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Pet Health Articles

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  • Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are common causes of poisoning in cats, with garlic being the most toxic. Cats are extremely sensitive to poisoning. All forms are poisonous to cats, including raw, cooked, dried, powdered, and liquid preparations. This handout outlines signs, treatment, and prognosis for this poisoning.

  • Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks common causes of poisoning in dogs, with garlic being the most toxic. All forms are poisonous to dogs, including raw, cooked, dried, powdered, and liquid preparations. This handout outlines signs, treatment, and prognosis for this poisoning.

  • Paints, varnishes, and stains are available in a wide variety of formulations, many of which are dangerous to dogs and cats. Pets that develop lead poisoning or ingest ethylene glycol-containing paint may develop more serious complications. This handout outlines signs, treatment, prognosis, and prevention.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Pancreatitis in Cats

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Pancreatitis in Dogs

  • Pancreatitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a vital organ that produces enzymes to assist in food digestion and hormones such as insulin, which regulates blood sugar or glucose metabolism. Pancreatitis is common in dogs and may be acute or chronic.

  • Penetrating wounds can look minor on the surface but may cause severe injury below the skin. A thorough assessment requires sedation or anesthesia and surgery may be required to address the extent of the injury. This handout outlines first aid steps a pet owner can take while transporting their injured pet to the veterinary hospital.

  • Pericardial effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the sac surrounding the heart. Pericardial effusion can have a number of underlying causes, including inflammation, infection, cancer, and hereditary defects. Mild cases of pericardial effusion may be asymptomatic, but more significant fluid accumulations can interfere with the heart’s function and lead to severe effects such as sudden death. Treatment and prognosis is dependent upon the underlying cause of the condition.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Pyometra in Dogs

  • Many birds naturally eat plants as part of their diet. Some birds will chew on and possibly consume plants out of curiosity or during play. Luckily, most plants considered poisonous do not cause serious illness, but due to the possible harmful effects, it is best to prevent access to plants unless their safety for birds is known.