The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Veterinarian The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Veterinarian
Showing posts with label Veterinarian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Veterinarian. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Adults Cringed At Kitty Too “Terrifying” To Look At So Little Girl Stepped Up


A tiny kitten was abandoned on the cruel streets of Istanbul. She eked out a living in an Istanbul alleyway, where she tried to survive as best as she could. Although other strays were able to benefit from passers-by, this kitten was completely neglected. The reason for this: She looked too awful to look at.

The kitten was born with facial abnormalities and one ear as a result of no fault of her own. She was malnourished and infested with parasites and skin illnesses. But because she was “too ugly” to rescue, no one did anything for her. But then, all at once, an angel appeared.

To read more on this story, click here: Adults Cringed At Kitty Too “Terrifying” To Look At So Little Girl Stepped Up


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Monday, April 18, 2022

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month: Do You Have a Pet First Aid Kit?


April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment. Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies to have on hand for pet first aid. 

You can download, print and save the full checklist at  

                                    PET FIRST AID



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Saturday, February 12, 2022

Information about COVID-19, Pets, and Other Animals


A number of animals worldwide have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, including pets like cats and dogs, farmed mink, and large cats, gorillas, and otters in zoos, sanctuaries, and aquariums. Reptiles and birds have not been affected by this virus. The risk of animals spreading the virus to people is low, but people with COVID-19 can spread the virus to animals during close contact. The information linked to below provides guidance for pet owners, public health professionals, animal health and wildlife officials, veterinarians, and others on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between people and animals.

To read more on this story, click here: Information about COVID-19, Pets, and Other Animals


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Friday, February 11, 2022

When Petting Your Dog Always Check for Lumps and Bumps


There are very few surprises that will startle you more than discovering a lump or bump on your dog. As your hand wanders over your canine pal in affectionate scratching or petting, your fingers just may chance upon a lump that “was not there before."

It will scare the biscuits out of you ... that nagging "C" word drifting about the back of your mind, your first fear is that your dog might have cancer. Setting in motion your search for an answer as to what this lump is you make a quick trip to the…I hope that lump isn't serious.

"How long has this been here?" the veterinarian asks. "Just found it yesterday, doctor," you respond.

"Let’s see if we can find any others," says the doctor as experienced and sensitive hands work the dog over.  Sure enough, "Here’s another one just like it!" says the doctor as she places your hand right over the small, round, moveable soft mass under the skin of the dog’s flank.

"I think these are what we call Lipomas, just fat deposits under the skin. They are very common and usually present no problems," says the doctor. Your relief at hearing the good news is cut short as the doctor continues …

"However, we honestly do not know what these lumps truly are unless we examine some cells under the microscope. So I’d suggest that we do a simple needle biopsy, place some cells on a slide and send the slides to a veterinary pathologist for a definite diagnosis."

The doctor in this case is being thorough and careful. How true it is that a definitive diagnosis of "what it is" simply cannot be made without microscopic examination of the lump’s cells. A veterinary specialist in pathology is the final authority and judge when it comes to shedding light on these lumps and bumps that we too often find on our canine pals.

The lipoma is one of the most commonly encountered lumps seen by veterinarians during a physical exam. These soft, rounded, non-painful masses, usually present just under the skin but occasionally arising from connective tissues deep between muscles, are generally benign. That is, they stay in one place, do not invade surrounding tissues and do no metastasize to other areas of the body. They grow to a certain size and just sit there in the tissues and behave themselves.

Most lipomas do not have to be removed. Occasionally, though, lipomas will continue to grow into huge fat deposits that are a discomfort to the dog and present a surgical challenge to remove. And even more rarely, some lipomas will be malignant and spread throughout the dog’s body.

IS IT A TUMOR?

And therein lies the true challenge in dealing with lumps and bumps on dogs -- we simply cannot predict with 100% accuracy just what any of these foreigners will do. So we do the best we can by removing them when indicated or keeping a close guard over them so that at the first sign of change they can be removed.

Not every lump or bump on your dog will be a tumor. Some superficial bumps are due simply to plugged oil glands in the skin, called sebaceous cysts. Skin cysts can be composed of dead cells or even sweat or clear fluid; these often rupture on their own, heal, and are never seen again. Others become chronically irritated or infected, and should be removed and then checked by a pathologist just to be sure of what they are. Some breeds, especially the Cocker Spaniel, are prone to developing sebaceous cysts.

