet continuously licks an area of skin. Pets with acral lick granuloma develop painful, ulcerated wounds that can become progressively worse if left untreated. Causes of Acral Lick Granuloma Acral lick granuloma is caused by excessive licking of the skin. […]
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a condition in which fluids from the stomach and intestines flow backwards into the esophagus. It is seen in both dogs and cats, and can cause uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms. Acid reflux in pets can occur at any age, although younger dogs and cats are more […]