Animal health

Accepting that dogs lick their anus is part of their responsibility of care. There are certain canine behaviors which may be unappealing to us, but which are necessary expressions of the dog's behavior. Keeping a clean anus is very important for dogs. Dogs in the wild do not have a human guardian to...

Also known as hip luxation, dog hip dislocation is a disorder that is considered a veterinary emergency and requires immediate intervention. Most dogs that suffer a dislocated hip will know something is wrong, but they will not likely know the exact nature of the problem. This means they will try to...

Sebaceous cysts in dogs are benign lesions that frequently appear on the skin, especially in older animals. They are cavities surrounded by epithelium tissue that contains the fatty secretion of a sebaceous gland. Sebaceous cysts on dogs can look both painful and potentially harmful, but they are a...

Pododermatitis, commonly referred to as Fur Pad Dermatitis (FPD), is a condition that affects rabbits, primarily manifesting in the sensitive paw pads on their feet. This ailment is characterized by inflammation and dermatitis, often stemming from a combination of factors such as pressure, poor bedding,...

Onions can pose a serious health risk to our canine companions, despite their appearance as a seemingly harmless vegetable. Even though onions add a rich flavor and aroma to dishes, their compounds are highly toxic to dogs. But what exactly happens when a dog consumes onions? Why is it that something so...

Antihistamines for cats can be used to treat allergies by reducing the symptoms of a reaction. Despite the efficacy of these types of drugs for cats, we cannot give them to our cat without prior veterinary consultation. What may seem like an allergic reaction in the cat may be another issues with similar...

When a cat is pooping yellow feces, their guardian must take note. Changes in either the color or consistency of the cat's feces can indicate a problem with their health and wellbeing. While stress and other psychological issues can lead to changes to a cat's poop such as diarrhea, changes in color are...

A dog is wobbly when they walk either because they have a mechanical issue with their legs or because there is a problem with their central nervous system. Obvious causes of wobbling in dogs include trauma which makes their limbs function improperly. However, there are also neurological conditions and...

Scurvy in guinea pigs is a disease which occurs due to a lack of vitamin C. Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C, so they need to obtain it through diet. If they do not receive enough through feeding, they can develop a vitamin C deficiency. For this reason, scurvy and vitamin C deficiency...

Cattle are susceptible to many diseases that can cause significant economic losses to farmers and are also considered a serious problem with the potential to affect public health. Many of these diseases are also zoonotic diseases, i.e., diseases that can affect humans if their meat or milk is consumed....

Sheep diseases are an important aspect to take into account when raising these animals. Like any other living being, sheep are susceptible to various diseases that can affect their health and wellbeing. These diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or other infectious agents. Some diseases...

If you've ever noticed your dog coughing persistently, as if something is lodged in their throat, it's only natural to be concerned. Coughing in dogs can be a distressing symptom, and as a pet owner, you want to ensure the well-being of your furry companion. By understanding the potential reasons for...

While their curiosity can be endearing, it can also lead dogs to consumer foreign bodies which can pose serious health problems. Dogs rely heavily on their senses of smell and taste to explore the world around them. Unfortunately, this means that they may find objects that pique their interest or seem particularly...

The reasons a dogs jaw is quivering are varied and greatly depend on the context of the behavior. For example, a quivering jaw for a moment is significantly different to prolonged trembling. For this reason, there are both completely benign reasons a dog's jaw is shaking and some very serious life threating...

Cats, like any other living beings, are susceptible to various diseases that can have severe consequences if left undiagnosed and untreated, particularly in vulnerable stages such as early kittenhood, old age, or when the immune system is compromised. It is crucial to prioritize preventive measures,...

Salmonellosis in pigeons, also known as paratyphosis, is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium. This particular disease primarily affects pigeons that are immunocompromised, often leading to a variable clinical presentation depending on the affected organ. It is important to note...

