Pet Health Articles
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Electrolytes are the salts and metallic components that are dissolved within the blood serum (serum is the liquid portion of blood). The electrolytes of greatest clinical importance are sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, phosphorus, and calcium. It is important to detect changes in electrolyte concentrations so that these changes can be treated before the situation becomes severe or life-threatening.
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Serum iron tests are indicated when the results from a complete blood count (CBC) indicate that your pet is anemic (meaning they have decreased red blood cell numbers and/or decreased hemoglobin) and that the red blood cells are microcytic (smaller than usual) and hypochromic (contain less hemoglobin than usual). Tests to assess iron deficiency require a single blood sample that is sent to a veterinary referral laboratory.
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Serum contains many proteins that perform diverse functions, which include providing cellular nutrition, defending against infections, playing a role in inflammation, and acting as hormones or enzymes. Protein electrophoresis is a specialized test that analyzes specific groups of proteins in the blood serum and measures how much of each group of protein is present. The results of the analysis help diagnose specific diseases, such as infection and some types of cancer.
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Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Some horse owners feel that it is necessary to 'clean' a colt or gelding's prepuce (sheath) and penis on a fairly regular basis.