Other animal health problems
396 articles
Anal or peri anal glands are actually a way of communication between cats, since the characteristic smell that they secrete gives other cats information on the cat's identity. It is normal for cats, both male and female, to empty its contents when they defecate, thus lubricating the anus. In other situations...
We all know of the genuine and independent character of cats, but the fact is that these domestic felines need all our care, as they are susceptible to suffer numerous diseases, as many other animals and humans can. This is why sometimes, your cat may need to take oral medications and some of them may not be...
Skin diseases in dogs should be taken very seriously to prevent the problem from getting worse and having irreparable consequences over time. The skin is the organ that insulates the dog's organism from the environment and protects it from infections and viruses. In general, dogs have a layer of fat that...
Gastric torsion in dogs is typical of large breeds, such as the German Shepherd, the Great Dane, the Giant Schnauzer, and the St. Bernard. This condition occurs when there is a significant dilation and torsion of the stomach due to the accumulation of gases, food, or liquid. The stomach's ligaments cannot...
Canine atopic dermatitis, also known as AD, is a chronic skin disease that causes inflammation or hypersensitivity due to an allergy. Affected dogs scratch and rub constantly to try to ease their discomfort.
It mainly affects young dogs but can also occur in adults. Its origin is unknown but it is thought...
Any pet that you decide to take home needs to be looked after in such a way that allows them to enjoy a good quality of life. In order to care for them properly, you will need one very important resource: your time.
You need time to keep your pet company, to pamper them, and to be alert to any change...
Lovebirds are becoming more and more popular as household pets. Their rich color, beauty and "inseperable" nature make them as well loved as the canary once was.
But the arrival of any bird, exotic or not, puts us in front of new situations that we are sometimes not accustomed to face. Does your lovebird...
Skin tumors are among the most common skin diseases in dogs. Skin tumors that occur in the skin itself (in the epidermis or the dermis) are called subcutaneous tumors and develop just under the skin.
Strictly speaking, a tumor is a prominent, hard, and well-defined lesion. On the other hand, a neoplasm...
We are growing more and more aware of the need to treat our pets in natural ways that are as harmless as possible, since most times this means less damage to their bodies and less change in their physiology.
However, we must be clear that the term natural does not always mean harmless, and even less so...
Surely more than once, you have seen your dog crawl and drag their backside on the ground, in a somewhat strange position. You should know that your dog is not dragging their anus on the floor, they are dragging their anal glands in order to get rid of some discomfort. For your pet, it is a rather uncomfortable...
Vomiting in dogs is, like many other symptoms, common to many diseases, or a consequence of processes that have nothing to do with any pathology.
We have accumulated the most common causes of white foam vomiting in dogs, in order to summarize their symptoms and treatment. Don't panic just yet, AnimalWised are...
Have you asked yourself this question more than once? Perhaps you have given it little importance, since in many cases there is no significant problem related to this behavior.
Yet, sometimes their licking can become excessive and can cause secondary injuries. Their vigorous grooming and persistent licking...
Do you feed your pet properly? This is one of the questions that you should ask yourself on a regular basis. A dog's diet is one of the factors that has a bigger influence on their health. As such, you should always make sure that the food you give them meets their nutritional requirements. Failure to do...
When a female dog or cat is receptive to a male for mating, she is in heat. This is a stage of her estrus cycle when she is fertile and can become pregnant. Although they have an estrus cycle, rabbits do not go into heat like a cat or dog. This is because they mate thanks to a process known as induced...
We do not expect a female dog to bleed from her private area if she has been spayed. Also known as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying is a process whereby the reproductive organs of the dog are removed. This means the dog cannot go into their heat cycle, something which can be accompanied by a certain amount...
Mastocytoma in dogs is a common type of skin tumor in dogs which can appear either benign or malignant. Although it usually affects older dogs of any breed, brachycephalic dog breeds, such as boxers or bulldogs, are more prone to developing mastocytoma. Prognosis and treatment of mast cell tumor in dogs...