Dizziness, a disorienting sensation that affects humans, can also be experienced by our canine companions. Just like us, dogs can encounter balance issues and feelings of unsteadiness, which can be concerning for their owners. Recognizing the signs, understanding the causes, and knowing how to manage...

Regurgitation in dogs is a relatively common phenomenon and something which shouldn't cause concern in occasional or exceptional cases. When a dog regurgitates their food regularly, it could be a pathological issue, but it may also be a behavioral problem associated with the dog's relationship with their...

Taking care of our beloved pets means understanding that they have an emotional life and a variety of obstacles they face on a daily basis. Anxiety and stress are commonly encountered problems, resulting in excessive barking, destructive behavior, and withdrawal. Calmatonine is gaining popularity among...

Commonly known as puppy strangles, juvenile cellulitis is a disease that is characterized by producing severe inflammation of the skin and lymph nodes of dogs. It is a rare, immune-mediated disease of unknown origin. Despite our lack of understanding concerning its causes, there are effective treatments...

Tooth pain in dogs is a common problem that can cause discomfort, irritability, and even affect their overall health. Dogs use their teeth for a variety of purposes, from eating to playing, and as such, they are prone to dental issues just like humans. Tooth pain in dogs can be caused by a range of factors,...

Azithromycin is an antibiotic for cats which is sold under various preparations. As with human medicine, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections in cats. Theses infections can present in various parts of the cat's organism, such as the genitourinary, respiratory, oral, ocular and cutaneous systems....

Weakness, lameness or trouble walking can occur in any of a dog's limbs. This can be due to traumatic injuries that can occur anywhere, but limb paralysis is most common in the hindlimbs. This is due to the location of the spine, since injuries or pathologies affecting the spine often occur further...

The healing process of a cat's spay incision will most likely pass without incident, as long as the precautions detailed by your veterinarian are closely observed. While some cats may react differently than others, it is important to remember it is a safe procedure which provides important benefits to...

If you run around with your dog and pet them on the chest area, it's normal to feel their heart rate is elevated. When a dog has a rapid heart rate while resting, we might have more cause for concern. A dog's heart functions in the same basic way as our own. It will speed up or slow down depending on activity...

Although every dog has their own personality, they are rarely lazy. Unless they have physical limitations, they want to explore, play and even just run around with no apparent goal. For this reason, when a dog doesn't want to walk, it is usually because something is wrong. Without a good reason to be tired,...

A healthy dog's body is in a state of balance. There are proteins, bacteria, enzymes and many other important compounds and microorganisms which allow a dog to function. Some may not have a specific function themselves, but are the byproduct of specific functions. Not every dog will have the same levels...

Some clinical symptoms of disease are more obvious than others. For example, bleeding is a visceral sign that something is wrong, even if it can be due to a wide range of issues. Other symptoms may be more subtle, but this does not make them any less important. In fact, some of the most serious pathologies...

It can be difficult to tell if a cat is in pain. They are particularly good at hiding when they feel discomfort, so it is incumbent upon their guardians to ensure we are observant of any symptoms. When a cat has an upset stomach, they may feel pain which we cannot detect. This is especially so if their...

If your dog is squatting to pee, but is unable to, it is likely a physical health problem which is preventing them from doing so. A dog should pee regularly throughout the day to eliminate waste from their food and water intake. Female dogs squat down to pee, but we may see them squat without eliminating...

There have been many campaigns over the years for spaying and neutering programs for dogs. It has reached the stage where there are laws in place in certain areas requiring the procedure for dogs unless they have a relevant exemption. The reasons for this are for the benefit of the individual dog, as...

Albendazole for cats is a common and well-known product for its antiparasitic effect. Specifically, it acts against various types of internal parasites. Its current veterinary uses is more common as a dewormer in cattle, so it is not necessarily a deworming agent which will be prescribed by your veterinarian...

If a cat cannot pee at all, it won't take long for a serious problem to arise. More commonly, you may find a cat has trouble urinating, a condition known as dysuria. Since we do not usually measure our cat's urine, it can be difficult to determine when they are not peeing as much as they did before. In these...

