Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
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 […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Giving your pet oral medications can be challenging, so it’s important to follow the proper procedure. Your veterinarian may prescribe oral medications in pill or liquid form. They will also provide information on administering the medication, correct dosages, and how often to give pills or liquids. It is very important to follow the treatment advice […]
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 […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a condition characterized by complete or partial loss of hair. It is common in dogs and cats and can be caused by a wide range of underlying health conditions. Causes of Hair Loss Some of the most common causes of hair loss in pets include parasites, skin infections, […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bathing your pet is an important part of maintaining their skin and coat health. As well as keeping pets clean, bathing can help minimize health issues such as infection, skin conditions, allergies, and parasites. Unfortunately, many pets do not enjoy being bathed, so it’s important to make the experience as stress-free as possible. Ask your […]
Ear infections are a common health problem in pets that can cause pain and discomfort. Keeping your pet’s ears clean will prevent the buildup of wax and other debris, minimizing the risk of ear infections. Most cats are excellent self-groomers and will rarely need their ears cleaned. However, some cats groom themselves infrequently and are […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Intestinal parasites (worms) are a common health problem in cats and dogs. Unlike external parasites such as fleas and ticks, intestinal parasites live inside your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. There are many types of intestinal parasites, and infection can lead to serious health complications in pets. Common Types of Intestinal Parasites The following are some of […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin. It occurs in both cats and dogs and can indicate a number of serious underlying health issues. Causes of Jaundice The characteristic yellow pigmentation associated with jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood and tissues. This substance […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the surface of the skin. Some types of lice feed by chewing on the skin, while others suck an animal’s blood. When lice infestation (pediculosis) occurs, cats and dogs can develop painful and uncomfortable symptoms. In severe cases, lice infestation can also lead to serious illness in […]
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 […]
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, […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma, is one of the most common types of cancers found in cats and dogs. It is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in your pet’s immune system. Lymphocytes are found throughout the body and are particularly numerous in the bone […]
Mammary tumors are malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) growths in the breast tissue. This type of tumor develops when the cells of the mammary gland (breast) replicate uncontrollably. Certain breeds of pet have been shown to be at higher risk of developing mammary tumors. These include Siamese cats, cocker spaniels, and poodles. Female dogs are […]
Mange is a type of skin disease caused by parasitic mites. It is rarely diagnosed in cats, but affected animals can develop painful and uncomfortable symptoms. For this reason, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition so your pet can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Types of Mange Demodectic mange […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
It’s normal for cats and dogs to have a runny nose from time to time, and it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if you notice excessive nasal discharge or other related symptoms, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem. Causes of Nasal Discharge Possible causes of chronic nasal discharge […]
Neutering is a surgical procedure in which a male animal’s testicles are removed. This type of surgery is sometimes also known as castration. In female animals, removal of the reproductive organs is referred to as spaying. Benefits of Neutering When a male animal is neutered, they are no longer able to impregnate females. The most […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Epistaxis (nosebleed), is a condition in which bleeding occurs from the nasal cavity. It is common in cats and dogs and can be caused by a number of underlying factors. Causes of Nosebleeds Trauma, stress, infection, and foreign bodies in the nasal cavity are some of the most common causes of epistaxis. Other causes include […]
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in both humans and animals to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. In dogs, they are commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis. NSAIDs may also be used to manage short-term pain in cats and dogs. How NSAIDS Work NSAIDs work by reducing the production of chemicals called […]
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 […]