Animal health

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a prevalent condition affecting cats, often characterized by recurrent urinary blockages. These blockages can be painful, distressing, and life-threatening. Perineal urethrostomy is a surgical procedure designed to address this issue by creating a wider opening...

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...

An enema is a procedure whereby liquid is inserted into the anus to treat various gastrointestinal problems. It is more common in human medicine, but it is also used by veterinarians. We can administer our own enemas at home, but this should only be done on the advice of a doctor. The same applies to our...

Levothyroxine is a medication which is used to treat hypothyroidism in dogs. This is because the hormone thyroxine (T4) is used to control metabolism. When insufficient thyroxine is produced by the dog, hypothyroidism occurs and various metabolic processes are affected. This can result in serious health problems...

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), also known as canine dementia, is a common degenerative brain disorder that affects older dogs. Similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, CCD causes a decline in cognitive function, leading to behavioral changes, confusion, and memory loss. CCD can have a significant...

Apoquel is a drug used to treat the symptoms which appear during cases of atopic dermatitis. This is a prolonged inflammation of the skin which causes redness, itching and purulent discharge in advanced cases. These symptoms can be very upsetting for the dog and put them at risk of complications such as...

Hypothyroidism in dogs is a common endocrine disorder characterized by the insufficient production of thyroid hormones. Addressing questions about the lifespan and management of hypothyroidism in dogs is essential for pet owners to understand the prognosis and make informed decisions about their dog's...

Heavy breathing is an increase in respiratory rate above normal and is known medically as tachypnea. It may or not be accompanied by dyspnea, the medical term for respiratory distress. Panting is a form of heavy breathing, but it is not always a sign of a problem. Panting is a normal reaction to various...

Abdominal distension, commonly known as a swollen belly, is a frequent veterinary complaint among dogs. It manifests as an abnormal enlargement of the abdomen, often accompanied by signs of discomfort or pain. While a mildly distended abdomen can sometimes be attributed to harmless factors like a hearty...

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...

If your dog has eaten a Tylenol tablet, you will need to take them to a veterinarian immediately. Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain medication which contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. This is a very commonly used drug for humans which should not be taken by dogs. This...

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...

Catosal is a vitamin B12 medication for veterinary use that can be prescribed for animals of different species, such as dogs or cats. It is also used for livestock such as cattle and horses, although its use always needs to be at the discretion of a qualified veterinarian. It is an injectable drug that...

A dog twitches when they lie down due to tremors and muscle contractions. While this twitching can be a normal response to physical activity, it can also be a symptom of certain physiological or emotional pathologies. While we can recognize tremors or twitching easily in the dog, it is more difficult...

You can generally tell if a female dog has been spayed by their spay scars. Since spaying is a surgical intervention, an incision is made on the dog's abdomen. It is these incision scars which indicate a spay. However, there are reasons why this might not provide conclusive confirmation the dog has been...

A cesarean section in cats, also known as a c-section, is a surgical intervention which is required when a pregnant cat cannot give birth naturally. The reasons a cat cannot give birth without help are varied. They can be determined before the cat enters labor which will usually require scheduling of a cesarean...

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...

Also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis in dogs, acute moist dermatitis is a skin infection which results in oozing inflamed patches of skin known as hot spots. The skin is exposed due to the hair loss in the area, a hair loss which is caused by the dog themselves. When a dog licks the same area repeatedly...

Dermatitis in dogs is a term which refers to the inflammation of a dog's skin, a symptom which has many causes. Whether due to infection, sensitivity, parasites or any other issue, dermatitis can be very troubling for the dog. Not only does it cause discomfort and pain, but the damaged skin is made vulnerable...

Rabies in rabbits is a deadly disease which is made all the more terrifying by being zoonotic. This means it is a disease which can spread between different species. While we may associate rabies with other mammals such as dogs, bats or wolves, it is possible for a rabbit to become infected by rabies. While...

If you have seen a bump on your dog's belly button, it is important to consider the possibility of an umbilical hernia. A hernia is when tissue exist through an opening or cavity which normally contains it. An umbilical hernia occurs when the tissue involved is the belly button, known in veterinary medicine...

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...

Leishmaniasis in cats is a chronic disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Leishmania infantum. Although it is relatively rare in cats, it is a disease is considered to be emerging. It is also a type of zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transferred to humans. Although more commonly diagnosed in...

