Animal health

It is not uncommon for a dog to occasionally chew or lick their paws, as this is a normal part of their self-grooming process. You may notice your dog chewing or licking their paws after being outside, especially if they have been in dirty or sandy areas. However, if your dog is compulsively and constantly...

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 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 name for the drug which...

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...

Deworming is the process of giving medication to either treat or prevent parasites from infesting a host. With our cat, different deworming products are available. Some of them should be given only when an infestation has occurred, others should be used as prevention. Some antiparasitic products like...

When walking our dog in long grass, we often check for ticks afterwards. While the bites they cause on our canine's skin can be annoying, it is not the bite itself which causes concern. The worry is the pathogens which can be passed on via the tick's saliva. One such pathogen is bacteria from the genus...

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...

Broadline is a veterinary drug for the treatment of cats with a mixed infestation of internal and external parasites or at risk of such infestation. In other words, it is an all-in-one parasite treatment for cats that kills fleas, ticks, roundworms, and tapeworms. It is applied topically, directly on the skin...

When we adopt a dog into our home, it is important we provide the best level of care. For some, neutering can seem like a harmful procedure as it requires surgical incision and the removal of the reproductive organs. In actuality, the surgery is very safe and negative consequences are rare. The positive...

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...

Tracheitis in dogs is a disease of the upper respiratory tract that causes inflammation of the trachea. The trachea is the tube that connects the pharynx to the lungs and that consists of small rings of cartilage. The causes are many and in most cases the symptoms resolve on their own, or your pet may...

Itraconazole is an antifungal drug, meaning it is used for treating fungal infections. The most common types of fungal infections in dogs are yeast infections and dermatophytosis, the latter also known as ringworm. These fungal infections need to be diagnosed by a veterinarian who will prescribe the correct...

Our dog's eyes can be very expressive, but also capricious. Sometimes they look directly at us and follow us around the room. Other times they might seem to avoid eye contact in a coy way. When they see something which interests them such as a potential plaything, their eyes can dart back and forth in...

Mouth ulcers can occur in cats for a variety of reasons. These include plaque buildup to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). In most cases, mouth ulcers appear as small, open sores in the cat's mouth. The most common symptoms are bleeding and pain, especially if left untreated. If you see ulcers in...

Although a dog's paws are protected by a layer of keratinized tissue, it is still possible for them to develop a fungal infection. In fact, due to the greater contact a dog's feet have with various surfaces, they are one of the body parts which are most commonly exposed to fungus. Ringworm and yeast...

An orchiectomy is a procedure which entails the removal of one or both of a dog's testicles. It is a common procedure when used as a form of castration of the animal, a type of neutering. There are also other less common reasons for an orchiectomy in dogs. At AnimalWised, we look in more detail at the...

Cephalexin is an antibiotic that is used in both human and veterinary medicine, although usually it is less common in the latter. Unfortunately, use of antibiotics can lead to resistance in the organism of the animal, so it is important we only use this drug under strict veterinary guidance. There are also...

Sodium diclofenac is the active ingredient of a well-known drug used under the trade name Voltaren, Cataflam and others. It is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is used to combat pain and inflammatory processes. Diclofenac can be sold in various preparations, some of which are prescription...

Dyspnea in cats is a shortness of breath that is bothersome and distressing, with varying degrees of obstruction depending on the cause. Cats may present with this breathing pattern due to a variety of causes, accompanied by more or less accompanying symptoms depending on the cause. Diagnosis of the specific...

To better understand leukopenia in dogs, we need to understand the makeup of a dog's blood. Blood is part liquid, part cellular. The liquid part is known as plasma and contains fibrinogen and serum. The cellular part is made up of erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes...

Ebastine is a drug that is included within the group known as antihistamines. These drugs are very commonly used in human medicine and are widely used to treat allergy symptoms. They are common in many household medicine cabinets, but are incredibly varied in their action. This is dependent on their active...

Especially when they are young kittens, the large eyes of cats are one of their most beautiful features. Unfortunately, they are also one of their most vulnerable. Various pathologies can affect the eye and they are a good indicator of the general health and well-being of a cat. They can also point to...

Choosing a rabbit as a pet instead of a dog or cat is an increasingly common trend. These animals feed mainly on hay, combined with some fruits and vegetables, in addition to commercial feeding. The fact that rabbits are herbivores does not mean that they can eat all kinds of vegetables or plants, as they...

Hypocalcemia is defined as insufficient blood calcium, i.e. the calcium levels in their blood are considered low. Calcium is a fundamental mineral in various bodily functions of dogs. These include blood coagulation, maintenance of bones and teeth, muscle and heart contraction, correct vision and the metabolism...

Famotidine is a drug that is also commonly used in human medicine. While it will depend on the country of residence, some formulations can be purchased over the counter. Many still require prescription. One of the most common brands which uses famotidine as the main active ingredient is Pepcid. With such...

Sinus bradycardia in dogs is an abnormally low heart rate caused by the impulses in the sinus node firing more slowly than normal. The sinus node is responsible for the electrical impulses in the heart that cause it to beat or contract. In most cases, this is a harmless condition that often occurs in...