Running around in circles or even chasing their tail is not abnormal behavior in dogs. It is often a healthy expression of their canine nature. Like all dog behaviors, if the behavior becomes compulsive or it is accompanied by signs of distress or discomfort, it may be a symptom of a problem. Various physiological...

We think of medications being used to counter the effects of a disease or illness, but it is important to remember they can also be administered for preventive purposes. Sucralfate is a drug with a protective effect for the gastrointestinal system. It can be prescribed both preventively or therapeutically,...

Albendazole is a product with an antiparasitic effect, meaning it can be used to treat various parasites which can infest dogs. First introduced in the 1970s, it is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Despite this fact, it is not widely used in all markets. This appears to be...

Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of your dog's body. There are a number of metabolic processes in which calcium is involved. For example, in nerve transmission, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and the activation of enzymes, all of which are important for the smooth functioning of...

Doxycycline is an antibiotic widely used in human medicine which is on the Word Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Its usage is also commonly prescribed in veterinary medicine as it is seen as an effective drug. This does not mean we can give human-prescribed doxycycline to cats. It is...

If you are giving carprofen to your dog, it should only ever be under strict veterinary control. Carprofen is not an over-the-counter drug, so it will require prescription from a veterinarian. One reason for this is due to the strength of the medication which is used to treat various ailments resulting...

Normal respiration in certain dogs can sound noisy. This is the case with certain brachycephalic dog breeds such as the Pug. Even in other breeds, breathing issues can be relatively common. We can hear dogs sneezing or making strange sounds without requiring any specific medical treatment. Despite this relative...

Some of us might be aware that activated charcoal can be a good addition to any first aid kit. This is due to its adsorptive properties which can be useful in an emergency situation. Specifically, it works to prevent toxins from entering the dog's nervous system in the case of poisoning. It is increasingly...

Ambroxol is a drug with a mucolytic and expectorant effect. This means can be used to treat pathologies that cause a large amount of thick mucus as it can be difficult to eliminate it. Some precautions must be taken into account for its correct use in dogs. For this reason, it is very important that we only...

A dog presenting with a runny nose and trouble breathing is a common cause for veterinary consultation. In the majority of cases, the stuffed nose is a result of agitation to the nasal mucosa. The underlying cause of such agitation is varied. They include relatively benign issues such as the common cold,...

Dogs suffer from inflammatory issues, just as we humans do. Unfortunately, much of the medication we take to ease pain and reduce inflammation is unsuitable for dogs. This includes some of the most commonly used medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. It is for this reason veterinary pharmacologists...

Onsior canine treatment is an anti-inflammatory analgesic medication which is used to alleviate pain and inflammation. It is from the coxib family of medications, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), also known as a COX-2 inhibitor. While we commonly know it as Onsior, this is a trade...

Dogs lead with their nose. The olfactory sense of dogs is one of the most acute in the animal kingdom. It is a power which is harnessed by human guardians in various professional capacities, but for the dog it is the key to their wellbeing. It allows them to smell food for palatability, procure vital information...

Thanks to a diet of fish-based treats, commercial cat feed and whatever they might discover out on their travels, even a healthy cat's breath isn't always the most pleasant of aromas. It can often have a little bit of a fusty odor which is not always the best when they are nudging their mouth near our...

Leukopenia is a decrease in the number of leukocytes. Leukocytes, also called white blood cells, are important defense cells involved in innate immunity. They are the first cells to attack the infectious agents that threaten cats' bodies. Cats have five types of leukocytes: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils,...

Canine discospondylitis is a spinal disease consisting of an infection of the intervertebral disk and associated vertebrae, which may occur in more than one location of our dogs' spine. Most often, the disease is caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by fungi. Diagnosis is usually made using...

There is no short answer to explain the reproductive cycle of a female dog, especially when compared to the human menstrual cycle. Although we often compare the two cycles, and while there are undeniable similarities, they are not the same. If you have ever wondered if female dogs menstruate or if they...