Causes of Colic in Horses #1
	The disease condition horse owners fear the most is colic, and for good reason.
	Melanoma in Horses
	One of the most common skin tumors in adult horses is a melanoma, second only in occurrence to a sarcoid.
	Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)
	The fungus lives only in one area: the Lower Sonoran life zone. An animal or person who is sick is not contagious; infection is only through inhalation of a fungal spore released from dirt but only a few spores are necessary for infection to occur.
	* Bladder Stones in Dogs and Cats
	There are many types of bladder stones, and each tends to form in a specific breed or species under specific conditions. Here are some common forms.
	* Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
	This condition represents a classical excess in cortisone-type hormone circulation in the body. Both cats and dogs can be affected (though it is primarily a dog's disease) and the onset is insidious. We have assembled an information center to answer all your questions on this relatively common hormone imbalance.
	* Diabetes Mellitus Center
	Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease involving the body’s handling of sugar. Learn about some of the basics of this common hormone problem of dogs and cats.
	* Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
	Feline lower urinary tract disease was formerly known as FUS and is actually a set of symptoms that can’t be classified as a real disease. See what the symptoms are and what possible treatments there are for them.
	* Heartworm Information Center
	Heartworm is a parasite that most dog owners and many cat owners have to be concerned about. The more you know, the better protected your pet can become. We have put together an information center to take you through the parasite's biology, the preventive medications, diagnosis, and treatment.
	* Hyperthyroidism Center for Cats
	Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormone imbalance of cats. This center of linked articles reviews the physiology of the condition, its diagnosis, and the pros and cons of the treatment options.
	* Parvovirus Information Center
	Our Canine Parvovirus Information Center has several articles that explain the disease, how your dog may contract it, how to prevent it, and how to care for dogs that have been infected.
	2 What Exactly is Cushing's Disease
	Excess thirst, excess urination, excess appetite, poor hair coat and a pot-bellied appearance. This is a classical disease for which lots of information is available. We have attempted to include an explanation of this complicated problem and all the latest information.
	5 Parvo: the Physical Illness and its Treatment
	Our Canine Parvovirus Information Center has several pages devoted to information explaining the disease, how your dog may contract it and how to care for dogs that have been infected.
	6 Diagnosis of Canine Parvovirus
	Our Canine Parvovirus Information Center has several pages devoted to information explaining the disease, how your dog may contract it and how to care for dogs that have been infected.
	8 Adrenal Tumor Treatment
	While only approximately 15% of canine Cushing’s syndrome patients have adrenal tumors, half of these patients will have a benign tumor and half will have malignant tumors. The choice of therapy may well depend on which is present
	8 Parvo Vaccination Options/Prevention
	Our Canine Parvovirus Information Center has several pages devoted to information explaining the disease, how your dog may contract it and how to care for dogs that have been infected.
	A Chronic Renal (Kidney) Failure Center
	The kidneys are made of thousands of tiny filtration units called nephrons. Once a nephron is destroyed by a disease, it cannot regenerate; this means that we all have a finite number of nephrons to last us our whole lives.
	Abscesses from Bite Wounds
	At most clinics, a week doesn’t go by without seeing a cat or two in this condition. Cats fight, bite, and get infected. What do you need to know?
	Abscesses in Animals
	A common infectious process is called an abscess. If the abscess has not ruptured, it can be surgically lanced by your vet.
	Abscesses in Rabbits
	Rabbits can form abscesses in nearly any organ of the body as well as in skin, tooth roots and bone. The most common causes of rabbit abscesses are bite wounds that become infected and infections in tooth roots and tear ducts. Most facial abscesses are the result of dental disease. Tear duct abscesses can be the result of an elongated upper incisor tooth root blocking the tear duct. The accumulated fluid is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and an abscess can form easily. Abscesses that form internally can be more difficult to diagnose or manage and include areas such as the uterus, lungs, heart, liver, abdominal fat, intestine and kidneys.
	Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
	Also called hypoadrenocorticism, Addison's disease results from a deficiency of the hormones that enable adaption to stress. Signs can be vague or can culminate in a circulatory crisis.
	Airborne Allergies
	We get hay fever; dogs get itchy skin. This condition is usually seasonal - but not always - and many treatments are available. Find out the causes and what you can do to relieve your pet’s discomfort.
	Aleutian Disease in Ferrets
	Aleutian Mink Disease and its associated virus - What is it and what should you know?
	Allergies in Dogs and Cats #1
	Allergic disease is one of the most common causes of skin disease in dogs and cats. Allergies are classified as contact allergies, inhalant allergies, or food allergies. Some contact allergies may not actually be allergies at all, but are likely hypersensitivities.
	Allergies in Dogs and Cats #2
	Atopy is generally seasonal and causes itching of the skin and ears. Many different treatments have been used, depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine, have shown to be successful in only about 10% to 20% of the cases. The advantage of these products is very few side effects.
	Allergies in Dogs and Cats #3 Food
	To determine positively that your pet has a food allergy, a food allergy trial must be done as skin and blood tests for food allergy are not effective. Simply switching foods from one commercial brand to another is not effective in diagnosing food allergy as many of the commercial foods have some of the same ingredients. To correctly do a food allergy trial, a food must be chosen to which the pet has never been exposed.
	Allergy Testing in Horses
	Allergic skin disease in horses, also called atopy, is a common cause of itching and hair loss.
	Alopecia X
	It may be that Alopecia X is not one hair loss-causing disease but several and we simply do not know how to distinguish them.
	Anal Sacs
	Is your pet scooting? Smelling a fishy foul odor? Noticing some licking under the tail? Dogs with impacted anal sacs usually scoot their rear on the ground in an attempt to empty the glands. Some dogs will lick their anal area and other dogs will chase their tails. Cats often lick the fur off just under their tails.
	Anemia: Inadequate Red Blood Cells
	There are three important ways in which the kidney patient loses red blood cells. The first way is bone marrow suppression. The second way is bleeding. The third way is called hemodilution. Maintaining a stable red blood cell quantity keeps the patient energetic and spirited and is crucial to staying alive.
	Angular Limb Deformities in Premature Foals
	There are many causes for angular limb deformities, or crooked legs, in foals. One is being born premature. This can also occur in foals that are born at the correct time but did not mature correctly.
	Anorexia
	Loss of appetite is one of the most important criteria in determining if a pet is significantly ill or just having a minor malady. When the veterinarian says the pet has anorexia, it means the pet is not eating.
	Anthrax in Livestock
	It is not unusual for several cases of naturally occurring anthrax to be diagnosed in livestock and deer each year in Texas. To prevent spreading the disease, the premises of an affected animal will be quarantined for at least 10 days after all livestock have been vaccinated.
	Anthrax in Livestock #2
	Animals are infected by ingesting the spores many times after a rain followed by a dry spell.
	Arthritis: Medications for Degenerative Arthritis
	Arthritis pain causes discomfort and loss of mobility in aged pets, and there are numerous remedies on the market. Which ones can be combined? Which are proven reliable and which may only work in some individuals?
	Ascending Placentitis in Mares
	A major cause of abortions and the birth of premature foals is ascending placentitis. Our ability to evaluate fetal viability is only fair.
	Atrial Fibrillation in Horses
	In general, heart problems in horses are not as common as in small animals. However, atrial fibrillation is an arrythmia that does occur in quite a few horses.
	Atrial Fibrillation in Horses
	The most common heart arrythmia in horses is atrial fibrillation. Young adult standardbreds and thoroughbreds appear to be affected more than other breeds.
	Aural Hematoma
	A hematoma is swelling created by a broken blood vessel after bleeding has occurred inside tissue. Hematomas within the ear flaps (aural hematomas) occur when head shaking breaks a blood vessel. The ear flap may partially or completely swell with blood. This condition is more common in dogs but can occur in cats as well.
	Back Pain in Horses
	Low back pain is a suspected cause of lameness and poor performance in the sport horse. Many horses exhibit stiff gaits and reduced ability to push off with the rear legs. However, it is very difficult to diagnose the problem as it is difficult to perform radiographs of this area and symptoms are sometimes vague.
	Bacterial Endometritis in Mares
	One of the most common causes of infertility in mares is uterine infection due to bacteria. In one study, one third of all barren mares were found to be infected.
	Bandaging Equine Legs
	A common mistake is to wrap a horse's lower leg with just Vetwrap and no padding.
	Bartonella and Cat Scratch Fever
	Ted Nugent made cat scratch fever (actually called cat scratch disease) nearly a household name with his song, but most people still know very little about this infection other than it involves a fever spread by cat scratches. In fact, it involves infection by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae, which is spread by fleas.
	Benign Sebaceous Gland Tumors
	In older dogs, what looks like a viral wart is probably a sebaceous gland tumor; while there is a 98% chance it is benign, it will not be going away any time soon. Sebaceous gland tumors occur on any location, often in large numbers, and usually in older dogs (and occasionally in older cats).
	Bio-Sponge for Foal Diarrhea
	Diarrhea, especially in young foals, is a common problem.
	Bird Flu in Cats
	There is no reason for people with cats as pets to consider getting rid of their cats for fear of catching the bird flu.
	Bladder Stones (7)
	There are many types of bladder stones each with a tendency to form in a specific breed or species under specific conditions. Here is information on some common forms of stone, with more to come in the future!
	Bladder Stones and Bladder Sludge in Rabbits
	Urinary bladder problems are seen in rabbits of all breeds, of all ages, and of both sexes. Historically, these problems have been frustrating to treat and have a high recurrence rate. In recent years, veterinary scientific investigation into this problem and rabbit physiology has helped us to begin to grasp onto better ways to treat urinary bladder problems. We still are very far from completely understanding why and when stones and sludge form. However, treatment is now more successful and the recurrence rate has been lowered significantly.
	Blastomycosis
	Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection that affects dogs and cats. Blastomycosis appears in only certain geographic areas in North America, most often the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, and St. Lawrence River valleys. Infection with Blastomyces occurs when a cat or dog inhales the fungal spores into the lungs.
	Blister Beetle Toxicosis in Horses
	Blister beetles are insects that are commonly found in alfalfa hay. The severity of the illness depends on the number of beetles ingested by the horse with 100 to 150 beetles considered to be deadly. The signs can vary from mild lethargy and inappetence to severe colic, shock, and death.
	Bloat - The Mother of All Emergencies
	A serious, life-threatening emergency. Learn to recognize the signs to get your dog to the vet’s in time to possibly save its life.
	Botulism in Horses
	Botulism can affect all warm blooded animals, but horses are particularly sensitive. Type B botulism is the most common and is related to decaying vegetable matter in forage.
	Brachycephalic Breeds/Brachycephalic Syndrome
	Brachycephalic means short-faced. Short-faced breeds of dogs have their own share of unique problems. Be familiar with what they are.
	Brucellosis in Dogs
	Brucellosis is an important venereal disease in many species. It does not usually come up in pet ownership because most pet dogs are not used for breeding. Once someone has decided to breed their dog, though, it behooves them to know all about this disease, particularly since it can be transmitted to humans.
	Bubonic Plague
	Veterinary News Network indicates a few cases of bubonic plague is not all that unusual. In the United States, about 10 to 15 cases are reported every year.
	Bucked Shins
	A common bone problem that occurs in young horses during the first few months in training is dorsal metacarpal disease, commonly called bucked shins. This syndrome is characterized by microfractures with swelling and pain on the front of the cannon bones on the forelegs that cause lameness.
	CEM in Horses
	CEM is a venereal disease of horses caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis. This disease causes infertility in mares, abortion in mares, and infertility in stallions. If introduced into a susceptible group of breeding horses, this disease can cause a severe economic loss.
	Calcium Phosphorus Balance
	In renal insufficiency, phosphorus is not anyone’s friend. The failing kidney is no longer good at getting rid of excess phosphorus and phosphorus levels in the blood begin to rise.
	Campylobacter, Salmonella, & E. Coli: Causes of Diarrhea in Puppies & Kittens
	Bacterial diarrheas are generally a nuisance for the adult animal but can be lethal to a small puppy, kitten, or even a human baby. Most of these problems stem from contaminated food or fecal contaminated environment. Raw food diets for pets dramatically increase the risk of human exposure.
