Pet Health Library
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Abscesses from Bite Wounds
Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVPA cat’s abscess from a bite wound. Photo by MarVistaVetThe bite mark is hard to see but a fluid-filled lump could be easily felt. Photo by MarVistaVetThe abscess was hidden in this cat’s armpit area but the smell of the infection was obvious....
Alternative Diets for Dogs and Cats
Savanna Bruce, Veterinary Student Class of 2024 You’ve spoken with your veterinarian and are thinking about personally making your pet’s meals. There are about as many diet options for your pet as there are for you, so which one is best? Breed, age, weight, allergies,...
Asthma in Cats
Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP What is Asthma? Asthma is a recurring respiratory compromise in which the lungs’ airways are constricted (narrowed). Three features define asthma: airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and (at least partly reversible) airflow...
Aspergillosis in Cats
Jacqueline Brister, DVM Aspergillosis is an infection in cats caused by Aspergillus organisms, which are a type of fungus found throughout the world. Infections in cats are rare and most commonly seen in cats that have a poor immune system, such as those with certain...
Allergies: Atopic Dermatitis (Airborne) in Dogs and Cats
Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP Atopy Everyone knows someone with hay fever. Airborne pollens, molds, dust particles, etc. are inhaled and soon the sneezing and sniffling begins. A simple way to think of atopy for pets would be saying that the airborne allergen is inhaled by...
Allergic Conjunctivitis in Dogs and Cats
Tony Johnson, DVM, DACVECC Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva in the eye. The conjunctiva is a pinkish mucous-secreting membrane, similar to the lining of your mouth and nose, that covers the eyeball and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. The...
Adverse Reactions to Spot-on Flea and Tick Products
Sharon M. Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, DABT, DABVT Spot-on flea and tick products for dogs and cats have greatly improved the safety and convenience of controlling external parasites on our pets. Using pesticides that are many degrees less toxic and frequently more...
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP Adrenal Hormones The adrenal gland is so named because it is located just forward of the kidney (renal means kidney). The center of the gland is called the medulla and the outer area is the cortex. While both areas produce hormones, Addison's...
Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS or HGE)
Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP The term hemorrhagic gastroenteritis basically means inflammation of the stomach and intestine with bleeding. This kind of bleeding inflammation might be seen in patients with parvovirus infection, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease or...
Abscesses from Bite Wounds old
Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP An abscess forms when an infected bite wound heals over on its surface thus sealing the deeper infection inside. Fever is generated as the infection incubates. Diseased tissue and the inflammatory cells liquefy into pus. The pus breaks through...