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Pet Health Articles

  • The presence of protein in urine is called proteinuria, and it may indicate that the kidneys are not working properly. In some situations, proteinuria may even be a sign of kidney failure; however, bleeding or inflammation in the urinary system is a far more common cause. Your veterinarian may recommend further testing if the urinalysis reveals inflammation or bleeding.

  • The urine protein/creatinine (UPC) ratio is a test that measures how much protein is being lost through the kidneys. The UPC measures whether protein excretion is greater than expected when compared to the excretion of creatinine. Before the UPC ratio can be interpreted, two other measures of kidney function should be taken: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine.

  • Spots of dead grass are common in areas where dogs have urinated, and it is due to the urine's nitrogen content. Urine scalding is not caused by the urine pH and there is no relationship between the urine pH and nitrogen content. This handout answers some key facts about urine scalding and what you can to do to help.

  • UroMAXX is a supplement used to support bladder and kidney function in cats and dogs. It has been used to support the treatment of urinary tract infections in cats and dogs. UroMAXX comes in oral chewable and liquid drop forms. It is used “off label” or “extra label”.

  • The uropygial gland (preening gland or oil gland) is a normal part of most birds' anatomy. The gland produces an oil that a bird transfers its feathers to help coat and protect them. Vitamin A deficiency, infections, and tumors may affect the uropygial gland.

  • Ursodiol is given by mouth and is used off label to treat gallbladder and biliary liver diseases in dogs, cats, horses, and birds. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Urticaria or 'hives' is a common skin condition in which well-defined raised areas (lumps, wheals or rings) occur in the superficial dermis (an upper layer of the skin). Mostly these areas are quite small but in severe cases whole areas such as the face or one or more of the limbs may become swollen.

  • Treats are a wonderful way to provide positive reinforcement to your cat during a training session. Limit high-calorie treats and keep treats within 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. Keeping training sessions short and engaging while providing appropriate foods as treats can be a wonderful way to strengthen the human-animal bond.

  • Treats are a wonderful way to provide positive reinforcement to your dog during a training session. Limit high-calorie treats and keep treats within 10% of your dog's total daily calorie intake. Keeping training sessions short and engaging while providing appropriate foods as treats can be a wonderful way to strengthen the human-animal bond.

  • Every dog has wants and needs, including social interaction, physical exercise, intellectual exercise, and time to rest. When their needs are met predictably and enrichment is consistently available, dogs experience less stress and frustration and may be less likely to develop problematic behaviors.