Animal health
(1.185)
To neuter a cat means to perform a surgical procedure that ensures that it cannot reproduce from that moment on. Neutering directly affects the so-called gonadal steroid hormones, eliminating the main source of testosterone in male cats and estrogen and progesterone in female cats. Neutering a cat prevents...
In the wild, a dog needs to maintain their own nails. They do so through various methods such as scratching on hard surfaces. When they have a bacterial infection in their claws, it can be difficult for them to treat and can become very serious. This is because the infection can abscess or even poison...
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent chronic diseases diagnosed in small animal veterinary clinics. For some dog guardians, it is surprising since dogs do not generally eat a lot of sugar in their diet, but this is due to a mischaracterization of the disease. Despite such prevalence, especially in older...
We can find lumps in dogs in any area of the body and with different characteristics. Most lumps and bumps are benign (non-cancerous), but some of them can be malignant (cancerous). The older your dog is, the more likely they are to get malignant lumps. The good news is that early detection and treatment...
When we discuss parasites in dogs, many of us might first think of external parasites such as fleas and ticks. While we are aware of internal parasites, their interiority makes them less visible and it is only when symptoms develop are we aware of their presence. Even at this point, there are many symptoms...
Our cat's pooping habits can reveal a lot about their state of health and well-being. This is perhaps most arresting when we see the cat defecates outside of their litter box or they have acute diarrhea. Something less noticeable, but no less concerning, is constipation in cats. Since cats often hide their...
Canine infectious hepatitis (ICH) is an acute liver infection in dogs caused by canine mastadenovirus A. It is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through the mouth or nose, where it replicates in the tonsils. Fortunately, widespread vaccination programs have greatly reduced the number of infected...
Povidone iodine, widely known by its brand name Betadine, was introduced to the market in 1955. Betadine is an essential product in every medicine cabinet in most households around the world. It is used to treat minor wounds and superficial cuts, as well as minor burns or abrasions. But have you ever wondered...
Equine viral arteritis, also known as EVA, is a disease of horses caused by a virus of the species alphaarterivirus equid, an RNA virus. The virus that causes EVA was first isolated in 1953, but the disease has affected horses worldwide for centuries. In the United States, it has been more common in...
The popularity of reptiles as pets has increased exponentially worldwide. Among them, the green iguana stands out as one of the favorites due to its exceptional beauty and elegant appearance. As a result of keeping and breeding in captivity, this beautiful animal has developed a variety of health problems...
Neutering is not a process we always associate with rabbits. While it is very common for local jurisdictions to require neutering for dogs and cats, similar laws don't usually exist for rabbits. This does not mean that neutering is important, rather it speaks to the resources available on the matter. Whether...
Cats are very hygienic animals who will spend a large portion of their day grooming themselves. There are many reasons for this behavior. Maintaining a healthy coat helps to protect them from the elements, prevent parasite infestation and even eases anxiety. Although cats can spend much of their day dedicated...
Consultations related to anorexia in dogs are among the most common reasons for visits to the veterinarian. The fact that a dog stops eating or eats less than usual is a cause of concern for its owners. Most cases of anorexia in dogs are due to an underlying medical condition. We can remedy this by accurately...
Polaramine is an antihistamine commonly used in human medicine. Therefore, it is not surprising that we find it in the medicine cabinets of many households. This may tempt some caregivers to use it on their dogs to treat allergies, which can lead to negative consequences. Dogs should only be given it...
It is too easy for us to humanize and even moralize our companion animals. It is often seen as amusing when we see them acting in ways which appear human to us. This means when they do something which would be seen as reprehensible to us, it can be confusing. A guinea pig eating her young is perhaps...
There are various reasons why a cat may have scabs on their skin, so we need to look at the larger clinical picture to understand which one is affecting our cat. This includes the size, extent and purulence of the scabs, among others. Another important factor is their location. For example, if we see...
