Animal health
1.199 articles
Cushing Disease in cats, also called feline hyperadrenocorticism (HAF), is a serious disease in cats that is caused when the cortisol hormone is accumulated in excess in the cat's blood. With that being said, it is still a very rare condition, of which few cases have been registered and whose treatment...
Just like humans, cats can also suffer from allergies. As their caregiver, it's very important for us to recognize the common symptoms of allergies in cats. This way we can bring them to the veterinarian to be properly diagnosed and treated.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the clinical signs...
Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease that can affect the eyes of our kittens, causing the progressive loss of the sense of vision. Although it can affect any feline, it is usually more common among elderly cats.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what feline glaucoma is, its symptoms,...
Inflammatory bowel disease (often shortened to IBD), is a term for a range of diseases resulting in inflammation of the intestine. The cells which cause the mucosa of the intestine to become inflamed include lymphocytes, plasma cells or eosinophils. Feline inflammatory bowel disease can sometimes be...
Dexamethasone is a well-known drug that is used in both human and veterinary medicine. Its presence in home medicine cabinets encourages some keepers to administer it to their cats in situations where they would use it themselves. But this is a serious mistakeas dexamethasone for cats is different than...
There are certain products we need to keep on hand in any first aid kit. They are used to treat minor injuries and to help prevent emergencies. What we keep in them differs between animals and humans, although there are similarities. One product many people overlook is activated charcoal. This is a growingly...
An inflamed anus in cats can be due to gastrointestinal issues, dermatitis, anal gland problems or even tumors. Cats are very hygienic animals, but if you see them licking their anus excessively, it could be due to inflammation. While the licking itself can cause the anus to be swollen and red, it is important...
Liver failure in cats appears as a result of certain liver diseases that affect the functionality of the liver such as hepatic lipidosis, cholangitis, amyloidosis or tumors, but it can also be due to extrahepatic or toxic diseases.
In this AnimalWised article we’re going to explain what liver failure in cats...
When we observe any breathing trouble in dogs, it is a clear sign of concern. Proper respiration is essential for life, so any respiratory problems in dogs not only threaten their well-being, but their very existence. While respiratory problems can be related to the breed of dog (especially with brachycephalic...
Enteritis in cats is the inflammation of the small intestine. Whereas some enteritis is completely treatable and easily preventable, there are others that are more difficult to treat.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what is enteritis in cats, as well as the symptoms you should watch...
Although rare, cats can suffer from autoimmune skin diseases which includes pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus erythematosus and paraneoplastic pemphigus.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about autoimmune skin disease in cats, including the different types of pemphigus...
Also known as fibrous sarcoma in cats, feline fibrosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma which commonly appears at the injection site when hypodermic needles are used. As a relatively common type of cancer in cats, it accounts for 6 to 12% of feline tumors. It is a mesenchymal tumor, meaning it affects...
In this AnimalWised article we are going to talk about methimazole for cats, a medication that veterinarians prescribe for cats suffering from hyperthyroidism. When used correctly, this medication is very useful. However, one must follow their veterinarian's guidelines to avoid the side effects of methimazole...
There is a key difference between a cat having floppy ears and a cat having one floppy ear. In the case of the former, the reason is likely due to their breed. Some cat breeds have been specially bred to promote ear shapes different from most other domestic cats. These include long eared cat breeds,...
Any time you can see your cat's blood, there is cause for concern. If external, we might be able to look for bites or scratches which can heal easily. If internal, the cause is more difficult to determine and, in the majority of cases, more worrying. When a cat vomits blood, it means the blood is coming...
Hip dysplasia is the failure of the hip joints to develop normally, gradually deteriorating and leading to loss of function of the hip joints.
The color of a dog's vomit can tell us a lot about its cause. Whether relatively clear or opaque, the color of their vomit is not only determined by what they have eaten. The contents of the animal's stomach can include bodily fluids which shouldn't be in there, including blood. When a dog is throwing up...
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency mainly consists of loss of functional mass of the pancreas in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or due to inflammation or pancreatitis.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the clinical symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs. We'll also...
When our cat comes close to us while we rest, we can use this proximity to monitor their health status. Unfortunately, some issues are more obvious to detect than others. While we can feel our cat's heart beating when they are laying on top of us, not all of us will know what a normal cat heartbeat...
Feline squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer in cats that appears relatively frequently, especially in older cats. The lesions caused by this cancer mainly affect the mouth, ears, nose or eyelids.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the causes, symptoms and treatment of squamous...
Feline herpesvirus infection is a common infectious disease in cats that is usually caused by conjunctivitis. This is why inflammation in the eye is a common symptom of herpesvirus in cats.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what herpesvirus infection in cats is, its causes, symptoms...
Many cat caregivers wonder what eosinophilic granuloma complex is, as these diseases are quite common in cats. This complex is a group of common diseases in cats that can be present in three clinical forms: eosinophilic ulcer, eosinophilic plaque and eosinophilic granuloma.
Keep reading this AnimalWised...
Although we do everything we can to protect our dogs, they can get in accidents. Since they are often enthusiastic and rambunctious, it is not uncommon for them to get a scrape or two. These cuts and scrapes will usually heal relatively quickly on their own, although we always need to provide first aid...
Diarrhea is a clinical sign which indicates a cat has gastrointestinal problems. However, the causes of GI issues are extremely varied. Some are relatively benign and will clear up on their own in a short time. Others can be more serious and require veterinary medical intervention. Although diarrhea...
Permethrin is an antiparasitic product that we can find in different formats, such as in sprays, collars, etc. They all share the objective of killing fleas, ticks or mites. In this AnimalWised article, we are going to talk specifically about permethrin in dogs.
We will explain what it is, how it works,...
