Animal health
1.059 articles
![Anorexia in Dogs - Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/1/3/anorexia_in_dogs_causes_diagnosis_and_treatment_4313_300_150.jpg)
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 for Dogs - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/1/3/polaramine_for_dogs_dosage_uses_and_side_effects_4312_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Why Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/0/3/why_do_guinea_pigs_eat_their_babies_4309_300_150.jpg)
When a guinea pig eats her babies, it is too easy for us to humanize and even moralize their behavior. When they do something which would be seen as reprehensible to us, it can be confusing. Known as puerperal cannibalism, a guinea pig eating her young is perhaps one of the most acute examples of this,...
![My Cat Has Scabs on Their Neck](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/0/3/my_cat_has_scabs_on_their_neck_4307_300_150.jpg)
Scabs on a cat's skin can be due to various causes, but there are some which are more likely when the scabs appear on a cat's neck. A scab will occur once an open sore has started to heal since the hard crust is part of their immune response. Looking at the larger clinical picture will help us to understand...
![Adenocarcinoma in Dogs - Causes, Sign and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/0/3/adenocarcinoma_in_dogs_causes_sign_and_treatment_4303_300_150.jpg)
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,...
![Solar Dermatitis in Cats - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/0/3/solar_dermatitis_in_cats_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4301_300_150.jpg)
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 in Dogs - Types, Symptoms and Treatments](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/0/3/parasites_in_dogs_types_symptoms_and_treatments_4300_300_150.jpg)
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 - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/9/2/bad_breath_in_dogs_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4295_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Common Diseases of Rabbit Ears - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/9/2/common_diseases_of_rabbit_ears_symptoms_causes_and_treatment_4293_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Abscess on a Dog's Gum - Causes and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/9/2/abscess_on_a_dog_s_gum_causes_and_treatment_4292_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Pine Processionary Caterpillars and Dogs](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/9/2/pine_processionary_caterpillars_and_dogs_4291_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Infectious Coryza in Chickens - Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/8/2/infectious_coryza_in_chickens_symptoms_and_treatment_4289_300_150.jpg)
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...
![What to Do If My Dog Inhaled Bleach Fumes](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/8/2/what_to_do_if_my_dog_inhaled_bleach_fumes_4286_300_150.jpg)
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 for Horses - Dosage, Use and Side Effects](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/8/2/ivermectin_for_horses_dosage_use_and_side_effects_4285_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Is Deworming Necessary for Dogs?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/8/2/is_deworming_necessary_for_dogs_4284_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Double Canine Teeth in Dogs](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/8/2/double_canine_teeth_in_dogs_4281_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Bump on My Dog's Ear - Dog Ear Hematoma](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/8/2/bump_on_my_dog_s_ear_dog_ear_hematoma_4280_300_150.jpg)
A bump on a dog's ear is likely due to an issue known as otohematoma in dogs. A type of ear hematoma, it can greatly vary in size, shape and texture, according to the individual dog. Not only do dogs use their ears to hear, but they are very important in maintaining balance. Any pathologies or other...
![Cimetidine for Dogs - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/7/2/cimetidine_for_dogs_dosage_uses_and_side_effects_4278_300_150.jpg)
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....
![My Dog Is Losing Hair Around the Eyes](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/7/8/my_dog_is_losing_hair_around_the_eyes_874_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe for Cats?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/7/2/is_hydrogen_peroxide_safe_for_cats_4276_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Natural Remedies for Flies on Horses](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/7/2/natural_remedies_for_flies_on_horses_4275_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Dog Paw Problems - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/7/2/dog_paw_problems_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4274_300_150.jpg)
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...
![The Most Common Eye Infections in Dogs](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/7/2/the_most_common_eye_infections_in_dogs_4272_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Rabbit Cataract Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/7/2/rabbit_cataract_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4271_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Common Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/7/2/common_yorkshire_terrier_health_problems_4270_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Psychogenic Alopecia in Cats - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/3/8/psychogenic_alopecia_in_cats_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_1838_300_150.jpg)
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 for Rabbits - Dosage, Use and Contraindications](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/6/2/ivermectin_for_rabbits_dosage_use_and_contraindications_4268_300_150.jpg)
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....
![Passionflower for Dogs](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/6/2/passionflower_for_dogs_4261_300_150.jpg)
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,...
![How to Get a Tick off My Dog](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/6/2/how_to_get_a_tick_off_my_dog_4260_300_150.jpg)
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 - Signs and treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/5/2/blindness_in_cats_signs_and_treatment_4258_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Common Eye Problems in Rabbits](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/5/2/common_eye_problems_in_rabbits_4256_300_150.jpg)
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...
![My Dog's Baby Teeth Are Not Falling Out](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/5/2/my_dog_s_baby_teeth_are_not_falling_out_4255_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Trilostane for Dogs - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/5/2/trilostane_for_dogs_uses_dosage_and_side_effects_4252_300_150.jpg)
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...
![My Cat's Wound Is Not Healing](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/5/2/my_cat_s_wound_is_not_healing_4250_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Blood Clots in Dogs - Causes and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/4/2/blood_clots_in_dogs_causes_and_treatment_4249_300_150.jpg)
In a healthy dog, blood circulates in an orderly manner around the blood vessels. Since the transportation of blood around the body is vital to maintain the organism itself, good circulation is essential. Not only does poor circulation prevent the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system (and,...