	Canine Atopic Dermatitis
	Atopic animals will usually rub, lick, chew, bite or scratch at their feet, muzzle, ears, armpits or groin, causing hair loss, and reddening and thickening of the skin. In some cases several skin problems can "add" together to cause an animal to itch where just the allergy alone would not be enough to cause itching.
	Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Senility)
	Treatments that may help improve cognitive dysfunction include L-Deprenyl, dietary changes, and environmental enrichment.
	Canine Distemper in Ferrets
	Canine distemper is a contagious disease caused by a virus. CDV can be transmitted to ferrets directly from infected animals of other species, or through contact with infected material such as shoes or clothing. In other words, you can bring CDV home if you are in contact with infected material in places such as the woods a pet store or a breeding facility. Using a canine distemper vaccine that is not approved for use in ferrets can also transmit CDV.
	Canine False Pregnancy and Female Reproduction
	We get a lot of questions about female dogs having their menstrual periods. In fact, the menstrual cycle is a primate phenomenon; dogs have an estrus cycle that includes a period of false pregnancy. This false pregnancy can last for weeks with the dog producing milk and sometimes mothering a soft toy.
	Canine Herpes Infection
	Canine herpes is more of a reproductive problem than a respiratory one; in fact, most infected dogs do not appear to get sick at all. Instead the infections manifests in the pregnancy as resorption of the litter of puppies, abortion, still birth, or death of puppies within a few weeks of life. Transmission occurs through direct contact (sexual contact will do it but the usual route is simply normal nosing, licking, and sniffing) between an infected and uninfected dog.
	Canine Hip Dysplasia
	Hip dysplasia is a common condition of large breed dogs and many dog owners have heard of it but the fact is that anyone owning a large breed dog or considering a large breed dog as a pet should become familiar with this condition. The larger the dog, the more likely the development of this problem becomes, particularly as the dog ages.
	Canine Influenza
	Canine influenza, or canine flu, is an emerging respiratory tract disease that is similar to, or mimics, bordetellosis (Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, kennel cough, infectious tracheobronchitis). However, unlike many cases of bordetellosis, the dog needs veterinary care.
	Canine Influenza
	Recently a number of pet dogs have been diagnosed with the illness in different areas of the U.S. and Canada. Because of these reports from veterinarians, a media frenzy has occurred and blown the seriousness of this condition way out of proportion.
	Canine Influenza (H3N8)
	A vaccine is now available.
	Canine Pancreatitis
	In pancreatitis, inflammation disrupts the normal integrity of the pancreas. Digestive enzymes that are normally safely stored in granules are released prematurely where they digest the body itself. The result can be a metabolic catastrophe. The living tissue becomes further inflamed and the tissue damage quickly involves the adjacent liver. Toxins released from this orgy of tissue destruction are released into the circulation and can cause a body-wide inflammatory response.
	Carriers of Strangles
	Some silent carriers of strangles do not test positive for the organisms until 3 months after their illness.
	Cataracts
	Cataracts are an important cause of blindness in the dog. Through special surgery, it may be possible to restore vision. Would you recognize a cataract if you saw one in your cat or dog?
	Cataracts in Diabetic Dogs
	Most diabetic dogs will develop cataracts and go blind. This FAQ can assist the owners of diabetic dogs in knowing what to expect and in decision-making regarding cataract surgery.
	Cataracts in Horses
	A cataract is a cloudy lesion that develops in the lens of the horse’s eye. It is important to realize the difference between a cataract, which involves the lens, versus a white or opaque coloring in the cornea.
	Cats and EPM
	The most common neurological disease of horses is equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, or EPM. Possums serve as the definitive host for the parasite called sarcocystis neuroma, which cause the disease. Possums are responsible for shedding the infective parasite. The cysts of the organism have been identified in the muscles of cats, raccoons, armadillos, sea otters, and skunks.
	Cats and Ferrets Had SARS in Laboratory Setting
	While researching appropriate medicine for humans infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), scientists discovered that cats and ferrets can get SARS from humans, at least in a laboratory. At present, no evidence exists to suggest that these species play a significant role in the epidemiology of SARS outbreaks.
	Cats with Broken Tails
	Cats get their tails pulled or broken through an assortment of traumas. One might think a tail break would involve an obvious external wound but usually this is not the case; instead, nerve damage (from stretching of the cauda equina nerves) is the usual tip-off.
	Cattle TB Test Update
	Texas cattle lost their class free tuberculosis status in 2002. To regain this class free status, Texas implemented a plan to find any remaining infected herds. The plan is to test all of the stat’s 850 dairies and 2,500 of the registered beef herds by the end of August of 2004.
	Causes of Colic in Horses #2
	Decrease of exercise and parasites can cause colic.
	Cervical (Neck) Disc Disease
	The pet can experience just some neck pain or complete paralysis of all four legs and no pain perception. An acute onset is an absolute emergency.
	Cherry Eye
	Has a red lump suddenly appeared in the corner of your pet’s eye? What does it mean and what should you do?
	Cholangiohepatitis in Cats
	The word cholangiohepatitis breaks down into “chol” (bile), “angio” (vessel), hepat (liver) and “itis” (inflammation). Putting this all together means inflammation of the liver and bile ducts. It is one of the four most common liver concerns in cats.
	Cholangiohepatitis in Horses
	Another cause of colic unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract is cholangiohepatitis. This is inflammation and infection of the bile duct that also extends into liver tissue. This infection usually develops from bacteria that enter the bile duct from the small intestine.
	Cholangitis and Cholangiohepatitis in Cats
	Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts) and cholangiohepatitis (inflammation of the bile ducts and the liver) are common problems in cats. Cats with cholangitis do not usually appear ill; cats with cholangiohepatitis usually appear ill.
	Chorioptic Mange in Horses
	Many horses can develop inflammation of the skin around the pastern, called pastern dermatitis or scratches. This area is itchy to the horse and thus hair loss occurs. Eventually, the area becomes infected and the skin becomes thickened. The cause of this condition is often unknown, but one known cause is a mite called Chorioptes equi and infestation with this mite is called chorioptic mange.
	Chronic Arthritis in Dogs
	Arthritis is common in people as nearly 50% of the people over 65 years of age are affected. Our pets, especially older dogs and horses, are also commonly affected with arthritis as they are living longer than ever before.
	Chronic Renal Failure Links
	See other sources of information on renal disease.
	Chronic Steroid Use
	There has never been a class of drug that has more application in disease treatment than the glucocorticoid class. Indeed, this group is rivaled only by antibiotics in lives saved. But side effects from the glucocorticoid group are numerous and can be classified into those seen with short-term use and those seen in long-term use.
	Chronic Wasting Disease
	Chronic wasting disease is an infectious neurological disease affecting North American deer and elk. This disease is similar to mad cow disease in cattle and scrapie in sheep.
	Chylothorax
	When the fluid filling the chest is lymph, the problem is called chylothorax. The fluid is milky when it is drained from the chest, and its whiteness comes being from fat. Chylothorax represents a specific problem and requires specific therapy.
	Clostridium Perfringens
	When pets get chronic diarrhea, one of the tests that sooner or later comes up is the test for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin. Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium and it produces an unpleasant toxin.
	Coccidia
	Coccidia are parasites that commonly infect young animals housed in groups. Coccidia causes a bloody diarrhea that can be severe enough to be life threatening for a small animal. It's a common infection.
	Coggins Test for EIA in Horses
	Most of you with horses have probably heard of a Coggins test, but many new horse owners may be unfamiliar with this test. First of all, Coggins is not a disease, but simply the name of the test. The disease we are testing for is equine infectious anemia, commonly called swamp fever.
	Colic Surgery
	In the 70s, horses that required colic surgery did not have a very good prognosis as many new anesthetic and surgical techniques for treating colics were just being developed. Today, the success rate of colic surgery is tremendously better.
	Colic in Fall
	One of the most common equine conditions we see in the fall is colic. As the weather changes, the number of horses with colic seems to increase.
	Colic in Horses
	Colic is probably the most common cause of death in horses. Although colic means abdominal pain from any source, most cases of colic involve the gastrointestinal tract. A study was done several years ago at Texas A&M by Dr. Noah Cohen and others to determine the factors that occurred in management to predispose horses to colic.
	Colitis in Horses
	Colitis in horses can be caused by many different things, but the most common are abrupt food changes, bacterial infection, use of antibiotics, and stress.
	Colitis: An FAQ
	Colitis means inflammation of the colon and that spells diarrhea - often with fresh blood or mucus - and straining and discomfort for the pet, as well as a mess to clean up.
	Congenital Hypothyroidism in Foals
	Congenital hypothyroidism in foals was reported in increasing numbers in 2004 in western Canada. Foals that have these low thyroid hormone levels may develop contracted tendons, protruding lower jaws, and the inability to stand.
	Congenital Patellar Luxation
	Patella luxation, or knee dislocation, can range in severity from a patella that can be dislocated only in extreme extension and then snaps readily into place, to a patella that is permanently luxated medially (towards the center of the dog’s body).
	Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs
	Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of heart failure in dogs. Congestive heart failure is usually a slow but progressive disease with two major causes in dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs in middle aged and older large breed dogs. The other major cause of congestive heart failure in dogs, mitral valve insufficiency, is usually observed in older small breed dogs.
	Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs #2
	When listening to the chest of these dogs with left heart failure through a stethoscope, sounds typical of pulmonary edema can be heard as well as a fairly severe heart murmur in the location of the mitral valve. Dogs with right heart failure usually have an enlarged abdomen, distended jugular veins, and sometimes a soft murmur.
	Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs #3
	Treatments attempt to decrease the detrimental action by the pet’s own body, promote tissue perfusion, decrease excess fluid in body cavities and tissues, and stabilize the heart rate and rhythm.
	Constipation and Megacolon
	Difficulty in passing stool can mean extra effort (constipation) or complete impossibility (obstipation). Management can be surgical or with medication, depending on severity. Find out the difference, and find out what Megacolon is, too, on this informative page.
	Controlling Diabetes Mellitus Without Insulin
	When the body is not able to produce insulin at all, there is no choice but to give insulin injections. Sometimes, however, the body can produce some insulin, just not enough. In this situation, there may be some room for alternative therapy. Read on.
	Corneal Disease and Cataracts in Horses
	Although there are many different reasons the horse’s eye can develop a white coloration, the most common are corneal disease and cataracts.
	Corneal Ulcers and Erosions
	A scratch or scrape on the eye is extremely painful, causing squinting, redness and excess tears. What do you need to know about taking care of a pet with this condition? Read about the diagnosis and treatment of corneal ulcers and erosions.
	Cortisone and Laminitis
	Every year thousands of horses receive cortisone injections in their joints to treat arthritis. For many years, it has been believed cortisone can cause founder in horses. However, this has not been scientifically proven.
	Cribbing and Colic
	A specific cause of colic is called epiploic foramen entrapment. The epiploic foramen is a potential space between the liver and pancreas in the horse and it is possible for a portion of the small intestine to get trapped in this space. If the small intestine gets trapped, it is cut off from its blood supply and will die, causing death if not repaired surgically.
	Cryotherapy and Laminitis
	Laminitis is a condition in horses that causes severe lameness and sometimes death. Probably more research money has been spent on laminitis than any other equine disease and yet much of the actual process is not understood.
	Cryptorchid Stallions
	A fairly common problem in stallions is cases in which one testicle does not descend down into the scrotum, and the horse is called a cryptorchid.
	Cryptorchidism (Retained Testicles)
	Cryptorchidism is a condition in which a male’s testicles have not descended (dropped) into the scrotum. Some cryptorchid animals are sterile and some are not.
	Cryptorchidism in Horses
	Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles are not in the scrotum.
	Cryptosporidium: A Particularly Nasty Type of Coccidia
	Cryptosporidium are similar to Coccidia and, until recent advances in molecular biology showed us otherwise, they were believed to be simply another species of Coccidia. They have some particularly unpleasant features.
	Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) (14)
	This condition represents a classical excess in cortisone-type hormone circulation in the body. Both cats and dogs can be affected (though it is primarily a dog's disease) and the onset is insidious. We have assembled an information center to answer all your questions on this relatively common hormone imbalance.
	Cushing’s Disease in Horses
	Because horses are now living longer than ever before, we are seeing many horses with a hormonal condition called equine Cushing’s disease. One of the most common symptoms of equine Cushing’s disease is a long hair coat that does not shed out after the winter.
	Degenerative Myelopathy
	Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of undetermined cause that affects a dog's spinal cord. It results in a loss of coordination of the hind legs, which progresses to weakness and then to paralysis of the hindquarters.
	Degenerative Valve Disease
	Degenerative valve disease (DVD) refers to a noninfectious degeneration of the cardiac valves. DVD accounts for about 75% of cardiovascular disease in dogs but is uncommon in cats.
	Dehydration in Horses
	Two major factors cause dehydration: One is not drinking enough water, and second is loosing fluids faster than they are being replaced.
	Demodectic Mange
	This condition is also called red mange. It is not contagious, but it does have a hereditary component. What are the options for treatment?
	Demodectic Mange in Cats
	Demodectic mange in dogs is extremely common, especially in puppies. Demodicosis in cats is much more unusual.
	Demodicosis (Red Mange)
	Demodicosis (red mange) is a skin disease caused by a small mite not visible to the naked eye. This mite lives down in the root of the hair. All normal dogs have a small population of mites, but only certain animals will get a disease from mite overgrowth. In some cases, the tendency to develop demodectic mange runs in families.
	Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats #1
	Diabetes mellitus, commonly called sugar diabetes by many people, is a common disease in dogs and cats. It is characterized by insulin deficiency or dysfunction that results in increased glucose concentration in the blood.
	Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats #2
	Treatment of diabetes mellitus involves treatment of any concurrent illnesses, medication to lower the blood glucose concentration, and dietary management. Dogs, as they have insulin dependent diabetes, require insulin injections for treatment. About 30% of cats have non-insulin dependent diabetes and will respond to oral hypoglycemic agents, at least initially.
	Diarrhea and Vomiting
	Diarrhea is the frequent evacuation of watery stools. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
	Dilated Cardiomyopathy
	Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common acquired heart diseases in dogs. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle.
	Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
	Known as “collie nose,” discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an inflammatory skin disease seen in dogs and, very rarely, in cats. It usually affects the face and nose. It’s possible that DLE is a non-systemic type of systemic lupus erythematosus, but it isn’t as serious as SLE.
	Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
	Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an extreme complication of numerous already life-threatening conditions leading to the deregulation of the body’s natural mechanisms of blood clotting and blood clot dissolving.
	Distal Hock Joint Arthritis in Horses
	One of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in horses is arthritis of the hock.
	Distemper
	Most of us have heard of distemper infection for dogs and gather it is very bad. The basic vaccine for dogs is the distemper shot, which vaccinates against distemper, parvovirus and some minor kennel cough agents. Luckily, this is all most people ever hear of distemper.
	Distichiasis
	Distichiasis is quite common in dogs. Distichiasis is a condition in which extra hairs grow out of the eyelash area.
	Draxxin Treatment For Caseous Lymphadentitis
	There are two new techniques to treat these cases in Boer goats using an antibiotic called draxxin that is approved for respiratory disease in cattle and swine.
	Drug Use in Acute Laminitis #1
	Laminitis is one of the most severe conditions that can develop in horses.
	Drug Use in Acute Laminitis #2
	Probably the number one drug used to treat acute laminitis is phenylbutazone, commonly called bute.
	Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
	Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS, is a fancy way of saying the eye is dry. There are many causes of dry eye, but the most common one appears to be immune mediated destruction of the tear-producing gland tissue.
	Dummy Foals (HIE) #2
	HIE is the cause of so-called dummy or wandering foals. HIE is believed to be due to lack of oxygen to the foal before or at the time of birth.
	Dust Mites: Minimizing Exposure
	Dust mites feed off of skin scales and dander shed by humans and animals. mites love bedding, carpeting, and anywhere they can find a hiding place with the likelihood of skin dander being present. Dust mites also require a relatively high humidity in the home to truly thrive.
	Dystocia in Mares
	The term used to describe difficulty in giving birth is called dystocia. Dystocia in mares is considered a true emergency where minutes can make a difference in the survival of the foal. Dystocia should be handled as quickly as possible to decrease trauma to the reproductive tract.
	EEE Reported in Texas
	We have talked many times on this program about West Nile virus in horses and that vaccination is mandatory in Texas to prevent the disease. I’ve also mentioned that West Nile is not the only disease that can cause neurological symptoms and we should not forget about vaccinating for other diseases as well.
	EPM
	A neurological disease of horses is called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, or EPM. We are not sure why some horses develop the disease and others do not, but some possibilities are that it depends on the actual strain of organism involved, the number or organisms to which the horse is exposed, and the immunity of the horse to fight off the parasite.
	EPM
	Diagnosis of EPM is difficult and can be very confusing due to lack of a definitive test. Horses that have a positive Western Blot test on spinal fluid that is not contaminated with blood and have clinical symptoms, are treated with antiprotozoal drugs.
	EPM
	The newer treatment of this disease is with a drug called marquis. Prevention of EPM is centered around removal of opossums and decreasing the number of small mammals and birds around the barn area.
	Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)
	Did you know the most common cause of recurrent ear infections is allergic skin disease? What do you do to keep the ear scratching and head shaking from becoming chronic?
	Ectopic Ureters
	If your puppy has an ectopic ureter or even two, the only chance at resolving the incontinence is through surgery. This is expensive and often unsuccessful so it is important to know what you're getting into.
	Effect of Alfalfa Hay on Equine Gastric Ulcers
	Up to 90% of race horses in training have ulcers, and it is believed a large percentage of other types of performance horses also have ulcers.
	Ehrlichia Infection in Dogs
	Ehrlichia are a type of bacteria that infect and live within the white blood cells of their hosts. Different types of Ehrlichia live in different types of white blood cells. Hosts can be human, pet, or wild animals. They are spread from host to host by tick bites.
	Elbow Dysplasia
	Elbow dysplasia is the most common cause of front limb lameness in the young dog, especially of the larger breeds. Elbow dysplasia can take several different forms.
	Elbow Hygroma
	The usual patient for this condition is a short-haired large breed dog, usually an adolescent, brought in for assessment of a fluid-filled swelling at the point of one or both elbows. This is the classical presentation of the “elbow hygroma,” the body’s response to chronic trauma to the point of the elbow.
	Endometritis in the Mare #1
	Endometritis, or inflammation of the uterus, is a common cause of reduced fertility in mares.
	Endometritis in the Mare #2
	Mares can also develop endometritis after foaling due to contamination during the process, damage to the reproductive tract during foaling, or a delay in passing the fetal membranes.
	Enterolithiasis
	Enterolithiasis is the presence of a calculus, or stone, in the intestinal tract of the horse. When the enterolith becomes lodged in the colon, it prevents movement of ingesta and as gas accumulates, severe colic develops.
	Enteroliths in Horses
	A specific cause of colic called an enterolith causes an intestinal obstruction.
	Entropion
	Entropion is an uncomfortable or painful condition in which the animal’s eyelids roll inward, allowing the eyelashes (or other hair) to rub against the cornea and irritate it. The upper and/or lower eyelids can be involved, and the condition can occur in either one eye or both.
	Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
	Feline allergic skin disease can take some highly ulcerative forms, especially involving the upper lip. EGC is a hard condition to explain, especially since it has several forms, but we’ll give it a try.
	Epistaxis: The Bloody Nose
	Some blood-tinged droplets sneezed on the floor might be the only sign or there might be a steady bloody drip from one or both nostrils. These findings are alarming as well as messy and we want to identify the cause and take care of it promptly. The problem is that there are many causes and not all of them are localized to the nose, and many are serious diseases.
	Equine Anhidrosis
	In hot and humid weather, a serious problem in horses can develop called anhidrosis. Anhidrosis is a lack of sweating, and sweating is required to aid in cooling the horse.
	Equine Canker
	Canker is a disease of the frog in the horse’s hoof that appears initially as a white or yellow growth at the frog.
	Equine Colic Update
	Colic is the most common cause of death in horses over 30 days of age.
	Equine Corneal Ulcers
	A common condition, corneal ulcers are usually from trauma to the horse’s eye. This injury can be from blunt trauma to the eye, or as simple as irritation of the eye by a small piece of hay. Regardless, a corneal ulcer is a serious condition.
	Equine Cushing’s Disease
	The most common equine hormonal disease is equine Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism. Equine Cushing’s disease is diagnosed more commonly now than in the past because it is common in older horses, and horses are living longer than ever thanks to advances in equine health care.
	Equine Flu in Dogs
	Most viruses in people and animals are generally host specific. One exception we are dealing with currently is vesicular stomatitis virus that infects horses, cattle, sheep, swine, and deer. However, with few exceptions, viruses that infect horses, for instance, generally do not infect cattle or dogs.
	Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
	In some situations, up to 90% of performance horses in some situations have ulcers.
	Equine Gastric Ulcers
	Stomach ulceration in horses has generally been believed to occur mostly in horses during race training or other strenuous training. However, a recent study indicates otherwise.
	Equine Herpes Virus #1
	Many of you may have heard about the outbreak of equine herpes virus at Churchill Downs in Kentucky in spring of 2005. This virus caused nervous system disease. It is actually the same as the disease rhino that you have probably vaccinated your horse against.
	Equine Herpes Virus #2
	Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication and fluids. Although I mentioned earlier that many of you may have vaccinated your horse for this disease, the vaccines available are not very effective.
	Equine Herpes Virus Vaccination
	In most circumstances EHV vaccination requirements for adult horses may not be such a good idea.
	Equine Motor Neuron Disease
	Equine motor neuron disease or EMND, is a neurological disorder of horses.
	Equine Nutrition and Glycemic Index
	Some horses are sensitive to high carbohydrate rations.
	Equine Pastern Dermatitis
	We are continuing to see increased numbers of cases of pastern dermatitis in horses that I suspect are related to wet conditions.
	Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)
	EPM is a nervous system disease in horses related to opossums.
	Equine Recurrent Uveitis-Moon Blindness
	Probably the most common eye disease in horses is equine recurrent uveitis, also called moon blindness or periodic ophthalmia. The treatment of this disease involves both topical and systemic anti-inflammatory medication to decrease damage to internal ocular structures.
	Equine Viral Arteritis
	Equine arteritis virus, or EVA, is a viral disease. Quarter horse breeders are concerned about this disease because it can cause abortions in pregnant mares, deaths in young foals, and most importantly can cause breeding stallions to become permanent carriers of the virus.
	Euthanasia
	The decision to euthanize a pet should be one that you always look back upon and know that the best decision was made and that you would make the same decision again in the same situation. So how do you know if it is time?
	Evidence-Based Treatment for Laminitis
	Laminitis and founder are related conditions that can occur in horses at any age and can have devastating consequences.
	Exercise Induced Gastric Ulcers #1
	Human and animal athletes are reported to have a high incidence of stomach ulcers compared to the rest of the population.
	Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
	Generally a high digestibility diet is the best choice for an EPI patient. These foods are low in fiber and fat and may be especially helpful for patients with trouble gaining weight. Many animals simply use enzymes mixed with their regular food.
	Eye Injury in Horses
	A horse’s eyes seem to be more sensitive to injury than many other domestic animals. Or at least it seems the same injuries cause more problems in a horse than many other animals.
	FIV Vaccine
	There is now a vaccine available for feline immunodeficiency virus, commonly called feline AIDS or FIV. However, there are some concerns about its use.
	Feeding Horses with Pasture-Associated Laminitis
	The most common cause of laminitis in horses is related to pasture.
	Feline Asthma
	If your cat needs to open its mouth to breathe or if its abdomen moves excessively as it breathes (and it's not purring), then it may be suffering from feline asthma. Asthma is a recurring respiratory compromise that occurs when the lung airways constrict either spontaneously or in response to stimuli that normally should not cause a reaction.
