Animal health

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...

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....

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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 with 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 which need corresponding treatment to treat 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...

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...

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...

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...

Fever in dogs is a symptom of various diseases, whether relatively mild or life threatening. It is part of the dog's immune response, resulting a significant increase in the dog's internal body temperature. The response of the immune system is provoked by various medical conditions, such as infections and...

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 corna...

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...

It might take a while for us to notice a sore mouth in our dog. Generally speaking, dogs are good at hiding their pain. The cause of their sore mouth may have originated a long time before we observe any symptoms. If we see the dog pawing their face or refusing to eat due to the discomfort present in their...

Summer brings sunshine, barbeques, and plenty of outdoor fun for us humans. But for our dogs, the hot weather can pose a serious threat, heat stroke. This life-threatening condition can strike quickly, leaving dog owners scrambling to know what to do. By understanding heat stroke and taking the necessary...

Is your beloved senior dog panting more than usual? While panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate their body temperature, excessive panting in older dogs can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. In any case, early detection and treatment of underlying health issues can significantly improve...

When a dog's penis sticks out, it is very noticeable. After emerging from the penile sheath (or foreskin), the hairless penis is striking due to its color. It is usually a bright red color due to the large amount of blood entering the penile tissue. Some dog guardians liken this to a lipstick emerging...

Dogs will often want to lick their owner's face, a behavior with an origin in their wild heritage. Puppies of wild canids would lick the snouts of adults as a way to stimulate regurgitation of food. Domestic dogs see us as their point of reference. Even if it is not for regurgitation, licking our face is...

Pulmonary edema in cats consists of the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstices and alveoli of the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to circulate through them. This can obstruct normal breathing and endanger the life of the cat. There are various causes which can present either acutely...

Open wounds in dogs are a serious concern, especially due to the risk of secondary infection. Exposed tissues are very vulnerable to bacteria and other pathogens which can spread through their organism. This means even small wounds can develop into something more serious. Generally speaking, the deeper...

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...

Beyond just a bathroom break, cat pee plays a big role in feline communication. They mark territory and send messages with their urine. But what happens when your cat's bathroom habits change? Strong odors, frequent urination, or blood in the pee can be cause for concern. Is cat pee dangerous? This...

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...

Priapism in dogs is a medical problem that results in their penis being erect for a long period, extending past the time of sexual arousal. Specifically, the dog will get hard for longer than four hours. Such a prolonged period of erection chronically exposes the penis to the elements, something that...

Anesthesia for cats is a necessary medical procedure which protects the animal from harm. Local anesthesia can prevent the cat from experiencing pain and other negative sensations by numbing nerve sensations in a localized area. General anesthesia helps avoid these problems by immobilizing the feline completely....

Some guardians wonder if it is possible for dogs to get dandruff. Although its exact cause is poorly understood, dandruff is a condition whereby dead skin cells accumulate on and around hair. Humans get dandruff on their scalp due the greater number of sebaceous glands which mix with the dead skin cells...

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...

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 be...

Scalibor and Seresto are popular brands of flea collar which have the same function. When placed around the neck of a dog, they offer protection against fleas and ticks. These are external parasites which try to bite the dog's skin to extract blood. In doing so, they can provide itchy welts, but their main...

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...

If your cat is vomiting undigested food, many of us would assume it is a sign of a digestive health problem. This can make us confused when we observe them acting normal afterwards with no other evident symptoms. If they are sufficiently unwell to throw up their food, we would expect them to have other...

Alizin injection for dogs is a veterinary medicine which is indicated for use as an abortifacient. This means it is a drug which is marketed to induce an abortion of her fetuses in a pregnant dog. If administered shortly after copulation, it can prevent the implantation of the fertilized embryo and subsequent...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Has your horse been squinting, weeping, or sporting a red, irritated eye? You might be facing a common foe: conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, understanding and recognizing this condition is crucial for your horse's well-being. Untreated, it can lead...

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...

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...