|
|
|
ADDISON’S DISEASE
Also called "Hypoadrenocorticism," this condition results from a
deficiency of the hormones that enable us to adapt to stress. Signs can be vague or can culminate in a circulatory crisis. Learn more here.
|
|
|
|
ALOPECIA X
The name of this condition has changed over the years, finally settling on a term that reflects our lack of knowledge. This
condition represents a non-inflammatory hormonally related hair loss in the Nordic breeds. At this time, therapy involves step by step trials, usually starting with neutering. What do the Veterinary
Dermatologists tend to agree upon? Read this page for some general recommendations.
|
|
|
|
ANAL SACS
Got a pet who is scooting?
Smelling a fishy foul odor? Noticing some licking under the tail? This page should explain just what is going on.
|
|
|
|
ARTHRITIS / JOINT DISEASE INFORMATION CENTER
Arthritis and joint disease are common
problems with many of our dogs, especially as they grow older. As this is a complicated topic, we have begun to develop an information center, with seperate pages devoted to such issues as the normal
joint and common medications used to treat this problem.
|
|
|
|
FELINE ASTHMA
If your cat needs to open its mouth to breathe or if its abdomen moves excessively as it
breathes (and its not purring), then it may be suffering from feline asthma. Here is some information as to the causes and possible treatments.
|
|
|
|
BABESIA INFECTION
Ticks are famous for carrying Lyme's disease but there are far worse things a tick can carry.
Babesia is a common and lethal canine disease worldwide but is not as well known in the U.S. (though we certainly have it here). This page has more information about this blood parasite and its
disease which is similar to human malaria.
|
|
|
|
BARTONELLA AND CAT SCRATCH DISEASE
Cat Scratch Disease, often called Cat Scratch Fever (thanks to Ted
Nugent), is generally a self-limiting infection of people recently scratched by cats, though classically it is actually fleas that carry the infection. Whether cats get sick from this infection or
are just carriers is a highly controversial subject. This is a human disease about which all cat caretakers should have some basic knowledge.
|
|
|
|
BIRTH OF KITTENS
Birds do it. Bees do it. Even little cats do it. And what should you do when
they've done it? Here is a primer.
|
|
|
|
BIRTH OF PUPPIES
Preparing for the pitter-patter of little paws? Here are some tips on what to
expect and what to watch for (or check out the sister page on Care of the Pregnant Dog).
|
|
|
|
BLADDER STONES
Struvite, oxalate, urate, silicate, cysteine and
combinations thereof. We will soon have an information center up explaining the where’s and what’s of bladder stones in dogs and cats. For now the canine calcium oxalate page is available.
|
|
|
|
BLOAT
A serious, life-threatening emergency. Learn to recognize the signs to get your dog to the Vet’s in time
to possibly save it’s life.
|
|
|
|
BRACHYCEPHALIC BREEDS
“Brachycephalic” means short-faced and short-faced breeds of dogs have their own
share of unique problems. Be familiar with what they are.
|
|
|
|
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? Click here to find out (or learn more about causes and treatments).
|
|
|
|
CHOCOLATE TOXICITY
We love our chocolate whether we are drinking it in cocoa, licking it an ice cream cone, or gobbling a
chocolate bar. Unfortunately, our pets want to share and it is important to realize that chocolate has toxic properties as well as tasty ones. Keep candy out of your pet's reach no matter how
tempting it is to share and read this article for signs to watch for.
|
|
|
|
FELINE CHOLANGIOHEPATITIS
Cholangiohepatitis is the second most common cause of liver failure in the cat: the other three
most common causes being hepatic lipidosis, lymphoma, and feline infectious peritonitis.
If your cat is in liver failure, these are the four conditions to know about. Click here to read about this one.
|
|
|
|
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? Click here to go to The Surgery Suite and find out.
|
|
|
|
CHRONIC STEROID USE
Our pharmacy library has sections on most commonly used corticosteroids (like prednisone and dexamethasone)
and lists their common side effects. An entirely different group of side effects emerges with long term (months) usage. We now have a brief article on this topic in The Pet Web Library.
|
|
|
|
COCCIDIA
Coccidia are single-celled parasites that commonly infect young animals housed in groups.
