If your dog has developed a tendency to pursue the same pointless activity — sucking on his flanks, chasing his own tail, barking or snapping at thin air, et cetera — he may be suffering from canine compulsive disorder, or CCD. Fortunately, treatment and training can help him overcome his obsession. Defining CCD National veterinary organizations define compulsive behavior in…
You may have heard of MRSA infections in people discussed in the media in this last year. Otherwise known as Staph or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, this type of bacteria is resistant to most antibiotics. People infected with this dangerous bacteria can become quite ill or even die if an effective antibiotic cannot be found. MRSA can also occur in…
Family pets are often described as our “best friends” and news that they are sick can be devastating. Cancer is a disease that can affect family pets like dogs and cats. Through the years, research has developed many cures and treatments for use in improving or sustaining the health of pets that present with a cancer diagnosis. Let’s look at…
Warning signs can be present in your family pet before the veterinarian makes an actual diagnosis. You’ll want to be alert and watch for warning signs as preventative measures, and at the same time provide your pet with the best nutrition, exercise program and lifestyle possible for his or her activity levels and overall health. “Cancer is an incredibly challenging…
Animals may vomit when something irritates, inflames or causes an infection in their intestinal tract. The location of the irritation, inflammation or infection may also determine the color of your pet’s vomit and the reason for the upchucking. Many things can irritate, inflame or infect an animal’s intestinal tract. Look around your home. There are toys, plants, foods, sharp objects,…
“Heart conditions can be inherited in dogs as they are in people. Dogs can also be victims of cancer, tick-borne diseases, autoimmune conditions, arthritis, liver, or kidney disease, thyroid disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and even diabetes,” indicates Norma Bennett Woolf, editor of Dog Owner’s Guide: Canine Diabetes. Your pet could be at risk for diabetes and in need of medical…
Heartworm is a long, string-like parasitic worm that has the scientific name Dirofilaria immitis. It earns its common name by living in the host’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Heartworm can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, organ damage, and death. It is transmitted only through mosquitoes to a variety of species including dogs, cats, ferrets, wolves, foxes, ferrets, sea…
Many diseases of people also occur in pets. A problem that is common in people, dogs, and cats is heart disease. While these disorders have some things in common, many ailments of the heart in pets are completely different than what occurs in people. Recent surveys have shown that 11% of all dogs have heart disease, and up to 20%…