Animal health

Our cat's eyes are indicators of their general health. While they will produce tears for normal lubrication, any abnormal discharge is a sign of a possible threat to their well-being. Different colorations of this discharge will help to diagnose the problem, although an official diagnosis will be required...

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, is not only a concern in humans but can also affect our feline companions. While seizures in cats are relatively rare, they can signal serious underlying health issues. For pet owners, witnessing a cat experience a seizure can be alarming,...

Whether from flea bites, wounds or other causes, cats can develop scabs when their skin is broken and the healing process has begun. Especially those with access to outside, it is common for a cat to receive minor cuts and wounds which will heal over time. However, some diseases and other more serious health...

Dogs, like humans, can exhibit signs of depression. While they can’t verbally express their emotions, their behavior can offer clues. Common signs include decreased interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, lethargy, and withdrawal. If you suspect your dog might be depressed, it’s crucial...

A trichobezoar is a mass of hair that is trapped inside the gastrointestinal system. More commonly known as hairballs, they are a phenomenon we most often associate with cats. This is because felines are known for their high levels of grooming. They are a problem which can similarly affect rabbits. Rabbits...

Abscesses in cats are painful accumulations of pus that result from bacterial infections. When an abscess forms, the body encapsulates the pus in connective tissue to contain the infection and prevent it from spreading. However, if bacteria or microorganisms escape into the bloodstream, it can pose a serious...

Due to the detrimental effects of stress on their organism, it is possible a cat can die from stress. Felines are very sensitive animals, especially those which only live indoors. Stress is a natural response which allows cats to perceive uncomfortable or threatening situations and react appropriately. Unfortunately,...

If your dog frequently goes outside, plays with other animals and also has a garden at home, it will be much more susceptible to a parasite infestation. Most commonly, these involve fleas and ticks. Deworming is absolutely essential in keeping your pet healthy. If not, it could develop a serious illness,...

Sedation often raises many questions and concerns for dog owners, yet it is sometimes necessary to help our dogs avoid pain or stress during certain procedures. In veterinary clinics, sedation is commonly used for minor surgeries, wound care, dental cleanings, and diagnostic tests. Rest assured, veterinary...

Dermatitis in cats is a common and troublesome skin condition marked by inflammation, itching, and often hair loss. This condition can stem from various factors, including environmental allergens, food sensitivities, parasitic infestations, bacterial or fungal infections, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune...

Also known as halitosis, bad breath in cats is a relatively common problem. Due to their diet and penchant for putting almost anything they find in their mouth, even a healthy cat can have problems with bad breath. It doesn't mean it is a problem for them, but when they come to our face for a cuddle,...

A dog that suddenly stops moving is in trouble. While you may see they are still breathing, their lack of response means there is a serious problem with their organism which needs immediate veterinary attention. It is not common and some of the reasons why a dog stops moving are potentially fatal. You...

Various types of tumors can appear on our dog's body. Although they can be completely benign, the fear of a malignant tumor is a call to action to achieve a quick diagnosis. This is the case with canine fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor that affects the soft connective tissues of their body. It is a result...

Clindamycin is a type of antibiotic which is used to treat various bacterial infections. It is used in both human and veterinary medicine. It is a prescription-only drug, meaning that it can only be given to an animal with express permission from a qualified veterinarian. Giving any drug to an animal...

Anal sacculitis is a condition affecting dogs that occurs when the anal glands become obstructed or infected. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty defecating. While anal sacculitis can be uncomfortable for dogs, it's usually treatable with proper veterinary care. If you notice your dog exhibiting...

Vaccinations are a form of preventive medicine which can stop the spread of serious diseases within the canine community. They are recommended by veterinarians and many countries have mandatory vaccination laws for certain diseases. For example, many US states require rabies vaccinations. These vaccinations...

Any type of vomit in your cat is cause for concern, but guardians may be confused if their cat is throwing up water. There are many causes of throwing up a clear liquid, but if it is prolonged for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary advice. A cat...

