Resources for Pet Heath
The most important tools for diagnosing arthritis in dogs and cats (including osteoarthritis, or OA)are a detailed client history and a thorough physical examination by your veterinarian. It is helpful to know when clinical signs (symptoms) first developed, how quickly … [Read more...]
It is helpful to think of a joint not just as a mechanical location, but as an active organ system. Your pet’s joints contain living tissues which require nutrients, modify in response to demands, attempt repair of injury, and fall victim to infection or chronic … [Read more...]
What is Rabies in Dogs and Cats? Rabies is a viral disease capable of infecting ANY mammal, including humans, dogs, cats, wildlife, and production animals. It is not carried by, nor does it affect, birds, reptiles, fish, or any other non-mammals. Insects, ticks, and other … [Read more...]
Primary Addison’s disease in the dog is characterized by decreased or complete loss of production of both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormones of the adrenal glands. Atypical Addison’s disease in the dog, however, is cause by decreased production of only … [Read more...]
Many dogs are not diagnosed with Addison’s disease until they present to the veterinarian in an Addisonian crisis. At this advanced stage of disease, a number of life-saving measures must be taken, including administration of large amounts of intravenous fluids containing … [Read more...]
Dogs with Addison’s disease may be affected with any one of three types of the condition: primary addison’s disease (discussed here), atypical Addison’s disease, and secondary Addison’s disease. It is better named “hypoadrenocorticism”, as it is a condition … [Read more...]
Diseases that affect both humans and other animals are called “zoonotic diseases” or “zoonoses” (pronounced zoh-oh-no-sees). This article is a brief overview of some key zoonotic diseases, focusing on risks to humans. In all cases, the summaries and recommendations … [Read more...]
Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted to people from dogs or cats. It is important to treat these diseases when they are noticed to prevent illness in pet owners. Ringworm is a fungal infection, its misleading name being carried over from the old and … [Read more...]
Diagnosis of mitral valve disease in the dog The rapid, turbulent blood flow created by mitral regurgitation (think of the force and sound created when placing your thumb over a garden hose) can be heard through a stethoscope. When your pet is examined by your … [Read more...]
MMVD (acquired myxomatous mitral valve degeneration) accounts for about 3 in every 4 cases of heart disease in dogs. It generally affects older, small-breed dogs most commonly, though any dog may be affected. Predisposed breeds include miniature and toy poodles, Cavalier … [Read more...]
