Friday, October 15, 2010
Mission Animal Care Center: Halloween Candy and pets
Mission Animal Care Center: Halloween Candy and pets: "Eating a bag full of chocolate Halloween candy is more of a trick than a treat for the average household pet, according to a Kansas State ..."
Friday, October 8, 2010
veterinary information on third eyelid protrusion
THIRD EYELID GLAND PROTRUSION
Dogs and cats have 3 eyelids: upper lid, lower lid, and one that is attached inside the other lids at the inside corner of the eye socket. This third eyelid serves to protect the eye from injury by closing over the eye to give a second covering of the eye.
On the inside of this third eyelid, there is a small lymph node and small gland that produces tears. The tears produced aid in lubrication of the eye.
A condition exists where this small gland becomes inflamed and swollen. Once swollen, the tissue of this gland then protrudes out over the free edge of the third eyelid. This condition is sometimes called “cherry eye,” because the reddened, swollen tissue resembles a cherry.
CAUSE of this condition is not known. An infection or allergic reactions may sometimes cause the condition. There is a tendency for the condition to occur in the other eye at some future date.
TREATMENT of this condition may be medical or surgical. Often the condition is first treated topically with anti-inflammatory medications in an effort to avoid surgery. If medical therapy is not effective, then surgery to either remove part of the gland or replace the gland into its normal position is recommended.
For more information contact your local animal clinic or veterinarian.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/third%20Eyeld.htm
Dogs and cats have 3 eyelids: upper lid, lower lid, and one that is attached inside the other lids at the inside corner of the eye socket. This third eyelid serves to protect the eye from injury by closing over the eye to give a second covering of the eye.
On the inside of this third eyelid, there is a small lymph node and small gland that produces tears. The tears produced aid in lubrication of the eye.
A condition exists where this small gland becomes inflamed and swollen. Once swollen, the tissue of this gland then protrudes out over the free edge of the third eyelid. This condition is sometimes called “cherry eye,” because the reddened, swollen tissue resembles a cherry.
CAUSE of this condition is not known. An infection or allergic reactions may sometimes cause the condition. There is a tendency for the condition to occur in the other eye at some future date.
TREATMENT of this condition may be medical or surgical. Often the condition is first treated topically with anti-inflammatory medications in an effort to avoid surgery. If medical therapy is not effective, then surgery to either remove part of the gland or replace the gland into its normal position is recommended.
For more information contact your local animal clinic or veterinarian.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/third%20Eyeld.htm
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Veterinary information on Tonsillitis
TONSILLITIS
The tonsils are small “Lymph nodes” in the back of the throat. “Tonsillitis” is a term used to describe conditions when the tonsils are inflamed or infected. In the normal pet they function to kill germs that enter the body through the mouth. Sometimes the tonsils become chronically infected leading to recurrent sore throats.
Most cases of sore throat and tonsillitis occur as a result of temperature changes, such as going from inside the house to outside and back.
It is about 10 degrees colder on the floor of your house than at eye level. This means if you keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees in the house, it’s probably about 58 degrees on the floor. If the dog goes out and becomes damp on its feet or abdomen, this may cause chilling, when it is brought back into the house.
You might also consider a sweater for the dog for wintertime trips outside the house.
The opposite occurs many times in the summer months with the dog getting hot outside, and then being chilled in the house with air conditioning.
The mouth of dogs and cats normally contains many types of bacteria. These bacteria do NOT cause any problem, until the pet is stressed in some way, allowing the bacteria to multiply.
Since most cases of tonsillitis in dogs are bacterial (usually streptococcus), antibiotics are routinely used in treatment.
Human sore throats are usually caused by a virus, and therefore antibiotics are not often used.
Many cases of recurring tonsillitis are due to a persistent bacterial infection in the tonsil area. Many of these cases require a tonsillectomy to solve the problem. Since the tonsils in a “normal” animal help fight disease, we do NOT recommend removal, except in chronic cases which seem to flare up several times a year.
Tonsillitis may spread among your pets, and occasionally to man, but this is not generally a problem.