And yes, the sebaceous glands in the skin do occasionally develop into tumors called sebaceous adenomas.  According to Richard Dubielzig, DVM, of the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, "Probably the most commonly biopsied lump from dog skin is a sebaceous adenoma. This does not mean it is the most commonly occurring growth, just that it is most commonly biopsied." Fortunately this type of skin growth rarely presents trouble after being surgically removed.

So how are you to know which lumps and bumps are dangerous and which can be left alone? Truthfully, you are really only guessing without getting the pathologist involved. Most veterinarians take a conservative approach to the common lipomas and remove them if they are growing rapidly or are located in a sensitive area.

However, caution needs to be observed because even the common lipoma has an invasive form called an infiltrative lipoma. For example, when a nasty looking, reddened, rapidly growing mass is detected growing on the gum aggressive action is indicated.  Also, keep in mind that not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and some are fairly innocent and do not warrant immediate surgery.

Non-cancerous lumps

Cysts, warts, infected hair follicles, hematomas (blood blisters) and others do cause concern and can create discomfort for the dog, though non-cancerous lumps have less health impact than cancerous growths.

Cancerous lumps

Cancerous growths can be either malignant or benign, and occasionally even share characteristics of both.  Malignant lumps tend to spread rapidly and can metastasize to other areas of the body. Benign growths tend to stay in the place of origin and do not metastasize; however they can grow to huge proportions (see such an example of inoperable tumor pictured on the right).

Mammary gland tumors, mast cell tumors, cutaneous lymphosarcoma, malignant melanoma, fibrosarcoma and many other types of tumors with truly scary names command respect and diligent attention on the part of dog owners and veterinarians.




DIAGNOSIS

Below are the most common methods of finding out "what it is" …

Impression Smears

Some ulcerated masses lend themselves to easy cell collection and identification by having a glass microscope slide pressed against the raw surface of the mass. The collected cells are dried and sent to a pathologist for staining and diagnosis. Sometimes the attending veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis via the smear; otherwise, a specialist in veterinary pathology will be the authority regarding tumor type and stage of malignancy.

Needle Biopsy

Many lumps can be analyzed via a needle biopsy rather than by total excision. A needle biopsy is performed by inserting a sterile needle into the lump, pulling back on the plunger, and "vacuuming" in cells from the lump. The collected cells are smeared onto a glass slide for pathological examination. Usually the patient isn’t even aware of the procedure. Total excision of the mass is attempted if the class of tumor identified warrants surgery.




CT Scans

Superficial lumps and bumps do not require that CT Scans be done, so this procedure is usually reserved for internal organ analysis. If a superficial malignant tumor is diagnosed, however, a CT Scan can be helpful in determining if metastasis to deeper areas of the body has occurred.







Radiography

As with CT Scans, X-ray evaluation is generally reserved for collecting evidence of internal masses. Most lipomas are superficial and reside under the skin or skeletal muscles. There are other lumps that can be palpated by the veterinarian via manual examination; however, the extent and origin of that mass will often be best revealed via CT Scanning.



TREATMENT

Since every type of cell in the body potentially could evolve into cancerous tissue, the types and ferocity of tumors that develop in the dog are numerous and highly varied. Each case needs to be evaluated on its own circumstances and variables. For example, should surgery be done on a 16-year-old dog with what appears to be a 3-inch wide lipoma? Maybe not. Should that same dog have a quarter inch wide, black, nodular mass removed from its lower gum. Probably should! That small growth may be a melanoma that could metastasize to other areas of the dog’s body.

Surgery

An important basic tool in eliminating a nuisance or dangerous lump is to surgically excise it.

Chemotherapy

Chemicals that are highly toxic to rapidly dividing cells make up an important mode of treatment for fast growing tumors. A combination of surgery and radiation/chemotherapy can help the veterinarian gain the upper hand in achieving a cure. Chemotherapy is often employed as an additional precautionary procedure after a mass has been "removed" via surgery.

Radiation

For invasive tumors that do not have well defined borders and for tumors that tend to spread rapidly, radiation therapy can be a lifesaver. Available at most veterinary medical schools and some veterinary specialists in radiology, radiation therapy is appropriate for certain types of tumors. Radiation is often employed in addition to surgical excision.

Experimental


Emerging science such as gene therapy and immunotherapy hold promise for some amazing ways to combat tumors. The future looks promising for these new methods of dealing with tumors.