Anemia is used to describe a low red blood cell and/or hemoglobin count in a dog's blood. Various pathologies and medical conditions can result in anemia in dogs. These can be acute or chronic, depending on the underlying cause and type of canine anemia. Prognosis is also variable and will need to take...

Hemangiosarcoma is one of the types of soft tissue neoplasms (cancer) most feared by dog handlers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer in dogs and accounts for about 5% of cases. Because blood vessels run throughout the body, hemangiosarcoma can develop anywhere. It is extremely invasive and metastatic...

Not all dogs have the same level of balance, but they all maintain their equilibrium using the same anatomical structures. When we see a dog has strong limbs and a muscular body, we often assume certain levels of balance and agility. But much of what makes a dog able to maintain and control movement...

Rather than one specific disease, epilepsy refers to a range of neurological disorders which all manifest in varying degrees of seizure. The reason for these seizures is exaggerated neuronal activity, causing neurons to stay connected and giving rise to the various symptoms which make up a seizure in...

In lymphocytopenia, the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood is abnormally low. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that perform various tasks in the immune system, including protection against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. There are many conditions that reduce...

Bees do not just make honey. They do something essential for the diversity of plants in the world: pollination. They are responsible for pollinating plants near their hives so that other pollinators, such as birds, bats or other species, can transport the pollen they collect from these flowers to fertilize the...

Despite being a flightless insect, fleas sure can get around. Barely reaching 3.3 mm in diameter, they do so almost completely undetected. Their legs are supercharged to help them jump as much as 150 times their own height. As a parasite, they need hosts to survive. In the domestic environment, this is a...

Gabapentin, sold under the brand name Neurontin® and others, is an anticonvulsant used primarily to treat partial seizures and neuropathic pain. It is usually used as an antiepileptic in dogs when conventional treatment does not produce the expected results, as well as to improve the treatment of cancer,...

Many dog guardians neglect a dog's dental care. There is a myth that a dog's teeth are self-regulating. This is partly because we compare canine dental hygiene to that of humans. Dogs shouldn't eat as many sugars as humans do, so they may not need the same degree of care. This does not mean dogs do not require...

When you take your new puppy home, the last thing you want is a major health issue. Unfortunately, puppies are more susceptible to some problems, such as parasites, than older dogs. There are several factors that can affect how long it takes a puppy to expel worms. The type of parasite is one of the most...

As with humans, cancer in cats is a disease which can vary in severity and possess many potential complications. These complications can have varying effects on the cat's health, often not resulting in symptoms until the cancer has progressed significantly. In addition to lymphoma, adenocarcinoma is one...

Petting our cat is not only an enjoyable experience for both animal and guardian, it is an important practical resource in caring for our cat's well-being. It allows us to enrich the emotional bond we have with our cat and it provides the opportunity for observing certain clinical symptoms. A subcutaneous...

Rabbits make excellent pets, but as with any other pet, getting a rabbit requires preparation and knowledge of what you are getting into. Rabbits are at the bottom of the food chain and in the wild, the weakest are the first to be hunted. Therefore, rabbits naturally tend to hide their illnesses and injuries,...

There are various substances in the home which are toxic to cats, but which are not common poisons in felines. The reason for this is because cats either do not have regular contact with the product or because they will otherwise stay away. The substances which are common poisons in cats are those which...

Aging is a complex biological process which occurs in every living organism. Unfortunately, it results in changes to the organism's cells which cause deterioration over time. Dogs are no exception. This deterioration can lead to various health problems, including disease. This is partly due to a reduction...

The pupil is the black part of the eye in the center of the iris where light enters the eyeball. When the eye receives light, the pupil contracts, while it dilates when light is dim or absent. Although the name may not sound familiar, anisocoria in cats is a very typical eye condition in which the pupils of...

Both fleas and ticks are external parasites belonging to the phylum Arthropoda. Both live on and feed from their host animal, causing stress, irritation, and different health problems. They also can parasitize various animal species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Knowing the differences between...

Like humans, cats can suffer from infections caused by viruses. Viruses invade living, normal cells and use them to multiply and produce other viruses like themselves. This can kill, damage or mutate cells and make your cat sick. Different viruses attack different cells in the cat's body, such as the liver,...

Guinea pigs are becoming increasingly popular and pets, especially for young people. This is partly due to their relatively easy levels of care. It does not mean they are disposable, nor are they impervious to disease. As with any companion animal, maintaining the right level of care will help to avoid diseases...

Our dogs can experience various health issues which require surgery. This includes the routine procedure of neutering, usually castration in males and spaying in females. When these procedures take place, the veterinary professionals will explain what their postoperative care requires. Invasive surgery...

While cats are known for their curiosity, dogs are no less interested in exploring their environment. Unfortunately, this can involve ingesting substances which can cause them considerable harm. While guardians should do all they can to avoid exposure to pesticides such as rat poison, it is possible they...

The convalescence period for a dog after surgery will depend on various factors which will be best determined by your veterinarian. The most routine surgical procedure for dogs is neutering, usually castration for males and spaying for females. Although invasive, it is a common operation which rarely...