There are various types of tumor which can affect dogs. Adenocarcinomas are malignant tumors of epithelial origin that can affect a wide variety of internal organs. They are especially common in older and middle-aged dogs. The symptomatology associated with this type of neoplasm is usually non-specific,...
Feline solar dermatitis is a pathology of the skin of our cats that arises as a result of frequent or continuous exposure to the sun. Also known as actinic dermatitis, it is especially prevalent in white cats and in those areas with less hair. The most affected area is the head, specifically the ears, eyes...
Parasites are organisms that are able to colonize a host and feed at its expense. In the specific case of dogs, there are several parasitic agents that can cause disease. The symptoms associated with the presence of parasites in dogs vary greatly and depend mainly on the organs and tissues affected.
If...
Bad breath in dogs is a very common problem. We often make the mistake of thinking it is something normal and do nothing about it. However, bad breath in dogs is not only disgusting, it can also be a sign of a health problem. Bad breath in dogs is often simply dismissed as "dog breath", but in reality...
There are many diseases that can affect the ears of rabbits. Elongated ears are one of the most characteristic organs of rabbits and also a small source of problems. Therefore, it is important to know which are the most common diseases so that we can recognize the symptoms as soon as possible and proceed...
Also known as phlegmons, abscesses in a dog's gum are bacterial infections which have been allowed to progress until they become purulent. The gum can become infected for various reasons, but is often as a result of tooth decay. In this case, a dental abscess can enter the gum. Its appearance is usually...
While most caterpillars as harmless creatures which could do no harm to an animal the size of a dog, there are a few important exceptions. The pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is one of them. Simple contact with one of these spiny caterpillars can require immediate emergency veterinary...
Avian infectious coryza is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum. The disease affects only chickens, especially laying hens and occasionally broilers. Reports of quail and pheasants probably describe a similar disease caused by a different bacterium. At first glance it appears...
Inhalation of toxic gases and vapors is a relatively common cause of poisoning in dogs. This is because of the prevalence of cleaning products, lubricants and other chemicals we keep at home. Whether the dog has accessed them out of their own curiosity or we have accidentally exposed them to a harsh chemical,...
Ivermectin is a long-known antiparasitic used for various purposes in different species of animals such as dogs, cats and even humans. Ivermectin's ease of use, broad spectrum of activity and wide safety margin make it an ideal product for parasite control in horses.
The following AnimalWised article explains...
Internal and external deworming of dogs is recommended by veterinarians for almost every dog. The only exception might be if the deworming agent could cause them harm due to allergy or another health issue, but there is usually an alternative available. Despite deworming preventing parasitosis in millions...
As our puppies grow up, we need to ensure their development is progressing well. Some signs this is the case can be observed more easily than others. As with any part of their body, a dog's teeth change as they mature from a puppy to adulthood. While it can be a little painful for a dog's deciduous teeth...
Dogs are known for their sensitive ears. While the size, shape and texture of these ears can vary greatly according to the individual dog, they all serve the same purpose. Not only do dogs use their ears to hear, but they are very important in maintaining balance. Any pathologies or other medical conditions...
Veterinarians often prescribe cimetidine to treat acid reflux and gastric ulcers in dogs. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux is a digestive disorder in which stomach or intestinal contents enter the dog's esophagus. These substances irritate the esophageal mucosa and cause lesions in the esophagus....
There are various types of hair loss in dogs which will present differently according to the underlying reason. Normal shedding happens at different times throughout the year, something which needs to be differentiated from alopecia as a clinical symptom. When the alopecia is due to a systemic disease, pathology...
Hydrogen peroxide has been used to treat wound healing in human medicine for many years. Despite conflicting reports on its efficacy, many still use it for treating various issues and wonder if they can use the same product on their pets. Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that has been used for a long time...
Controlling horse flies is a never-ending battle year after year, beginning with the rise in temperatures. Flies have directly obvious effects on horses: they can transmit diseases, cause allergic dermatitis, irritate mucous membranes and delay wound healing. In the eyes, they can cause irritation so severe...