It causes a bloody diarrhea that can be severe enough to be life threatening for a very small animal. This is a very common infection; we probably diagnose several cases each week. Click here to find out more about this strange parasite and how to cure it
|
|
|
|
COLITIS
“Colitis” means inflammation of the colon and that spells diarrhea, often with fresh blood or mucus,
straining and discomfort for the pet as well as a mess to clean up. We have received many requests to add a page on this condition, and here it is.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
CORNEAL ULCER
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? Click here to read about the diagnosis and treatment of corneal ulcers and erosions.
|
|
|
|
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM
Cryptosporidiosis is an infection of newly recognized significance in pet animals though we have known since the
1980's of its dire consequences in immune-
suppressed humans.
This single-celled parasite causes chronic diarrhea in dogs and cats though most infected pets do not show symptoms. This is a parasite that anyone with a suppressed immune system should be well aware of. Click here to read more.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
DEMODECTIC MANGE
This condition is also called “Red Mange.” It is not contagious, but does have a
hereditary component. Read about options for treatment.
|
|
|
|
DENTAL HOME CARE
Pets have teeth, too! Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if you didn’t brush
them daily. The same applies to your pet’s teeth. Here are some ways you can care for your pet’s teeth at home.
|
|
|
|
DIABETES MELLITUS
This Informational Site for a very complicated disease is not yet as complete as
we intend for it to be, with pages on the causes and treatments, but currently several pages do have active links. Come visit the pages that have been finished.
|
|
|
|
DIALYSIS
Kidney failure in dogs and cats is an unfortunately common disease usually treated with extra fluids
given intravenously or under the skin. Sometimes actual dialysis is the best choice, though there are only a few locations in the U.S. equipped for this procedure.
|
|
|
|
DRY EYE
(or more scientifically: KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS SICCA)
Imagine what your eyes would feel like
if they couldn’t produce adequate tears. Unfortunately, many dogs (and some cats) are afflicted with this discomfort every moment of every day. Would you know if your pet was one of them? Visit this
page for details.
|
|
|
|
EAR INFECTIONS
Did you know the most common cause of recurrent ear infections is allergic skin disease?
What do you do to keep the ear scratching & head shaking from becoming chronic? Click here and find out.
|
|
|
|
EAR MITES
This annoying parasite is a common source of ear infections, especially in cats and kittens. Where
do they come from? How do you get rid of them? Visit here to find out.
|
|
|
|
EHRLICHIA INFECTION IN DOGS
Ehrlichia are intracellular blood parasites spread by ticks. Recent advances in molecular
biology have revealed that infection is more widespread than previously believed and canine (and even feline and human disease) is emerging. Ticks are responsible for the spread of numerous
unpleasant infections; For more information about this one, read on.
|
|
|
|
EOSINOPHILIC GRANLOMA 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. Click here to see how well we do.
|
|
|
|
EUTHANASIA AT OUR HOSPITAL
No one really likes to talk about this subject but
eventually most of us have questions about how this is done, how to make this decision, and how to cope. There is actually an extensive body of writing on this subject. Feel free to use this
page as a starting point and follow the links for more information.
|
|
|
|
EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY
You are what you eat. Well, at least those of us with normal exocrine
pancreatic function are, anyway. Those without digestive enzymes only dream of being what they eat. Instead, they are skinny, gassy, and have diarrhea, and 80% are German Shepherds.
Fortunately this is a treatable condition. Check out this page or details.
|
|
|
|
CANINE FALSE PREGNANCY
A heat cycle is a normal phenomenon for an unspayed female dog but false
pregnancy is only normal to a point. Some females will "adopt" a stuffed toy, give milk, even go into labor. How does this happen and how do we make it stop? Click here to find out.
|
|
|
|
OWNING A FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS + CAT
The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all outdoor cats
be tested annually for this virus. There are plenty of areas where one can get the basics on this virus from its recent discovery in 1986 to the controversial vaccine released Fall of 2002. But what
do you need to know when your cat tests positive? This site addresses the issues faced by the owner of an FIV+ cat plus includes the basics of the feline immunodeficiency virus itself.
|
|
|
|
FELINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA (HEMOBARTONELLA FELIS)
Gene sequencing may have led to renaming both this disease and its
causative organism but the sickness remains the same by any name. This infection results in parasitism of a cat's red blood cells and subsequent massive destruction of those red blood cells by the
cat's own body. Blood sucking parasites such as fleas appear to be important in transmission. This page has details on this condition.
