Animal health

We expect a male cat will behave differently before and after neutering. This is due to testosterone, the main sex hormone in male cats. The neutering process is designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies, removing the testicles which are the main source of testosterone production in their body. While...

Entropion in dogs is a medical condition which causes the eyelids to invert along their edge towards the surface of the eyeball. This is usually a result of eyelid muscle contraction and the tightening of ligaments anchoring the eyelid muscles. It results in the eyelashes rubbing directly against the cornea...

Cats are known for being very hygienic animals, often cleaning parts which seem impossible to reach. While some have more difficulty than others, they can clean their behind by bending over and latching on to their legs. When we see a cat has stool on their butt after using the litter box, it might suggest...

Solensia for cats is a veterinary medicine intended to treat osteoarthritic pain in felines. Osteoarthritis is a common disease in cats, especially as they age. It can result in significant discomfort and pain, negatively impacting quality of life to varying degrees. The active ingredient in Solensia for cats...

When a cat has fleas, letting them sleep in our bed is a mistake. Fleas are ectoparasites of cats and can cause them great discomfort. They feed on the blood of the cat, biting their skin to do so. This results in an inflammatory response, something which is greatly exacerbated the more fleas there...

Spaying is a procedure which results in permanent sterilization of a dog. While there are some variations, in most cases it entails an ovariohysterectomy. This is the surgical removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. These reproductive organs produce sex hormones which influence canine behaviors such as humping....

Abscesses in dogs are caused by the accumulation of pus in various tissues in a dog's body. They are often the result of infection, but they can also be caused by other inflammatory processes. While they often appear under the skin, they can create a fistula which extends to break through it. These are...

Spaying is a process of permanent sterilization of a female cat, meaning they can no longer reproduce sexually. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, it has many benefits for the individual cat's health and overall well-being. The stage at which the cat is neutered will have an impact on these benefits,...

Vinegar is an effective method of eliminating fleas from dogs with mild to moderate infestations. If your dog has a serious infestation, then the fastest and most effective way to eliminate them is go to a vet immediately. They will provide you with the best type of antiparasitic product to work quickly...

When a cat has swollen and red gums, guardians often first notice it due to the cat's bad breath. This is because the inflammation is linked to bacteria in the mouth, which is often accompanied by plaque and tartar buildup. While painful and stressful on their own, they can cause serious repercussions...

Metronidazole is a commonly prescribed antibiotic in human medicine, but it has also veterinary uses. Although antibiotics are used primarily to treat bacterial infections, metronidazole has some effectiveness against protozoan infections such as giardiasis. Often sold under the trade name Flagyl, it...

Finding a lump in your dog's mouth should be worrying to any guardian. While it suggests there may be the presence of a tumor, it is also possible they have serious periodontal problem such as an abscessed tooth. These are not only uncomfortable and sometimes very painful, they can threaten the dog's life....

Diarrhea in cats is a symptom of many disorders. Although it results as a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, the underlying causes of diarrhea are diverse. They include both physical and psychological health issues. While it is a relatively common disorder in felines, it is also a symptom of certain very...

Some dogs will naturally make more sounds than others. This can be especially so after they have exercised or been involved in some strenuous activity. Some noises can appear all of a sudden and should alert us to a problem. The nature of this problem can be varied, so it is very important we look at...

Respiratory tract diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cats and one of the main reasons for visits to the veterinary hospital. Although upper respiratory tract infections are common in cats and rarely result in death, lower respiratory tract disease can be fatal. Cats that breathe heavy...

One important distinguishing factor between different medications is whether they are organic or synthetic drugs. Some may have a bias against synthetic drugs, but this is often more to do with perception than reality. Although they are created differently, synthetic drugs are designed to very specific...

The development of tumors in dogs is not a new phenomenon, but our understanding of their causes and treatment is relatively recent. This is partly due to advancements in veterinary medicine, since our ability to treat other canine health issues and use better preventive medicine means they have a greater...

