Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine diseases seen in dogs. It is extremely rare in cats and is usually due to treatment for hyperthyroidism. It is more common in medium-to large-sized dogs and many breeds are predisposed. Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by circulating antibodies to the thyroid gland. This is considered an [...]
continue readingHypoglycemia
The definition of hypoglycemia is an abnormally low blood glucose concentration. This is extremely common in puppies and kittens or toy breed dogs. However, it is also seen in pregnancy, pancreatic cancer, liver disease, diabetics, and hunting dogs. In puppies and kittens, they can develop hypoglycemia from intestinal parasites, poor diet, or an underdeveloped liver. [...]
continue readingHyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid is the most common endocrine disorder in cats. This is generally not due to a tumor and is very treatable. If the condition is left untreated, the patient will develop body-wide organ dysfunction. In almost all cases, the thyroid nodules simply start making more thyroid hormones. It is very rarely due to [...]
continue readingHypertension
Hypertension in dogs and cats is more common than originally thought. Any blood pressure greater than 160/100 is considered hypertension. While that is typically higher than what is considered hypertension in humans, organ damage does not occur at pressures lower than 160/100. Primary hypertension is not common in animals. There is usually a preexisting illness [...]
continue readingHot Spots
A hot spot is a common term used to describe moist dermatitis. Most owners of long-haired dogs are familiar with hot spots. The actual cause of a hot spot is unknown, but there appears to be an allergic component. Most patients that have atopy or food allergies are predisposed to developing hot spots. The sudden [...]
continue readingHookworms
This disease is one of the most common intestinal parasites seen in veterinary medicine. These worms attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and cause blood loss. The parasites can become so severe as to cause death in puppies. The parasite also infects cats but their symptoms are usually mild. The worm Ancylostoma causes [...]
continue readingHistoplasmosis
This is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma. This fungus grows in bird manure and is present in the soil. The patient contracts this disease by inhaling the fungal spores into the lungs. The fungus can then spread throughout the body. Dogs and cats show different clinical signs since different parts of the body [...]
continue readingHip Dysplasia
This is a very common skeletal disease in large breed dogs and some purebred cats. It occurs when the patient is born with a malformation of the hip joint. This disease is genetic in certain breeds: German Shepherds, Labs, Golden retrievers, and rottweilers. They are born with a certain laxity in the hip joint which [...]
continue readingHemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
This condition is very sudden and can rapidly debilitate a patient. It occurs more often in adult small breed dogs. The actual cause of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is currently unknown. Many pets are clinically normal and no disease process can be found. Some pets have a history of eating a different diet or receiving people [...]
continue readingHepatitis- Canine
The definition of hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. This disease can cause liver failure and cirrhosis of the liver if allowed to progress. There is a genetic predisposition in many breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Dobermans, and West Highland White terriers. The liver is responsible for filtering the blood, so any [...]
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