|
|
|
|
FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS (FIP)
FIP is a very serious disease. There are no good vaccines, no good test, no
good treatment and no cure. Click here for our resource guide to information on this disease with links to several good external web pages discussing various aspects of FIP.
|
|
|
|
FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS
|
|
|
|
FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE
“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 UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASE
Does your cat sneeze, have runny eyes, and a runny nose? The
symptoms of a cold in humans is probably Feline Upper Respiratory disease in cats. Find out what this is, how it is treated and what the vaccination options are.
|
|
|
|
FIBROCARTILAGINOUS EMBOLISM
Fibrocartilaginous embolism is quite a mouthful so we usually just call it "FCE."
FCE is a disease primarily of dogs leading to a sudden neurologic weakness or paralysis, usually after an excercise injury. The symptoms are generally permanent.
This page has more details about diagnosis and treatment options.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
THE FLEA CONTROL CENTER
Finally, one central area that organizes flea control information. We
have decided to make our staff training program in flea control available to the public so that anyone can learn the basic principles to flea-free living. We invite you to explore this extensive area
about a seemingly ubiquitous pest.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
GLOMERULONEPHRITIS
This is a big word for a big disease. Glomerulonephritis means inflammation of
the microscopic kidney units called "glomeruli:" the filtration units of the kidney. This may not mean much to the average pet owner but this pages serves as an important resource for an
owner whose pet has this disease. This is a special kidney disease where the precious blood proteins leak away into the urine where they are lost out in the lawn, litter box, or dog park. Check out
this page for more information.
|
|
|
|
GRANULOMATOUS MENINGOENCEPHALITIS (GME)
Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis is a frustrating disease given the lack of
known information about this condition and the poor response to therapy. We have been contacted by several people having difficulty obtaining any information at all on the web regarding this
condition so we have attempted to formulate a summary. We sincerely hope you are reading this out of academic interest only, rather than out of need to help your pet. Here is what information we have
been able to assemble.
|
|
|
|
LONG TERM HEART FAILURE THERAPY
Heart failure is obviously an emergency. Once we have revived a
pet’s heart, however, what can be done to prevent another episode? Visit this page to read about several long term therapy options.
|
|
|
|
HEARTWORM DISEASE
Heartworm is a very serious problem in many areas of the country. Here is a site that
attempts to answer all your questions about the disease, its treatment and its prevention.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
HEMANGIOSARCOMA
No matter where this tumor is found, it is bad news. Hemangiosarcoma is a blood vessel
cancer that is highly malignant and usually a challenge to treat. At least one form is curable with surgery if caught early. Will you know it if you see it?
|
|
|
|
HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS
Cats were not designed to ever get fat. Their metabolism was geared towards multiple small prey meals a day.
Domestication has changed their lifestyle but not their physiology, and when a cat stops eating, liver failure is not far away. Why? This page explains the details.
|
|
|
|
CANINE HERPES INFECTION
Did you know that a pregnant female dog should have no contact with
any other dogs in the final 3 weeks of pregnancy? This is because a simple infection (that leaves no symptoms in the mother) will wipe out the litter of puppies before they are even born. The risk
extends for three weeks after birth as well. Read on to learn more.
|
|
|
|
HERPES CONJUNCTIVITIS IN CATS
Herpes is responsible for approximately 50% of feline upper
respiratory infections (colds) but, as many of us have heard, Herpes is a permanent infection with stress bringing out flare-ups. This is a common problem, especially for cats with a rescue or
shelter history in their kittenhood. Find out more here.
|
|
|
|
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN 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
It takes a great deal of force to dislocate a normal hip (and maybe not so much force
for an abnormal hip) and some skill to put the hip back together the way it is supposed to be. There is actually a window of opportunity after which it becomes nearly impossible to get the bones back
in place without surgery. And how does one keep the hip from coming back out again? This page has details on the dislocated ("luxated") hip.
|
|
|
|
HIP DYSPLASIA
This condition accounts for 30% of all orthopedic cases in veterinary medicine
and is an absolute scourge to large breed dogs. Every owner of a large breed dog should know this disease as there is an excellent chance their pet will be affected sooner or later. Click here for a review of this condition.
