Animal health

Heart failure in dogs is a relatively common disorder that can affect animals of all ages. For this reason, caregivers must be attentive to any symptoms that may suggest that they suffer from heart disease. It is very important to recognize these symptoms early. Taking them to a veterinarian for diagnosis...

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...

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...

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,...

The spleen is not a vital organ in dogs, as is the case with humans. This does not mean it lacks importance. It acts as a blood filter and is very useful in a dog's immune response to various pathogens. It is not considered vital because the organism can keep living if it ceases to function. Dogs without...

Also known as hip luxation, hip dislocation in dogs 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...

Cutaneous histiocytoma is a tumor that frequently occurs in young dogs less than 4 years of age. It is a tumor that appears in the form of reddish hairless nodules, generally in the head and neck area. Once they appear, the lesions grow rapidly, often causing great concern for caregivers. Despite their threatening...

Although not formulated specifically for veterinary use, Bepanthen cream can be used on dogs in certain circumstances. This product is an ointment which is mainly used to treat minor skin injuries such as sunburn. For humans, it is also used to help skin repair after various types of damage. It binds to hair...

Sebaceous cysts in dogs are benign lesions that frequently appear on the skin, especially in older animals. They are cavities surrounded by epithelium tissue that contains the fatty secretion of a sebaceous gland. Sebaceous cysts on dogs can look both painful and potentially harmful, but they are a...

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,...

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...

Malt is not commonly associated with dogs. It is a product which is most commonly associated with cats. This is because its main purpose is to aid digestive transit of food through the gastrointestinal system. Since cats groom themselves regularly, they are prone to developing hairballs, something which...

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 issues with similar...

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...

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...

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...

Equine Influenza is a contagious and common respiratory disease that affects horses worldwide. This informative resource aims to shed light on the symptoms and various treatment approaches for this concerning ailment, equipping horse owners, caregivers, and enthusiasts with essential knowledge to safeguard...

Intestinal lymphoma in cats is a malignant tumor originating from lymphocytes, which can affect both the small and large intestines. Its clinical presentation often resembles that of other digestive disorders, underscoring the importance of conducting a thorough differential diagnosis to distinguish it from...

Internal bleeding in dogs can be difficult to diagnose since the problem lies with tissues we cannot observe directly. Often the signs of the internal hemorrhage are systemic since the internal blood loss will affect the functioning of the dog's organism greatly. Although the direct cause of internal...

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

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...

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...

Intriguing and playful, our dogs are known for their curious nature. While this endearing trait often brings joy, it can also lead to troublesome situations that pet owners need to be aware of. Animals, including dogs, rely heavily on their senses of smell and taste to explore the world around them. Unfortunately,...

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...

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...

Seeing live worms in a dog's poop is the most comprehensive proof they have a worm infestation. You may see other symptoms before this happens since the dog may be experiencing serious gastrointestinal trouble, but it is also possible the concurrent symptoms are minimal. Regardless of the other symptoms,...

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....

Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by roundworms which can affect dogs and cats. In dogs, the roundworm species capable of causing infection are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Although they are similar parasites, they behave differently in the body of dogs, which is why they cause slightly different...

Cats, like any other living beings, are susceptible to various diseases that can have severe consequences if left undiagnosed and untreated, particularly in vulnerable stages such as early kittenhood, old age, or when the immune system is compromised. It is crucial to prioritize preventive measures,...

Excessive water consumption and frequent urination in dogs may be a sign of polyuria/polydipsia syndrome, which occurs when the normal control mechanisms for water intake and urine production are disrupted. In many cases, it can be an indication of an underlying health condition. If you're wondering why...

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...

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...

Black wax in a cat's ear is due to the natural secretions being mixed with another substance. The wax itself won't be black, but these other substances cause the discoloration. Identifying the substance will help us to identify the underlying problem. There are certain pathologies and conditions to which...

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...

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....

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...

Red eyes in rabbits can be a natural trait for certain rabbit breeds, especially if they have white hair. As with most physical traits, it is a result of genetic conditioning passed down from previous generations. It should not cause a health problem for them or affect their wellbeing. There are some...

As pet owners, we cherish the playful and energetic moments our dogs bring into our lives. However, there may be times when we notice a change in their usual lively demeanor. This may be due to a variety of factors, but one possible explanation is lethargy. Lethargy is a common condition in dogs, and it...

The dog's respiratory system is very similar to that of humans. As with the human respiratory tract, air enters through the mouth and nose, ending up in the lungs via the trachea. Each part of the dog's respiratory system has its own specific function, the proper working of which is required for the...

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...

When it comes to pesky critters that invade our homes and disrupt our peaceful nights, bed bugs are often at the top of the list. These blood-sucking parasites, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, have become a common household concern. While we humans are well aware of the nuisance and discomfort caused...

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...

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...

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,...

Although most associated with the eye, uveodermatologic syndrome in dogs can affected various pigmented cells in the body and their corresponding tissues. This means it most commonly affects the skin and the eyes. It is an autoimmune condition which means their entire organism can also be affected. The symptoms...

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

Swollen eyes in dogs can be a common and worrying sight for pet owners. This condition can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor issues to more severe underlying conditions. It is important for pet owners to understand the different causes and symptoms of swollen eyes in dogs, as well as...

The time which elapses between each puppy's birth will depend on various factors, including breed and the mother dog's health. Generally speaking, the longest time between puppies is around two hours, even if it is possible for a healthy puppy to be born after this time. The average litter contains around...

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...

The healing process of a cat's spay incision will most likely pass without incident, as long as the precautions detailed by your veterinarian are closely observed. While some cats may react differently than others, it is important to remember it is a safe procedure which provides important benefits to...