Actinic (Sun) Dermatitis
Most of us know that sun exposure can be damaging to the skin. We get wrinkles, sunburn, and even sun-induced skin cancers. It turns out that dogs have similar issues. Pets like to sunbathe just like people do. Many like to lie happily on their backs and soak up the damaging UVB light. UVB light […]
Feline Aortic Thromboembolism (FATE or Saddle Thrombus)
Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP Date Published: 02/27/2012Date Reviewed/Revised: 11/29/2017 (Also called saddle thrombus) One tends to feel apprehensive about a condition with the acronym: FATE and rightly so. FATE (Feline Aortic Thromboembolism) is a dramatic and painful condition with serious implications. It comes on suddenly and appears to paralyze the cat, causing one or both […]
Cauda Equina Syndrome in Dogs
The cauda equina is made up of the tail end of the spinal cord and the adjacent nerve roots. Sometimes the spinal canal, through which the spinal cord and nerves pass, narrows and compresses the nerves. The most common spot for this narrowing to occur is at the lumbosacral joint, where the spine meets the […]
Fluid Therapy in Pets
Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP Date Published: 07/02/2007 Date Reviewed/Revised: 06/05/2018 Additional Resources Kidney Failure in Dogs and Cats: Where to Begin Renal Failure Dietary Therapy Kidney Dialysis: Is it for your Pet? Kidney Transplants for Cats and Dogs Kidney Failure (Chronic) Links Calcium Phosphorus Balance in Dogs and Cats Renal Anemia, or Inadequate Red Blood […]
Cryptorchidism (Retained Testicles) in Dogs and Cats
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which a male’s testicles have not descended (dropped) into the scrotum. At birth, a male puppy’s or kitten’s testicles are located near the inguinal ring. By 2 to 3 weeks of age, they’re in the puppy’s scrotum. By 6 months of age, they’re palpable in the kitten’s scrotum. In the […]
Introducing the New Baby to Your Cat
Bringing home a new baby often requires a good bit of preparation within the household. One aspect of this is figuring out how to introduce your cat to your new baby and transitioning him to all the new changes that will come with your future bundle of joy. Of course, some cats interact really well […]
Electronic Cigarettes are Toxic to Pets
Electronic cigarettes, often called e-cigs, are marketed as an alternative to cigarette smoking. They are also referred to as personal vaporizers or electronic nicotine delivery systems. These devices are a cylindrical body that holds a cartridge containing a liquid solution; some resemble a tobacco cigarette. The solution, termed “e-liquid” or “e-juice,” contains a base material, […]
Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs is Neither Infectious nor Contagious
Definition and Causes Chronic bronchitis is usually a non-infectious, inflammatory condition affecting the lining (mucosa) of the large airways (the trachea and bronchi) that results in a cough on most days for more than two months. In most cases, the specific cause of chronic bronchitis in dogs is not identified. Chronic bronchitis is neither infectious […]
Umbilical Hernias in Puppies and Kittens
An umbilical hernia is a condition in which abdominal contents (fat, intestines, etc.) protrude past the abdominal wall at the location where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus. Congenital umbilical hernias are more common in puppies than in kittens. The umbilicus, or belly button, is where the umbilical cord attaches when the puppy […]
Neuropathic Pain in Dogs and Cats
Neuropathic pain is an abnormal painful response. It is caused by injury to or disease of the nerves, spinal cord or parts of the brain that are involved in receiving, conducting and interpreting painful stimuli. Both physical and chemical changes within the spinal nerves that convey pain contribute to neuropathic pain. Such changes include: […]