|
|
|
|
HOOKWORMS
Hookworms are one of the top four intestinal parasites of youngdogs (the others being roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms). They can cause a life-threatening blood loss in puppies, plus they are infectious to human beings. Learn more than you may want to from this page.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
FELINE HOUSE SOILING
Does your cat seem to forget where the real litter box is and instead use
the “imaginary” litter box in the middle of the living room rug? This could be caused by medical or behavioral problems. Here are some methods of dealing with the causes.
|
|
|
|
HYPERCALCEMIA
An elevated blood calcium is a damaging metabolic change and usually bodes a serious
underlying disease. The testing sequence is complicated and not inexpensive. Here is a page to help it make sense.
|
|
|
|
HYPOCALCEMIA
Calcium is very important in the contraction of muscles; not just the skeletal muscles we
use for voluntary motion but our hearts as well. Blood calcium levels are tightly regulated within a specific range by a number of hormone systems. This page explains the diagnosis and treatment of
Hypoparathyroidism, the derangement of one of these systems leading to seizures and potentially death if untreated.
|
|
|
|
TOY BREED HYPOGLYCEMIA
It doesn't get much cuter than a puppy. It seems like the smaller, the cuter. But there are aspects
of being that small that aren't so cute, like difficulty in keeping blood sugar in the normal range. Many adopters are captivated by the adorable toy breed puppy but are unprepared for its special
needs. This page provides more details..
|
|
|
|
HYPERTHYROIDISM
Do you have an older cat with a weight loss problem despite an excellent appetite? Has
hyperthyroidism been diagnosed but you have questions about the different treatments? This area attempts to provide a complete resource on this subject.
|
|
|
|
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
When a cat develops a heart murmur, this abnormal heart muscle
condition is one of the most important diseases to rule out. It can produce heart failure, painful blood clots, and even sudden death. Find out what you need to know in this external link.
|
|
|
|
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Hypothyroidism is the most common hormone imbalance of the dog. While it would
seem like it would be a simple subject, there are enough complexities to have kept it out of our Pet Web Library until now. Come see what you've been missing. (Sorry, no graphics at this
time - we’ll add some soon).
|
|
|
|
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? Read on for the details.
|
|
|
|
IMMUNE-MEDIATED PLATELET DESTRUCTION
The immune system guards us against invaders but
sometimes it gets confused and attacks one’s own cells. Platelets are blood cells involved in blood clotting and can be victims of this phenomenon. Read on for more details.
|
|
|
|
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Does your pet seem to have chronic vomiting or diarreah? Here’s
an FAQ (a list of Frequently Asked Questions) about a possible cause.
|
|
|
|
CANINE INFLUENZA
After a barrage of emails, news reports, and bulletins sweeping the internet in late Sept 2005, we have decided
to put together an FAQ about this infection. While it is true that most dogs are susceptible to infection, mortality is 5-8% rather than the more dramatic figures quoted by some alarmist emails. This
virus is to be respected, as should be the human influenza virus. Separate the fact from the myth by reading this article.
|
|
|
|
INHALANT 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.
|
|
|
|
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)
It is easy to confuse IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS
(Irritable Bowel Syndrome) particularly when some forms of IBD produce identical symptoms as IBS. Still, these are two completely different conditions and it is important not to mix them up when
treating a pet's diarrhea.
|
|
|
|
ITCH RELIEF
A collection of suggestions to relieve a pet’s itchy skin without the use of cortisone
derivatives is presented.
|
|
|
|
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 how it is vaccinated against.
|
|
|
|
KIDNEY FAILURE
This is an especially common
problem among geriatric pets and, as treatment frequently is long term, it is important for owners to understand their options. Topics discussed at this site include:
Medications used in treatment, diagnostics/helpful testing and monitoring, and how to get involved with other on-line resource groups. An external link to the Chronic Renal Failure Information Center is also provided.
|
|
|
|
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT (cats)
It is possible for a cat to have a kidney transplant from a
healthy donor cat. This is not a simple procedure by any means and requires not only adoption of the donor cat but immune-suppressive medications for the life of the recipient cat. The undertaking is
expensive (several thousand dollars) but for the right patient it can mean the gift of life. Visit this page in The Surgery Suite for more information.
|
|
|
|
LEPTOSPIROSIS
This is one infection that can be caught by humans as
well as by canines. Read about the leptospira organism, and how we test, treat and vaccinate against the disease (in dogs, that is).
|
|
|
|
LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease has received so much press coverage that most people have some idea of what it
is, but there is a tremendous confusion beyond the fact that it comes from tick bites. The disease situation in the dog is very different from that in humans, which makes matters even more confused.
