Animal health

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....

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...

If a dog's poop starts solid then turns runny, it indicates they are affected by small intestine diarrhea. This type of diarrhea in dogs can be caused by various pathologies or infections. Such diseases can seriously affect their nutritional status and health by interfering with the proper absorption...

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...

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...

Bactrim in dogs is a type of antibiotic with the active ingredients trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. The use of these two antimicrobial compounds in combination has a synergistic effect, meaning the effect of both drugs is increased when administered together. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is a drug on the...

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...

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...

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...

We might think that black specks in a cat's fur are dandruff, but it is possible they are a symptom of parasites such as fleas. Sometimes the black dandruff can be under the chin, around the ears or in other common areas. These locations can help us to determine the cause of the cat's black specks. Dandruff...

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...

A growth on a cat's neck can be due to a cutaneous of the skin or a subcutaneous issue which affects the tissue underneath. The former can present in a single lump or multiple bumps appearing on the skin. Under the skin, swelling of the lymph nodes are a common type of lump on a cat's neck. This swelling is...

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...

When we see blood coming from our dog's mouth, it is understandable we fear for their well-being. Blood around a dog's mouth may be due to oral health problems, but we also need to consider the fact the mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. It is possible the blood is from the gastrointestinal...

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...

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 varying symptoms, often dependent on the location. One of the most common symptoms is the presence of a lump, although it is important to note that lumps can...

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,...

Prednisone is a drug which is commonly used in human medicine. While it is also used in veterinary clinic, it is less often used to treat cats than it is dogs. The reason for this is because it is a prodrug which needs to be converted in the body before it can activate and become useful. Once this occurs,...

Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It has the potential to inhibit cyclooxygenase I and II enzymes, with greater potential to inhibit the latter. The purpose of this inhibition is to limit the risk of kidney, gastrointestinal and liver damage by mediating inflammation, pain and fever....

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,...

Cats with gastrointestinal issues are some of the most common patients in veterinary clinics. Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of these issues, but there are many types and many concurrent symptoms. Similar symptoms can present for very different diseases, meaning veterinarians have to be...

Too many people thinking caring for fish is simple and doesn't involve much from us on our part. However, there are many factors we need to consider if we take on the responsibility of fish as pets. While terrestrial animals kept as pets have their own care needs, the aquatic environment of fish needs...

Also known as parakeets or budgies, budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are a type of small parrot which are common birds kept as pets. Although they are well suited to living in the home, they are not impervious to injuries such as a broken beak. We need to ensure we provide the right level of care so they...

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...

Rectal prolapse is a serious condition which can develop from various underlying causes. It is a condition wherein the rectal walls move past the anus to become outside the body. Anal irritation may develop into a full prolapse in certain cases, the cause of which can be difficult to determine. We may...

Theophylline is an alkaloid of the methylxanthine family. Due to its bronchodilator effect, it is used to treat various respiratory diseases in dogs. Although it is an effective drug for this purpose, it has a narrow therapeutic index range, meaning administration at the wrong dose can occur easily....

Hydrogen peroxide is a widely used antiseptic that is commonly administered to treat minor injuries or other health problems in humans. It is often used topically, but can be used to treat ear infections and other ailments. Generally speaking, a dog's skin is more sensitive than our own. Even in diluted...

Ear infections, also known as otitis, are a common issue for dogs and can cause them a lot of discomfort. Many pet owners look for natural or home remedies to help their dogs feel better, and hydrogen peroxide is one remedy that has gained popularity. This household antiseptic is often used to clean wounds...

Chlorambucil is the active compound which is used for certain chemotherapy drugs. It is used in both human and veterinary medicine. As a chemotherapy drug, it is mainly used to treat cancers. Its action is as an alkylation agent, meaning it attaches itself to DNA in cancer cells and prevents their formation....

Symblepharon in cats is an ocular condition whereby the conjunctiva of the eyelid attach the the outer conjunctiva of the eyeball. These are known as the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, respectively. In can occur in one or both eyes, resulting in various symptoms such as discomfort and inflammation....

It is very important we take note of the color of a dog's mucous membranes. Similar to how changes in the eye can point to systemic health problems, paleness or discoloration of the mucous membranes can mean they are suffering from a medical issue. The mucous membranes are transition tissues between the dermis...

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,...

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...

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent chronic diseases diagnosed in small animal veterinary clinics. For some dog guardians, it is surprising since dogs do not generally eat a lot of sugar in their diet, but this is due to a mischaracterization of the disease. Despite such prevalence, especially in older...

Ocular proptosis is one of the most important ophthalmological emergencies in the canine species. It consists of the forward displacement of the eyeball. This most commonly occurs as a result of trauma that causes the eye to exit its orbit, i.e. it pops out of its socket. Although it can appear in any...

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...