Animal health
Learn all you need to know about your pet's health. AnimalWised will explain some of the most common diseases in pets in a simple way, how to prevent and how to act in certain situations. Here you can clarify your doubts about specific diseases and learn in which cases you should immediately consult a veterinarian and even some home remedies that may complement the treatment prescribed by your veterinarian.
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Laryngitis in cats is a symptom rather than a disease. It manifests as inflammation of the larynx, often resulting in a hoarse voice. While it is most commonly associated with respiratory infections, it can be a symptom of various health issues. Some of these can be serious, such as trauma, poisoning...
Is your older dog coughing more than usual? You're not alone. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms that worry pet parents with aging dogs. As our furry friends get older, their immune systems naturally weaken, just like their heart and lungs become less efficient. This makes them more vulnerable...
Is your cat suddenly having diarrhea or acting uncomfortable? It might be colitis, a common digestive issue that affects a cat’s colon. While it can be worrying, the good news is that colitis in cats is usually treatable once you understand the symptoms, causes, and care options.
In this AnimalWised...
Prolonged or paroxysmal coughing in cats is a clear sign they need to be taken to a veterinarian. Various pathologies and health conditions can lead to coughing as a symptom. In addition to more obvious respiratory infections, coughing may be a result of gastrointestinal disease, neuromuscular problems...
Can a cat with leukemia be around other cats? If you have a cat diagnosed with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), you might be wondering whether they can safely interact with other felines. FeLV is a contagious disease that weakens a cat’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections. Understanding...
The causes of vaginal discharge in a dog can vary according to the reproductive status of the animal. Since vaginal discharge is often a result of sexual activity, it could be related to her heat cycle or even the result of pregnancy. Spayed female dogs should not experience discharge in this same way,...
Otitis is the scientific term for an ear infection, although it most specifically refers to general inflammation of the ear. This can also be caused by non-infectious processes such as fluid buildup. It can affect the external, middle or inner parts of the ear, potentially causing serious discomfort in...
Cats make many noises, but not all cats have the same vocalizations. Some are quick to purr, others will not be very vocal at all. Some cats even make noises like a pigeon. The type of vocalization a cat will make is influenced by many factors, including breed and health. Pigeon cooing is a relatively...
Most commonly sold under the name Minipress, prazosin is an antihypertensive drug which is used to reduce high blood pressure levels. Marketed for human use, it can be prescribed off-label by veterinarians for use in canines. Prazosin acts as an antagonist of alpha-adrenergic receptors, reducing blood...
Commonly sold under the trade name Zeniquin, marbofloxacin is an antibiotic in the group of broad-spectrum antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. These are used to treat infections caused by various bacteria, working by inhibiting certain enzymes which the bacteria need to replicate. Skin and other soft tissue...
Vomiting is one of the most common clinical signs of illness in dogs, although the severity of these illnesses range from negligible to life threatening. Mild and occasional vomiting is also different from chronic and severe vomiting. Generally speaking, if a dog has mild vomiting that doesn't persist...
Phlegm is mucus produced by the lower and some parts of the dog's upper respiratory system, but it does not include nasal mucus. The latter you might produced with a runny nose, but phlegm often results from coughing. It is thick in consistency and often discolored rather than clear. As it is a result...
Melanoma in cats is a type of skin cancer that can also develop in the eyes, mucous membranes or mucocutaneous junctions. The latter is the transitional area between mucous membranes and skin. Although melanomas are always malignant in human medicine, we can find both benign and malignant melanoma in...
Ciprofloxacin is a type of fluoroquinolone antibiotic which is used as a broad-spectrum treatment for a range of bacterial infections. While it is not usually marketed directly for veterinary use, many veterinarians will administer ciprofloxacin for dogs in off-label prescriptions. The reason is it not...
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs, affecting roughly 1 in 100. While watching your pet experience a seizure can be intensely frightening, understanding this condition can help you provide better care and reduce anxiety for both you and your dog. The good news is that...