Should you vaccinate your dog? How worried should we be? The answers are not always black and white, but here is a summary of what is known.
|
|
|
|
LYMPHANGIECTASIA
This unpleasant intestinal disease is
responsible for severe protein loss from the body and consequent wasting away. The good news is that it is treatable Visit this page to learn more.
.
|
|
|
|
LYMPHOMA
This form of cancer, also called “lymphosarcoma,” is the most common malignancy of dogs, cats and
humans. There is a plentitude of information available, information that is necessary in order to make intelligent decisions about an affected pet. Click here to find out more.
|
|
|
|
MARIJUANA INTOXICATION
Marijuana is the most popular illegal
recreational drug. What happens when a dog or cat finds a “stash” and weren’t taught to “just say no?” Will they just be harmlessly “stoned,” or are there more severe health consequences? Read the
information presented here for more information.
|
|
|
|
MAST CELL TUMORS
The mast cell is an important inflammatory cell
involved in the symptoms of allergy. When the mast cell goes tumerous the inflammation may go body-wide, yet they are not rare by any means (in dogs nearly 20% of all skin tumors are mast cell
tumors)..
.
|
|
|
|
MASTICATORY MYOSITIS
Imagine not being able to open your mouth.
Food must be lapped gingerly. Muscles of the face atrophy. This condition is immune-mediated but luckily treatable. This page has an explanation for you, including tests and treatments.
.
|
|
|
|
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).
|
|
|
|
MENINGIOMA
This brain tumor is probably the most common cause of seizures in dogs over age six
years of age..Read on to find out more about it’s signs, the tests that can be done and several treatment options.
.
|
|
|
|
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
Myasthenia gravis is a disease causing muscle weakness, and often megaesophagus.
This is a classical condition interfering with the communication between nerves and muscles. Prognosis depends heavily on early diagnosis. For more details, click here.
|
|
|
|
NICOTINE (CIGARETTE) POISONING IN PETS
A cigarette butt may seem like a fun toy to a puppy
or kitten but that small amount of remaining tobacco actually contains 25% of the nicotine contained in the entire original cigarette. Cigarettes don't have to be smoked to be hazardous. This page
covers the symtoms and treatment for nicotine poisoning..
|
|
|
|
EPISTAXIS: NOSE BLEEDS
Epistaxis comes from the Greek word "stazo" meaning "falling in drops." What
it means in English is a bloody nose. In younger pets, it is usually caused by a trauma or foreign body but in older pets tumors are common. A step by step diagnostic process is needed to sort the
possible causes out. To read about the general testing procedure, visit this page on bloody noses.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
ORPHAN PUPPY & KITTEN CARE
Just in time for Spring and kitten season. If you have some
unexpected additions to your family and are not sure what to do, here is an information sheet explaining orphan care.
|
|
|
|
CANINE OSTEOSARCOMA
Osteosarcoma is by far the most common bone tumor of the dog. We see 2 - 3 cases a year, but we’ve not found much information on the internet providing the details that an owner would need to make proper treatment decisions. If you have questions
about canine osteosarcoma, here are some answers.
|
|
|
|
PANCREATITIS
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. In the dog, pancreatitis is a frequently life-threatening classical disease. Pancreatitis in the cat was hardly described in even the most
complete textbooks ten years ago as we did not have adequate technology to evaluate the pancreas in the cat. Visit this page to link to the canine or feline pancreatitis information..
|
|
|
|
CARE OF THE PARALYZED ANIMAL
When a beloved pet becomes paralyzed in the rear
legs, quality of life issues come to the forefront. For the dedicated owner, caring for the “downer” pet does not have to be a “downer.” This article reviews the special needs of the paralyzed animal
and features helpful products.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
PEMPHIGUS FOLIACEUS
The Pemphigus
complex of skin diseases represent immune-mediated destruction of different layers o the epidermis.