According to Dr. Dubielzig, the best approach to understanding what to do about a lump or bump on your dog is to be vigilant and treat each situation individually. "In cases where vigilance for tumors is part of the animal’s care, such as in animals where a malignant tumor has been removed and the veterinarian wishes to keep abreast of the stage of disease, then every lump should be submitted for histopathology," Dubielzig said. "In other cases where the clinician is sure of a benign diagnosis such as lipoma or a wart-like skin mass then it might be understandable to use discretion. The clinician also has to take into consideration the risk of surgery compared to the risk of health problems from a particular lump or bump."
  
Take a good surface inventory of your dog today, then at least once a month from now on. If you find any imperfections, take heart in knowing that modern veterinary medicine has some very effective remedies for almost all of these lumps and bumps.
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Sunday, February 6, 2022

Calculate Your Dog’s Age With This New, Improved Formula


A study of the epigenetic clock in Labradors shows calculating a dog’s age is much more complicated than just multiplying by seven

One dog year is not equivalent to seven human years, despite widespread use of the ratio for calculating the age of canine companions. Presumably, the ratio is based on the average lifespan of dogs being 10 years and humans being 70 years, it’s not quite so simple. The formula is not based on any real science and it was debunked by veterinarians years ago.

To read more on this story, click here: Calculate Your Dog’s Age With This New, Improved Formula



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Sunday, September 12, 2021

Maryland Zoo prepares to vaccinate animals against COVID-19


As COVID-19 cases surge nationwide, veterinarians are racing to vaccinate vulnerable animals in zoos around the country.

BALTIMORE — As the nation continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, veterinarians are looking to protect a vulnerable group that’s often overlooked: zoo animals. But just like their human counterparts, it's taking some effort to get the animals comfortable with the medicine. 

Trainers at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore are performing regular exercises with certain animals to prepare them for their future shots.

To read more on this story, click here: Maryland Zoo prepares to vaccinate animals against COVID-19


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Tuesday, August 17, 2021

15 Ferret Health Warning Signs


These scenarios may indicate a problem with your ferret’s health.

Ferrets aren’t just cute and funny balls of fluff. They are adventurous, sneaky and extremely curious.

Before you close the fridge door or washing machine lid, check for your ferret — I’m not kidding. Ferrets can, and will, get into some strange places.

And don’t forget about chewing. Ferrets can ingest dangerous things, so keep your veterinarian’s number handy and be on the lookout for the following ferret health warning signs.

To read more on this story, click here: 15 Ferret Health Warning Signs



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Monday, August 9, 2021

Lower Urinary Tract Problems In Dogs


There are many problems that can affect a dog’s lower urinary system. Incontinence, bladder stones or crystals in the urine, bacterial infections, cancer, trauma or even obstruction of the urethra, the tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder to the outside of the body, can occur.

What Causes Lower Urinary Tract Problems in Dogs?
  • Stones, crystals or debris accumulation in the bladder or urethra
  • Bladder inflammation or infection
  • Incontinence from excessive water drinking or weak bladder/hormonal issue
  • Trauma
  • Cancer
  • Stress
  • Spinal cord abnormalities
  • Congenital abnormality
  • Prostate disease

What Health Conditions Might Lead to Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
The most common lower urinary tract disease in dogs over seven years of age is incontinence related to a weak urinary sphincter muscle, allowing urine to “leak” out. Bacterial infections are also common. Endocrine diseases such as adrenal disease and diabetes mellitus can predispose dogs to bacterial infection of the lower urinary tract.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
Older female dogs and dogs with diabetes are especially prone to urinary tract problems. There are different types of bladder stones that have a tendency to form under different conditions-some in older dogs, some in either males or females, and some in specific breeds under certain circumstances.

How Can I Tell if My Dog Has Urniary Tract Problems?
The following signs may indicate that your dog is having trouble with his urinary tract:

  • Inability to urinate or only passing a small amount of urine
  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • Fever
  • Loss of bladder control, dribbling urine
  • Increased amount and/or frequency of urination
  • Straining and/or crying out in pain when trying to pass urine
  • Soiling in inappropriate places
  • Constant licking of urinary opening
  • Strong odor to the urine
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Changes in appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Severe back pain
  • Increased water consumption

How Are Lower Urinary Tract Problems Diagnosed?
A veterinary visit for lower urinary tract issues will start with a physical examination and usually will include examination of the kidneys and bladder, a urinalysis and possibly urine culture, blood work, radiographs or ultrasound.