Pets with tonsillitis often have a fever, eat poorly, swallow with difficulty, retch up white frothy mucus, or have a mucus, jelly-like bowel movement.
For more information contact your local animal clinic or veterinarian.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/Tonsillitis.htm
The tonsils are small “Lymph nodes” in the back of the throat. “Tonsillitis” is a term used to describe conditions when the tonsils are inflamed or infected. In the normal pet they function to kill germs that enter the body through the mouth. Sometimes the tonsils become chronically infected leading to recurrent sore throats.
Most cases of sore throat and tonsillitis occur as a result of temperature changes, such as going from inside the house to outside and back.
It is about 10 degrees colder on the floor of your house than at eye level. This means if you keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees in the house, it’s probably about 58 degrees on the floor. If the dog goes out and becomes damp on its feet or abdomen, this may cause chilling, when it is brought back into the house.
You might also consider a sweater for the dog for wintertime trips outside the house.
The opposite occurs many times in the summer months with the dog getting hot outside, and then being chilled in the house with air conditioning.
The mouth of dogs and cats normally contains many types of bacteria. These bacteria do NOT cause any problem, until the pet is stressed in some way, allowing the bacteria to multiply.
Since most cases of tonsillitis in dogs are bacterial (usually streptococcus), antibiotics are routinely used in treatment.
Human sore throats are usually caused by a virus, and therefore antibiotics are not often used.
Many cases of recurring tonsillitis are due to a persistent bacterial infection in the tonsil area. Many of these cases require a tonsillectomy to solve the problem. Since the tonsils in a “normal” animal help fight disease, we do NOT recommend removal, except in chronic cases which seem to flare up several times a year.
Tonsillitis may spread among your pets, and occasionally to man, but this is not generally a problem.
Pets with tonsillitis often have a fever, eat poorly, swallow with difficulty, retch up white frothy mucus, or have a mucus, jelly-like bowel movement.
For more information contact your local animal clinic or veterinarian.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/Tonsillitis.htm
veterinary information on third eyelid protrusion
THIRD EYELID GLAND PROTRUSION
Dogs and cats have 3 eyelids: upper lid, lower lid, and one that is attached inside the other lids at the inside corner of the eye socket. This third eyelid serves to protect the eye from injury by closing over the eye to give a second covering of the eye.
On the inside of this third eyelid, there is a small lymph node and small gland that produces tears. The tears produced aid in lubrication of the eye.
A condition exists where this small gland becomes inflamed and swollen. Once swollen, the tissue of this gland then protrudes out over the free edge of the third eyelid. This condition is sometimes called “cherry eye,” because the reddened, swollen tissue resembles a cherry.
CAUSE of this condition is not known. An infection or allergic reactions may sometimes cause the condition. There is a tendency for the condition to occur in the other eye at some future date.
TREATMENT of this condition may be medical or surgical. Often the condition is first treated topically with anti-inflammatory medications in an effort to avoid surgery. If medical therapy is not effective, then surgery to either remove part of the gland or replace the gland into its normal position is recommended.
For more information contact your local animal clinic or veterinarian.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/third%20Eyeld.htm
Dogs and cats have 3 eyelids: upper lid, lower lid, and one that is attached inside the other lids at the inside corner of the eye socket. This third eyelid serves to protect the eye from injury by closing over the eye to give a second covering of the eye.
On the inside of this third eyelid, there is a small lymph node and small gland that produces tears. The tears produced aid in lubrication of the eye.
A condition exists where this small gland becomes inflamed and swollen. Once swollen, the tissue of this gland then protrudes out over the free edge of the third eyelid. This condition is sometimes called “cherry eye,” because the reddened, swollen tissue resembles a cherry.
CAUSE of this condition is not known. An infection or allergic reactions may sometimes cause the condition. There is a tendency for the condition to occur in the other eye at some future date.
TREATMENT of this condition may be medical or surgical. Often the condition is first treated topically with anti-inflammatory medications in an effort to avoid surgery. If medical therapy is not effective, then surgery to either remove part of the gland or replace the gland into its normal position is recommended.
