Animal health

Swelling of your dog's paws is a sign that your pet may be suffering from an underlying condition that requires medical attention. There are many possible causes of swollen paws related to changes in various organs, devices or systems. Analyzing how the swelling occurs and develops will help diagnose...

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...

If you have ever spoken to someone who has had kidney stones, they will likely have let you know how painful they can be. Essentially a small stone made from various potential minerals, nephroliths block the passageway of urine in the very sensitive areas of the genitourinary tract. Dogs are known for...

As pet owners, we cherish the playful and energetic moments our dogs bring into our lives. However, there may be times when we notice a change in their usual lively demeanor. This may be due to a variety of factors, but one possible explanation is lethargy. Lethargy is a common condition in dogs, and it...

There are different circumstances in which you may need to dry up a dog's milk supply and stop them from producing more milk. This could be because she begins lactating following a false pregnancy or continues to lactate after her puppies have been weaned. It is even more necessary when the puppies...

If you see your rabbit is still breathing, but lying limp on its side, it is a worrying sign. As sensitive creatures which crave security, any threat can make them move like lightning. Even with the best of intentions, guardians can give their animal a fright, causing them to run from us. All this means...

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...

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...

In most cases, all you need to expect after deworming your dog is that they won't get parasites. Worms are types of internal parasites which often cause gastrointestinal upset, but some of them can be fatal. This is the case with heartworms, lungworms, and others which infest vital tissues of the body....

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...

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...

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...

Dogs can often eat otherwise inedible objects with relative ease and suffer no obvious ill effects. This does not mean they are incapable of choking. In many ways, dogs are more prone to choking. They use their mouths to interact with their environment and chewing is a common behavior. Whether a ball,...

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...

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...

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...

A female dog licking her privates more than usual could be affected by their heat cycle, urinary tract infection, allergies, skin irritation or inflammation, behavioral issues, vaginal discharge, or even infection or injury. It should be noted that licking their genitals is a normal part of a dog's grooming...

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...

A vaccination schedule for dogs should begin when they are a puppy, but there are some cases where this has not occurred. Late is better than never, so an adult dog can start a vaccination schedule after they have developed. The reason for vaccinations is due to the various contagious diseases which can...

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...

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...

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...

Although not formulated specifically for veterinary use, Bepanthen cream can be used on dogs in certain circumstances. This product is an ointment which is mainly used to treat minor skin injuries such as sunburn. For humans, it is also used to help skin repair after various types of damage. It binds to hair...

If your cat is overgrooming, it can be a result of physical, psychological or environmental problems in your cat's life. To understand the causes and treatment of excessive grooming in cats, we need to look at the context of their behavior. If they have started to overgroom all of a sudden, it will likely...

The causes of open wounds on cats are varied, but they are most commonly related to a trauma. These can range from being minor to life threatening, depending on the tissue affected, amount of blood loss and the risk of bacterial infection. If a bacterial infection does occur, the cat's open wound will likely...

Intestinal lymphoma in cats is a malignant tumor originating from lymphocytes, which can affect both the small and large intestines. Its clinical presentation often resembles that of other digestive disorders, underscoring the importance of conducting a thorough differential diagnosis to distinguish it from...

Internal bleeding in dogs can be difficult to diagnose since the problem lies with tissues we cannot observe directly. Often the signs of the internal hemorrhage are systemic since the internal blood loss will affect the functioning of the dog's organism greatly. Although the direct cause of internal...

We should never give human antibiotics to a cat. There are many reasons why this is prohibited behavior for cat guardians. The same applies to all drugs. Often, the specific drug will be toxic to cats. Not only will it not treat the bacterial infection for which antibiotics are used, but it can cause...

When a dog bites a toad, it can lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Certain species of toads, such as the cane toad or toads from the genus Bufo, secrete toxins through their skin as a defense mechanism. These toxins contain chemicals known as bufotoxins, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested....

Canine pyometra is a type of uterine infection which is most commonly associated with dogs. Although the direct cause of the uterine infection is bacteria, pyometra is a result of structural and hormonal changes which occur in the uterus of the dog. These changes result in the uterine tissue becoming more...

Seeing live worms in a dog's poop is the most comprehensive proof they have a worm infestation. You may see other symptoms before this happens since the dog may be experiencing serious gastrointestinal trouble, but it is also possible the concurrent symptoms are minimal. Regardless of the other symptoms,...

Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by roundworms which can affect dogs and cats. In dogs, the roundworm species capable of causing infection are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Although they are similar parasites, they behave differently in the body of dogs, which is why they cause slightly different...

Perianal fistulas in cats are a medical condition characterized by the formation of abnormal tunnels or tracts around the anal region. These fistulas can be quite painful and are often associated with other underlying health issues. While the exact prevalence of perianal fistulas in cats is not well-documented,...

Black wax in a cat's ear is due to the natural secretions being mixed with another substance. The wax itself won't be black, but these other substances cause the discoloration. Identifying the substance will help us to identify the underlying problem. There are certain pathologies and conditions to which...

Red eyes in rabbits can be a natural trait for certain rabbit breeds, especially if they have white hair. As with most physical traits, it is a result of genetic conditioning passed down from previous generations. It should not cause a health problem for them or affect their wellbeing. There are some...

When it comes to pesky critters that invade our homes and disrupt our peaceful nights, bed bugs are often at the top of the list. These blood-sucking parasites, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, have become a common household concern. While we humans are well aware of the nuisance and discomfort caused...

Swollen eyes in dogs can be a common and worrying sight for pet owners. This condition can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor issues to more severe underlying conditions. It is important for pet owners to understand the different causes and symptoms of swollen eyes in dogs, as well as...

The time which elapses between each puppy's birth will depend on various factors, including breed and the mother dog's health. Generally speaking, the longest time between puppies is around two hours, even if it is possible for a healthy puppy to be born after this time. The average litter contains around...

Around 25% of newborn puppies every year die as a consequence of something known as fading puppy syndrome. As it is a syndrome, it is not a specific disease. It is a range of symptoms which creates a complex clinical picture. Unfortunately, the nature of this syndrome is that many of these puppies die...

We rightly associate a swollen vulva in dogs with their heat period. This is because increased production of estrogen causes inflammation of the vulva, a process designed to attract males and indicate they are ready for fertilization. This does not explain why a spayed dog will have a swollen vulva,...

During development, any puppy can experience growing pains. Although they are good at hiding their pain, bone growth, tooth renewal and other developmental processes can provide normal levels of discomfort. A condition called panosteitis is often referred to as ‘growing pains’. Although panosteitis does...

Cats are unique animals with specific metabolic pathways and physiological characteristics that differ from those of other animal species. Therefore, certain medications that are safe for humans or other animals may be toxic to cats and may cause serious or even fatal consequences. Knowing the potential dangers...

Whether out walking or in the home, our dogs can ingest the strangest objects. Despite the fact they are inedible, many of the objects which seem irresistible to our dog don't appear to be appetizing in the least. Since they can be broken down in the dog's mouth, many of these merely pass through their...

When our dog has external parasites such as fleas or ticks, we will eventually notice their infestation. We will see the dog scratch themselves more often and the parasites are visible to the naked eye. With internal parasites, their presence can be more difficult to detect. We might see some generalized...

Tetanus is a neurological disease caused by a neurotoxin. It is caused in dogs by a bacterial infection that begins in the animal's body through an open wound. The toxin attacks the nerves, spinal cord and brain, causing muscle spasms in the animal. Contrary to popular belief, tetanus is not found exclusively...

Eyelashes are the small hairs that grow on the edge of the eyelid and have a protective function for the eye. They protect it from external influences such as wind, foreign bodies, dust, etc. and promote the moisture of the eye. When the eyelashes grow abnormally toward the cornea, they can cause a...

Tendons are ligaments of connective tissue (collagen fibers) that connect muscle to bone. Thank you to them, the force of muscle contraction is transmitted to the skeleton to produce movement. When these tendons become inflamed, a process known as tendinitis occurs, usually causing pain and lameness....

Cats are relatively prone to ear infections, especially long-eared cat breeds. Mites, otitis, and other ear problems can be bothersome, but they are usually easily treatable. As long as we are observant of their symptoms and treat them in time, prognosis is generally very good. However, treating a cat's...

Certain dogs are known for the considerable amount of drool they produce. While this provides practical considerations in terms of home hygiene, we may not think too much about where the drool comes from. A dog's salivary glands are very important, even if some are put to work more than others. Although...