Kidney problems in cats are relatively common disorders in cats, especially with older cats. As caregivers, it is very important we pay attention to any physical or behavioral changes in our cat. Unfortunately, the early stages of kidney problems in cats can have very few symptoms or even be asymptomatic....

Allowing our dog to sleep in our bed is a privilege. They are wonderfully affectionate animals that enjoy nothing more than snuggling up to us while we get our rest. Unfortunately, they are also inquisitive and often energetic animals that love to explore. Their investigations can lead them to less...

The reasons why a dog is shaking and acting weird can be due to a range of causes which affect their nervous system. These problems also usually affect their appetite, meaning they stop eating. Although a dog may have localized issues which can cause them to shake or tremble, acting weird and not eating...

If a dog starts limping when they wake up, it can be easy to think they are merely stiff from rest. While this can be the case, especially with older dogs, it doesn't mean we should think a dog limping after sleeping is normal. On the contrary, it can be a sign of various ailments and illnesses, particularly...

A cat can start shaking for any number of reasons, many of which are pathological. The extent of the shaking is also important since there is a difference between a mild passing tremor and a consistent episode of shaking. Whatever the cause of the cat shaking, it is important to know that it is not normal....

Sold under the brand name Tylan, tylosin is an antibiotic from the macrolide group that is commonly used to treat infections in veterinary medicine. It is widely used for livestock in agriculture such as pigs, chickens and cows, but it is also increasingly used in domestic animals. It has been shown to be effective...

Despite having a coat of hair, dogs will shiver when it is sufficiently cold. It is for this reason we often provide additional artificial coats when the temperatures drop. This does not explain why my dog is shivering, but it's not cold. In these cases, tremors and shakes can be due to various factors....

Despite being a safe procedure, an infection is possible after a dog is neutered. Although the dog will be under general anesthetic during the surgical operation, they will be back to their happy selves within a short period of recovery time. This is good for the mental wellbeing of the dog, but it provides...

Tracheal collapse is the flattening of the trachea, generally dorso-ventral. This can affect either the cervical trachea, located in the neck, or the part of the trachea inside the feline's thoracic cavity (the thoracic trachea). This flattening causes the trachea to narrow during breathing and, therefore,...

Has your dog ever let out a sudden yelp or cry of pain, leaving you perplexed and concerned? These unexpected vocalizations can be alarming, especially when there's no obvious cause for their distress. Sometimes, the cause of your dog's sudden yelp might be a chronic or progressive condition that has...

When your dog's eyes become red, swollen, and teary, it's a sign that something's amiss. Bacterial eye infections, also known as conjunctivitis, are a common ailment in dogs, causing discomfort and impaired vision. If left untreated, these infections can worsen, leading to more severe complications. Polytrim,...

Appetite loss in guinea pigs is a sure sign there is something wrong either physically or mentally. Guinea pigs are constant grazers, meaning they will spend much of their day chewing on the abundant hay which should be provided to them. This hay is only one part of a balanced guinea pig diet, but it...

The trivalent vaccine for cats helps prevent common diseases. Specifically designed for cats, it protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Calicivirus (C), and Panleukopenia (P). This vaccine boosts the cat's immune system, reducing infection risk, easing symptoms, and promoting overall well-being. In...

When you see eye discharge from a dog, it often appears as green gunk or eye boogers which is known scientifically as rheum. It is a very common condition, especially in certain dog breeds. It often occurs after sleep and is not necessarily related to any specific disease. When it is a problem which does...

We cannot give children's ibuprofen for dogs. We should not give any medication to dogs without veterinary prescription. Some of us may think that children's ibuprofen is fine because the lower amount of active ingredient means it is suitable for animals that are smaller than us. This is not the case...

Dog bites are a common concern for pet owners and anyone interacting with canines. While most dog bites are minor, it's important to be able to recognize different types of injuries and know when to seek professional help. This article will guide you through the various ways a dog bite can manifest,...

As with any dog, breed is only one factor in determining their health status. Their experience, health care, and other factors are major determinants, but genetics does play an important role. Especially with purebred dogs, there are certain diseases to which a dog has a greater genetic risk. The Dogo Argentino...