	Feline Cardiomyopathy
	Cardiomyopathy means heart muscle disease: • Cardio = heart • Myo = muscle • Pathy = disease
	Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)
	Feline distemper, caused by a parvovirus, is a life-threatening disease. The virus is considered ubiquitous, meaning it is in virtually every place that is not regularly disinfected. The infection is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats, usually kittens and young adult cats living in groups. Barn cats, feral colonies, animal shelter groups, pet stores, and rescue facilities are high risk for outbreaks.
	Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis (Infectious Anemia)
	The infected cat's immune system is busy coating infected red blood cells with antibodies. Coated red blood cells are removed from the circulation by the spleen. This kills the organism, and the iron is harvested and recycled into new red blood cells. The problem is that so many red blood cells are being destroyed that the cat becomes anemic.
	Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
	A compulsive disorder, feline hyperesthesia syndrome usually begins is also known as self-mutilation syndrome, rolling skin syndrome, twitchy cat disease, and atypical neurodermatitis. What happens is that affected cats have episodes in which the skin twitches, the body jerks around suddenly, and the tail moves far more than usual.
	Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
	Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) does not have a single cause. In order to diagnose FHS, ruling out other conditions that resemble FHS is often required. Only by ruling out other conditions can this syndrome be labeled a behavioral disorder.
	Feline Idiopathic Cystitis
	“Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease” was formerly known as “FUS” and is actually a set of symptoms that can’t be classified as a real disease. Click here to see what the symptoms are and possible treatments for them.
	Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
	FIV is a virus that causes AIDS in cats; however, there is a long asymptomatic period before AIDS occurs and our job is to prolong this asymptomatic period.
	Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
	FIP is a serious disease with near 100% mortality, no good test, no good treatment, and no good vaccine. If your cat is an FIP suspect, we know how painful the lack of knowing can be. We hope these resources can provide facts and understanding during this difficult time.
	Feline Infectious Peritonitis – what you Need to Know!
	FIP remains a daunting disease—its pathogenesis is unclear, it can be difficult to diagnose, and it is uniformly fatal. While research has not answered all the questions, more is being learned, diagnostic tests are improving, and treatment may be on the horizon. This review offers an update on current knowledge about FIP.
	Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
	Feline leukemia virus, a retrovirus, is a common infection of cats. It is the cause of more cat deaths, directly or indirectly, than any other organism and is widespread in the cat population.
	Feline Oxalate Bladder Stones
	Most calcium oxalate stones develop in cats between ages 5 and 14 years. 35% of cats with calcium oxalate bladder stones have elevated blood calcium (hypercalcemia). Burmese and Himalayan cats appear genetically predisposed to the development of calcium oxalate bladder stones.
	Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
	Does your cat sneeze, have runny eyes, and a runny nose? A cold for a cat is usually just a nuisance as a cold usually is for one of us. Sometimes, though, an upper respiratory infection can be serious.
	Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
	Imagine your dog is happily playing in the yard, jumps up to catch a ball, lands badly, and comes up not just lame but not really able to use a back leg normally at all. The toes knuckle under, perhaps. Maybe he sort tilts downward, unable to rise all the way up in the back end. You check him over, trying to find where it hurts and it simply does not seem to hurt at all.
	Flatulence
	Flatulence is a normal biological function.
	Flea Anemia
	We all know fleas are a nuisance and can lead to itching and dermatitis, but did you know a heavy flea infestation can be life threatening? The owners of most victims were not aware of the problem. Read more about this condition and who’s most at risk.
	Fly Bite Dermatitis in Horses
	This spring we have seen a large number of horses with small scabs on their lower legs. These scabs are from fly bites as there are a large number of biting flies in the pastures.
	Foal Viral Diarrhea
	Rotavirus is the most common viral disease causing diarrhea in foals less than 2 months of age as rotaviral particles have been found in 30% of young foals with diarrhea. Rota virus is very contagious and difficult to control as the virus can remain in the ground for 9 months.
	Food Allergies
	Have an itchy pet all year round? Maybe there is a food allergy. Just changing to a new diet probably won’t be enough. Find out what to do here and see if your pet fits the profile for this condition.
	Forage For Horses
	Many of the gastrointestinal problems we see in horses today are actually caused by man as we have changed the natural tendencies of the horse in many cases. Because of many horse owners current management practices, training practices and feeding practices, horses are kept in small areas or stalls that benefit our lifestyle and not theirs.
	Fractures in Dogs and Cats
	If this article has caught your attention, it may be that your pet has had the misfortune of suffering a fractured bone. This is a traumatic experience for both you and your pet and there are a few things you should know to help both of you make the best of a bad situation!
	Fur Mowing (Feline)
	Got a cat with a large balding spot? Wondering why the fur is falling out? Chances are excellent that the fur isn't falling out at all; it is being licked off instead. Is the cat anxious? Obsessive? Maybe, but it’s likely that the cat is just plain itchy. There is generally a medical approach to this problem.
	Gastric Ulcers Equine #1
	Excess stomach or gastric acid is a major problem in horses as well as people, and can lead to gastric ulcers. The cause of these ulcers is mostly management related. Horses continually secrete acid, even when not eating.
	Gastric Ulcers Equine #2
	The combination of intense training, high concentrate rations, small amounts of hay, and stalling all add up to causing the ulcers. If ulcers develop, the most common treatments in horses involve decreasing acid production.
	Gastric Ulcers Omeprazole Dose
	Effective treatment of gastric ulcers in horses focuses on increasing the pH of the stomach contents by decreasing the production of gastric acid. The most effective approved product to decrease acid production is the drug omeprazole, produced under the trade name Gastroguard.
	Gastric Ulcers Sucrose Test
	This new test, called a sucrose permeability test, is performed on the horse’s urine. This test is fairly simple and inexpensive as a pound of sucrose in water is given to the horse by nasogastric tube.
	Gastric Ulcers in Horses
	Recent information has revealed that stomach ulcers are much more common in horses that we previously thought.
	Genetic Diseases in Horses 6/1/05
	Researchers have identified over 13,000 genetically inherited traits in humans, and more than 5,000 of these are diseases or abnormalities. Some of these diseases also occur in animals.
	Glaucoma in Horses 10/22/04
	Glaucoma is a condition in which the intraocular pressure is increased above normal. One reason the disease seems to be more common is that we now have a more accurate method of measuring the pressure. Measurement of eye pressure in horses has been difficult because the instrument used in dogs and cats is inaccurate in horses due to the position of the horse’s eye.
	Glomerulonephritis
	In glomerular disease, holes are punched out in the filtration system, allowing molecules that the body needs to keep entering the urine flow and be urinated away. Chronic inflammation leads to the holes in the filtration system.
	Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis (GME)
	Most people have never heard of GME or any other form of central nervous system reticulosis until they have a dog with progressive neurologic disease. Frequently what the owner is told is that GME is an inflammatory disease that acts in many ways like cancer and that very little is known about it.
	Halitosis (Bad Breath)
	Halitosis, also called bad breath, is as an offensive odor emanating from the oral cavity. Bad breath is a common presenting pet odor complaint. Causes may be commonly be related to the mouth or rarely related to other health problems.
	Head Shaking in Horses 7/20/04
	Horses can shake their heads for many different reasons, such as irritation from insects, ear infection or ear ticks, teeth problems, nasal infections, and many others. However, the photic head shaking syndrome in horses occurs without an external influence or stimuli. Some horses can head shake so severely that they are unridable and can be dangerous.
	Head Tilt in House Rabbits
	Head tilts in rabbits are seen with some frequency and can be caused by a variety of diseases. Another common name for head tilt is “wry neck” and the “scientific” name is vestibular disease (which can include other signs besides the head tilt). Rabbits exhibiting a head tilt also experience a loss of balance. They may fall over or walk in circles.
	Headshaking in Horses
	All horses shake their heads to some extent, but horses with headshaking shake so severely that they may not be able to be ridden or can be dangerous to handle
	Heart Failure Therapy
	When the heart is not able to pump out the volume of blood it receives (backward failure) or cannot pump out enough blood to supply oxygen to the body (forward failure), the goal is to avoid or resolve a life-threatening crisis. Once the short-term disaster is resolved, we look to a more long-term therapy plan.
	Heart Murmurs
	A heart murmur is one of several types of abnormal sounds your veterinarian can hear when listening to your pet’s heart with a stethoscope. The murmur itself is not treated; the underlying cause of the murmur may or may not be treated.
	Heartworm Information (4)
	Heartworm is a parasite that most dog owners and many cat owners have to be concerned about. The more you know, the better protected your pet can become. We have put together an information center to take you through the parasite's biology, the preventive medications, diagnosis, and treatment.
	Heartworm: The Parasite
	Heartworm is a very serious problem in many areas of the country. What questions do you have about the disease, its treatment and its prevention>
	Heaves in Horses 11/16/05
	Symptoms of heaves are difficulty breathing, coughing, exercise intolerance, and abnormal lung sounds. A characteristic sign of heaves is the horse has more difficulty exhaling than inhaling.
	Heaves in Horses 11/4/04
	One respiratory condition in horses is called heaves or recurrent airway obstruction. Heaves is caused by allergens in the air that cause inflammation of the airways in the horse’s lungs. This inflammation decreases the amount of air that the horse receives and makes it difficult for the horse to breathe.
	Heel Bulb Lacerations in Horses 12/19/06
	If a joint or tendon sheath is involved and it is not treated quickly, many of these infections will require a horse to be euthanized from joint infection.
	Helicobacter 1/5/04
	Gastric ulcers are a common disease in people, and 70% of all gastric ulcers in the United States are reported to be caused by Helicobacter, a gram negative spiral-shaped bacteria.
	Helicobacter Infection
	This bacterium is not new but focus on it by both the veterinary and human medical community certainly is. The role of Helicobacter in stomach ulcer formation is now well recognized. If you have a pet with chronic nausea, you may want to be familiar with this infection.
	Hemangiopericytoma
	Hemangiopericytoma is a common tumor in dogs. It does not spread the way one normally thinks of cancer. It does tend to recur at the site where it was originally removed. If left alone, this tumor eventually becomes inoperable, disfiguring, and lethal though generally this takes years.
	Hemangiosarcoma
	Hemangiosarcoma has three classic locations: skin and subcutaneous forms, splenic forms, and heart-based forms. With the exception of the skin form, which can often be eliminated by surgery, a diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma is bad news.
	Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
	Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a potentially life-threatening intestinal condition of dogs that manifests as sudden onset bloody, watery diarrhea.
	Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver)
	The liver failure cat is jaundiced, inappetant, frequently nauseated, and generally an obviously ill animal.
	Herpes Viral Conjunctivitis: A Feline Problem
	Conjunctivitis in cats is usually of viral origin and usually that means a Herpesvirus. Herpesvirus grow in the tissues of the body that interface with the environment, such as the upper respiratory tissues and conjunctivae.
	High Blood Pressure (Systemic Hypertension) in our Pets
	High blood pressure is an extremely important concern in human medicine. High stress lifestyle, smoking, and high salt diet all contribute to this potentially dangerous condition and virtually everyone in the U.S. knows how serious it can be. But what about our pets? They don’t smoke or worry about the mortgage and they don’t deposit cholesterol in their blood vessels. They do, however, get high blood pressure, especially in age and here is what you probably should know.
	Hind Gut Acidosis and Sodium Bicarbonate in Horses
	Horse intestines are designed to digest mostly forage in small quantities all day long; we wonder why they develop problems when we try to feed them large amounts of grain and put them in stalls.
	Hip Dislocation
	Hip dislocation is the common term for the separation of the femoral head from the pelvic acetabulum. The more medical term is hip luxation, and you will probably hear your veterinarian use this term. In order for the hip to luxate, trauma must be severe enough to break the capital ligament. The femur almost always luxates the same way: up and forward.
	Histiocytoma
	The histiocytoma is a tumor originating from what is called a Langerhans cell. This cell lives in the skin and serves as part of the immune system by processing incoming antigens and presenting them to other immunologic cells.