How Are Lower Urinary Tract Problems Treated? 
Because canine urinary problems are so varied and potentially serious in nature, your first step is to get immediate veterinary care for your pet. Depending on your dog’s diagnosis, one of the following may be recommended:

  • Antibiotics
  • Medications or supplements
  • Dietary changes
  • Increase in water intake
  • Urinary acidifiers or alkalinizers
  • Intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy
  • Surgery or other procedures to remove bladder stones or tumor
  • Surgery to correct congenital abnormality
  • Treatment of underlying condition that is contributing to urinary problem (e.g. diabetes mellitus)

 What Can Happen If a Dog’s Lower Urinary Tract Problems Go Untreated?
Untreated lower urinary problems can lead to serious medical problems in addition to causing discomfort for your pet. Bladder infections can move to the kidneys and cause life-threatening infections. Stones can cause partial or complete obstruction of the urethra, preventing a dog from urinating. This medical emergency can lead to kidney failure and/or rupture of the bladder, and can prove fatal if the obstruction is not relieved right away.

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
Please see your veterinarian for immediate medical attention, especially if your dog is straining to urinate or crying out in pain. This could be a medical emergency!

Source: WebMD Veterinary Reference from ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist






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The Five Biggest Mistakes Cat Owners Make




Source: Dr. Marty Becker

We all want what's best for our pets, don't we? As a veteran veterinarian (more than three decades in practice), I've looked across the exam room table at enough pet owners to know that the overwhelming majority truly are trying their best. Even when they don't take our recommendations - especially when they want to, but can't usually because they can't afford it.

But what if I told you that I can set your cat on the road to getting healthy and staying healthy with just a few simple don't-do-this tips? And what if I told you they were basically free?

5 Things to Stop Doing, Right Now I have your attention now, right? So let's take a look at my top five recommendations for things cat lovers should never, ever do.

1. Let your cat roam freely. Yes, I'm going to jump right in with the most controversial recommendation of them all. I know that in the United States, most feline behavior experts and veterinarians are strong advocates for keeping cats indoors. And I know, further, that a rather large proportion of cat lovers let their cats roam free. (Interesting fact: In the United Kingdom, it's considered downright odd to keep cats from roaming, and some would go so far as to say it's abusive.) And I know my advice may seem contradictory, considering that the only cats at our Almost Heaven Ranch are the barn cats. But as a veterinarian, I've seen enough cats hit by cars, attacked by dogs or coyotes, or poisoned - accidentally and intentionally - to know that when you let your cat roam, you're likely shortening his life. The quality of an indoor cat's life can be brought to parity with his free-roaming cohort by adding trees, toys and catios to his indoor space, or by allowing him into areas secured with cat fencing - while you keep an eye out for predators.

2. Punish or frighten your cat. The fastest way I know to ruin a relationship with a cat is to hit him, scare him, yell at him or in any way push upon him a negative impression of you. Simply put, punishment does not work to change his behavior, except in one specific way: It will leave him thinking that you're a horrible creature he ought to avoid. That means if you want to enjoy having a cat in your life, the best way to shape his behavior is with treats and praise. Why is this a health tip? Because cats who are afraid are stressed, and stress has been linked to illness. Cats like calm, predictable environments with calm, predictable people who let them be cats. A relaxed, happy cat will be healthier, and that will make you happier.

3. Overfeed your cat. If you think we veterinarians sound like broken records when we harp on the weight of the pets we see, well...we are. We're trying to think of ways to get through to our clients about how they are making their pets' lives miserable and shorter by lovingly giving them more food than they need. What else can we say or do to make you understand this? I'm pulling out my hair, and so are all of my colleagues. We're seeing cats in constant misery from weight-related feline arthritis, or we're being asked to euthanize cats with diabetes because the owners can't cope with the care. Please don't tell me that you've tried everything. Let us help find things you haven't tried. But mostly, try saying no to your begging pet. Cats can't open kibble bags or cans of food, and they can't hop in the refrigerator and help themselves to leftovers. You have the power to make your cat healthy. Use it. Use it now.

