A malignant melanoma is a tumor involving the pigmented cells of the skin. Melanoma is a classical skin cancer of humans, and in humans it is associated with sun exposure. While a good fur coat generally protects our pets from sun-induced malignant melanoma, a melanoma diagnosis is still just as serious and potentially deadly in […]
Treatment for parvovirus infection centers on what is called supportive care. This means that the veterinarian’s job is to keep the patient hydrated, comfortable and as strong as possible so that the puppy has time and ability to generate an effective immune response. We cannot kill the virus inside the patient’s body; only the immune […]
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease? The membranes and layers of the normal GI tract are normally very delicate. There is a muscle layer responsible for proper movement and mixing of digestive enzymes and nutrients as well as a lining responsible for absorption of nutrients. Inflammatory bowel disease refers to the condition that results when cells involved […]
What on Earth are Coccidia? Coccidia are single-celled organisms that infect the intestine. They are microscopic parasites detectable on routine fecal tests in the same way that worms are, but coccidia are not worms and are not susceptible to deworming medications. They are also not visible to the naked eye. Coccidia infection causes a watery diarrhea […]
Feline coronavirus infection is required for FIP, which is a mutated form. Coronavirus is a common infectious agent, especially in multi-cat households and catteries. It is shed from infected cats in the feces, can persist in the environment for several days, and infects other cats via inhalation or ingestion. In the majority of infected cats, […]
(Also called feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis, infection by Hemobartonella felis, infection by Mycoplasma haemofelis, by Mycoplasma haemominutum, or by Mycoplasma turicensis) Parasitic organisms survive by attaching themselves to a host and using the host’s body to thrive, generally at the host’s expense. Parasites find themselves protected from the harsh temperature and moisture changes of the external world when they […]
Feline distemper, more technically known as feline panleukopenia, is a very contagious, life-threatening infectious disease of cats. It commonly swoops through a group of cats, especially kittens, leaving a trail of death behind it. Fortunately, vaccination is highly effective and the “feline distemper vaccine” (which also covers upper respiratory infectious agents) is considered to be the […]