Educational Articles

Home » Pet Health » Educational Articles » Educational Articles

• Vitamin D Poisoning in Dogs

  Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. A common source of vitamin D poisoning is when a dog accidentally ingests rodenticides containing vitamin D. Another source of vitamin D poisoning is the accidental ingestion of certain human medications.

  Login Required

• Vomiting in Cats

  Vomiting may be caused by disorders of the stomach, but is a clinical sign that can occur with many diseases and problems. Different types of vomiting are reviewed. Any required tests are determined based on physical examination of your cat and questions regarding how your cat has been acting and feeling at home.

  Login Required

• Vomiting in Dogs

  Vomiting is the forceful evacuation of stomach contents. It is a clinical sign of a disease. Most cases of acute vomiting resolve quickly with simple treatment, without the underlying cause being diagnosed. Any required tests are determined based on physical examination of your pet and the signs your dog has been displaying at home.

  Login Required

• Von Willebrand’s Disease in Cats

  Von Willebrand's disease is an inherited bleeding disorder. Cats with von Willebrand's disease lack von Willebrand's factor, a blood protein that helps platelets adhere to sites of blood vessel injury. Although affected cats have normal platelets, they experience clotting difficulties because their platelets do not properly adhere to injury sites.

  Login Required

• Von Willebrand’s Disease in Dogs

  Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that results from the lack of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein needed to help platelets clump together and seal broken blood vessels. Affected dogs have varying amounts of vWF. Doberman Pinschers are the most common breed affected but they are mildly affected compared to Scottish terriers and Chesapeake Bay retrievers. Dogs can develop bleeding at any time in their life. Certain drugs that interfere with platelet function should be avoided in affected dogs. Treatment of severely affected dogs requires a blood or plasma transfusion. Screening of breeding animals is recommended to reduce the incidence of the disease.

  Login Required

• Vulvoplasty (Episioplasty)

  Vulvoplasty, also known as episioplasty, is a surgical procedure that your veterinarian may recommend to correct a conformational issue known as a recessed vulva. Your veterinarian will remove a crescent-shaped piece of tissue from above the vulva, allowing the skin to be pulled upwards into a more normal conformation. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Your pet will be intubated with an endotracheal tube. After surgery, you will need to give pain medications and antibiotics as directed and keep your dog confined/restricted for approximately two weeks. Skin sutures, if used, can typically be removed 10-14 days after surgery.

  Login Required

• West Nile Virus in Birds

  The West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito (primarily Culex species) that is infected with the virus. Birds are both susceptible to the virus and can act as a host, though indigenous birds such as owls, hawks, eagles, crows, and jays appear to be most at risk in comparison to pet birds. There is no specific treatment once a bird is infected so prevention is of high importance.

  Login Required

• What is Cancer?

  Cancer is the result of genetic damage to cells. While some breeds may be more predisposed to certain forms of cancer, age-related changes and environmental factors are also often at fault. Some tests can be performed to determine the type of cancer present. Treatment options are available but do not necessarily cure cancer.

  Login Required

• Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats

  Cat grass can be one of many cereal grains such as oat, wheat, barley, alfalfa, or rye. The grass is planted and cultivated indoors and presented to the cat as a supplement to the existing diet. Eating grass targets a cat’s natural instinct to forage and provides entertainment as well as nutritional and digestive value.

  Login Required

• Whipworm Infection in Cats

  Whipworms are intestinal parasites measuring about 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length. They live in the intestinal tract of cats where they can cause severe irritation. Whipworm infection results in watery diarrhea, weight loss, and general debilitation. Fecal testing will not detect every infection. Whipworm infection in cats is rare in North America but cases appear to be rising.

  Login Required