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  • Pigmentary keratitis is a discoloration of the cornea due to chronic inflammation and is most common in brachycephalic breeds. In many cases, complete resolution cannot be achieved, but the condition can be stopped or slowed down if the underlying cause can be identified and treated. Surgery and medications may be used to help address the problem.

  • Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, previously known as Equine Cushing's Disease) is a complex condition associated with abnormal function of a small, hormone-producing organ, the pituitary gland, that lies at the base of the brain.

  • Plasma cell tumors develop as a result of dysregulated production of plasma cells and are relatively uncommon in dogs and cats. Some plasma cell tumors are benign and the most common locations for these tumors are the head, feet, lips, mouth, and ears. The treatment of choice for benign plasma cell tumors is surgical removal, with little to no recurrence if completely excised. Conversely, multiple myeloma is a very malignant cancer that is usually treated with chemotherapy.

  • Pleural effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. Fluid accumulates in the pleural sac, not the lungs, so the lungs are essentially floating in a chest full of fluid. This fluid occupies space within the chest, so the lungs cannot expand as fully as they should. Treatment and prognosis vary depending on the underlying cause.

  • Plotts love hunting and family, arguably in that order. They love to follow a trail to its end, but at the end of the hunt, they are glad to celebrate with their favorite people.

  • Pointers are warm, loving dogs capable of giving members of their family great affection. They are usually overflowing with nervous energy and ready to hunt at the drop of a leash.

  • The shaggy Polish Lowland Sheepdog may look like an overgrown stuffed animal, but he is a serious worker who needs a job to be fulfilled. Active people who can include a dog in their everyday adventures find the PON - that is short for Polski Owczarek Nizinny, the name of the breed throughout most of the world - is an energetic and fun-loving companion.

  • Pequenos are the smallest of the three Portuguese Podengos. They love to run and play and appear to enjoy being silly.

  • Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent and used to deciding for themselves if something is not right. The positive aspect of this behavior is that they are wonderful companions, take good care of the children in their families, and feel at home in the city, the country, or at the beach.

  • This handout explains post-vaccination sarcomas (also called injection-site sarcomas) in cats. They are a rare consequence of vaccine injections (and other drugs or materials) that can cause a very aggressive form of cancer at the site of the injection. The incidence of this condition, as well as precautions you and your veterinarian can take, are highlighted.