Shar Pei dogs are known for their beautiful, wrinkly and sandy skin. However, they can suffer from different skin conditions and problems throughout their life, including fungi, irritations and allergies. All in all, Shar Pei are particularly sensitive dogs.
This AnimalWised article will review the various...
Dilated pupils in dogs, especially in bright light or if affecting only one eye, can be a cause for concern. If you notice that your dog's pupils become unusually enlarged, it is always best to seek veterinary attention. There are multiple reasons that can explain the pathological dilation of pupils in dogs....
The first months of a kittens life are characterized by rapid growth. For this kitten this is a time of discovery and awakenings. For their human guardian it is a time for both joy at this new life and concern that they get the best start they can. In cases where we think the kitten is not growing as...
Kidney failure in cats is common in older cats. When untreated, this could bring more serious health issues. When chronic, there is no cure. However, by detecting kidney failure early on we can find the right treatment for our cat and improve their quality of life.
In this AnimalWised article we're...
Seeing abnormal cat poop is likely a sign of a health problem. While it is possible psychological issues can cause changes in your cat's stool, it is more likely to be a result of physical health issues which result in gastrointestinal problems. Changes in a cat's poop can be due to color, consistency,...
Puppies start to grow their temporary teeth around the age of 3 weeks. This is when they'll start weaning and playing with chew toys. But, why are their teeth so sharp?
In this AnimalWised article we're going to tell you why puppy teeth are so sharp. We'll also go through the difference between puppy...
There are many differences between the physiology of a dog and the physiology of a human; this is why we categorically condemn medicating your pet by yourself with human medicine, as it endangers its health and its life.
However, there are many similarities between your organism and your pet's that can...
It's crucial to know about the different illnesses that are likely to affect your Maltese in order to prevent them and react to any symptoms in time. Some signs of disease, such as brown ears, diarrhea, an allergy or vomiting, are easy enough to recognize; if you notice these symptoms in your Maltese...
The liver is one of the largest organs in our body, and it's considered the big laboratory and storehouse of the organism. It synthesizes a lot of enzymes and proteins, and thus it is the largest detoxifying organ. The liver also stores glycogen, which is essential for the balance of glucose, among...
The Maltese dog, sometimes mistakenly called "Bichon", is a very old breed. Its origin is not known for certain, but it might have been in the Sicilian city of Melita or the Méléda Island in the Adriatic Sea. These dogs were bred to hunt mice on ships and harbors of the Mediterranean. Nowadays they are...
Vomiting and diarrhea are relatively common in dogs and can sometimes worry their owners. This situation can become increasingly worrying if it doesn't desist or if there is an appearance of blood in the vomit or feces. Some symptoms such; anorexia, apathy or fever can even worsen this clinical case.
In...
It's common to find dogs chewing or licking their paws. They usually do so to clean themselves and maintain proper hygiene. However, sometimes a dog may begin to do it excessively. This can become a problem as they can chew their paws raw until one can see their skin or even their flesh.
In this AnimalWised...
Have you noticed your cat walking strangely with its back legs? Maybe your cat can't support itself on its hind legs or is dragging its back legs? Vets call this condition "ataxia" when it affects the back legs. While that sounds technical, it simply means your cat is having trouble coordinating their...
Our dog's vocalizations reveal a lot about their well-being, but they are not always easy to interpret. For example, a loud bark can be an expression of joy as much as it can be an expression of fear. Changes in a dog's vocalizations don't always signify an emotional response. When we hear our dog's voice has...
A cat's morphology can vary according to many factors, including breed, diet, activity levels and many others. Some may be naturally more slim, while others may be known for having a rounded body. If a cat's spine is noticeable, it is often a sing of being underweight. Especially for cats with longer hair,...
