Educational Articles

Home » Pet Health » Educational Articles » Educational Articles

• Seizures and Syncope

  Seizures and syncope are commonly confused with one another due to similarities in the appearance of these episodes. Both present with collapse but there are several details, explained in this handout, that can differentiate between them, which is important for determining treatment. The prognosis for each condition varies depending on the underlying causes.

  Login Required

• Seizures in Birds

  Seizures are reasonably common in pet birds and should be treated as a medical emergency. Species that are often affected include Amazon parrots, African grey parrots, budgies, canaries, cockatiels, finches, and lovebirds. There are several possible causes of seizures in birds. Diagnostic testing is often required so that your veterinarian can diagnose the problem and determine the necessary treatment plan.

  Login Required

• Seizures in Dogs

  Seizures are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs. A seizure may also be referred to as a convulsion or fit and is characterized by a temporary involuntary disturbance of normal brain function, usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle tremors or spasms. There are many causes of seizures. Once anticonvulsant medication is started, it must be given for life.

  Login Required

• Senegal Parrots: General

  Senegal parrots are small- to medium-sized birds. They are generally very friendly and are very adept at mimicking household sounds like the microwave or telephone. They generally bond with one to three household members.

  Login Required

• Senior Cat Care – Special Considerations

  Several changes occur in the aging cat; they often progress slowly, so it is essential to have your senior cat examined by a veterinarian twice yearly. This is important so that if your cat develops a disease, it can be recognized and treated as early as possible, thereby maintaining her quality of life for as long as possible.

  Login Required

• Senior Dog Care - Special Considerations

  Senior dogs are in the stage of life where aging begins to affect every organ system. Some organs wear out faster or are more susceptible to cumulative damage than others, so certain observations are critical. While it is true that old age is not a disease, older dogs do merit special attention, including routine health exams twice yearly. This is important so that if your dog develops a disease, it can be recognized and treated as early as possible, thereby maintaining his quality of life for as long as possible.

  Login Required

• Separation Anxiety in Dogs

  Separation anxiety describes dogs that usually are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors such as vocalization, destruction, or house-soiling when separated from the owners.

  Login Required

• Sexual Behavior in Birds

  At certain times of the year, birds are under the powerful influence of sex hormones and will behave instinctively in distinct ways that you may not have witnessed before. Humans may cause frustration or confusion in their birds with what may be our inappropriate responses to their sexual behaviors. This handout describes several of these behaviors in birds and how to prevent or manage them.

  Login Required

• Shaker Syndrome in Dogs

  Shaker syndrome is a condition involving generalized head and body tremors in dogs. The condition is often seen in small-breed, white dogs, although dogs of any size and color may be affected. The cause is unknown but thought to be autoimmune due to its response to treatment with steroids.

  Login Required

• Showing Dogs

  Is your dog lovable, smart, and obedient? Is she/he also really good-looking? If you want others to know just how great your dog is, perhaps you should consider showing them off!

  Login Required