Feline chlamydiosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by the pathogenic bacteria Chlamydia felis. Although its symptoms are most associated with problems in the cat's eyes, it can also affect many different parts of the cat's organism such as the genitals and upper respiratory tract. Also...

When a cat keeps humping our arm, it is easy to assume it is behavior related to sexual reproduction. This is why so many cat guardians can be confused when their neutered cat mounts their arm. When they do so, they often bite and give bunny kicks with their back legs. While it is possible humping behavior...

Avian colibacillosis, often shortened to colibacillosis or E. coli disease, might sound familiar, but it's far more complex than your typical E. coli. This widespread infection impacts a vast array of birds, from backyard pets to poultry farms and even wild creatures. Beyond economic losses, the disease...

If your dog has swallowed a sock, the outcome will depend on various factors. These include the size of the dog, the type of sock and their overall health. Dogs chewing our shoes and socks is relatively normal behavior when they are a puppy. It is often a way to explore and they don't necessarily want...

Bumblefoot, or pododermatitis as it's technically known, is a common and painful condition affecting birds' feet. Left unchecked, it can significantly impact their mobility and overall happiness. But fear not! Understanding the causes can empower you to create a healthy environment that minimizes the risk. In...

Neutering is the permanent sterilization of a dog via the removal of their sex organs. In male dogs, castration is usually carried out. This is a relatively simple process during which the scrotum is incised and the testicles are removed. In female dogs, the most common procedure is an ovariohysterectomy,...

Enrofloxacin for cats is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which is commonly sold under the brand name Baytril. Antibiotics are medications that either kill bacteria or inhibit their growth to prevent the spread of infection. Enrofloxacin is a type of antibiotic known as a fluoroquinolone, meaning it is a broad-spectrum...

Joint pain in dogs is a result of various disorders, with inflammatory processes such as arthritis being of particular prevalence. It can also be a result of infections, trauma, and even metabolic disorders. These are serious veterinary medical conditions that need corresponding treatment to address symptoms,...

Is your dog constantly scratching, biting, and chewing at their fur? Itching is a symptom of an underlying issue, and understanding the cause is key to bringing relief to your pet. Dogs don't scratch themselves for no reason. It's a natural reaction to irritation or discomfort. When a dog is constantly...

Canine Anemia is directly related to a low red blood cell count in a dog's blood. It can occur for various reasons, ranging from injuries and the presence of parasites to canine parvovirus or the excessive appearance of antibodies. A vet is the only professional who can effectively diagnose and treat...

Creatinine is a byproduct of protein metabolism in the muscles and it is eventually filtered out by the kidneys. This means that elevated creatinine levels in a dog are either a result of increased production or a problem in its elimination which leads to a build-up. The causes of these elevated creatinine levels...

Knowing what is a dog's normal temperature is part of our responsibility of care. When we adopt a dog into our family, we need to ensure we safeguard their physical and emotional well-being. As we invite them into our world, we have to keep them protected. Knowing the normal body temp of dogs means...

Fever in dogs is a symptom of various diseases, ranging from relatively mild to potentially life-threatening conditions. It is part of the dog's immune response, leading to a significant increase in the dog's internal body temperature. The immune system's response is triggered by various medical conditions,...

We may observe a cat cyst if we are petting them. When touching their fur, we might notice a subcutaneous lump, one of the most worrying such symptoms as it can imply the presence of cancer. Although this is possible, there are many types of cat cysts which can result in a lump or tumor, without being...

Rectal bleeding in dogs is always cause for alarm among pet guardians, although there are many causes of this symptom. The type of blood can differ, helping us to know its origin. The amount of blood is also an important factor. A dog dripping blood from their anus is likely in more danger than a dog...

Hydrocephalus in dogs is a medical condition where an abnormal amount of fluid accumulates within the brain of the animal. While this is colloquially known as water on the brain, the fluid in question is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is a primary condition, but it has different types with varying causes. The...