Animal health

We think of the word cholesterol as synonymous with something bad, but it actually refers to essential fats which animals need to develop and maintain their body. It is a natural lipid which is present in almost all cells and it is used in digestion, vitamin D synthesis and hormone production. Only when...

Otitis is a relatively common problem in veterinary clinical practice. A general term for many types of ear inflammation, otitis manifests in itching, redness, excess wax build up and ear pain in the dog. This both causes discomfort in the dog, but also worry in the guardian. Despite its prevalence, otitis...

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...

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....

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...

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...

Sodium diclofenac is the active ingredient of a well-known drug used under the trade name Voltaren, Cataflam and others. It is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is used to combat pain and inflammatory processes. Diclofenac can be sold in various preparations, some of which are prescription...

When we keep rabbits, it is not always easy to see the state of their urine. When they are in the hutch it should be soaked into the hay that makes up their substrate. When running around the garden, it will likely seep into the grass. This can be dangerous since our rabbit's pee can tell us a lot about...

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...

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 that serves as an abortifacient, which means it is used to induce abortion in pregnant dogs. When administered shortly after mating, it can prevent the implantation of the fertilized embryo and subsequent pregnancy. If the embryo is already implanted, Alizin...

Lethargy is a symptom of cats which is seen as a general state of weakness, tiredness and a lack of energy. It is very important we consider the context when our cat is acting lethargic. Lethargy in cats can be a natural response to being overexerted, but it also important to know it is not only a physical...

Whether it is their front or back limb, seeing a dog's leg swollen with fluid is a symptom which cannot be ignored. The dog's circulatory system is made up of the blood and lymphatic systems which interrelate to carry out various functions. When one part of the body is affected, its connectivity means symptoms...

Creolin is a powerful disinfectant with a long history of industrial and medical use. It was first used in the 19th century, but its formulation has evolved over time. This is important to remember as not all products labeled as creolin will be the same. As a disinfectant, the action of creolin is to destroy...

Oral health problems in our dogs can be extremely detrimental to their health. Dogs use their mouths to eat. Pain and discomfort of the mouth area can make eating difficult and even prevent them from ingesting the nutrition they need to survive. They also use their mouths to communicate and even interact...

Fish, like other animals, are susceptible to a variety of diseases, infections, and parasites. Fish can become ill for a variety of reasons, including poor water quality, improper diet, overcrowding, and stress. Certain species of fish are also more susceptible to certain diseases than others. Recognizing...

Although most associated with the eye, uveodermatologic syndrome in dogs can affect 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...

Black discharge from a dog's ear can appear seemingly out of nowhere. We often first see there is a problem by repeated scratching of the area, something which can exacerbate the problem by opening wounds or introducing secondary bacteria. The initial agitation is often due to otitis, a general term for...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 exists 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...

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...

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...

Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic bactericidal agent, specifically of the fluoroquinolone group. It is used for the treatment of respiratory, digestive and urinary bacterial infections, among others. It is a broad spectrum antibiotic sold in the US under the brand name Baytril, although it can be found in generic...

Pathologically, pulmonary hypertension is an underdiagnosed condition in small animal clinics characterized by elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressure in the lungs. Its occurrence may be caused by several factors, most of which are associated with cardiac or pulmonary changes that determine not...

Dermatologic pathologies are one of the main reasons for consultation in guinea pigs, with ectoparasites (external parasites) being the main cause of these pathologies. Guinea pigs are frequently infested with lice, which are ectoparasites. Generally, infested guinea pigs remain asymptomatic, although...

Panacur is an antiparasitic drug with the active ingredient fenbendazole. It is a broad spectrum anthelmintic that has an effect against nematodes (both gastrointestinal and pulmonary) and cestodes. In addition, it is a drug that is used as a treatment against giardiasis, an infection caused by the protozoa...

As with all companion animals, rats need a certain level of care to maintain optimal health. Providing a balanced diet, suitable accommodation, and taking them to the veterinarian for regular checkups help provide their basic care needs. However, even with careful consideration of these needs, a rat can...

Panniculitis is an inflammatory process that affects adipose tissue, the tissue we associate with body fat. It has multiple causes, both infectious and non-infectious. There are also many cases of idiopathic panniculitis in dogs where the etiology is unknown. The main clinical sign associated with panniculitis...

Knowing the symptoms of prostate cancer in dogs will make you best able to catch this deadly disease early. Early detection leads to a quicker diagnosis and a better prognosis for the canine. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms of this disease do not manifest until the cancer has advanced. This is why...

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...

Calamine is a commonly used medication to treat mild itchiness on the skin produced by sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, allergies, among others. It can also be prescribed to dry out skin irritation. It has proven to be very effective on humans. In fact, its use dates back as far as 1500 BC....

Dexketoprofen belongs to the NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) group of medications. It is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. Dexketoprofen can be administered orally or intravenously through an injection, and it is...

When you take your new puppy home, the last thing you want is a major health issue. Unfortunately, puppies are more susceptible to some problems, such as parasites, than older dogs. There are several factors that can affect how long it takes a puppy to expel worms. The type of parasite is one of the most...

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...

Sometimes we are surprised to discover how pets go on to develop the same diseases as humans. This is a sudden reminder of how similar we are in terms of biological issues and genetics. Once you understand this reality, you can pay more attention to possible symptoms of ailments that are actually quite...

Canine dilated cardiomyopathy is a fatal disease in which the muscle fibers contract weakly. Then, the muscles of the heart's walls become thinner and the chambers, that is, the ventricles and atria, get bigger. As a result of this disease, the heart gets bigger and loses its original shape, since its muscles...

Occasional vomiting is a common problem in cats and it is not necessarily serious. However, if your cat vomits more frequently, this could be a symptom of a more serious condition and you should take your cat to a vet immediately to find out the cause. Vomiting is a reflex that causes the active removal...

Diarrhea in dogs is a common occurrence that will happen throughout our dog's lives. This is why it's best to get familiar to its causes and treatment. This way, you'll be able to quickly help your dog recover from an upset stomach as soon as you see them vomit. In this AnimalWised article we're going...

A cat scratching itself is a normal and healthy behavior. If we had the dexterity of most cats, we'd be scratching just as much. As with any behavior, scratching excessively can cause serious harm. If a cat scratches itself raw, then wounds can develop which cause complications. Other reasons for a cat...

Vaginal discharge in your dog is abnormal, depending on the context. For example, a pregnant dog will have some discharge if they are about to give birth. When a female dog is not pregnant or is not even sexually intact, vaginal discharge can be a worrying potential sign of disease such as uterine infection...

We all want to care for our dogs and keep them safe. The biggest threats? Running away or getting sick/injured without anyone noticing. The SATELLAI Collar is merging high-precision GPS tracking, AI-powered health insights, and versatile virtual fencing system to mitigate these threats. Designed for...

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...

Unless they have eaten something which is yellow in color, the yellow liquid a cat vomits is likely to be bile. This is a yellowish or greenish liquid which is produced in the liver. Bile is important for healthy digestion in cats and its production is essential in breaking down certain lipids. While bile...

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...

Leaking fluid from a pregnant cat can be a normal symptom of their pregnancy or it can be a sign of a complication. Looking at the context of the discharge is vital to knowing when to take them to a veterinarian. During both the heat period and pregnancy of sexually intact female cats, vaginal discharge...

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...