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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Lipomas are benign (noncancerous) fatty tumors that form under the surface of the skin. Although typically a cosmetic issue, they can increase in size and may cause discomfort, pain, or restricted movement. Infiltrative lipomas are a different type of benign tumor. Unlike regular lipomas which are deposits of fat that move around under the skin, […]
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, […]
The patella is the medical name for the kneecap. If your pet has a luxating patella, it means that their kneecap has moved out of position. Normally, the kneecap rests comfortably in a deep groove in the femur bone known as the patellofemoral groove. When the knee is moved, the patella slides smoothly over the […]
Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that can affect both humans and animals. It is spread by certain species of ticks and can lead to potentially dangerous symptoms. Causes of Lyme Disease Lyme disease is rare in cats but relatively common in dogs. It is transmitted through the bite of a tick infected with the […]
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 which can lead to painful and uncomfortable symptoms in dogs. 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 and sarcoptic mange are the […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Osteoarthritis, also known as a degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a progressive condition that causes deterioration of the joints. Unlike arthritis, which is the medical name for inflammation, osteoarthritis refers to a form of chronic joint inflammation that is directly caused by degeneration of joint cartilage. The condition affects both cats and dogs and is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]