	Hock Disease in Horses 4/3/07
	If your horse is not performing up to potential, the problem may be the hock joints. The hock joint is on the lower rear leg just below the stifle. Inflammation in this joint can cause a prolonged time in speed events, reduced stopping or turning abilities, knocking down rails, refusing jumps, or trouble picking up different leads.
	Hookworms
	The adult hookworm lives in the small intestine of its host. It hangs on to the intestinal wall using its six sharp teeth and unlike other worms that just absorb the digested food through their skin as it passes by, the hookworm drinks its host's blood. Humans can get hookworms too.
	Horner's Syndrome
	Slight squint, small pupil, raised third eyelid... it all looks pretty strange, as if something is wrong with the eye. In fact, it is not the eye itself that is the problem, but rather it is a nerve problem. Read more about this symptom and its causes.
	Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis, Pyotraumatic Dermatitis, Superficial Pyoderma
	A hot spot is a superficial skin infection that results when the normal skin bacteria overrun the skin’s defenses as a result of damage to the skin surface.
	Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain)
	This condition literally means "water head" and is more commonly referred to as water on the brain. The central nervous system is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid that is secreted by chambers inside the brain. When fluid builds up, there is no room in the brain for extra volume and disaster can result. This condition is particularly common in dome-headed puppies.
	Hypercalcemia
	Elevated calcium starts with the bones. They receive an inappropriate message to mobilize their calcium. This message is either from excess parathyroid hormone or from high amounts of parathyroid hormone-related protein. When calcium is removed from the bones, all that's left is a fibrous scaffold, which is not really strong enough to support us. Our bones break, even fold.
	Hyperlipidemia
	Hyperlipidemia is a general term for disorders in which too many fat molecules (called lipids) circulate in the blood. The two most important lipids in pets are cholesterol and triglycerides.
	Hyperthyroidism Treatment Options
	Three methods of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism are discussed.
	Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
	Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common acquired heart diseases in cats but very rare in dogs.
	Hypocalcemia: Low Blood Calcium
	Calcium is such a crucial component of our biochemistry that virtually any complete blood panel, whether human or veterinary, will include a measurement of calcium. Our bodies go to tremendous lengths to regulate our blood calcium levels within a narrow range. We need a storage source to draw upon for when we need more circulating calcium as well as a system to unload excess.
	Hypothyroidism
	Healthy skin and a normal hair coat are the same result of many factors, both external and internal. There are several glands in the body responsible for the production of hormones that are vital for the regulation of other body functions as well as a normal skin surface and hair coat.
	Hypothyroidism in Dogs
	Hypothyroidism is the most common hormone imbalance in dogs. While it seems like it would be a simple subject, there are complexities.
	Hypothyroidism in Pregnant Mares 1/11/07
	For many years it was believed that hypothyroidism was a fairly common syndrome in horses, as it is in dogs and humans.
	Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
	We depend on red blood cells to bring oxygen to our tissues and carry waste gases away. Without enough red blood cells we die. We can lose blood cells from bleeding, but sometimes our immune system gets confused and destroys them by mistake. What can we do when this happens?
	Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT)
	Platelets can be mistaken by the immune system as invaders. When this happens, antibodies coat the platelets and the spleen's phagocytes remove them in numbers up to 10 times greater than the normal platelet removal rate.
	Immunotherapy for Allergies
	Most people know someone who gets periodic “allergy shots” for airborne allergies. What this means is that a special individually-made serum is created using small amounts of allergens (proteins against which the person reacts). It works for dogs and cats, too.
	Infectious Arthritis in Foals
	The most common cause of joint infection is bacteria that gets in the blood stream and ends up in the joints. Treatment of these joint infections must be aggressive.
	Inflammatory Airway Disease In Horses 1/20/06
	A new lower respiratory disease called inflammatory airway disease has recently been recognized in young performance horses. Heaves is a lower respiratory disease that has been recognized for many years but inflammatory airway disease is different than heaves as heaves usually involves older horses.
	Inflammatory Airway Disease in Horses
	Inflammatory airway disease in horses is more common than most realize, although it is not infectious.
	Inflammatory Airway Disease in Horses 5/11/06
	Respiratory problems are common in horses and can be a major reason for poor performance. Inflammatory airway disease is becoming a common diagnosis in many of these horses and common signs are poor racing performance, coughing, and excess mucous in the airways.
	Inflammatory Bowel Disease
	Does your pet seem to have chronic vomiting or diarrhea? Those can be signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
	Insulin Resistance in Horses
	If you have a horse with a cresty neck or other abnormal fat deposits, your horse may be insulin resistant. Insulin-resistant horses have been shown to be susceptible to laminitis so it is important to know which horses are insulin resistant and how to prevent problems.
	Insulin and Laminitis
	More horses actually develop laminitis due to hormonal problems that any other reason.
	Intermittent Soft Cecotropes in Rabbits
	This condition is the cause of numerous euthanasias and surrenders to shelters due to the high maintenance involved in cleaning the pet and the environment on a daily basis. In a nutshell, the problem is not the production of soft stool (the waste material that makes up the round, dry droppings) but that the cecotropes, the nutrient-rich droppings produced by the cecum, are abnormally liquid and cannot be eaten.
	Interstitial Cystitis
	Many cat owners are familiar with the signs of feline lower urinary disease in the cat. It amounts to bladder pain, straining, and bloody urine. Interstitial cystitis (cystitis simply means inflammed bladder) is a human disease that is also characterized by excruciating bladder pain and straining.
	Intervertebral Disk Disease (Herniations of the Disk)
	Intervertebral disk herniations are most common in the long, low chondrodystrophic breeds. Mild cases may be managed medically. Paralyzed or chronically affected dogs usually require surgery.
	Intestinal Lymphangiectasia: An Important Cause of Intestinal Protein Loss
	Protein-losing enteropathy is a fancy way of saying that protein is being lost from the body through the intestine. This is a serious problem as the body's proteins are not easily replaced and the only way to replace them involves the absorption of protein constituents from the intestine.
	Iris Coloboma
	The iris coloboma, which is relatively common, does not affect vision, and it does not progress to anything else.
	Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
	Irritable bowel syndrome is a psychosomatic disease. This means that it is the activity of the mind that causes the symptoms. Most people do not have difficulty imagining having so much anxiety that diarrhea results. Chronic anxiety can similarly result in chronic diarrhea. This is basically what irritable bowel syndrome is all about.
	Itching and Allergy in Cats
	Coping with an itchy pet can be an extremely frustrating experience for you, the pet owner, and can truly test the limits of the human-animal bond. Persistent scratching and grooming by a cat can also result in more skin damage and even cause open wounds.
	Kennel Cough
	Infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough, is a complex of infections rather than infection by a single agent. Find out how infection occurs, how serious it may be, how it is treated, and understand the vaccination.
	Kidney Dialysis: Is it for your Pet?
	Most every animal hospital can provide diuresis: a therapy where extra fluid beyond what the patient can drink is provided, thus giving the kidney its medium so that it can remove toxic waste. This works well but there comes a time when even with plenty of fluids, the sick kidney simply cannot get the toxins out. For most patients this is the end of the line. In fact, diuresis may be another choice, though it is substantially more expensive than diuresis and dialysis centers for pets are still few and far between.
	Kidney Failure: Where to Begin
	Chronic kidney, or renal, failure is common among geriatric pets. As treatment frequently is long term, owners should understand their options. Topics discussed include definitions, medications used in treatment, diagnostics/helpful testing, and monitoring.
	Lacerations of Synovial Structures in Horses 8/9/06
	When a laceration occurs, how do you tell if a joint of tendon sheath is involved?
	Lameness in Sheep and Goats #1
	Laminitis or founder also occurs in goats. Other common causes of lameness are footrot and foot abscesses.
	Lameness in Sheep and Goats #2
	A common cause of arthritis is called joint ill. This is an infection that develops from the blood or from contamination of the umbilical cord at birth. Mycoplasma is another organism that causes arthritis and is from milk that contains the organism. A copper deficiency can also cause leg problems in which the legs deviate and are crooked.
	Laminitis #1 6/24/05
	One of the most devastating conditions that affects horses is founder, also called laminitis. It is called laminitis because the disease is characterized by inflammation of the lamina in the horse’s foot, and the lamina is the tissue that attaches the bone in the foot to the hoof wall.
	Laminitis #2 6/27/05
	Founder is difficult to treat when the reason it occurs is unknown. By the time the horse is showing symptoms of laminitis, structural and vascular damage has already occurred in the foot and the disease has a head start on any treatment.
	Laminitis #3 6/28/05
	In cases of acute founder, support of the sole is the most important thing. This can be accomplished by standing the horse in deep sand. This is the easiest approach and works well.
	Laryngeal Paralysis
	Laryngeal paralysis results when the abductor muscles of the larynx cannot work properly. This means no expanding and opening of the larynx for a deep breath; the laryngeal folds simply flop weakly and flaccidly. This means that when one needs a deep breath, one doesn’t get one. This can create tremendous anxiety (imagine attempting to take a deep breath and finding that you simply cannot). Anxiety leads to more rapid breathing and more distress. A respiratory crisis from the partial obstruction can emerge creating an emergency and even death.
	Lead Poisoning
	The most common cause of lead poisoning in pets is ingestion of lead-based paint. Although lead-based paint is no longer available in the United States, it was used in buildings for many years.
	Lead Poisoning In Cattle 9/30/04
	One of the most common toxicants in cattle is lead poisoning. Lead has been recognized as toxic for over a thousand years and still causes poisoning in people, wildlife, and domestic animals.
	Legg-Perthes Disease
	This disease produces lameness of the hip joint in young, small breed dogs.
	Leptospirosis
	This is infection can be caught by humans as well as by canines. Learn about the leptospira organism, and how we test, treat and vaccinate against the disease (in dogs, that is).
	Leptospirosis and Your Pet: A CDC Fact Sheet
	A fact sheet from the CDC answers questions about the risk of people getting leptospirosis from their pets.
	Lick Granuloma
	Lick granuloma (acral lick granuloma, acral lick dermatitis) is a common, stubborn skin disease that is directly caused by the dog licking an area of the body.
	Lipomas (Fatty Lumps)
	A lipoma is a soft, round, moveable lump or bump of fatty tissue under the skin. Because they do not cause pain, infection, or hair loss, they’re usually spotted by owners when petting or grooming their pets.
	Liver Disorders in Horses #1 8/5/05
	Diseases of the liver can be acute or chronic. Liver disease can be caused by long-term exposure to poisons, cancer of the liver, or infections. Liver disease that affects foals from birth are usually related to an abnormality of the large blood vessels.
	Liver Disorders in Horses #2 8/8/05
	The most common liver disease found at their diagnostic lab is hepatitis. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and is commonly found in foals due to bacterial infections. There is also Tyzzer’s disease, equine herpes, serum sickness, hepatic lipidosis, and cancer.
	Liver Tumors and Cancers
	After blood testing and medical imaging has led to a diagnosis of liver tumor, many questions must be answered in order to make proper choices.
	Low Heels in Equine Hind Feet
	Low heels are common in the front legs but can also occur on the hind legs and can cause lameness due to heel bruising and heel damage.
	Low Heels in Horse's Hind Feet
	Using wedge pads to raise the heels actually crushes the heel further and causes more damage.
	Lower Airway Disease in Horses
	Respiratory disease is fairly common in horses and can have a serious effect on a performance horse as well as a horse at pasture.
	Lyme Disease
	The first lesson to be learned about the Lyme disease infection is that it manifests completely differently in man's best friend compared with the human experience. In dogs, Lyme disease is a minor infection not nearly worthy of the attention it has received.
	Lyme Disease In Horses 11/14/05
	Symptoms of Lyme disease in horses are vague, such as low grade fever, stiffness and multiple leg lameness, muscle tenderness, swollen joints, and depression. Diagnosis is difficult because so many horses are already positive.
	Lymphocytic Leukemia in Dogs
	What is leukemia in dogs and why is it bad? Learn about the most common forms of leukemia for dogs: the lymphocytic forms.