When a rabbit is pregnant, they will nest when they are about to enter labor. This nesting behavior is very important to offer both mother and her kits the security she needs to care for vulnerable offspring. Female rabbits will reach sexual maturity around 4 to 8 months of age, after which time they can...

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,...

The growing homogenization of modern livestock, focused on a few high-performance breeds, threatens the rich genetic diversity of traditional cattle breeds. These breeds, adapted to specific conditions and possessing unique characteristics, face the risk of extinction. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) emerges...

Canine hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) is an uncommon metabolic disorder impacting both the liver and skin. It exhibits distinct characteristics such as hepatopathy, hypoaminoacidemia, aminoaciduria, and superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND), leading to specific crusted, red, and histologically unique...

Microphthalmia is an uncommon yet significant condition that affects the development of a dog's eyes. Characterized by abnormally small eyes, microphthalmia can range in severity and impact a dog's vision to varying degrees. While genetic factors often underlie this condition, other causes such as intrauterine...

Seeing your rabbit pull out its fur can be alarming for any pet owner. This behavior may be a sign of an underlying problem affecting your beloved companion. However, it is also possible that a rabbit with patches of fur missing in specific areas is simply engaging in a natural behavior. Nevertheless, it is...

Deciding when to euthanize a dog with kidney failure is one of the most heartbreaking and important decisions a dog guardian will need to make. There are many ways we can support a dog with kidney failure, but ensuring we diagnose the problem as early as possible is vital for prolonged life. Unfortunately,...

Constipation is not necessarily more common in small dog breeds, but the dog's size can be a factor in having trouble pooping. While it may be relatively frequent in small animals, it doesn't mean that constipation can be ignored. It can be a symptom of a more serious health concern. At the very least,...

Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Although bed bugs primarily target humans for their blood meals, cats can also become victims of their bites, especially in the presence of a significant...

Streptokinase is an antithrombotic medication, meaning it works by breaking down blood clots which can be potentially fatal to dogs. It is usually given intravenously in injection form and is sold under various trade names in varying combinations. It is indicated as a human medication, but not for veterinary...

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...

Conofite for dogs is a topical medication which comes in the form of ear drops. It is used to treat otitis, a general term for inflammation of the ear. Its usefulness for this purpose will depend on the underlying cause of the otitis, but its active ingredients make it useful against various common...

How a dog's limp manifests will depend on its underlying cause. While we may rightly associate limping with trauma, there are other causes of this issue in dogs. Sometimes it can cause the forelimb to be affected, but others affect the hind legs. Some will cause the dog to wobble when they walk, others...

If your dog keeps rubbing their face on the carpet, the reasons for the behavior will depend on the context. If they are happily rolling on the ground and having a good time, it will be in contrast to a dog which appears to be rubbing their nose in distress. A dog's nose is very sensitive, meaning they...

Febantel is an antiparasitic drug that is often used in combination with other antiparasitics such as praziquantel or pyrantel. When establishing a deworming schedule for your cat, the veterinarian will need to assess their specific needs. These will be determined by your geographical location, but also by...

The rabies vaccine for dogs is a preventive medication which is used to protect against one of the most deadly diseases in veterinary medicine. As with any other vaccine, a rabies vaccination will stimulate the dog's immune system with a modified form of the rabies virus known as an antigen. This antigen...

Stronghold plus for cats is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent which is used to combat both internal and external parasites. Unlike many other antiparasitic deworming agents for animals, Stronghold Plus has two active ingredients. This provides protection against external parasites such as fleas, ticks...

We might associate deworming products with cats and dogs, but we ignore potential parasites in rabbits at our bunny's peril. Especially when they are kept in outdoor hutches, rabbits are vulnerable to many different types of internal and external parasites. Said parasites can enter their body through...

Cats with diabetes need to eat protein-rich food which avoids nutrients such as high-gycemic carbohydrates. Many of us will not associate diabetes with felines since they generally do not eat sugar. This is a common misconception with cats since diabetes is related to poor diet, especially when it is high...

Also known as scabies in horses, mange is a skin disease caused by the infestation of mites. It is a disease which is most associated with dogs. This is because the specific mite that causes sarcoptic mange in animals is Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, a mite of the genus Sarcoptes which is highly contagious....

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, dog hip dislocation 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...