Animal health

Making the decision to neuter your pet can seem like a big one, but it is a routine surgical procedure for a reason. While it does require invasive surgery, it does not normally propose a health risk to your dog. The benefits of sterilizing dogs are myriad for both the individual and the greater animal population...

The anal glands of a dog are something we ignore at the animal's peril. Sacculitis, also known as anal sac disease, is something which often gets ignored in its initial stages. Part of the problem is that it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal and abnormal discharge from the glands....

Although they often go unnoticed due to their small size, male dogs also have nipples. While a female dog has different uses for their breasts once they give birth to young, males also have mammary gland tissue which can be very sensitive. Even though they cannot lactate, male dogs can suffer injury or...

A dog shouldn't be coughing and gagging at exactly the same time. It may happen we notice that they have a dry cough, but gag sometime before or after. Since a dog's symptoms can help us to understand their underlying problem, we need to look at overall context. This is why we look at these clinical signs...

Purple spots on a dog's ear can be sign that they are suffering from vasculitis in dogs. Canine Vasculitis is the inflammation of a dog's blood vessels. This pathology affects not only the skin of the dog, but in some cases, other organs too. Although vasculitis in dogs is easy to define, is very difficult...

Credelio is a veterinary drug (lotilaner), used to eliminate flea or tick infestations in dogs and cats. It acts by affecting the parasite's nervous system once they feed on the cat. This treatment is through small, flavoured and chewable pills. But is Credelio safe for cats? In this article form AnimalWised,...

Onsior is the commercial name for robenacoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This drug is used to control the inflammation and pain in dogs and cats. Like any other drug it has benefits and possible side effects. This is why only a veterinarian can prescribe this medication and determine...

With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak it seems that the entire world has gone into quarantine. Borders all over the world are closed and governments are encouraging their citizens to remain indoors to help flatten the curve of coronavirus. However, what does this mean for our dogs? Can we take...

Those of us fortunate enough to share our lives with a rabbit will know they are sensitive animals. They may also know that there are different breeds which have varying morphologies, i.e. their physical form. Some have naturally droopy ears, others have ears which stand alert. If we see that our rabbit...

Buprenex is a comercial medicine prescribed by a veterinarian as a pain reliever for our cats. It contains buprenorphine, an opioid analgesic. Only professionals can prescribe it to cats that are in need of it. In this article from AnimalWised, we will explain everything you need to know about this medicine....

Skin diseases are one of the most frustrating pathologies for both dogs and their tutors. Apart from the obvious fact they jeopardize the health of the dog, they also reduce their quality of life. With sores, lesions, rashes and other symptoms of skin disease, the dog will often bite and scratch out of frustration....

If your dog has suddenly lost their ability to open their mouth, they most like have masticatory muscle myositis. This immune system disorder disables your dog from eating, chewing and even picking up their toys. It is extremely painful for our dog. This is why in this AnimalWised article we are going...

When a puppy is brought into the world, we will need to perform a general examination of their well-being. While the mother will take care of feeding, defecating and other care elements, reviewing their facial region may not be a priority. If we see one of the puppies in the litter has a lip which looks...

There are many aspects to maintaining your dog's health, but it is too often we overlook their paws. Especially if they don't need their fur clipped, we may give them a cursory wash every once in a while and that's it. However, dog paws are the part of their body which most often come in contact with...

When spring ends and summer begins, high temperatures cause baby birds to jump out of their nests, even if they are not ready to fly yet. There are also other reasons why a bird can jump from their nest, such as a predator's attack. This is why, unfortunately it is fairly common to find an injured bird...

The vast majority of species in the animal kingdom can be affected by parasites. Even parasites can have their own parasites, the latter known as hyperparasites. For an animal as large as a horse, there are various types of parasite which can cause infestation. Since a parasite is an organism which survives...

Too many people thinking caring for fish is simple and doesn't involve much from us on our part. However, there are many factors we need to consider if we take on the responsibility of fish as pets. While terrestrial animals kept as pets have their own care needs, the aquatic environment of fish needs...

When a person has stomach flu, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and vomiting may present as symptoms. One of the main causes of stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is the rotavirus. If we see similar symptoms in our dog, it is understandable we might wonder whether our dog is suffering from this viral intestinal disease. Can...

Allopurinol is a drug that is used in human medicine to reduce the level of uric acid in blood plasma and urine. Doing so inhibits the particular enzyme involved in its formation. In veterinary medicine, this is a drug which is used in combination with drugs such as miltefosine which is administered to treat...

Do you have a puppy that can't walk normally? Do their legs bow out and they lay flat on the ground? Are they not able to stand up at all? When this occurs, it can be very shocking for dog guardians. They look like they are completely immobilized and we fear our puppy may be unable to walk or even stand...