	Lymphoma
	This form of cancer, also called lymphosarcoma, is the most common malignancy of dogs, cats, and humans. A plentitude of information is available, information that is necessary in order to make intelligent decisions about an affected pet.
	Lymphoma in Cats
	Lymphoma accounts for one third of all cancers developed by cats. When the mediastinal lymph nodes become infiltrated with lymphoma, a mass is apparent in the mediastinum and a cancerous fluid fills the chest, restricting breathing. The fluid can be tapped but it will be back without treatment.
	Lymphoma in Dogs
	This form of cancer, also called lymphosarcoma, is the most common malignancy of dogs, cats, and humans. Much information is available, information that is necessary in order to make intelligent decisions about an affected pet.
	MRSA in Horses and Humans
	Many times, the actual type of MRSA infection is different in humans than horses but it is still MRSA.
	MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
	In dogs and cats, the most common conditions associated with MRSA tend to be skin infections, post-operative incisional infections and wound infections. The bacteria have also been isolated from the urinary tract, auditory canal, skin, eye and joints.
	Malassezia Dermatitis (Yeast Infection of the Skin)
	Technically known as Malessezia Dermatitis, this is one of the stinkiest and itchiest conditions treated in veterinary dermatology, and it is one of the chief reasons a previously well-controlled allergic dog might suddenly increase itching. What to do? Find some answers here.
	Malignant Melanoma
	In pets, the malignant melanoma patient is usually canine although the iris melanoma of the feline eye is also a well-described condition. Recently new treatments have come to light.
	Malignant Thyroid Tumors (Thyroid Carcinoma)
	In dogs, there is an 87% chance that a thyroid growth is malignant. Cats with thyroid carcinomas are usually hyperthyroid.
	Mammary Tumors in Dogs
	Women get breast cancer, female dogs get mammary cancer. What many pet owners don't know is that the incidence of mammary tumor development in dogs is higher than in women, as one in four unspayed female dogs are affected. This incidence is huge, yet awareness among owners of female dogs is lacking.
	Mammary Cancer in Cats
	In cats with mammary tumors, approximately 90% are malignant with rapid spread to adjacent glands and the nearest set of lymph nodes.
	Managing Calf Scours 5/10/05
	The first step is to provide good nutrition for the cows prior to calving. The immune system of the calf develops in the last portion of the pregnancy and protein is important for proper immune system development and good quality colostrum.
	Marijuana Toxicity
	The usual pet toxicity case involves a dog that has inadvertently eaten a stash of marijuana. In the dog, clinical signs typically begin 30 to 90 minutes after the marijuana has been eaten. Because THC is stored in the body's fat deposits, the effects of marijuana ingestion can last for days.
	Mast Cell Tumors
	Most mast cell tumors arise in the skin but technically they can arise anywhere that mast cells are found. Mast cell tumors are notoriously invasive and difficult to treat.
	Masticatory Myositis (Eosinophilic Myositis)
	It may start suddenly one day or come on gradually. The dog seems to in pain when his mouth opens or he attempts to chew. Perhaps he will not open his mouth at all. In time, the muscles around the head (particularly the temple region) hollow out, giving the dog a thin faced look. What is happening?
	Medial Luxating Patella
	The medial luxating patella, commonly called “trick knee,” is an extremely common problem in toy breed dogs. An owner typically notices a little skip in the dog’s step. The dog may even run on three legs, holding one hind leg up, and then miraculously be back on four legs as if nothing has happened.
	Megaesophagus
	Do you know the difference between vomiting and regurgitation? If your pet has megaesophagus you probably know all too well. Read about the latest in treatment and testing (and see a graphic interactive demonstration).
	Meibomian Gland Tumors
	Meibomian gland tumors are tiny, slow-growing tumors that form in the meibomian glands of the eyelids.
	Melanoma in Horses
	Melanomas are commonly malignant tumors in people and non-grey horses but the type of melanoma that commonly occurs in grey horses are considered to be benign.
	Melanoma in Horses
	If you own a grey horse over the age of 15 years, it is likely your horse has some tumors on the skin called melanomas.
	Meningioma
	Meningioma is the most common brain tumor of cats and dogs. Meningiomas are generally benign. In dogs, seizures are the most common sign. In cats, signs are more vague and consist of listlessness and behavior changes.
	Miliary Dermatitis
	Miliary dermatitis is not a specific disease. It is secondary to many other diseases.
	Myasthenia gravis
	Myasthenia gravis is a disease that interrupts the way nerves communicate with muscles. There is no treatment for the congenital form. The acquired form, which is an autoimmune disease, is treated medically with immunosuppressive agents.
	Naso-Pharyngeal (Nasal Pharyngeal) Polyps in Cats
	Naso-pharyngeal polyps are the most common masses that are seen in the external ear canal in cats. They are benign growths.
	Necrotic Vaginitis
	Although this trauma can occur in an apparently normal foaling, it more commonly occurs in maiden mares and in cases that require manipulation of the fetus by a veterinarian to aid the foal’s birth.
	Neonatal Isoerythrolysis in Cats
	Neonatal isoerythrolysis, or NI, is a rare immune-mediated disease that is caused when newborn kittens with type A blood drink colostrum from a mother with type B blood.
	Nicotine (Cigarette) Poisoning in Pets
	Everyone knows the Surgeon General’s warning about cigarette smoking but what about cigarette eating? Nicotine poisoning is a real concern anywhere that a pet may find cigarettes, cigarette butts, chewing tobacco, or even nicotine gum or patches. Dogs, particularly puppies, tend to chew things up first and ask questions later.
	Normal Joints
	A pet does not have to be a senior citizen to require joint care supplements or physical therapy. Degenerative arthritis can result from an injury or can be the result of genetics and joint conformation.
	Notoedric Mange
	Dogs get sarcoptic mange but what do cats get? It turns out they have their very own mange mite: Notoedres Cati. Notoedric mange is a rarity worldwide and many veterinary dermatologists never see a single case in their entire careers. Notoedric mange exists in small regional “hotbeds,” one of which happens to be the Greater Los Angeles area. Our hospital normally sees at least one confirmed case a month, usually in outdoor or shelter cats. Visit this page for an explanation and pictures.
	Nutrition and Gastric Ulcers in Horses
	There is some question as to the best feeding regimen to prevent gastric ulcers in horses.
	Oral Rehydration Calves 8/17/04
	Calf scours is the most common disease of calves. Regardless of the cause of the scours, most of these calves die from dehydration. The most economical method of rehydrating calves that are mildly to moderately dehydrated is by administering oral rehydration solutions. Calves that are severely dehydrated should be treated with intravenous fluids.
	Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
	The oral squamous cell carcinoma does not spread as you normally think of a cancer spreading, but it's so locally invasive that it carries a poor prognosis. The only hope of good survival comes from early detection. Learn what to look for and what important risk factors are.
	Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Feline)
	The squamous cell carcinoma is not only the most common oral malignancy in cats, it has one of the poorest outcomes.
	Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Oral SCC)
	When squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the mouth and throat, it’s called oral squamous cell carcinoma. In these oral cases, the lesion is usually located on the gums or tonsils.
	Osteosarcoma (Canine)
	Osteosarcoma is by far the most common bone tumor of the dog. We see 2 to 3 cases a years Owners need information on which to make proper treatment decisions.
	Otitis Externa
	Otitis externa is an inflammation or infection of the external ear canal. Bacteria, yeast, ear mites, and allergies can all cause it. Addressing this problem involves four steps.
	Overview of Diabetes Mellitus
	Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease involving the body’s handling of sugar. In order to understand diabetes mellitus, it is important to have some understanding of the normal situation first.
	Owner Treatment of Horses with Colic 7/25/05
	What do you do when you believe your horse has colic? First of all, all cases of colic are potentially fatal and should be examined by your vet.
	Pancreatitis (Feline)
	Many people have heard of the pancreas but are not sure what it does, where it is, or what a disaster it can be when it gets inflamed.
	Paralyzed Dogs: How to Care for Them
	Spinal damage leading to rear leg paralysis is not uncommon. These "downer" dogs have special needs. Rarely is rear paralysis temporary so management requires commitment. It is not for everyone and it is important to understand what one is getting into; though, for the right owner and patient, management can be rewarding.
	Pastern Lacerations in Horses
	Lacerations of the pastern area are difficult to heal because every time the horse takes a step, the laceration on the back of the pastern opens and closes.
	Pastern and Heel Dermatitis in Horses 6/2/06
	Inflammation and infection can develop that can be extremely painful. Scabs and crusts form in the area that further increase the pain. These cases may look simple but can be difficult to treat and your veterinarian should be contacted.
	Patent Ductus Arteriosus
	Patent ductus arteriosus is the most common congenital heart defects in dogs.
	Pemphigus Foliaceus
	The pemphigus complex is a group immune-mediated skin diseases involving inappropriate immunological attack against one of the normal layers of the skin. Different types of pemphigus involve different areas of the skin.
	Physical Therapy for Arthritic Patients
	Life with a dog with mobility issues is a challenge and it would be wonderful if a magic pill could make a stiff older dog as supple as a youngster. Despite advances in arthritis medications for dogs, there is more to therapy than giving pills. The more advanced the mobility problems are, the more important physical therapy becomes in maintaining function.
	Pigeon Fever
	Pigeon fever doesn’t occur in pigeons but in horses.
	Pigeon Fever in Horses 5/23/05
	Pigeon fever is not a disease of pigeons, but one that affects horses. It is called pigeon fever because the disease commonly affects the chest region of the horse and the swelling looks like a puffed out pigeon breast.
	Placentitis in Mares
	Most cases of placentitis are caused by bacteria that have ascended from the mare’s vulvar area up to and through the cervix.
	Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (Pillow Foot)
	Easy to recognize but not as easy to understand, this condition is often called pillow foot in cats for reasons that are obvious. This condition is described as rare. Most cats do not require treatment.
	Plasma Cell Stomatitis
	Stringent control of plaque is crucial to the management of cats with this painful, chronic condition. Expect an affected cat to require teeth cleaning under general anesthesia at least every 6 months. If medical management fails, all teeth need to be removed.
	Pneumonia Management
	Most people have heard the term pneumonia and know it is a lung infection of some sort. In fact, pneumonia is not a very specific term and essentially means “lung inflammation of some sort.” Pneumonia is an inflammation in deep lung tissues where oxygen is absorbed into the body and waste gases are removed. It has potential to be life-threatening regardless of its cause.
	Poisoning in Horses #1
	Poisoning could affect your horse.
	Poisoning in Horses #2
	One possible toxin is a fungal toxin found in grains, such as aflatoxins and fumonisin.
	Potomac Horse Fever 2004 10/27/04
	Although Potomac horse fever is most commonly seen on the East coast, it may become important in Texas as heavy rains with standing water and flooding increase levels of the causative organism across the U.S. It was been reported in the Midwest in 2004 and as close to Texas as Oklahoma, so infection in Texas is certainly possible.
	Potomac Horse Fever 4/20/06
	Potomac horse fever causes acute onset of depression, decreased appetite, and fever in horses as well as diarrhea, decreased intestinal signs, and mild colic.
	Prevention of Stomach Ulcers in Horses
	Horses are susceptible to stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers in adult horses typically cause a decreased appetite and intermittent colic.
	Pruritis in Horses #2 Dermatophilus and Dermatophytes
	Another skin infection is caused by a bacterium called Dermatophilus and the condition is called rain scald or rain rot.
	Pruritis in Horses #3 - Insect Hypersensitivities
	Hypersensitivity to flying insects such as flies and mosquitos is the most common cause of itching in horses.
	Pruritis in Horses #5 -Treatment of Pruritis
	To treat horses who are scratching and itching, you have to know the exact cause before you can treat the problem.
	Pruritis in Horses#4 - Inhalant Allergies
	Many horses, just like humans and other animals, can have inhalant allergies. Inhalant allergies can cause itching and hives on skin but can also play a role in respiratory conditions.
	Pruritis in Horses-#1 Staph Pyoderma
	One of the most common causes of itchy skin is a bacterial infection of the skin.
