Animal health

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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. These infections can present in various parts of the cat's organism, such as the genitourinary, respiratory, oral, ocular and cutaneous systems....

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 zoonotic diseases, i.e., diseases that can affect humans if their meat or milk is consumed. Many...

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...

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...

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug that is used to treat allergic processes and immune-mediated diseases in both human and veterinary medicine. The diseases it treats affect various organs and bodily systems. It is a drug with high efficacy and is considered safe since its side effects are usually...

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...

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 issue with similar...

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...

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,...

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...

If you see a lump on your dog's nipple area, it's important to consider the potential of breast cancer in dogs. There are other symptoms of canine mammary cancer, but a lump is one of the most common. This does not mean a lump in the nipple area will provide diagnosis of cancer. This is something which...

Also known as scabies in horses, mange is a skin disease caused by the infestation of mites. It is a disease which is most associated with dogs. This is because the specific mite that causes sarcoptic mange in animals is Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, a mite of the genus Sarcoptes which is highly contagious....

Cats with diabetes need to eat protein-rich food which avoids nutrients such as high-glycemic carbohydrates. Many of us will not associate diabetes with felines since they generally do not eat sugar. This is a common misconception with cats since diabetes is related to poor diet, especially when it is high...

We might associate deworming products with cats and dogs, but we ignore potential parasites in rabbits at our bunny's peril. Especially when they are kept in outdoor hutches, rabbits are vulnerable to many different types of internal and external parasites. Said parasites can enter their body through...

Stronghold plus for cats is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent which is used to combat both internal and external parasites. Unlike many other antiparasitic deworming agents for animals, Stronghold Plus has two active ingredients. This provides protection against external parasites such as fleas, ticks...

If your dog keeps rubbing their face on the carpet, the reasons for the behavior will depend on the context. If they are happily rolling on the ground and having a good time, it will be in contrast to a dog which appears to be rubbing their nose in distress. A dog's nose is very sensitive, meaning they...

Conofite for dogs is a topical medication which comes in the form of ear drops. It is used to treat otitis, a general term for inflammation of the ear. Its usefulness for this purpose will depend on the underlying cause of the otitis, but its active ingredients make it useful against various common...

Deciding when to euthanize a dog with kidney failure is one of the most heartbreaking and important decisions a dog guardian will need to make. There are many ways we can support a dog with kidney failure, but ensuring we diagnose the problem as early as possible is vital for prolonged life. Unfortunately,...

Canine hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) is an uncommon metabolic disorder impacting both the liver and skin. It exhibits distinct characteristics such as hepatopathy, hypoaminoacidemia, aminoaciduria, and superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND), leading to specific crusted, red, and histologically unique...

Dermatitis in dogs is a term which refers to the inflammation of a dog's skin, a symptom which has many causes. Whether due to infection, sensitivity, parasites or any other issue, dermatitis can be very troubling for the dog. Not only does it cause discomfort and pain, but the damaged skin is made vulnerable...

When a rabbit is pregnant, they will nest when they are about to enter labor. This nesting behavior is very important to offer both mother and her kits the security she needs to care for vulnerable offspring. Female rabbits will reach sexual maturity around 4 to 8 months of age, after which time they can...

Heavy breathing is an increase in respiratory rate above normal and is known medically as tachypnea. It may or not be accompanied by dyspnea, the medical term for respiratory distress. Panting is a form of heavy breathing, but it is not always a sign of a problem. Panting is a normal reaction to various...

Apoquel is a drug used to treat the symptoms which appear during cases of atopic dermatitis. This is a prolonged inflammation of the skin which causes redness, itching and purulent discharge in advanced cases. These symptoms can be very upsetting for the dog and put them at risk of complications such as...

When we combine a cat's natural curiosity with an innate hunting instinct, they can get themselves into trouble. With the limited fauna of our homes and gardens, even the smallest insect can be a cat's white whale. Bees and wasps are large prey when compared with other insect species we might find near...

Flea infestations can be a real hassle for both you and your cat. Their bites cause intense itching, redness, and irritation, leading to excessive scratching and potentially open wounds on your cat's skin. While you might have heard baking soda is a natural remedy for fleas, it's important to understand its...

Mistaking a bloated belly in a cat for simply eating too much could be a costly mistake. Although gastrointestinal problems are a common cause of feline distended abdomen, there are many causes which can result in this symptom. Some causes can be easily treatable, others can be life threatening. For this...

Melanoma, a type of cancer developing from pigment cells, lurks in the shadows for many dogs. While not always aggressive, it can be a serious threat, particularly when left undetected. Knowing the early signs of melanoma in dogs is crucial, as prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly improve their...

Also known as dyspepsia in dogs, indigestion is a relatively common gastrointestinal issue in canines, but its acuity varies greatly. It can range from a slightly upset stomach to practically incapacitating the animal. Unfortunately, our dogs cannot directly communicate their gastrointestinal status...

When your cat suddenly snubs their food and water, it's natural to worry. We, as loving cat owners, are experts in their routines and habits. While cats are notorious for their discerning palates, a persistent lack of interest in eating or drinking demands attention. From picky palates to hidden health...

Although some play down canine emotions, dogs can get sad. They do not have the same emotional capacity as humans, but dogs can get depressed due to various emotional or even physical problems. Such sadness will be manifested in various symptoms, including lethargy, withdrawal and even aggression in pronounced...

Mucus in a dog's stool is a serious symptom which should never be ignored by guardians. Due to the passage through the gastrointestinal system, a thin film of mucus should be present on the exterior of the dog's feces. However, this film is not usually visible. When thick or viscous mucus is visible, this...

Taking good care of your cat's teeth is important for their overall health and well-being. Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, is a common issue in cats that can lead to pain, discomfort, and other health problems if left untreated. But the good news is, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent...

Parvovirus in dogs is a potentially fatal disease which is caused by a viral strain known as canine parvovirus (CPV). Commonly shortened to parvo, this is a highly contagious disease which can be contracted by any dog in the right circumstances. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to this disease since...

Scalibor and Seresto are popular brands of flea collars that serve the same purpose. When placed around the neck of a dog, they offer protection against fleas and ticks. These external parasites bite the dog's skin to extract blood, causing itchy welts and potentially spreading disease. Fleas and ticks are...

Veterinary diagnostic imaging is moving toward integrated systems that combine AI, teleradiology, reporting, and clinical decision support.Veterinary diagnostic imaging has become one of the most important decision-making layers in modern animal care. Radiographs, ultrasound, CT, and other imaging studies help...

Bloody mucus in a dog's stool can be accompanied by other symptoms which imply the dog is gravely ill. If this is the case, you will need to take them to a veterinarian immediately. Clinical signs such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting imply the dog is in serious trouble. This means we can...

Does your furry friend seem less enthusiastic about walks or struggle to jump on the couch? Limping can be a concerning sign in dogs, and sometimes it might point to a common condition called canine osteoarthritis (OA). Early recognition and management of OA are crucial for maintaining your dog's well-being. This...