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Pet Health Articles

  • Sevelamer is a drug used to control high blood levels of phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia) in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. It acts as a phosphate binder in the intestines (it attaches to extra phosphates to keep them from entering the blood).

  • At certain times of the year, birds are under the powerful influence of sex hormones and will behave instinctively in distinct ways that you may not have witnessed before. This handout describes several of these behaviors in birds and how to prevent or manage them.

  • Shaker syndrome is a condition that involves generalized head and body tremors in dogs. The condition is often seen in small-breed, white dogs, although dogs of any size and color may be affected. The cause is unknown but thought to be autoimmune because it responds to treatment with steroids.

  • Shar-Pei recurrent fever syndrome is a hereditary condition that affects nearly one in four Shar-Pei dogs. Affected dogs experience recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation, with no identifiable underlying cause. Recurrent fever episodes can lead to increasing amounts of amyloid being deposited in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure over time.

  • Your pet's medical records provide a complete, organized history of their health. They include previous illnesses, test results, treatments, medications, and responses to treatment. This handout outlines why these records are so important for your pet's veterinary care.

  • Some horse owners feel that it is necessary to 'clean' a colt or gelding's prepuce (sheath) and penis on a fairly regular basis.

  • Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are small-to-medium herding dogs known for intelligence, sensitivity, and strong loyalty. They are an intelligent and responsive herding breed closely related to the Collie. Shelties are highly trainable, often excelling in obedience and agility work.

  • The dignified, independent Shiba Inu may seem more like a cat than a dog - particularly to those whom he does not know. However, those who are privileged to be part of the pack know that this ancient Japanese breed bonds strongly to his human family - and can be surprisingly fun-loving.

  • Shih Tzus are small companion dogs known for their affectionate nature, long coat, and a strong preference for close human interaction. These dogs are friendly, social, and generally easygoing, making them well suited to indoor life.

  • The "ancestral diet" for dogs and cats is a broad term for a feeding plan that generally mimics what a wolf or wild cat might consume in the wilderness. In practice, there is great variability in nutrients, ingredients, and safety considerations for such food. This handout reviews these considerations.