	Pruritus: A Diagnostic Approach
	Graphics illustrate a diagnostic approach to working with pruritis in dogs and cats.
	Puppy Strangles
	Puppy strangles is a classic but fortunately uncommon disease of puppies less than 4 months old. It causes acute swelling of the muzzle as well as blistering pimples on the face and inner ear flaps. If left untreated it can be fatal and despite the extreme inflammation, infection is not the problem.
	Puppy Vaginitis
	Puppy vaginitis is a sticky, cloudy, white or yellowish vaginal discharge.
	Pyelonephritis
	Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney that frequently shows no symptoms and thus it is not usually recognized until the signs become severe. It may not be diagnosed until histopathology is done on the kidney after the pet's death.
	Pyoderma
	Pyoderma is caused by bacterial infection of the skin. The causative organism is almost always Staphylococcus intermedius. Bacteria will not usually cause disease on normal skin, but other underlying skin diseases cause some changes in the skin surface making it susceptible to infection, leading to pyoderma.
	Pyometra
	Pyometra is the life-threatening infection of the uterus that generally occurs in middle-aged to older female dogs in the 6 weeks following heat. A uterus with pyometra swells dramatically and is filled with pus, bacteria, dying tissue, and toxins. Without treatment, the pet is expected to die.
	Pyothorax
	Pyothorax is one of those conditions where prognosis is reasonably good (assuming the patient is not too far gone at the time of presentation) as long as aggressive treatment is pursued. If one tries to go with inexpensive alternatives to proper treatment, a poor outcome is likely.
	Pythiosis in Horses
	If your horse has a rapidly growing skin lesion that is not responding to normal wound treatment, contact your vet as soon as possible because early cases of pythiosis have a much better prognosis than ongoing cases.
	Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease in the U.S.
	Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic disease (RVHD, RHD, or VHD) is a foreign animal disease not seen in the U.S. until April 2000. This highly contagious viral disease can kill up to 100% of the domestic rabbits exposed; the incubation period is short, ranging from 24 to 72 hours from exposure to illness. Wild cottontail rabbits and hares are not susceptible, and this disease does not affect humans or other species.
	Rabies
	Descriptions of rabies go back thousands of years as rabies has classically been one of the most feared infections of all time. Rabies is a serious disease, but fortunately it can also be easily prevented in dogs and cats by proper vaccination.
	Rabies in Horses 2/14/03
	Since one infected horse could expose hundreds of people at events like a horse show, rabies must always be considered as a possible diagnosis in a horse showing a neurological disease. Rabies is usually transmitted to the horse by a bite from a wild animal.
	Radiotherapy Facilities
	Facilities offering radiotherapy treatment for feline hyperthyroidism are listed here.
	Rain Scald in Horses
	Rain scald or rain rot is caused by a bacterium that is normally present on horse’s skin but it does not cause a problem unless the skin is damaged.
	Rat Poison
	There are several types of rodenticides available. The traditional products are called anticoagulant rodenticides and are discussed here. If one intends to use a rodenticide we encourage you to choose this type over others as there is a readily available antidote for the anti-coagulant rodenticides. Other rodenticides are more toxic and no antidote is available.
	Rat Respiratory Disease: What Causes It, and What You Can Do About It
	If your rat came from a source like a pet store, you can safely assume it came with some Mycoplasma. How this will affect the life of your ratty depends on some things that you can control and some things that you can't.
	Rattlesnake Bites in California
	Rattlesnakes can be found in rural areas as well as suburban areas where there is sufficient natural habitat. In Northern California snakes will hibernate during cold months and are active March through September. In Southern California they are active all year round. Photographs of rattlesnakes native to California are shown.
	Rehabilitation of Tendon Injuries in Horses
	Tendon injuries are fairly common in performance horses. Rehabilitation of these injuries requires a lot of time and effort for healing to occur.
	Respiratory Distress in Newborn Foals #1 1/28/05
	A common area of disease in newborn foals is the respiratory system. When a foal is born, they should be breathing normally almost immediately. The foal’s mucous membranes should be pink within the first 30 seconds after birth. Any respiratory distress or bluish mucous membrane color is reason for an immediate vet exam as some of these foals will need oxygen.
	Respiratory Distress in the Newborn Foal #2 1/31/05
	The most common problem is aspiration pneumonia which is actually due to an upper respiratory problem. Many times this occurs due to neurological dysfunction because of neonatal maladjustment related to a lack of oxygen at birth.
	Reverse Sneezing (Pharyngeal Gag Reflex)
	Reverse sneezing is a disconcerting event in which a dog makes unpleasant respiratory sounds that sound like it is dying -- or will die in the next few minutes. However, reverse sneezing is a simple condition that usually does not need any treatment.
	Rhodococcus Pneumonia
	One of the most dreaded illnesses in foals is pneumonia caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi.
	Rhodococcus equi
	Rhodococcus equi causes a severe pneumonia with abscesses in a foal’s lungs.
	Rhodococcus in Horses
	The hot dry weather we usually have in August increases the chance of a severe type of pneumonia in foals called Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. Although almost all horse farms have some amount of this organism on the premises, the disease is common and severe on some farms, sporadic on others, and fortunately unrecognized on most.
	Rhodococcus in Horses #2
	Early diagnosis of this type of pneumonia is difficult as foals get sick slowly and by the time they show symptoms they are seriously ill. The diagnosis of this infection can be aided by a blood count, fibrinogen concentration, radiographs of the chest, and serology. However, a definitive diagnosis must be obtained by culture from a trans-tracheal wash or PCR test.
	Rhodococcus in Horses #3
	Prevention of Rhodococcus centers around decreasing the number of organisms inhaled. It is important to keep foals out of the heat during the hottest part of the day, and keep the concentration of foals kept together as low as possible. Also, foals should be kept in areas with grass, areas with the least dust possible, and areas with good ventilation.
	Ringworm FAQ
	Ringworm is not a worm at all but a fungal infection of the skin. It's contagious to humans, too. This FAQ provides answers.
	Ringworm in Dogs and Cats #2 5/1/03
	Infected dogs generally always have a skin lesion at the site of infection, whereas infected cats can carry the fungus and transmit it without actually having a skin lesion. In other words, cats can have the fungus on their coat or transmit the fungus to other animals and people and not have any noticeable lesions themselves.
	Ringworm in Horses #1 4/30/03
	Ringworm is actually not a worm at all, but a fungal infection. Treatment of horses has historically involved bathing or rinsing with iodine or chlorhexidine-based products.
	Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever 9/29/04
	Dogs are also susceptible to this disease and can serve as sentinels that the disease is in the environment. There are numerous cases in which dogs have been infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and later the owners are infected.
	Roundworms: Cats & Kittens
	This common parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs, and some pet owners become very concerned when their pet expells a worm up to seven inches in length. Roundworms are also one of the few dog or cat parasites that can be dangerous when transmitted to humans.
	Roundworms: Dogs & Puppies
	This common parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs, and some pet owners become very concerned when their pet expells a worm up to 7 inches in length. Roundworms are also one of the few dog or cat parasites that can be dangerous when transmitted to humans.
	Roundworms: Humans
	This common parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs, and some pet owners become very concerned when their pet expells a worm up to 7 inches in length. Roundworms are also one of the few dog or cat parasites that can be dangerous when transmitted to humans.
	Runny Eyes (Epiphora)
	Many dogs and cats have tear-stained faces from chronic excessive tears. Why is this and why is this problem considered one of the hardest to solve in veterinary ophthalmology?
	Ruptured Anterior (Cranial) Cruciate Ligament
	The ruptured cruciate ligament is the most common knee injury of dogs. Chances are that any dog that suddenly has rear leg lameness has a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The history usually involves a rear leg suddenly so sore that the dog can hardly bear weight on it. If left alone, it will appear to improve over the course of weeks but the knee will be notably swollen and arthritis will set in quickly. Dogs can be presented in either the acute stage (shortly after the injury) or in the chronic stage (weeks or months later).
	Sacroiliac Pain in Horses 7/28/05
	One of the most difficult conditions to accurately diagnose is pain of the lower back and sacroiliac area. The sacroiliac area is where the pelvis attaches to the spine at the lower back.
	Salmonella in Horses 7/8/04
	Although salmonella infection in horses is not new, the fact that this bacteria is resistant to most antibiotics is new.
	Sand Colic Ultrasound 5/17/04
	A regular ultrasound, which most equine vets have available, can be used to determine the presence of sand in the colon. Also, ultrasound can be helpful in determining the movement of sand as well as movement of the intestine.
	Sand Colic in Horses
	Many areas of Texas have sandy soils, and horses raised on these areas can develop a type of colic called sand colic.
	Sand Colic in Horses 11/12/04
	Areas with loose sandy soil such as California, Arizona, and Florida have a large number of sand colics. Horses that are fed on the ground in sandy areas or those housed on overgrazed pastures are most susceptible.
	Sarcoptic Mange
	Sarcoptic mange is a very itchy disease caused by a small mite not visible to the naked eye. Areas where the mites tend to burrow under the skin include the tips of the ears, elbows, hocks, chest and belly. However, in a severe infestation, mites can cause problems on the animal's entire body.
	Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
	Sarcoptic mange is the name for the skin disease caused by infection with the Sarcoptes scabei mite. They are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Also called “scabies,” this mite infection is extremely itchy and contagious. While difficult to diagnose, this condition is usually easy to treat.
	Seasonal Flank Alopecia
	With seasonal flank alopecia, a dog loses hair in the flank area on a seasonal basis. Different dogs seem to choose different seasons to lose their hair (fall and spring are popular) and when the season changes the hair generally grows back.
	Sebaceous Adenitis
	Sebaceous adenitis is inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Biopsy is required for diagnosis.
	Sebaceous Cysts
	Most sebaceous cysts will go away on their own. In some cases, warm soaks or hot packs may be needed to speed up this process.
	Seborrhea
	Seborrhea is a clinical syndrome that has several different forms. It can be seen as excessive flaking and extremely dry skin, odiferous greasy scale and yellow brown adherent oil deposits, or a combination of the two.
	Seborrhea - Keratinization Disorders
	Seborrhea can present in several different forms. It can be seen as excessive flaking and extremely dry skin, or odiferous greasy scale and yellow brown adherent oil deposits, or a combination of the two.
	Seizure Disorders
	Any involuntary behavior that occurs abnormally may represent a seizure. Seizures may be caused by situations within the brain (such as trauma or infection) or by situations centered outside the brain (such as low blood sugar, circulating metabolic toxins, or external poisons).
	Separation Anxiety
	The worst cases of separation anxiety present an unlivable disaster for the pet owner. The animal becomes destructive, soils the house, and vocalizes loudly and unabashedly and, since the behavior occurs almost exclusively when the pet is alone, there is nothing to stop him from creating a spectacular mess and annoying the neighbors every time the owner steps out.
	Septic Metritis in Mares
	Probably the most common condition that affects mares after foaling is septic metritis, which is an infection in the uterus.
	Sheared Heels 6/29/06
	Sheared heels are usually related to an abnormal limb landing pattern and added stress is applied to joints in and above the hoof. This stress can lead to lameness from chronic joint damage.
	Shivers
	Shivers is a disease in horses that involves the nervous and muscular systems.
	Shoeing for Palmar Foot Pain 1/29/07
	The syndrome navicular disease is now called palmar foot pain.
	Signs, Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism
	Do you have an older cat who is losing weight despite having an excellent appetite? That's the hallmark sign of hyperthyroidism in cats.
	Sleep Disorders in Horses
	Sleep disorders can cause some serious problems for horses and the most common sleep disorder is sleep deprivation.
	Small Airway Inflammatory Disease in Horses #1 7/19/06
	Small airway inflammatory disease, or SAID, is not a contagious disease but a disease that in the first stages causes exercise intolerance.
	Small Airway Inflammatory Disease in Horses #2 7/20/06
	As the disease progresses, horses develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also called heaves and these horses have a difficult time breathing, sometimes even at rest. Treatment of heaves initially involves drugs to enable horses to breathe easier.