4. Use products made for dogs (or horses, or any other species, including people) on your cat. Tylenol can kill your cat. So can aspirin. So can flea-control products labeled for dogs. In fact, cats are super sensitive to so many things we don't give a moment's thought to that I will go so far as to say you should use only products that are labeled for cats (and read the label carefully: That same product might not be OK for kittens). The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center's website has a comprehensive list of dangerous substances, as well as plants that can be harmful to your cats. And, of course, when in doubt, ask your veterinarian - she knows what's safe and what isn't for your feline.

5. Ignore your cat's litterbox. If you show me someone who claims to actually enjoy cleaning the litterbox, I'll show you a liar. OK, maybe an exaggerator. I know lots of people who don't mind cleaning the litterbox, but I've yet to meet one who'd honestly prefer it over a free day at Disneyworld. So, no, nobody really enjoys this essential task, but it's one you avoid at your peril - and your cat's. If you don't keep the litterbox clean, you're upping the chances that your cat won't use it, for obvious reasons. More importantly, though, cleaning the litterbox daily means you know what your cat's up to, what's normal and what's not. And because cats are so darn secretive with signs of illness or pain, cleaning the litterbox is one of the few ways to get the clues you need. So don't ignore the box: Keeping the box clean can keep you in the loop with your cat's health.
These five "don'ts" aren't the only ones I can offer, but I think paying attention to them will go a long, long way to giving you the power to keep your cat as healthy as possible. I still recommend regular wellness checks to help you to catch the things that are percolating below the surface, but if you make a practice of avoiding things that risky for your cat, he will have fewer health problems and will just be happier.
And so will you, which makes me happy too.


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Did You Know That Dogs Display Their Pain in Certain Actions and Behaviors That May Seem Subtle to Us?


Seeing our pets in pain is never a fun experience, and it’s something every dog owner dreads. Whether it’s a fresh injury or simply our aging elder-pups, we want nothing more than to help them. But it’s important to remember that they can’t always cry out to us when in need. Dogs aren’t humans, so they don’t speak our language. The best thing we can do to keep them comfortable is to learn theirs. Dogs display their pain in certain actions and behaviors that may seem subtle to us. Not everyone is a canine behavioral expert, but these five symptoms below will help you determine whether or not your loved one is in pain.

Excessive Grooming

It’s normal for dogs to lick and groom themselves, but it’s not normal for this to become an obsessive behavior. If you notice your pet tending to a localized area he’s never noticed before, or has just recently started spending a lot more time there, it could be a sign that he’s hurting. Pets will often groom places  that are sources of pain in hopes to clean and care for the wound, even if there is no open wound  present. Be sure to keep an eye on the area and inspect it gently.

Heavy Panting

Panting is normal behavior that shouldn’t surprise any dog owner. Even when the panting is heavily, certain circumstances allow for it such as extra hot days and strenuous exercise. But if you notice heavy panting out of nowhere, it could be stress-induced. This stress could be caused by pain your pet is experiencing. For whatever reason it may be, unexplained heavy panting should result in a trip to your veterinarian.

Inappetence

Lack of appetite is often the result of some sort of discomfort. You don’t feel like eating when you’re not well, do you? Our dogs don’t either. They simply just don’t feel like eating, especially when it’s painful to walk all the way over to the food bowl. If you notice any sort of inappetence in your pet, it’s important to seek veterinary attention right away, as this could be a symptom of many dangerous ailments.

Shyness & Aggression

You may notice that your dog is starting to become more and more antisocial. He may stop running to the door to greet everyone and avoids petting. Or you may notice that your little one doesn’t want you picking her up anymore, or cries when you do. If this happens suddenly, it’s reasonable to suspect pain as a probable cause. In some cases, you’ll find your normally overly friendly companion has become aggressive. If you notice your pup is hiding away and avoiding attention, be sure to check them for pain. It’s best to have a veterinarian do this, and it’s very important to remember not to take it personally if your dog does growl or snap at you. They aren’t necessarily trying to hurt anyone, they just have no other way to tell anybody it hurts and they don’t want to be touched.

General Behavior Changes

Besides shyness and aggression, you might notice that your pup doesn’t want to walk up stairs anymore, avoids jumping and climbing, or doesn’t want to chase after his beloved tennis ball. There are the obvious signs such as limping, but it’s important to also watch out for stiffness or arched backs. Dogs in pain often lay only flat on their sides, rather than curled up in their beds. They might be slower moving, sleeping a lot more and seemingly disinterested in things they used to love. Another sign is unexplained accidents in the house. It’s often very painful to get up from lying down (which you also might notice), and sometimes pets just aren’t able to make it outside fast enough. Sometimes the squatting to urinate and defecate is avoided, and you’ll notice that your pet will start leaving messes in her bed. All of these things can be attributed to pain – often in our older dogs, but sometimes in our younger ones as well.

