Kidney Failure-Chronic
Overview A patient is classified as having chronic kidney failure when at least 75% of their kidney function is diminished. The patient will become unable to excrete waste products that will continue to build up in the bloodstream. In the end stages, the pet will become anemic, as the kidney is responsible for producing a [...]
continue readingKidney Failure-Acute
Overview Acute kidney disease is characterized by a sudden onset of kidney malfunction. This is different from chronic kidney disease in that if found quickly and treated, it can be reversed. Causes There are many causes of acute kidney failure and the most common ones are listed: heatstroke, prolonged anesthesia, antifreeze toxicity, grape/raisin ingestion, snake [...]
continue readingKennel Cough
Overview Kennel cough is a complex upper respiratory disease that has both a viral and bacterial component. It is very common in boarding and shelter environments due to its highly contagious nature. Most cases of kennel cough are mild, but some pets can develop pneumonia. Causes Bordetella bronchiseptica is the bacterial pathogen associated with kennel [...]
continue readingKeratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye
Overview Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a syndrome that occurs in response to a deficiency of tear production in the eye. This is extremely common in dogs and cocker spaniels, bulldogs, Lhasa apsos, and shih tzus are predisposed. Causes The most common cause of KCS is immune-mediated disease, meaning the patient’s own body disrupts the tear [...]
continue readingIntervertebral Disc Disease
Overview Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) involves the protrusion of disc material into the spinal cord. The disc material presses on delicate nerves and causes neurological defects and pain. It can occur anywhere along the neck and back. The vast majority of cases involve the mid-back area (85%), whereas the rest involve the neck. It is [...]
continue readingInter-cat Aggression
It can be very disappointing to bring a new cat into your household only to have the cat already in residence despise the newcomer. Most cats are quite territorial and are very happy with their current situation! However, a new cat is often needed or desired and if the first introduction is done correctly, all [...]
continue readingCanine Influenza
Overview Influenza is a relatively new viral infection that became prevalent in greyhound racing areas. Any breed is susceptible, especially since this is a new emerging disease. This virus is airborne and can be seen in kennels, daycare centers, veterinary clinics, and shelters. Causes The canine influenza virus has a direct link to the equine [...]
continue readingInflammatory Bowel Disease
Overview This condition is very common in both dogs and cats. It involves the benign inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Many breeds may be predisposed to develop IBD and they include basenjis, French bulldogs, boxers, and Siamese cats. Causes It is hypothesized that many factors concurrently probably contribute to this disease. The normal bacteria in [...]
continue readingIncontinence
Overview Urinary incontinence is the loss of voluntary control over urination. This occurs most commonly in middle-aged to old neutered female dogs. Medium to large breed females are most often affected. This occurs rarely in males. Causes By far, the most common reason for incontinence is lack of reproductive hormones, i.e. neutered females. However, ectopic [...]
continue readingImmune Mediated Thrombocytopenia
Overview: The definition of thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count. Many diseases can cause the platelet count to decrease including Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, leptospira, many drugs, irradiation therapy, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, and FIP. A patient is diagnosed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia if none of the above illnesses can be found, but the platelets are [...]
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