	Splenic Masses in Dogs (Splenectomy)
	Occasionally spleens grow masses. These are generally either benign or malignant tumors. In dogs, most splenic masses are either hemangiomas or hemangiosarcomas. What does the spleen do and what happens when it's removed?
	Strangles Infection in Horses #1 10/13/05
	One of the most contagious and potentially serious conditions that occurs in horses is strangles. Strangles is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria strep equi that mostly affects young horses although all horses are susceptible.
	Strangles Infection in Horses #2 10/14/05
	The lymph nodes that swell under the throat must be allowed to abscess and rupture for the horse to get over the condition. Horses that recover can be contagious for weeks afterwards and some even longer. There are killed vaccines available as well as a live intranasal vaccine.
	Strangles in Horses #1
	One of the most contagious diseases seen in Texas horses is strangles.
	Strangles in Horses #2
	Because strangles is so contagious, I am going to discuss methods of prevention.
	Strep Immune-Mediated Myopathies in Horses 4/2/07
	Strangles is a common upper respiratory tract infection in young horses. Most of the time strangles is a mild disease. However, complications can develop after strangles infection.
	Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)
	Subaortic stenosis, affectionately know as “SAS,” is the most common congenital heart disease of large breed dogs. When a puppy with SAS is born, the stenosis is very small, barely a ridge near the valve, but over the first six months of life the stenosis grows and the murmur (hopefully) becomes more apparent.
	Subsolar Bruising in Horses
	Soaking the foot for more than 2 to 3 days can actually worsen the problem by softening the sole and decreasing the its protection.
	Surgical Treatment for Feline Hyperthyroidism
	Considering that the average hyperthyroid cat is a geriatric patient with special potential for high blood pressure and heart disease, quite a bit of patient preparation is necessary to reduce anesthetic risk.
	Syringomyelia
	Syringomyelia pertains to the central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord. Anyone contemplating ownership of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should know what it means.
	Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
	Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a fairly rare chronic and potentially-fatal autoimmune disease.
	Tapeworms
	Noticing something like grains of rice that move, something that looks like sesame seeds in your pet’s bedding? Where do tapeworms come from, how can you eliminate them, and why do they come back?
	Tetanus in Pets (Lock Jaw)
	We've all heard of about getting tetanus shots and being careful about rusty nails, but most people don't really know much about tetanus (also called "lock-jaw"). In fact, pets are fairly resistant to infection (which is why tetanus shots are not included in the standard vaccine series). So what should a dog owner know about tetanus?
	The Facts of Equine Infectious Anemia #2 9/23/05
	EIA is considered a classic blood borne infection, and people have inadvertently played a role in transmission over the years by using blood-contaminated materials such as needles between horses. Most frequently, transmission occurs between horses by large biting insects.
	The Facts on Equine Infectious Anemia #1 9/22/05
	Equine infectious anemia, or EIA, was first reported in this country in 1888 and there is still no treatment or vaccine is available. The disease can occur in two main forms - an acute and a chronic form.
	The Guttural Pouch in Horses 9/28/06
	This is the article description
	Thrombocytopenia
	If your pet has a condition called thrombocytopenia, his platelet count is low. When the platelet count is low, it is harder for clotting to occur.
	Thyroid Function and Pregnancy in Mares
	We do not specifically know the complete effects of hypothyroidism on pregnancy in mares. However, supplementation of thyroid hormone in a mare that doesn’t need it will cause the horse’s thyroid gland to stop working.
	Thyroid Treatment: Radiotherapy
	This method of therapy is generally considered the safest and most effective method of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism.
	Toxoplasmosis
	Although it is possible to get Toxoplasmosis from cats, no correlation has been found between cat ownership and Toxoplasma infection. There is, however, a very strong association between Toxoplasma infection and working with raw meat as in a slaughterhouse or as a butcher. Be careful handling raw meat.
	Toy Breed Hypoglycemia
	These itty bitty babies have trouble maintaining body temperature, cut their baby teeth in late and thus have trouble with kibbled foods, and they have difficulty maintaining blood sugar. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) creates listlessness, incoordination (the brain cannot burn fat or protein and relies entirely on sugar), and even seizures.
	Tracheal Collapse
	The patient is almost always a toy breed dog, especially poodles, Yorkshire terriers, and Pomeranians. The disease usually becomes problematic in middle age but can occur at any age. The cartilage defect that leads to the flattened C rings seems to be hereditary.
	Transitional Cell Carcinoma
	The transitional cell carcinoma is a particularly unpleasant tumor of the urinary bladder that usually grows in the lower neck of the bladder, causing a partial or complete obstruction to urination. Bloody urine and straining to urinate are typically the signs noted by the owner.
	Transmissible Venereal Tumor
	The transmissible venereal tumor, affectionately known as the TVT, may be visible as an external fleshy growth or may simply present as genital bleeding. The tumor is common where there are large numbers of roaming dogs or in shelter situations.
	Treatment of Palmar Foot Pain #2
	In horses that do not respond to injecting the coffin joint with hyaluronic acid and cortisone, directly injecting the small sac on the back of the navicular bone called the navicular bursa can be effective.
	Treatment of Proud Flesh in Horses 12/29/05
	The most common reason wounds on horses do not heal correctly is because of a condition called proud flesh. Proud flesh is actually normal granulation tissue that has overgrown the wound edges. If you see a wound on a horse in which the tissue inside the laceration has grown out farther than the skin edge, that is proud flesh.
	Treatment of the Scouring Calf 8/4/06
	Probably the most common illness in baby calves is diarrhea, which is also called scours.
	Tritrichomonas foetus
	Kittens and cats living in groups have an assortment of infectious diseases to contend with. Tritrichomonas foetus is yet another infectious organism yielding diarrhea in feline patients, usually with a history of group lifestyle.
	Upward Fixation of the Patella 5/31/05
	One of the most common conditions of the horse’s stifle is upward fixation of the patella.
	Urinary Bladder Stones in Horses
	One of the most common urinary tract disorders in horses is cystic urolithiasis, or urinary bladder stones. Although the cause of bladder stones in many animals is related to diet, the cause of bladder stones in horses is still not known.
	Urinary Blockage
	Every owner of a male cat should be familiar with this emergency condition. The recognition of straining to urinate is the key. Urine flow must be re-established by trained veterinary personnel to prevent death.
	Urinary Incontinence
	When a house pet develops urinary incontinence, many owners fear the worst. Urinary incontinence is usually one of easiest problems to solve so it is crucial that veterinary assistance be sought before an owner’s patience is completely worn out.
	Urinary Tract Infection
	The urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common ailments in small animal practices.
	Uterine Cysts in Mares 8/18/04
	A common finding in many brood mares is the presence of uterine cysts. These are fluid-filled structures inside the lumen of the uterus that can have an adverse effect on pregnancy. There are two types of cysts that occur.
	Vaccinations - Allergic Reactions
	Immunization represents stimulation of the immune system, an inherently inflammatory process. Vaccination reactions severe enough to produce shock are EXTREMELY rare and are a function of an individual pet's immune response.
	Vaccine Associated Fibrosarcoma
	Fibrosarcomas have been recognized for a very long time as difficult, deeply rooted tumors of cats. What has only recently been recognized is the potential for vaccination to lead to the formation of these tumors.
	Vascular Accident in the Brain ("Stroke")
	Most of us know that “stroke” involves some kind of blood clot lodging or forming somewhere and plugging an important blood vessel, preventing an important area from receiving circulation. Most of us also know that sometimes the symptoms of the stroke are reversible or partly reversible but we do not know what separates the reversible stroke symptoms from the irreversible ones. In this discussion, we are going to be reviewing strokes (the more technical term is “vascular accident”) in the brains of dogs.
	Vesicular Stomatitis Outbreak in Horses 7/7/04
	Vesicular stomatitis or VS, is a viral disease that causes painful ulcers inside the mouth, lips, muzzle, teats, and hooves, and affects horses, cattle, sheep, swine, and deer. VS is generally not fatal and usually lasts only about 2 weeks. However, it is highly contagious and one of the major concerns about the disease is the symptoms resemble those of foot and mouth disease.
	Vesicular Stomatitis in Arizona 5/25/05
	Many of you in the horse business may have already heard that vesicular stomatitis has been found in the area of Phoenix, Arizona.
	Vestibular Disease
	Most people think their pet has had a stroke, but in fact a problem with the vestibular apparatus is to blame. The vestibular apparatus is the neurological equipment responsible for perceiving one's body's orientation relative to the earth (determining if you are upside-down, standing up straight, falling etc.).
	Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (VHD) in Rabbits
	The nature of the VHD organism is such that it is highly contagious, easily spread, and has a varied range of morbidity (number of animals contracting the disease) and extremely high mortality (number of animals dying from the disease).
	Viral Papillomas of Dogs
	Most everyone knows that dogs get warts, but did you know that some of these warts are infectious? Find out what they are and how to deal with them.
	Viral Respiratory Disease in Horses
	Viral respiratory diseases are fairly common in horses in early summer as horses are moving from show to show.
	Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-Like Syndrome in Dogs
	True VKH syndrome is a human disease, well described for nearly a century. A similar disease in dogs has been described but since we do not know the relationship between the canine and human disease, we are hesitant to call the canine version “VH syndrome” as well. Until we know what is really going on in the dog, we will leave it at VK-H-LIKE syndrome or, more accurately, “uveodermatologic syndrome.”
	Von Willebrand's Disease
	Von Willebrand's disease is an inherited blood clotting defect and breeds at high risk should be screened before being allowed to breed.
	Warts in Horses
	Warts, also called papillomas, are caused by a virus and are usually found in young horses because they have a decreased immunity that plays a role in this syndrome.
	Weight Loss in Horses #1 11/9/06
	There are many different possibilities as to why a horse would lose weight.
	Weight Loss in Horses #2 11/10/06
	Chronic inflammatory disease can cause weight loss and is a common problem.
	West Nile Virus
	This CDC Fact Sheet offers questions and answers about West Nile Virus as it relates to dogs and cats. Dogs and cats can be infected through mosquite bites. DEET-based mosquito repellants are not recommended for pets.
	What Can I Do About My Pet’s Arthritis?
	Newer concepts of arthritis management involve proper exercise to maintain muscle mass and decrease pain; naintaining lean a body weight is critical.
	What Ferret Owners Should Know about Adrenal Gland Disease
	This Q&A answers all your questions about this relatively common disease in ferrets.
	What Ferret Owners Should Know about Insulinomas
	An insulinoma is a tumor of the pancreas. Most insulinomas are comprised of beta cells that have run amok. The most common clinical signs include lethargy, weakness, difficulty rising from sleep, drooling, pawing at the mouth, weight loss, rear leg incoordination, collapse, seizures, and vomiting.
	What Is the Thyroid Hormone, and What are T3 and T4?
	Do you have an older cat who has a weight loss problem despite an excellent appetite? Has hyperthyroidism been diagnosed but you have questions about the different treatments?
	Whipworms
	The whipworm of dogs is substantially smaller than the other worms (a mere 30-50 mm in length, about a half inch maximum). The "head" (or more accurately the digestive end of the worm) is skinny vs. its stout tail (or reproductive end) which gives the worm a whip shape, hence the name.
	Wound Care in Horses #1
	Horses get cut very easily due to their thin skin and excitable nature. Fortunately, they also heal very well if treated correctly.
	Wound Care in Horses #2
	Today we will focus on lower leg wounds, as these are the most difficult to heal. There are many different methods of treating lower leg wounds and because they are difficult to heal, your vet should examine these wounds as soon a possible. The most common problem with leg wounds is proud flesh.
	Xylitol Poisoning
	Xylitol is potentially lethal to dogs. It doesn't take many sticks of gum to poison a dog, especially a small dog. Symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes and can last for more than 12 hours.
	Zinc Poisoning
	Now that pennies are made of zinc instead of copper, swallowing them can be harmful to your pet. Many veterinarians are unaware of this syndrome and do not realize that pennies are far more than a simple foreign body. This is a recently described disease and many questions are still unanswered.