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Saturday, March 6, 2021

All the Essentials Your Cat Actually Needs, According to Vets


(CNN) —  

Crazy about a cat? Smitten with a kitten? Congratulations on the new addition to the family. “Cats are unique creatures,” says Chris Menges, a veterinarian in Austin, Texas, working in digital pet care delivery. “Yes, they can be more aloof than dogs, but interacting and communicating with your cat can provide one of the deepest human-animal bonds that is seen.”

Job one of cat parenthood is finding the right veterinarian. “The saying ‘You have nothing without your health’ is applicable not just to us but to our pets as well,” notes veterinarian Rachel Barrack of Animal Acupuncture in New York City. “You need a veterinarian who you feel comfortable discussing your concerns with.”

To read more on this story, click here: All the Essentials Your Cat Actually Needs, According to Vets


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Top-Selling Flea & Tick Collar Linked To Several Pet Deaths, Illnesses


Because fleas and ticks prove more than a minor nuisance to our dogs, there are many products out there aimed at keeping them away. However, some flea and tick collars that release pesticides onto your pet can actually be dangerous themselves.

The pesticide used in Seresto collars is supposed to kill fleas, ticks, and other pests while being safe for dogs and cats to wear. They’re designed to work for eight months, releasing small amounts of pesticide at a time. Seresto collars may be a top-seller on Amazon, but there have been several injuries and even pet deaths linked to them.

To read more on this story, click here: Top-Selling Flea & Tick Collar Linked To Several Pet Deaths, Illnesses


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Friday, December 11, 2020

Two Cats Are First U.S. Pets to Test Positive for Coronavirus


The animals appear to have mild symptoms and likely caught the virus from their owners. And there’s no evidence pets can pass it to humans.

The first pets in the United States, two cats from New York State, have tested positive for the virus that is causing the worldwide pandemic, the Agriculture Department and the Centers for Disease Control announced Wednesday.

The cats, from different parts of the state, are showing only mild symptoms and are expected to be fine.

Testing positive does not mean the cats have the same illness that people have. Nor does it mean that the cats can pass on the illness to people. And tests for pets are not the same as those for people, so no humans missed out on testing because the cats were tested.

To read more on this story, click here: Two Cats Are First U.S. Pets to Test Positive for Coronavirus


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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Helping Your Depressed Pet Bird


Depression in pet birds is more common than you might think. Check for the signs that mean your bird is not in its usual cheerful mood. Many symptoms of depression also could point to an illness, so it is a good idea to visit the avian veterinarian for a checkup. Learn the small changes that can bring back those happy chirps

Causes of Bird Depression

Depression in pet birds has a number of causes, both mental and physical. Any illness or recovery from being sick and result in the bird being less chipper. The mental and psychological stresses that can lead your bird to be blue include a change in cage position, boredom, the death of a partner, or the loss of a favorite toy.

To read more on this story, click here: Helping Your Depressed Pet Bird



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Friday, November 6, 2020

What To Know About Cat Vaccinations


Cats don’t actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. The key? The right vaccinations. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. They can also strengthen their immune system.

Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, your vet can help you figure out which vaccines are best and how often your kitty should get shots. It usually depends on their age, overall health, and lifestyle. The vet will also think about how long vaccines are supposed to last and how likely your cat might be to come into contact with a certain disease. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies.

To read more on this story, click here: What To Know About Cat Vaccinations


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Thursday, October 15, 2020

PLUMP AND FEISTY: Baby Panda at National Zoo adds 2 Inches to Waist, Turns 8 Weeks Old


When mama bear Mei Xiang left the den yesterday to eat a fruitsicle (frozen treat made from diluted apple juice), zookeepers were able to retrieve the cub for a quick exam.

To read more on this story, click here: PLUMP AND FEISTY: Baby Panda at National Zoo adds 2 Inches to Waist, Turns 8 Weeks Old



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Monday, September 28, 2020

Benadryl For Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects


Benadryl an antihistamine medicine that cats might take primarily to treat a range of allergies and motion sickness. It’s actually a brand name for the generic drug diphenhydramine.