For more information contact your local animal clinic or veterinarian.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/third%20Eyeld.htm
Veterinary information on Tapeworms
TAPEWORMS
Tapeworms are one of the most common types of “worms” found in the dog and cat. They are more difficult to detect during a routine stool sample examination and also more difficult to eradicate from pets.
DIAGNOSIS: Microscopic examination of a fecal specimen usually does NOT disclose the presence of tapeworms.
YOU DETECT THE PRESENCE OF TAPEWORMS BY ACTUALLY SEEING THE TAPEWORM SEGMENTS IN THE STOOLS.
Segments may be found on the surface of freshly-passed stools, where they look like small grains of “rice” or “cucumber seeds.” Segments may or may not be seen moving. These segments may sometimes be seen “crawling” out from the rectum, or attached to the hair in the rectal area. They sometimes may be found in the pet’s bedding.
Segments are NOT passed regularly. There may be several in a bowel movement, and then none seen for a week
or two. IF SEEN ONLY ONCE, THEY OBVIOUSLY PROVE THAT THE PET HAS A TAPEWORM INFESTATION. The condition may go undetected for months or years, especially in pets that eliminate outside where the stools are not usually seen by the owner.
TRANSMISSION: Tapeworms must go through “Intermediate Hosts,” which is primarily the FLEA in dogs and cats. Infested birds or rabbits can also spread the parasite to your pet. Fleas eat into the segments passed by the pet; and then become infested with tapeworm larvae. The pet then eats the flea when it gets on your pet’s skin, and therefore becomes infested with tapeworms.
TREATMENT: Effective medication is available only through your veterinarian. The medication is
available in a tablet and injectable form. Over-the counter medications will NOT be effective against tapeworms! Don’t waste YOUR money.
CURE: You can be sure of a cure ONLY when segments are not seen on any freshly passed stool for a period of at least one month.
PREVENTION: As in all diseases, prevention is far superior to treatment.
1. KEEP PETS FREE OF FLEAS!
2. Do NOT allow pets to eat birds, rabbits, rodents, etc.
3. Treat infested pets as we direct.
PUBLIC HEALTH: Humans CANNOT be infected UNLESS they eat infested FLEAS!
Should a child eat tapeworm segments, it will NOT cause any problem whatsoever. The intermediate host (which is the flea) would have to be ingested to cause tapeworm infestation.
For more information contact your local Animal clinic or Animal Emergency Hospital.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/Tapeworms.htm
Tapeworms are one of the most common types of “worms” found in the dog and cat. They are more difficult to detect during a routine stool sample examination and also more difficult to eradicate from pets.
DIAGNOSIS: Microscopic examination of a fecal specimen usually does NOT disclose the presence of tapeworms.
YOU DETECT THE PRESENCE OF TAPEWORMS BY ACTUALLY SEEING THE TAPEWORM SEGMENTS IN THE STOOLS.
Segments may be found on the surface of freshly-passed stools, where they look like small grains of “rice” or “cucumber seeds.” Segments may or may not be seen moving. These segments may sometimes be seen “crawling” out from the rectum, or attached to the hair in the rectal area. They sometimes may be found in the pet’s bedding.
Segments are NOT passed regularly. There may be several in a bowel movement, and then none seen for a week
or two. IF SEEN ONLY ONCE, THEY OBVIOUSLY PROVE THAT THE PET HAS A TAPEWORM INFESTATION. The condition may go undetected for months or years, especially in pets that eliminate outside where the stools are not usually seen by the owner.
TRANSMISSION: Tapeworms must go through “Intermediate Hosts,” which is primarily the FLEA in dogs and cats. Infested birds or rabbits can also spread the parasite to your pet. Fleas eat into the segments passed by the pet; and then become infested with tapeworm larvae. The pet then eats the flea when it gets on your pet’s skin, and therefore becomes infested with tapeworms.
TREATMENT: Effective medication is available only through your veterinarian. The medication is
available in a tablet and injectable form. Over-the counter medications will NOT be effective against tapeworms! Don’t waste YOUR money.
CURE: You can be sure of a cure ONLY when segments are not seen on any freshly passed stool for a period of at least one month.
PREVENTION: As in all diseases, prevention is far superior to treatment.