If your dog is shaking and can't stand up, it means they are experiencing tremors and mobility problems at the same time. There are many underlying causes of tremors which can result in shaking, but this does not necessarily mean the dog is losing balance or can't walk. Establishing a diagnosis requires going...
To stay hydrated, cats in the wild rely more on prey than fresh drinking water. Domestic cats have the benefit of their guardians to provide drinking water, either in water bowls, fountains or other drinking devices. This is important, especially if they eat kibble which is low in moisture compared to...
It is common for a dog to make gulping noises when eating, especially if they are large. While it will differ according to individual, the domestic canine is known for their voracity. Many of us need to temper this by providing smaller portions or even using special feeders to slow their food consumption. Sometimes...
Cats are specialists when it comes to hiding what is happening to them. This is why it usually takes us so long to figure out that something is wrong with our feline. One problem you might have noticed is that your cat is dragging their butt on the carpet or other surfaces. For some, this seems quite...
If a dog's poop starts solid then turns runny, it indicates they are affected by small intestine diarrhea. This type of diarrhea in dogs can be caused by various pathologies or infections. Such diseases can seriously affect their nutritional status and health by interfering with the proper absorption...
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...
Finding a lump anywhere on our dog's body will be cause for concern, but lumps on a dog's head mean they are on a particularly sensitive part of their anatomy. For example, the proximity to the brain makes metastasis of cancers even more dangerous than it already is. This doesn't mean lumps or bumps on...
A growth on a cat's neck can be due to a cutaneous of the skin or a subcutaneous issue which affects the tissue underneath. The former can present in a single lump or multiple bumps appearing on the skin. Under the skin, swelling of the lymph nodes are a common type of lump on a cat's neck. This swelling is...
Albumin is a protein found in the blood of dogs and plays a fundamental role in the transport, maintenance and balance of fluids in the body. When albumin levels are altered, serious health problems can be triggered. A reading of canine low albumin levels can also be a symptom of a serious health condition...
When we see blood coming from our dog's mouth, it is understandable we fear for their well-being. Blood around a dog's mouth may be due to oral health problems, but we also need to consider the fact the mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. It is possible the blood is from the gastrointestinal...
A dog's ears are one of the most sensitive areas of their body. For hearing to occur, the muscles and tissues which make up the ear are very sensitive. Being extremities, they are more exposed to the external environment. This includes the elements, such as the rain, wind and cold. They are also exposed...
As with human beings, companion animals can suffer from various types of cancer. These can appear on almost any part of the body and present with varying symptoms, often dependent on the location. One of the most common symptoms is the presence of a lump, although it is important to note that lumps can...
Cats with gastrointestinal issues are some of the most common patients in veterinary clinics. Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of these issues, but there are many types and many concurrent symptoms. Similar symptoms can present for very different diseases, meaning veterinarians have to be...
Too many people thinking caring for fish is simple and doesn't involve much from us on our part. However, there are many factors we need to consider if we take on the responsibility of fish as pets. While terrestrial animals kept as pets have their own care needs, the aquatic environment of fish needs...
Also known as parakeets or budgies, budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are a type of small parrot which are common birds kept as pets. Although they are well suited to living in the home, they are not impervious to injuries such as a broken beak. We need to ensure we provide the right level of care so they...
Rectal prolapse is a serious condition which can develop from various underlying causes. It is a condition wherein the rectal walls move past the anus to become outside the body. Anal irritation may develop into a full prolapse in certain cases, the cause of which can be difficult to determine. We may...
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...
A dog that suddenly stops moving is in trouble. While you may see they are still breathing, their lack of response means there is a serious problem with their organism which needs immediate veterinary attention. It is not common and some of the reasons why a dog stops moving are potentially fatal. You...
There are anti-inflammatory drugs especially made for dogs, and it is not so rare to use them to heal our pets. In order to help you understand how to keep your dog healthy, we at AnimalWised will tell you what these anti-inflammatory drugs are, what they do, and explain what are their possible side effects....