Preventing parasitic infections in our dogs is necessary throughout their lives, but a pregnant dog is particularly vulnerable to infestation. The gestation of her puppies is a process which takes a lot of energy, requiring dietary changes and an added level of care by her guardians. After she delivers...

When we speak of side effects of anesthesia in dogs, we might think of worrying consequences which might occur due to reactions or complications. It is first important to note that certain side effects of anesthesia are completely normal and will not threaten the dog's health in the long term. For example,...

Complications after neutering surgery are rare, but we need to be observant for any possible sign of a problem. Some symptoms are more obvious than others, such as bleeding from the incision wound. A dog not urinating after they have been neutered can be observed if they struggle or simply do not attempt...

While spaying is recommended by veterinarians for female dogs, there are many guardians who question whether it is best for their canine. Even if they do not want their dog to have puppies, some fear their dog may have negative repercussions. Especially if the dog is an adult, they will have developed...

Is your senior dog struggling to walk? One of the most common signs of aging in dogs is weakness or difficulty using their hind legs. This can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from wear-and-tear conditions like arthritis to injuries or even neurological problems. In this sense, early diagnosis...

Cats are naturally curious animals that often use their mouths to explore their environment. They are also known to eat parts of plants, especially types of grasses. Although the reasons for this behavior are poorly understood, it is believed they do so to help digestion. Unfortunately, there are plants which...

External parasites in cats use their hosts to breed and search out new hosts. This means felines which live in groups are prone to cross-infestation. Cat colonies of feral cats often have high rates of infestation, but up to 29.6% of domestic cats also have external parasites. While ear mites are the most common,...

Spaying a dog is a form of neutering. This is permanent sterilization which prevents the dog from becoming pregnant with puppies. While there are some variations, the most common form of spaying is an ovariohysterectomy. During this procedure, the uterus and ovaries are removed. The benefits to the dog...

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug that is used to treat allergic processes and immune-mediated diseases in both human and veterinary medicine. The diseases it treats affect various organs and bodily systems. It is a drug with high efficacy and is considered safe since its side effects are usually...

Flea infestations can be a real hassle for both you and your cat. Their bites cause intense itching, redness, and irritation, leading to excessive scratching and potentially open wounds on your cat's skin. While you might have heard baking soda is a natural remedy for fleas, it's important to understand its...

Mistaking a bloated belly in a cat for simply eating too much could be a costly mistake. Although gastrointestinal problems are a common cause of feline distended abdomen, there are many causes which can result in this symptom. Some causes can be easily treatable, others can be life threatening. For this...

While cats typically have bowel movements every 12-24 hours, a lack of poop can signal a potential health issue. When waste products aren't eliminated regularly, they can harden and become difficult to pass, causing constipation. This can be painful for your cat and, if left untreated, can lead to a...

Miconazole for dogs is the active ingredient of certain medications which is classified as an antifungal. It is considered a fungistatic and fingicidal drug which acts on fungi and yeasts which can proliferate in various tissues of the canine body. Although minimal, research suggests there is also some...

Has your horse been squinting, weeping, or sporting a red, irritated eye? You might be facing a common foe: conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, understanding and recognizing this condition is crucial for your horse's well-being. Untreated, it can lead...

Apoquel is a drug used to treat the symptoms which appear during cases of atopic dermatitis. This is a prolonged inflammation of the skin which causes redness, itching and purulent discharge in advanced cases. These symptoms can be very upsetting for the dog and put them at risk of complications such as...

Heavy breathing is an increase in respiratory rate above normal and is known medically as tachypnea. It may or not be accompanied by dyspnea, the medical term for respiratory distress. Panting is a form of heavy breathing, but it is not always a sign of a problem. Panting is a normal reaction to various...

A dog twitches when they lie down due to tremors and muscle contractions. While this twitching can be a normal response to physical activity, it can also be a symptom of certain physiological or emotional pathologies. While we can recognize tremors or twitching easily in the dog, it is more difficult...