Pemphigus foliaceus is the most common. Crusts and ulcers on the face and feet are classic lesions in both the dog and cat and patience is required for treatment. Read on for more details..
|
|
|
|
PLASMA CELL PODODERMATITIS
Easy to recognize but not as easy to understand, this
condition is often called "pillow foot" in cats for reasons that are obvious from the graphic presented. This condition is described as rare. Most cats do not require treatment..Read
more about this condition here.
|
|
|
|
PLASMA CELL STOMATITIS
Plasma Cell Stomatitis (also called "lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis or LPS" is a chronic,
very painful oral disease of of the cat. The mouth bleeds, stinks from infection, and/or grows plainful proliferations from the gums.
In many cases medical management is adequate but in many cases surgical intervention is needed. Click here to find out more.
|
|
|
|
PNEUMONIA MANAGEMENT
Our Canine Parvovirus Information Center has
several pages devoted to Pneumonia, another name for deep inflammation in the lung, which can occur as a complication of many primary diseases.
This article reviews the basics of pneumonia treatment and what to expect should your pet develop bacterial pneumonia.
|
|
|
|
CARE OF THE PREGNANT DOG
Puppies on the way? Not sure what to do now? Prenatal care
comes first, but what does that entail for dogs? Read here to find out, and don't forget to check our sister page on Labor and Puppy Birth.
|
|
|
|
PREGNANCY TERMINATION
Accidents happen. Unwanted pregnancy in one's pet can be a big
inconvenience, a hazard to the pet, as well as a contribution to an extremely over-populated world. There
are choices to be made and we will tell you what they are. Click here for more information.
|
|
|
|
PYOTHORAX
Most of us know our heart and lungs are inside the chest cavity, but we don't give much
thought to the empty space in the chest cavity that is not taken up by organs. This space is called the "pleural space" and as it is normally small and lubricated by a small amount of
moisture; it is normally not worth much thought.
This changes when the balance of fluid drainage in the pleural space is altered. Fluid build up in the pleural space means less space for the lungs to expand into. In this article, we explore the build-up of pus in the pleural space, a life-threatening infection. For details click here.
|
|
|
|
ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES (RAT POISON)
Mankind has been battling rodents for thousands of
years and the anticoagulant rodenticides are currently among the more commonly used methods of rodent pest control. But what happens when the family dog or cat eats a poisoned rat or eats the poison directly? This page will explain what to watch for.
|
|
|
|
RABIES
Rabies is a very serious disease, but fortunately it can also be
easily prevented in dogs and cats by proper vaccination. Click here for more information on exactly what this disease entails and how it works, including an animated demonstration of how rabies
affects humans
|
|
|
|
RATTLESNAKE BITES IN CALIFORNIA
How many poisonous snakes call California their homes? It turns out they are
all rattlesnakes, and there are eight types.
Dogs encounter snakes during play or work and often end up with venomous bite as a result. What do you need to know about this situation? Read this article to find out.
|
|
|
|
RINGWORM
Not a worm at all but really a fungal infection of the skin. Contagious to humans, too. Got
questions? Here is an FAQ area for you.
|
|
|
|
ROUNDWORMS
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. Visit
this mini-site for information on Roundworms in Dogs & Puppies, in Cats & Kittens and in Humans
|
|
|
|
RUNNY EYES
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? What can be done? This web page reviews the problem.
|
|
|
|
SARCOPTIC MANGE
Also called “scabies,” this mite infection is extremely itchy and contagious. While
difficult to diagnose, this condition is usually easy to treat. Click here for more information.
|
|
|
|
SEIZURE DISORDER
Always unpleasant and can represent an emergency. Fortunately there is
treatment. Read on for options.
|
|
|
|
SEPARATION ANXIETY
Sometimes pets love too much. The hyper-attached dog not only follows its owner
from room to room, but becomes vocal, anxious and even destructive when left alone. Compilicating the situation are other behavior problems that cause destructive behavior. Where to start? Try
reading this article.
|
|
|
|
SHAR-PEI SPECIAL CONCERNS & CAUTIONS
In Chinese “Shar-pei” means “dog with sandy coat.” There is a
lot to these wrinkly exotic dogs. Click here for information.
