Image Credit: John Arrington
ALERT! Mosquitoes Spread Disease to Dogs: What You Need-to-Know About Heartworms
What is a heartworm? Does my pet have worms in her heart?
Yes – in fact, heartworm infection is caused by an infestation of parasitic worms within the heart of canines (and sometimes feline and other mammalian species). Writhing, foot long clusters of vampire-like worms feeding on the blood of your pet.
Image Credit: Facebook Fan John Arrington
Can You Recognize the Signs? The Not-So-Obvious Symptoms of Pain
Identifying when a pet has acutely injured himself is fairly straightforward when he is exhibiting obvious outward signs such as holding up an injured limb or howling after a fall. It’s not rocket science, after all! But did you know that most pets will mask symptoms of pain as part of their natural survival instinct? As shepherds to the wellbeing of our pets, we are responsible to minimize suffering and can best serve our pets’ needs by learning to recognize the subtle symptoms of canine pain.
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Pale, Weak and “Just Not Right”
IMHA: When the Body Destroys Self
A body’s immune system has the complicated responsibility of protecting other systems from both foreign and domestic diseases; but what happens if the immune system becomes confused and attacks itself when disease isn’t present?
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Healthy Guts, Happy Pets: Could Probiotics Benefit My Pup?
Let’s Talk About the ‘Gut’
In a mammal, the ‘gut’ consists of the small and large intestines, as well as support organs that aid in producing dietary secretions needed for ingesta breakdown. In close association with the gut is the majority of the body’s lymphoid tissue and an extensive blood supply. The gut has multiple functions in the body: Better known for its primary functions of acquiring nutrients and removing of wastes, the gut also plays an important role in immune function. Healthy gut function requires an intimate, balanced relationship with the resident microorganisms that reside within the intestines that aid both in nutrition and immunity. Read More >
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Elbow Dysplasia: Rational Concern or Hype? Insight on a Complicated Diagnosis
A diagnosis of elbow dysplasia is a catch-all term for a collection of elbow abnormalities that can cause lameness in a dog’s front legs and pain in the elbows. Dysplasia, which means ‘abnormal growth,’ can be a painful, debilitating, and lifetime condition. Dogs with elbow dysplasia can still have full, productive lives with proper care, but there is no cure.
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Bleeding Disorder: Tick Disease to Blame The Ehrlichiosis Diagnosis
Tick bites are implicated in the spread of many infectious diseases to both animals and humans; one such disease is Ehrlichiosis- an infectious disease spread by the saliva of infected ticks.* In dogs, unexplained bleeding from orifices may be one of the first symptoms a pet owner notices in an Ehrlichia infection. Infected pets can go undetected until the chronic stage of infection. Learn about this disease and how to best protect your pets from ehrlichiosis through use of prevention strategies and through early recognition of symptoms. Read More >
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My Dog’s Eyes Seem Cloudy – is She in Pain?
Changes within the eye can interfere with vision and can sometimes be painful; early detection of changes in vision may allow reversal or preservation of vision if swift action is taken. Read on to learn about 5 common causes & outward symptoms of vision loss your dogs may face as they age. Read More >
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Cough Linked to Neurological Disease
Labrador retrievers are the ‘poster-dog’ for paralysis of the larynx which we have learned may be an early indicator of a more complex neurological disease. New understanding of this common senior canine condition has come to light as scientists further investigate its cause. As a pet owner, become aware of recognizable symptoms and options your veterinarian may provide for your pet’s care. Read More >
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Blunt Force Trauma: 8 First Aid Tips
Accidents happen. Appropriate first aid measures and sufficient training from somewhere like Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics can be life saving. The first hour following a critical injury is the termed the ‘golden hour’ during which time medical interventions can greatly impact outcome. EMT’s are not routinely available to support and triage pet transport during the golden hour, but every pet owner can make a difference toward survival of a pet following traumatic injury with learning a few simple tips. Read More >
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A Common Hind Leg Lameness: Cruciate Ligament Disease
Knees are complicated joints. The normal biomechanics* of the knee can vary due to breed variances in build, obesity, genetic abnormalities, and hormonal effects on bone growth. In fact, knee injury – specifically cruciate ligament injury – is the most common cause of rear leg lameness in dogs. Other causes of knee pain/lameness may include: patella luxation, infectious joint disease, cartilage damage, arthritis, fractures, bone disease, and muscle strains. This article will hone in on knee ligament injury, specifically the torn Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL). Read More >