The respiratory system is responsible for supplying the body with oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide. For this reason, it is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Dyspnea is the medical term for difficult or labored breathing. Although not a condition in itself, dyspnea can indicate a wide range of serious underlying illnesses in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 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 […]
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) […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
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 […]
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can cause a wide range of health issues in cats and dogs. Bites from these pests can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. They can also put your pet at risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Fleas can cause illnesses such as flea allergy dermatitis […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]