1. KEEP PETS FREE OF FLEAS!
2. Do NOT allow pets to eat birds, rabbits, rodents, etc.
3. Treat infested pets as we direct.
PUBLIC HEALTH: Humans CANNOT be infected UNLESS they eat infested FLEAS!
Should a child eat tapeworm segments, it will NOT cause any problem whatsoever. The intermediate host (which is the flea) would have to be ingested to cause tapeworm infestation.
For more information contact your local Animal clinic or Animal Emergency Hospital.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/Tapeworms.htm
Veterinary information on seizures
SEIZURES
Seizures (convulsions, fits, epilepsy) are commonly encountered in our household pets, but can be frightening, nonetheless. They can occur in cats and dogs of all ages and can be caused by many different problems. In general, seizures are caused by two major groups of problems:
I. PROBLEMS NOT ORIGINATING FROM THE BRAIN, SUCH AS:
A. Poisons
B. Kidney Disease
C. Liver Disease
D. Heart Disease
E. Low Blood sugar
F. Nerve and Muscle Problems
G. Infections
II. PROBLEMS ORIGINATING IN THE BRAIN ITSELF, SUCH AS:
A. True Epilepsy
B. Brain Infections (virus, bacteria, fungus)
C. Degenerative Conditions of Brain Tissue
D. Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
E. Brain Tumors
F. Stroke-like Conditions and Blood Clots in the Brain
As you can see, a seizure is not a diagnosis in itself, but a sign of an underlying problem. After one such episode, it is usually difficult to tell if your pet will ever have another seizure or not, but your veterinarian will make some suggestions for looking into the problem. A thorough history-taking and physical examination will provide your doctor with quite a bit of information, but often some simple test procedures are needed to study your pet’s problem more closely.
These initial tests may include blood tests, urine analysis, and an electrocardiogram.
The purpose of these tests is to tell whether the problem originates from other parts of the body (Group I) or from the brain (Group II). These are important to distinguish, as the prognosis and kinds of medication used for these diseases are different.
In most cases, we look for normal test results and through a process of elimination determine that the problem is in the brain. At this point, we may prescribe medication, or may recommend further tests. Many sophisticated human tests are performed in pets as well such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis, skull x-ray, electroencephalograms, brain scans with radioisotopes and x-ray dye-injection studies of the brain’s blood supply. We will determine whether or not your pet requires further testing and will make the appropriate recommendations to you.
The important point is to identify the seizure problem as closely and as early as possible so that appropriate therapeutic measures can be taken. There are literally thousands upon thousands of happy household pets that are epileptics, and many can lead long, normal lives.
If you have any questions regarding epilepsy in your pet, don’t hesitate to ask us.
For more information contact your local animal emergency or animal clinic.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/Seizures.htm
Seizures (convulsions, fits, epilepsy) are commonly encountered in our household pets, but can be frightening, nonetheless. They can occur in cats and dogs of all ages and can be caused by many different problems. In general, seizures are caused by two major groups of problems:
I. PROBLEMS NOT ORIGINATING FROM THE BRAIN, SUCH AS:
A. Poisons
B. Kidney Disease
C. Liver Disease
D. Heart Disease
E. Low Blood sugar
F. Nerve and Muscle Problems
G. Infections
II. PROBLEMS ORIGINATING IN THE BRAIN ITSELF, SUCH AS:
A. True Epilepsy
B. Brain Infections (virus, bacteria, fungus)
C. Degenerative Conditions of Brain Tissue
D. Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
E. Brain Tumors
F. Stroke-like Conditions and Blood Clots in the Brain
As you can see, a seizure is not a diagnosis in itself, but a sign of an underlying problem. After one such episode, it is usually difficult to tell if your pet will ever have another seizure or not, but your veterinarian will make some suggestions for looking into the problem. A thorough history-taking and physical examination will provide your doctor with quite a bit of information, but often some simple test procedures are needed to study your pet’s problem more closely.
These initial tests may include blood tests, urine analysis, and an electrocardiogram.
The purpose of these tests is to tell whether the problem originates from other parts of the body (Group I) or from the brain (Group II). These are important to distinguish, as the prognosis and kinds of medication used for these diseases are different.
