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Pet Health Articles

  • An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal organs or tissues push through the inguinal ring (a natural opening in the abdominal wall near the pelvis) and bulge into the groin area. Inguinal hernias may be present at birth or develop later in life, possibly due to muscle weakness or trauma. This handout discusses signs, treatment, prognosis, and prevention.

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joints. This handout explains and outlines the use of disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) in treating cats with OA. DMOADs slow or change how OA progresses. This handout explains the common DMOADs and how they are used in OA treatment.

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joints. This handout explains and outlines the use of disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) in treating dogs with OA. DMOADs slow or change how OA progresses. This handout explains the common DMOADs and how they are used in OA treatment.

  • Otitis interna is inflammation of the inner ear, most often caused by infection. Signs depend on the severity and extent of infection. They may include drooling from the side of the mouth, difficulty eating, inability to blink, and drooping eyelids, lips, and nostrils on the affected side.

  • Otitis interna is inflammation of the inner ear, most often caused by infection. Signs depend on the severity and extent of infection. They may include reluctance to eat, head tilt, alteration in balance, and reduced hearing on the affected side.

  • Bee stings and bites from spiders, fleas, and ticks are the most common causes of insect bite reactions in pets. Insect bites can cause mild to severe allergic reactions in many dogs. Fortunately, most reactions are minor and have an excellent prognosis for recovery. Treatment typically involves antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • This handout discusses the anatomy of the cat’s ear canal and how to safely clean your cat’s ears to prevent ear infections.

  • This handout discusses the anatomy of the dog’s ear canal and how to safely clean your dog’s ears to prevent ear infections.

  • Insulin is injected under the skin to treat diabetes, ketoacidosis, and high potassium levels. Side effects may include low or high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and skin allergic reactions to the injections. Do not use in pets who are having an episode of low blood sugar and do not use pork insulins in pets with a pork allergy.

  • Detemir insulin is an injectable medication used in cats and dogs. It is used to lower blood sugar level and for long term maintenance therapy of diabetes mellitus. This medication is used “off label” or “extra-label”. Monitor closely for signs of low blood sugar.