It is normal for a dog to have an odor we find quite pungent. Especially if they are wet, the natural oils on their skin mix with bacteria and other microorganisms to create a strong smell. Some dogs naturally smell worse than others, whether due to skin type or their natural hormone production. Unfortunately,...
A cat's morphology can vary according to many factors, including breed, diet, activity levels and many others. Some may be naturally more slim, while others may be known for having a rounded body. If a cat's spine is noticeable, it is often a sing of being underweight. Especially for cats with longer hair,...
Vision loss in dogs can be a progressive process, often as a result of degenerative disorders. The dog can gradually lose vision until they become completely blind. Dogs are very adaptable animals. Their keen sense of smell and hearing allow them to adequately navigate their environment even if they...
Vaccinations for cats are the best method of disease prevention for various infectious agents. While a minority are used to prevent bacterial agents, the majority of feline vaccinations are to prevent viral diseases. One of the most virulent and deadly is the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a retrovirus...
Nasal cancer in cats, while not as common as some other feline cancers, can be a serious health concern. Nasal tumors are less common in cats than in dogs, making up about 1% of tumors in cats. However, these tumors can develop in various forms, from lymphoma to carcinomas, each requiring specific treatment...
To stay hydrated, cats in the wild rely more on prey than fresh drinking water. Domestic cats have the benefit of their guardians to provide drinking water, either in water bowls, fountains or other drinking devices. This is important, especially if they eat kibble which is low in moisture compared to...
Urinary incontinence medications are used to stop the involuntary leakage of urine from the genitourinary tract. Different types of canine incontinence drugs are necessitated by the various causes of this health issue in dogs. An animal may be unable to control their urine flow due to both neurogenic and non-neurogenic...
Urinary incontinence in dogs is often associated with the bookends of a dog's life. Puppies have not yet learned to properly control their bladder, so they will urinate inappropriately in the home until they are paper trained. Senior dogs lose bladder control thanks to the deterioration of genitourinary tissues...
Scabby and crusty ears on cats are relatively common, especially in feral felines. Being an extremity, they are more vulnerable to their environment and the dangers within it. These dangers include attacks from other animals, abrasions from foliage, opportunistic parasites and even the elements. While these...
Propalin is a medication used in veterinary medicine to relieve urinary incontinence. Its active ingredient is phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PPA), a sympathomimetic agent which acts to strengthen the urethral sphincter and prevent urine leakage. A weakened urethral sphincter is commonly the result of...
Discovering your dog has bladder stones can be worrying. These hard mineral deposits can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and even blockages. While professional veterinary care is essential, many pet owners are also interested in exploring complementary natural approaches. These approaches focus on promoting...
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints and can cause serious pain in an animal. This can be intense, affecting mobility and generally deteriorate the quality of life of dogs. The fact that it is degenerative tells us that it can only get worse, meaning there will be no cure or ability...
Known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or cognitive dysfunction syndrome, dementia in dogs is a degenerative disease which can seriously affect the animal's quality of life. Euthanasia in dogs is the practice of intentionally killing the animal to prevent suffering. Since canine cognitive dysfunction...
Ringworm and mange are common skin conditions in dogs which are often confused with each other. While both will result in deterioration of the skin and have some similar symptoms, they are very different in terms of pathogenesis. With such differences in causes and symptoms, treatment of mange and ringworm...
If you've noticed your cat struggling to walk, jump, or move around like they used to, they might be experiencing hind leg weakness. This common condition in cats, known medically as paraparesis, can be concerning for pet owners, but there are many ways to help your feline friend regain strength and mobility....
As dog owners, we often want to share our food with our furry friends, but certain common foods can severely upset their digestive system and cause diarrhea. Dogs have significantly different digestive systems from humans, making them more sensitive to many foods we eat regularly. Understanding which...
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by a wide variety of bacteria, both gram-positive and gram-negative. It is commonly used in human medicine where it is sold under the trade name Augmentin, among others. In veterinary medicine, it is prepared in different formulations...
