 | 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. |
| | * 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. |
| | * 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 in Animals |
| | A common infectious process is called an abscess. If the abscess has not ruptured, it can be surgically lanced by your vet. |
| | 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. |
| | 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.
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| | 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. |
| | 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.
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| | 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. |
| | 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.
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| | 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? |
| | 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.
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| | 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). |
 | Bladder Stones (4) |
| | 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! |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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 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 (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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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.
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| | 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? |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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 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. |
| | 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 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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) (8) |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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? |
| | 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.
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| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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.
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| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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 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. |
| | 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? |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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! |
| | 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. |
| | 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 (1) |
| | 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> |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
| | Does your pet seem to have chronic vomiting or diarrhea? Those can be signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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 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: 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.
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| | 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.
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| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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 (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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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.
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| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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: 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). |
| | 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. |
| | 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? |
| | 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. |
| | 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?
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| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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. |
| | 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.
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| | 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. |