Do you suspect that your dog has a fever? The best way to find out at home is by taking their temperature with a thermometer, but if you don't have a thermometer at home you may be wondering how to tell if your dog has a fever without a thermometer.
In this AnimalWised article we'll tell you the most...
Is your cat's body temperature low? If so, they're probably suffering from hypothermia. This is when a cat's body temperature drops and they start experiencing certain health issues due to the drop in body temperature. These include, neurological problems, heart problems, kidney failure and frostbites....
Have you noticed an unusual lump on your cat's belly? Whether it is just one lump or more than one, this is one of the most common symptoms of mammary tumors in cats and should be taken very seriously. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the different stages of breast cancer in cats,...
While the idea of eating anything which has touched our bodily waste is repulsive, we cannot apply the same human hygiene criteria to animals. For example, some animals practice coprophagia, the act of ingesting feces, for nutritional reasons. Although cats might eat various things we consider unsanitary,...
If a cat suddenly starts to walk strange, it can be very disconcerting for their guardian. Some cats suddenly or slowly start to walk with a wobbly gait or stiff legs. There are various causes of this problem. Some of are due to the musculoskeletal system, others due to neurological problems. Cerebellar...
In an emergency, knowing our blood type can be vital for doctors to help save our life. Humans have four different blood groups and we all belong to one of them. A 2019 poll showed that up to a third of Americans don't know what blood type they are[1]. As ignorant as we may be about human blood types, for...
Cats use their tongue in a similar way we use our hands. Not only do they investigate their environment and search for food, but they use it to groom both themselves and other cats. Grooming is an important part of maintaining their well-being and they will lick any part they can reach. Since their genitals...
Although it is a plant which can be enjoyed all year, the poinsettia is known for its association with Christmas. This is because the beautiful flower of this plant blooms toward the end of the year, often during the holidays. Like Christmas itself, it is a relatively short, but beautiful time which is...
Zoonotic diseases are those that can transmitted between different species, for example, from a dog to a human being and vice versa. Some examples include salmonella, covid-19, rabies, lyme disease and more.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about zoonotic diseases in dogs and how to prevent...
When caring for a dog, it is very important to keep their health care in mind as accidents will occur and we must be ready. Having a first aid kit for dogs at home is a great way to be prepared for these situations, as well as knowing how to treat common dog wounds.
In this AnimalWised article we're going...
As with human beings, companion animals can suffer from various types of cancer. These can appear on almost any part of the body and present with various symptoms, in part dependent on the location. One of the most common symptoms is the presence of a lump, although it is important to note that lumps...
Getting your dog to take the pills they need can be very difficult if they're being picky and uncooperative. Thankfully, there are different ways to trick them into taking the pills.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to give you 5 effective ways to get your dog to take their pills after surgery,...
Petting our dog is an enjoyable activity which is healthy for us, for the dog and for our bond together. There are many places a dog may like to be petted and under the chin is one of the most common. If we are petting them on the neck and we find lumps, we might wonder can dogs get the mumps? Since mumps...
Osteomyelitis in dogs is the inflammation of the bone due to a bacterial or fungal infection. This painful disease will need professional intervention as soon as possible as the treatment takes several weeks to various months, depending on the type of osteomyelitis and its severity.
In this AnimalWised article...
Do you think your cat has broken its tail? If they have been in pain and their tail has been limp, it's understandable that you may worry.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to help you tell if your cat has a broken tail or an injured tail, and what to do to help them. We'll go through the symptoms,...
Intestinal malabsorption in dogs is one of the most complex clinical conditions to diagnose and treat in this species, and can have fatal consequences. This is why it requires constant monitoring and early treatment. Affected dogs often experience chronic diarrhea and weight loss. The causes of malabsorption in...
The holiday season allows us many pleasures and decorating the home is one of the most rewarding. When we live with animals, however, decorations can cause problems. Since dogs love playing with toys, it can be easy for them to mistake baubles and Christmas tree ornaments for them. Likewise, tinsel and streamers...
Rabbits are increasingly popular companion animals. Their companionship does not only extend to humans. Dogs and cats which have been well socialized can live very happily with rabbits, although it will depend on the individual animals. While there are a lot of practical and behavioral considerations we need...
Whether your cat is only urinating very little or stopped completely, we need to know it is not normal. Any sudden change of litter box should prompt a trip to the veterinarian as there are potentially life threatening illnesses which have a lack of urination as a symptom. When a cat stops peeing completely,...
Petting our horses is not only a way to improve our bond, it is a vital responsibility to look after their health. We may run our hand under their jaw because they enjoy it, but we also do so to check for any swelling in the lymph nodes. There are various causes of swollen lymph nodes in horses, but...
An ulcer is a wound that can occur in different parts of the body. However, in this AnimalWised article we are going to focus on explaining the symptoms and treatment of corneal ulcer in dogs, a wound that occurs in the cornea of a dog.
Due to its location it will always require veterinary intervention,...
Blepharitis in dogs is defined as the inflammation of the dog's eyelids and can be caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi, immune-mediated diseases or even tumors. In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about blepharitis in dogs, its symptoms, causes and treatment.
Feline pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases in cats and one that most often goes unnoticed. This is because it does not usually develop acutely, but chronically, making it difficult to recognise any symptoms.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what pancreatitis in cats, its causes,...
The prolapse of a dog's third eyelid refers to the elevation of the smooth inner eyelid that is located between the cornea and the inside corner of their eyelids. This occurs due to a weakness of the connective tissues that hold the gland in place.
Therefore, if you notice that your dog has a red lump in...
Our dog's physical well-being is related to us through various signs and symptoms. A lackluster coat implies their immunity might be low. Open wounds show us they have suffered some physical trauma. What might not be as obvious to us is a problem related to smell. When standing, a dog's paws are far from...