The medication works by calming the symptoms that are caused by histamine. It comes in tablet or syrup form, and you can purchase it over-the-counter without a prescription from a veterinarian.

To read more on this story, click here: Benadryl For Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects


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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

9 Pet Conditions That Cannot Wait for Medical Attention


Every pet, throughout the course of their lives, will encounter some health issues. Even with annual vet checkups (and these are a must), your pet will occasionally show signs that all is not quite right in their world. Unfortunately, pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s easy to overreact—or worse, underreact—to any given situation.

“Pets want to please their owners and are great at hiding pain or discomfort or if they are simply not feeling well,” says Dr. Mel Paquin, chief medical director of the Animal Medical Center of Surprise in Arizona. “[They] will have a much better prognosis if you are proactive in getting them seen by a professional.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to drag your dog to the vet every time his dinner doesn’t agree with him. But there are some conditions that should set off alarm bells, as they can indicate something seriously wrong. We’ve compiled a list of these conditions that cannot wait. If you see these signs, you’ll need to take your pet to the vet immediately.

To read more on this story, click here: 9 Pet Conditions That Cannot Wait for Medical Attention

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Sunday, August 23, 2020

Dehydration In Cats Occurs When There Is An Excessive Loss of Fluid From The Body



Dehydration occurs when there is an excessive loss of fluid from the cat’s body. It is not just water that is lost, but also electrolytes like sodium, potassium and chloride, which are important for normal body function.


Dehydration is usually a symptom of another disease -- one which makes the disease that much worse. Rehydration (replacing water and electrolytes) thus becomes an important part of many treatment plans.

 What to Watch For
 The classic sign for dehydration is skin tenting. If you take a pinch of skin over the cat's shoulders and pull up gently, the skin should snap back into place when released. As the cat gets more dehydrated, the skin goes back in place more and more slowly. If the pinch of skin stays up (the "tent"), it is a sign of severe dehydration. The cat should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Other signs that may be noted include:

  • Dry, tacky gums
  • Listlessness
  • Refusal to eat
  • Symptoms related to the underlying health problem

Primary Cause
Inadequate water intake or excessive water loss results in dehydration. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, trauma, heatstroke, diabetes, and other illnesses can all lead to dehydration.

Immediate Care
Since most cases of dehydration are the result of another problem, that issue should be attended to directly. If the cat is able to drink, put him in a cool, quiet place with fresh cool water. Cats can be encouraged to drink by using a water fountain for cats, putting juice from canned tuna or salmon in the water, or using a meat flavored water and electrolyte supplement available at some pet stores.

If you are familiar with the technique of giving fluids subcutaneously (under the skin) and have the right supplies, you can give your average adult cat up to 300 ml of lactated ringers solution under the skin. Do not do this in burn or trauma cases. If you are unsure about the correct type of fluid to use or or the amount which to give, contact your veterinarian.

Veterinary Care

Diagnosis
Your cat’s history, skin tenting, and dry, tacky gums are the parameters first used by your veterinarian to determine dehydration. Blood tests may be done to confirm dehydration in some cases. Your vet will also do such tests as necessary to determine what medical problem may have led to dehydration.

Treatment
Depending on the cause and the severity of the dehydration, your veterinarian may give fluids under the skin, which only takes a few minutes, or hospitalize your cat and give fluids intravenously for 1 to 2 days. Your veterinarian will also start treatment for the underlying problem that caused your cat to become dehydrated.

Other Causes
Dissatisfaction with the water or the water bowl may keep your cat from drinking. Accidental confinement in a place with no access to water can also eventually result in dehydration.

Prevention
Make sure your cat has easy access to plenty of fresh water. Some cats have a preference for running water. Therefore, investing in a water fountain designed for cats may be worthwhile. Some cats have sensitive whiskers and will prefer to drink from a wide, relatively shallow bowl that doesn’t rub his whiskers.
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Tuesday, August 18, 2020

SIGNS YOUR CAT HAS A FEVER


When your cat isn’t feeling well, you can tell right away. After all, your cat is basically your child. Cat’s can hide pain pretty easily, but what they can’t hide is when they just feel sick. Knowing what to do when your cat isn’t feeling well is something every cat owner should know. One of these, in particular, is signs your cat has a fever and the investigation work as to why which will be needed for the veterinarian.

To read more on this story, click here:  SIGNS YOUR CAT HAS A FEVER



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