Have you noticed your cat breathing from their belly instead of their chest? While it might seem harmless at first glance, this type of breathing could be a sign of underlying health issues that need attention. From respiratory conditions to heart problems, abdominal breathing can indicate that your feline...
Equine encephalitis is one of the most serious viral threats to both horses and humans. This disease, which spreads through mosquito bites, can progress from mild symptoms to severe neurological complications in just a matter of days. While there's no cure once infection takes hold, understanding this...
Augmentin is a drug that combines amoxicillin and clavulanic acid to create an antibiotic treatment for various bacterial infections. While these active ingredients are used in both human and veterinary medicine, it is vital to know that we cannot give the human preparation to dogs. Doing so could cause...
Is your dog developing a hard lump under its skin? While finding a lump on your dog can be concerning, not all bumps are harmful. However, as a pet parent, you want to ensure any unusual changes in your dog's body receive proper attention. Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when...
Finding a lump anywhere on our dog's body will be cause for concern, but lumps on a dog's head mean they are on a particularly sensitive part of their anatomy. For example, the proximity to the brain makes metastasis of cancers even more dangerous than it already is. This doesn't mean lumps or bumps on...
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are among the most common medical problems in dogs. This is partly because they have many origins, including everything from an inappropriate diet to serious infectious pathologies. Common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, but the inflammation of the intestines can...
Especially before they are toilet trained, it is common for a dog to pee a little inside the home. This is a particularly common issue in puppies. Once they have been trained to go outside, it is uncommon for dogs to urinate inappropriately. If they do so, they will have a reason behind it, whether of a physical...
If you see a brown spot on your dog's eye, it is possibly due to pigmentary keratitis. Also known as pigmentation keratitis in dogs, it is a result of chronic inflammatory processes which affect the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the transparent structure that covers the iris and pupil, allowing light...
Albumin is a protein found in the blood of dogs and plays a fundamental role in the transport, maintenance and balance of fluids in the body. When albumin levels are altered, serious health problems can be triggered. A reading of canine low albumin levels can also be a symptom of a serious health condition...
French Bulldogs are adored worldwide for their quirky charm and loyalty, but caring for them comes with challenges. This breed’s distinctive features—such as their flat faces, compact build, and skin folds—make them susceptible to specific health issues. Skin irritations, respiratory difficulties, and...
If your cat has a hairball, they will often cough and retch as a way to expel it from their upper respiratory tract. The hairball is caused by the ingestion of hair through self-grooming. In most cases, the cat can expel the hairball on their own, but certain factors can lead to it becoming stuck. This...
A dog's ears are one of the most sensitive areas of their body. For hearing to occur, the muscles and tissues which make up the ear are very sensitive. Being extremities, they are more exposed to the external environment. This includes the elements, such as the rain, wind and cold. They are also exposed...
Ocular tumors are disorganized growths of cells that can occur in the different tissues and structures that make up the eye. Symptoms of eye tumors in dogs will depend on the affected tissues, with some complicating treatment more than others. The therapies required can be invasive, especially if the...
Metacam is the trade name of the drug whose active ingredient is meloxicam. This compounds belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that provides analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. This menas the uses of Metacam for cats include treating postoperative pain,...
There may be many reasons why a dog has an upset stomach, some of which are serious and require veterinary treatment. While all symptoms will have a cause, not all will be known to us. It is common for a dog to have an upset stomach for a short period and recover quickly without us knowing the exact reason....
A tumor is a disorganized or abnormal growth of cells that occurs as a result of a genetic mutation. They can affect almost any tissue in the body where cells are able to divide and multiply, although they are more common in some areas than others. Intestinal tumors are not the most common in dogs, but...
Worms are a the most common type of internal parasite in dogs. They are so common that many guardians experience this problem, often without any serious repercussions if treatment is administered promptly. If this is not the case, the dog can develop life-threatening health problems such as malnutrition,...
Some guardians may find it difficult to belief a dog can experience depression. Their own dogs have boundless energy and an almost infinite capacity for fun. Their moods are often dependent on our own, but any sign of sadness will be gone with a treat or a play session. While their emotional capacity...