We all may be aware that worms in cats are a fairly common type of parasite. Unfortunately, internal worms do not always show symptoms, especially during early stages of the infestation. We may not notice until we see white spots in their feces. However, not all worms are the same. A more obvious symptom and...

Cats with gastrointestinal issues are some of the most common patients in veterinary clinics. This makes them a consistent concern for cat guardians. Digestive diseases have very characteristic signs and symptoms, but being able to discern between them is not always easy. This is because similar symptoms can...

The first months of a kittens life are characterized by rapid growth. For this kitten this is a time of discovery and awakenings. For their human guardian it is a time for both joy at this new life and concern that they get the best start they can. In cases where we think the kitten is not growing as...

It can be too easy to take the heart for granted. Its functioning is necessary for life, but its involuntary action means we don't have to consciously control it. This is why heart disease is described as the ‘silent killer’. When it comes to our own health, the symptoms can be very difficult to recognize. Unfortunately,...

On hot days or if they have just completed exercise, it is normal for a dog to breathe short and fast. They are breathing in to balance their body temperature and ensure they have enough oxygen to recover. This is a normal physiological process. However, accelerated breathing can have a pathological origin,...

Many people associate allergies and dogs with the effects they have on humans. Too few are considerate of the fact dogs can have their own allergy problems. While allergies can be infuriating for anyone, humans are able to go to a pharmacy and buy over-the-counter medication to help combat daily inconvenience....

One of the most common cat ailments seen in veterinary clinics is a gastrointestinal problem. With symptoms ranging from very mild to life threatening, better understanding the causes of digestive diseases is essential to maintain cat health throughout their lives. Unfortunately, since the problem stems from an...

There are many things cats do which we consider weird. They are part of normal feline behavior to which cat guardians eventually adjust. Some of these are characteristic of cats as a species, others are particular to an individual cat. It doesn't mean they are necessarily unhealthy or signal a problem...

Parasitic diseases are very common in mammals, caused by both ectoparsites and endoparasites. While the mode and symptoms of infestation vary according to parasite type, in the vast majority of cases they will require treatment. Cats are known for their particular hygiene habits, but this doesn't mean...

Not all symptoms of disease in cats are as obvious as each other. A cat may be seriously ill without showing any signs for a long time. Unfortunately, it is often the medical conditions which don't have obvious symptoms which can be the most-life threatening. A high lymphocyte count is something which can only...

Respiratory diseases in dogs are a relatively common veterinary medical issue. Paying attention to their pet's overall health and well-being is essential for any dog guardian. However, since there are many different types of respiratory disease in dogs, many of the symptoms are shared. This can make...

All behaviors have their motives, even if their impetus is an unconscious one. This means understanding said motives can help us to understand what a dog's behavior might say about their well-being. In this AnimalWised article on my dog walks in circles, we look at what causes might be behind spinning...

Oral health and dental hygiene is an extremely important part of a pet's daily life. Many oral diseases can worsen over time or, in some cases, lead to other pathologies. Vigilance and proper physical examination are essential for the owner to detect a problem and begin prompt treatment. The moment we realize...

It is fairly well-known that dogs will go off somewhere quiet when they are about to die. For this reason, when you see your dog is hiding and acting strange, you may fear the worst. While it is a possibility we need to consider, there are many different reasons for this weird behavior in dogs. It may...

Knowing the different skin disease which affect dogs is an essential part of their care. Identifying changes to the condition of their skin can mean early signs of serious conditions are treated promptly. Observation of the dog's guardian is crucial as this is the way we can bring an issue to the attention...

It is not uncommon to see our cat with an irritated anus. You may be made aware of the problem due to the cat's excessive licking of the perianal area. The acuteness of the irritation depends on the cause, with mild irritation not always requiring medical intervention. Some causes can develop into a rectal...

Dilated pupils in dogs, especially in bright light or if affecting only one eye, can be a cause for concern. If you notice that your dog's pupils become unusually enlarged, it is always best to seek veterinary attention. There are multiple reasons that can explain the pathological dilation of pupils in dogs....

If you see your dog's paw curling under, it is understandable to grow concerned. Since our dogs are usually so active and eager to explore, limitation of their movement results in a serious decrease in their quality of life. We may not even notice our dog's paw curling under at first. As the process...

Cats are primarily carnivores but, like dogs, they sometimes eat plants. This may be for the fiber, to get certain vitamins, or because they like the taste, although the exact reasons are not clear. While this behavior is usually normal and harmless, if your kitty ingests a plant that is poisonous to...

As with all living matter, the tissues which make up a dog's body will degrade over time. It is an unavoidable fact of aging. Since the brain is made up of living tissue, it is no exception. When leg muscles deteriorate, their physical ability to walk is affected. When brain tissue degenerates, it will...