![Lens Luxation in Dogs - Dislocated Eye Lens in Dogs](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/4/2/lens_luxation_in_dogs_dislocated_eye_lens_in_dogs_4244_300_150.jpg)
The ophthalmic diseases dogs can suffer from are varied and can affect different eye structures. Lens luxation is a displacement of the lens inside the eye due to a tear in the ligaments that hold the lens in suspension. Lens luxation is a common pathology that affects the lens of some dogs, particularly...
![Theophylline for Dogs - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/4/2/theophylline_for_dogs_dosage_uses_and_side_effects_4243_300_150.jpg)
Theophylline is an alkaloid of the methylxanthine family and is used to treat various respiratory diseases in dogs due to its bronchodilator effect. Although it is an effective drug, it causes widely varying reactions in patients, so the dose must be individualized in each animal and plasma levels of...
![Pale Mucus Membranes in Dogs](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/4/2/pale_mucus_membranes_in_dogs_4240_300_150.jpg)
It is very important we take note of the color of a dog's mucus membranes. Similar to how changes in the eye can point to systemic health problems, when the dog's mucus membranes become pale or discolored it can mean they are suffering from a medical issue. The mucus membranes are transition tissues between...
![My Old Dog Is Drinking Lots of Water](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/3/2/my_old_dog_is_drinking_lots_of_water_4239_300_150.jpg)
Although it depends on many individual factors, a dog should drink around 100 ml of water per kilogram of their weight per day. We can sometimes see an increase in a dog's water consumption for various reasons. This is known as polydipsia in veterinary medicine. When a dog exhibits any physical or behavioral...
![My Dog Keeps Shaking Their Head](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/3/2/my_dog_keeps_shaking_their_head_4237_300_150.jpg)
Dogs shake their body to get rid of water from their coat, shiver when they are cold or even from sheer joy. These are momentary episodes which do not continue for long periods. When we see the dog shaking regularly or chronically, it is a sign something is wrong. Persistent tremors in dogs can suggest...
![My Dog's Ear Is In Pain - Causes and Pain Relief](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/3/2/my_dog_s_ear_is_in_pain_causes_and_pain_relief_4230_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Cerenia for Dogs - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/3/2/cerenia_for_dogs_uses_dosage_and_side_effects_4236_300_150.jpg)
Although it can be fairly common, vomiting in dogs should be cause for concern with any responsible dog guardian. This is especially important when it persists for more than 24 hours and when we see other worrying clinical signs. In these cases, we need to take the dog to the veterinarian. Antiemetic drugs...
![Dog Penis - Anatomy of a Male Dog](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/3/2/dog_penis_anatomy_of_a_male_dog_4234_300_150.jpg)
All male mammals have a penis which is used for reproductive purposes and is part of their reproductive anatomy. While the basic function of fertilizing eggs with sperm is basically the same, the anatomy and other characteristics of the penis can vary according to species. The canine penis differs from...
![Phenobarbital For Dogs - Uses, Dosage, Uses and Side Effects](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/2/2/phenobarbital_for_dogs_uses_dosage_uses_and_side_effects_4229_300_150.jpg)
Phenobarbital is an antiepileptic drug that belongs to the group known as barbiturates. Due to its high efficacy, it is considered the first drug of choice to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in dogs. Its administration can cause the appearance of various adverse reactions, leading to a more intensive...
![Meningoencephalitis in Dogs - Causes, Treatment and Life Expectancy](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/2/2/meningoencephalitis_in_dogs_causes_treatment_and_life_expectancy_4228_300_150.jpg)
Meningoencephalitis is a neurological pathology that is diagnosed in small animal clinics with relative frequency. It consists of an inflammation of the central nervous system that can manifest with a wide variety of neurological signs depending on the affected area. Although we know its cause in some circumstances,...
![Spondylosis in Dogs - Causes, Treatment and Life Expectancy](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/2/2/spondylosis_in_dogs_causes_treatment_and_life_expectancy_4226_300_150.jpg)
Spondylosis is a degenerative process that affects the spine of dogs. It is characterized by the formation of bone overgrowths in the lower and lateral part of the vertebrae. In the majority of cases, the problem is a degenerative condition and occurs over a period of years. For this reason, spondylosis...
![Fipronil for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/2/2/fipronil_for_cats_dosage_uses_and_side_effects_4225_300_150.jpg)
Fipronil (brand names: Frontline®, Barricade®, Easyspot® and many others) is a broad-spectrum insecticide used to control insects such as fleas, lice, ticks, cockroaches, and mites. Cats can be treated with it for external parasites and for allergic dermatitis after flea bites starting at the age of two...
![Betadine for Cats - Is It Safe?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/1/2/betadine_for_cats_is_it_safe_4219_300_150.jpg)
Povidone-iodine is commonly sold under the brand name Betadine®. It is a drug marketed as an antiseptic for superficial wounds. It has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, being effective against various viruses, protozoa, spores, fungi and gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This microbicidal effect...
![My Dog Is Not Eating But Is Drinking Water](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/2/2/my_dog_is_not_eating_but_is_drinking_water_4222_300_150.jpg)
Any physical symptoms or behavioral changes in our dogs which may indicate illness need to be understood in context of their situation. Various pathologies and health conditions can cause either a lack of appetite (anorexia) or an increased water consumption (polydipsia) in dogs. When the two clinical signs...
![Ivermectin for Guinea Pigs - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/2/2/ivermectin_for_guinea_pigs_dosage_uses_and_side_effects_4220_300_150.jpg)
Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone used to treat external parasites in many mammals. Ivermectin is especially useful for eliminating small parasites in guinea pigs, such as fleas, lice, and mites. As every guinea pig owner knows, skin diseases are one of the most common health problems in guinea pigs....