A cesarean section in cats, also known as a c-section, is a surgical intervention which is required when a pregnant cat cannot give birth naturally. The reasons a cat cannot give birth without help are varied. They can be determined before the cat enters labor which will usually require scheduling of a cesarean...

Also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis in dogs, acute moist dermatitis is a skin infection which results in oozing inflamed patches of skin known as hot spots. The skin is exposed due to the hair loss in the area, a hair loss which is caused by the dog themselves. When a dog licks the same area repeatedly...

Dermatitis in dogs is a term which refers to the inflammation of a dog's skin, a symptom which has many causes. Whether due to infection, sensitivity, parasites or any other issue, dermatitis can be very troubling for the dog. Not only does it cause discomfort and pain, but the damaged skin is made vulnerable...

Leishmaniasis in cats is a chronic disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Leishmania infantum. Although it is relatively rare in cats, it is a disease is considered to be emerging. It is also a type of zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transferred to humans. Although more commonly diagnosed in...

When a rabbit is pregnant, they will nest when they are about to enter labor. This nesting behavior is very important to offer both mother and her kits the security she needs to care for vulnerable offspring. Female rabbits will reach sexual maturity around 4 to 8 months of age, after which time they can...

The growing homogenization of modern livestock, focused on a few high-performance breeds, threatens the rich genetic diversity of traditional cattle breeds. These breeds, adapted to specific conditions and possessing unique characteristics, face the risk of extinction. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) emerges...

Canine hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) is an uncommon metabolic disorder impacting both the liver and skin. It exhibits distinct characteristics such as hepatopathy, hypoaminoacidemia, aminoaciduria, and superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND), leading to specific crusted, red, and histologically unique...

Deciding when to euthanize a dog with kidney failure is one of the most heartbreaking and important decisions a dog guardian will need to make. There are many ways we can support a dog with kidney failure, but ensuring we diagnose the problem as early as possible is vital for prolonged life. Unfortunately,...

Constipation is not necessarily more common in small dog breeds, but the dog's size can be a factor in having trouble pooping. While it may be relatively frequent in small animals, it doesn't mean that constipation can be ignored. It can be a symptom of a more serious health concern. At the very least,...

Conofite for dogs is a topical medication which comes in the form of ear drops. It is used to treat otitis, a general term for inflammation of the ear. Its usefulness for this purpose will depend on the underlying cause of the otitis, but its active ingredients make it useful against various common...

If your dog keeps rubbing their face on the carpet, the reasons for the behavior will depend on the context. If they are happily rolling on the ground and having a good time, it will be in contrast to a dog which appears to be rubbing their nose in distress. A dog's nose is very sensitive, meaning they...

Stronghold plus for cats is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent which is used to combat both internal and external parasites. Unlike many other antiparasitic deworming agents for animals, Stronghold Plus has two active ingredients. This provides protection against external parasites such as fleas, ticks...

We might associate deworming products with cats and dogs, but we ignore potential parasites in rabbits at our bunny's peril. Especially when they are kept in outdoor hutches, rabbits are vulnerable to many different types of internal and external parasites. Said parasites can enter their body through...

Cats with diabetes need to eat protein-rich food which avoids nutrients such as high-gycemic carbohydrates. Many of us will not associate diabetes with felines since they generally do not eat sugar. This is a common misconception with cats since diabetes is related to poor diet, especially when it is high...

Also known as scabies in horses, mange is a skin disease caused by the infestation of mites. It is a disease which is most associated with dogs. This is because the specific mite that causes sarcoptic mange in animals is Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, a mite of the genus Sarcoptes which is highly contagious....

If you see a lump on your dog's nipple area, it's important to consider the potential of breast cancer in dogs. There are other symptoms of canine mammary cancer, but a lump is one of the most common. This does not mean a lump in the nipple area will provide diagnosis of cancer. This is something which...