Animal health

Pulmonary metastasis in dogs occurs when a tumor develops in the lungs which is the result of a primary cancer somewhere else in the body. By its nature, cancer involves the rapid replication of its cells. Although these cells can invade neighboring tissues, some are able to travel through the circulatory...

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...

Our dog's vocalizations reveal a lot about their well-being, but they are not always easy to interpret. For example, a loud bark can be an expression of joy as much as it can be an expression of fear. Changes in a dog's vocalizations don't always signify an emotional response. When we hear our dog's voice has...

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...

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...

Diarrhea in dogs after deworming is a relatively common side effect, but it is also very rarely serious. This applies whether using the deworming agent to treat a parasitic infestation or as a preventive. The causes may be varied. It could be due to the parasites themselves causing an infection or the antiparasitic...

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...

Rats do not have the best reputation in relation to disease. One of the worst cases against them was their apparent role in the Black Death which killed potentially hundreds of millions of people in the 14th century. While it is unlikely rats alone were the cause of so much terror, it is important to...

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,...

Tobramycin is an antibiotic drug which is a type of aminoglycoside. This means it contains amino acids as part of its structure. It is sold under various brand names, with Tobrex being one of the most common. While is is both a broad-spectrum antibiotic and on the World Health Organization's List of...

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...

Canine phenobarbital is an antiepileptic drug that belongs to the group known as barbiturates. Due to its high efficacy, it is considered the first drug of choice to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in dogs. Its administration can cause the appearance of various adverse reactions, leading to a more intensive...

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...

Wound healing is a process which is affected by various factors. A serious of macroscopic, microscopic and molecular events need to occur for a dog's wound to heal properly. Tissue regeneration is a marvelous process which helps organisms survive, but is often a more delicate process than we would like...

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...

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...

Sinusitis in cats is a general term for inflamed mucous membranes of the sinuses, air-filled sacs which are located beside the nasal cavity. The purpose of the sinuses is varied, helping to filter air, protect against infection and more. It is often known as rhinosinusitis because it usually also affects...

Orchitis in dogs refers to inflammation of the dog's testicle. This can be a result of various processes, but it is possible you can feel the presence of a small lump. Testicular tumors in dogs are are one of the most common in senior dogs over the age of 10 years. Although the location of a dog's testicles...

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,...

There is nothing abnormal about a dog licking his penis or genital area. This the best way for the dog to maintain hygiene. As with any canine behavior, if your dog licks their privates too often, it could be a sign of a health issue. Diseases and health problems of the penis are relatively common in dogs....

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,...

If your dog is shaking and can't stand up, it means they are experiencing tremors and mobility problems at the same time. There are many underlying causes of tremors which can result in shaking, but this does not necessarily mean the dog is losing balance or can't walk. Establishing a diagnosis requires going...

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...

The parasites most associated with dogs are external parasites such as fleas and ticks. Many guardians will also have experiences with internal parasites, especially gastrointestinal parasites such as worms. Not everyone might be as aware of hemoparasites in dogs. These are microorganisms which are sufficiently...

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...

Similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus which seriously compromises the immune system of cats. This means they are unable to respond appropriately to various pathogens and diseases. Even diseases which would otherwise not cause significant...

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...

It is common for a dog to make gulping noises when eating, especially if they are large. While it will differ according to individual, the domestic canine is known for their voracity. Many of us need to temper this by providing smaller portions or even using special feeders to slow their food consumption. Sometimes...

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...

Dogs are a type of mammal, a group of animals distinguished by having mammary glands. These glands are used by females to feed their young. For this reason, it is common for a swollen dog nipple to occur before, during or after lactation because the breasts are engorged with milk. They can even become...

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...

There are many diseases unique to the animal world which cannot be transmitted to human beings. We can spend time with a dog affected by such a disease and not worry about getting sick ourselves. There are also many diseases which have both human and canine forms, but which cannot pass between species....

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...

Cat pregnancies are always a delicate process. We care for them during their pregnancy and try to help them deliver their kittens. During this time, it's normal to feel alarmed or worried when an abnormality arises. Any cat can experience a miscarriage during their pregnancy. Since cats cannot communicate...

Cats are specialists when it comes to hiding what is happening to them. This is why it usually takes us so long to figure out that something is wrong with our feline. One problem you might have noticed is that your cat is dragging their butt on the carpet or other surfaces. For some, this seems quite...

Rabbits are great companion animals. Rabbits are not however like dogs and cats, and therefore need specialized care. If you have a rabbit, you have to make sure you take it for regular veterinary checkups and offer it a quality diet. Knowing whether your rabbit is ill is incredibly important in making...

Unfortunately, oral diseases in cats are more common than we'd like to be. This is especially so in older adult cats. The threat to their oral health can mean potential discomfort and infection, affecting their overall health more than we may think. While the food cats eat can give them a somewhat odorous...

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...

Eye discharge is often a clear sign that something is wrong, and while it might be tempting to wait and see if it resolves on its own, addressing the issue promptly is crucial. Various underlying factors—ranging from infections and allergies to more serious health conditions—could be causing this symptom....