In most cases, we look for normal test results and through a process of elimination determine that the problem is in the brain. At this point, we may prescribe medication, or may recommend further tests. Many sophisticated human tests are performed in pets as well such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis, skull x-ray, electroencephalograms, brain scans with radioisotopes and x-ray dye-injection studies of the brain’s blood supply. We will determine whether or not your pet requires further testing and will make the appropriate recommendations to you.
The important point is to identify the seizure problem as closely and as early as possible so that appropriate therapeutic measures can be taken. There are literally thousands upon thousands of happy household pets that are epileptics, and many can lead long, normal lives.
If you have any questions regarding epilepsy in your pet, don’t hesitate to ask us.
For more information contact your local animal emergency or animal clinic.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/Seizures.htm
Veterinary information on Seborrhea
SEBORRHEA
Seborrhea is a skin condition characterized by an accumulation of excessive oil (sebum) on the skin. It is believed that seborrhea represents a chain of events that involve excessive production of oil by the oil glands of the skin. “Dandruff” seen on the skin in cases of seborrhea is nothing more than dried skin oil. In most cases, seborrhea is HEREDITARY.
Excessive sebum (skin oil) provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria break down the “sebum” into certain products that irritate the pet’s skin. This irritation causes the skin to become red and inflamed.
It is this inflammation that leads to improper functioning of the growth process of the skin, which in turns leads to scaling and itching. The bacterial breakdown of the skin oil is also the cause of the FOUL ODOR often associated with seborrhea. With greater oil production, the bacteria thrive, increasing the possibility of skin infections.
Certain breeds have a tendency to show the dry, scaly form of seborrhea, while others show a more “oily” form. Signs vary from a dry flaking skin to an oily, greasy, crusty skin with a foul odor and open “sores.”
Regardless of the initial signs, the underlying process causing seborrhea remains the same—excess “sebum,” bacterial involvement, and scaling of the outer layer of the skin. The variables are the amount of oil produced and the number of bacteria present. The predominant sign seen in each individual pet is determined by these factors.
There is NO CURE for seborrhea. However, proper treatment and care of your pet will allow you to CONTROL the problem. Seborrhea is a chronic skin disease which requires routine maintenance —much the same as brushing your teeth to prevent tooth decay. If routine maintenance is not followed, there will be a recurrence of the original signs.
For more information contact your local animal clinic or veterinarian.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/Seborrhea.htm
Seborrhea is a skin condition characterized by an accumulation of excessive oil (sebum) on the skin. It is believed that seborrhea represents a chain of events that involve excessive production of oil by the oil glands of the skin. “Dandruff” seen on the skin in cases of seborrhea is nothing more than dried skin oil. In most cases, seborrhea is HEREDITARY.
Excessive sebum (skin oil) provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria break down the “sebum” into certain products that irritate the pet’s skin. This irritation causes the skin to become red and inflamed.
It is this inflammation that leads to improper functioning of the growth process of the skin, which in turns leads to scaling and itching. The bacterial breakdown of the skin oil is also the cause of the FOUL ODOR often associated with seborrhea. With greater oil production, the bacteria thrive, increasing the possibility of skin infections.
Certain breeds have a tendency to show the dry, scaly form of seborrhea, while others show a more “oily” form. Signs vary from a dry flaking skin to an oily, greasy, crusty skin with a foul odor and open “sores.”
Regardless of the initial signs, the underlying process causing seborrhea remains the same—excess “sebum,” bacterial involvement, and scaling of the outer layer of the skin. The variables are the amount of oil produced and the number of bacteria present. The predominant sign seen in each individual pet is determined by these factors.
There is NO CURE for seborrhea. However, proper treatment and care of your pet will allow you to CONTROL the problem. Seborrhea is a chronic skin disease which requires routine maintenance —much the same as brushing your teeth to prevent tooth decay. If routine maintenance is not followed, there will be a recurrence of the original signs.
For more information contact your local animal clinic or veterinarian.
www.missionvet.com
http://www.missionvet.com/Common%20Conditions/Seborrhea.htm
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