It is difficult to overstate the importance of proper footcare in our dogs. The skin on the plantar area of the paw pads is both resistant and sensitive. As dogs move, their paws come in contact with the ground which can be of various textures and materials. The paw pad itself is made up of fatty tissue...
Bacteria naturally reside on the tongue, tooth surface, oral mucosa and saliva of our dogs. When the bacteria feed on the food debris that the dog leaves on or between the teeth, they release acids that dissolve the enamel that protects the teeth from decay. When this enamel is weakened, the bacteria can...
Infections in dogs are common and can become very dangerous if not recognized in time and treated properly. Some of these infections can be more or less mild, but others can permanently damage your dog's vision. Infections in dogs vary greatly, and all require proper veterinary treatment to avoid major...
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss in both human and animal medicine. Rabbits are not exempt from this ocular pathology, but they can be more difficult to diagnose. Although their eye placement means they struggle seeing objects right in front of them, they have acute vision from...
As a companion dog, the Yorkshire Terrier has undergone very intensive selection. Therefore, this breed is usually very resistant. However, like any dog, it can be susceptible to genetic diseases. Here you will learn about some of the most common genetic diseases that affect Yorkshire Terriers, so you...
Alopecia in cats is a general term for hair loss which can have many causes. Most of these are physiological with various pathologies and conditions resulting in alopecia as a symptom. It is wrong to think that alopecia is only physical in origin. Psychological issues can result in hair loss. This is the case...
Ivermectin is a long-established antiparasitic used for various purposes in different species of animals such as dogs, cats, cattle, and even humans. Ivermectin is also commonly prescribed for rabbits. It is considered an endoparasitic because it fights multiple microorganisms, both external and internal....
Tramadol is a drug commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat pain in dogs. This drug is also commonly prescribed to treat pain in humans. It is one of the few pain medications for humans that can be safely administered to dogs under the guidance of a veterinarian. But as always, there are some considerations...
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), also known as mayflower, purple passionflower, true passionflower, wild apricot, and wild passion vine, is a fast-growing perennial vine with climbing or drooping stems. It is grown commercially in tropical and subtropical areas for its sweet, seed-bearing fruit,...
Ticks are parasitic arachnids belonging to the mite superorder Parasitiformes. Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. These parasites not only cause itching and skin irritation, but also transmit dangerous diseases to dogs. We should...
Blindness in cats can occur suddenly, but usually the process is gradual, and the owner may not notice any problems until the cat is completely blind. Medical causes of vision loss include neurological problems, trauma, and cataracts. Fortunately, cats adapt very easily and compensate by developing the...
Like other animals, rabbits can suffer from a variety of ophthalmologic pathologies that can affect different ocular structures. Knowing the major clinical signs associated with these pathologies is critical for early recognition of an ocular problem, rapid action, and prevention of complications. If...
Canine leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease that can be fatal for dogs. For this reason, it is one of the main diseases which requires vaccination control in companion animals. Incidences of leishmaniasis do occur. Due to vaccinations, greater public awareness and other factors, we can best try...
You may not be aware that dogs have baby teeth. When your puppy matures, their dentition changes in a similar way to human beings. A dog's baby teeth, also known as milk teeth, primary teeth or deciduous teeth, are smaller and sharper than their adult teeth. They should naturally fall out of their own accord...
There are many drugs which are used in both veterinary in human medicine, but trilostane has a rare distinction. While it was previously used in human medicine in the USA, it has been withdrawn from such purposes. Since this withdrawal, it has been approved for use in veterinary medicine. Used mainly...
Urinary problems in cats are a frequent cause of visits to the veterinarian. Urinary tract issues can be tremendously painful and potentially life-threatening for cats. That's why it's so important to learn to recognize any symptoms of discomfort or inability to urinate in your cat, so you can seek immediate...
A cat's wound should start to heal as soon as it occurs. The healing process is a part of the feline's natural defenses which is vital to sustain life after trauma and other threats to their health. While healing is something we often take for granted, for a cat's wound to heal properly many different processes...
Back to top