|
|
|
|
SNAIL BAIT POISONING
Many gardens have snail problems in the Springtime and many gardens have pets. Snail Bait
poisoning is the most common intoxication in California for dogs, largely because snail bait is commonly pelleted and flavored. Our hospital strongly discourages the use of metaldehyde based snail
control products as they have tremendous potential to do damage. For more information click here.
|
|
|
|
SUBCUTANEOUS FLUID ADMINISTRATION AT HOME
Lots of animals require extra fluids, either
temporarily or indefinitely, to insure that they receive adequate hydration. The technique is simple, but sometimes daunting to the beginner. Here is a pictured guide to assist with the learning
experience of giving subcutaneous fluids to your pet at home, and to serve as a handy reference.
|
|
|
|
TAENIA
Tapeworms are common where ever there are fleas but did you know there is a tapeworm that
comes from raw meat or carrion? Visit this page on Taenia Hydatigena to learn more about this creature.
|
|
|
|
CATS WITH BROKEN TAILS
Sacrocaudal fractures are dislocations in the tail near where the tail
joins the body. One might expect pain and external injury to be the main concern but instead the problems are neurologic. Visit this page for more information.
|
|
|
|
TAPEWORM
Noticing “grains of rice” that move? Something that looks like sesame seeds in your pet’s
bedding? Where do tapeworms come from and why do they come back? Click here and find out.
|
|
|
|
TOXIC PLANTS
This external link was put together by Cornell University to review
common household and garden plants which might be toxic to our pets. Common and scientific names of plants are listed and graphics are included. An excellent site for any pet owner to review.
|
|
|
|
TOXOPLASMOSIS & PREGNANCY
Got questions? We have answers plus some additional links to go with them.
|
|
|
|
TRACHEAL COLLAPSE
A long-standing harsh cough in a toy breed dog is highly suggestive of this
condition, where the windpipe itself becomes flimsy. Treatment can involve surgery or just medication, as well as some lifestyle changes (such as weight loss or reduction in ambient cigarette smoke).
Any owner of a tiny canine ought to at least become familiar with this all too common condition. Read here for more details.
|
|
|
|
TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA
Bloody urine, straining, and discomfort usually means
something simple like a bladder infection but sometimes the worst case scenario comes to pass and cancer is present. The Transitional Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of bladder cancer.
Visit this page to find out about how it is detected and treated..
|
|
|
|
TRANSMISSIBLE VENEREAL TUMOR
Imagine getting a mosquito bite and growing a new mosquito off your body at the site of
the bite. Sounds weird but this is essentially how the Transmissible Venereal Tumor spreads: by touch. The Transmissible Venereal Tumor is a tumor that implants itself on to anyone (any dog,
that is) that touches it. Visit this page for more information.
|
|
|
|
URINARY INCONTINENCE
The urine leaking dog or cat is a very big household problem, yet
most people do not realize this is often a simple problem to cure. Some testing is best to rule out infections but most cases are dried up with simple medications. Visit this page for
more details about various causes and their indicated medications and therapies...
|
|
|
|
VESTIBULAR DISEASE
Most people think their pet has had a stroke, but in fact a problem with the
vestibular apparatus is to blame. What does this mean? Click here to find out.
|
|
|
|
CANINE VIRAL PAPILLOMAS
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 here.
|
|
|
|
VKH SYNDROME
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-Like syndrome in dogs (also called "Uveodermatologic
Syndrome") affects both the skin and eyes of affected dogs, mostly Nordic breeds and Akitas but any breed can be affected.
Eye pain and inflammation is followed by a whitening of the hair that can be complete. Read this page for more information about this syndrome.
|
|
|
|
VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE
Everyone has heard of Hemophilia and knows it is an inherited blood
clotting problem. Not everyone has heard of von Willebrand's disease, which is the most common inherited blood clotting disorder of the dog. Is your breed at risk? This page explains more and shows
which breeds are most likely affected.
|
|
|
|
WHIPWORMS
The "big four" intestinal parasites of the dog are: roundworms, tapeworms,
hookworms and whipworms.
We complete our series with the addition of the whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) to our library. This common parasite is particularly hard to detect and causes a bloody, mucous diarrhea in dogs.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
ZINC POISONING
Now that pennies are made of zinc instead of copper, swallowing them can be
harmful to your pet. To find out more about this syndrome (officially known as zinc induced hemolytic anemia), click here.
|
