Pet Health Articles
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Globoid-cell leukodystrophy, also called Krabbe disease or lysosomal storage disease, is a rare disease caused by a mutation in a dog’s DNA. It results in abnormal processing and storage of an enzyme critical for producing myelin, the substance that coats and protects the nerves throughout the brain and spinal cord. Clinical signs emerge at an early age, including tremors, muscle weakness, and loss of control of the limbs. Most dogs must be euthanized due to their neuromuscular decline about two to six months after the onset of clinical signs.
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Guinea pigs can be hardy and easy to care for when provided an appropriate environment for their unique needs. Like all animals, guinea pigs are susceptible to certain problems and diseases. This handout outlines the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for some of the more common health problems of guinea pigs.
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Pet rabbits have several unique problems and disease concerns. Dental disease is very common in pet rabbits, as are gastrointestinal problems. Rabbits have unique gastrointestinal tracts and need a high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet to help keep the normal GI bacteria fermenting their food. Rabbits need a soft bedding area to prevent sore hocks from forming. Rabbits that eat high-calcium, alfalfa-based diets or high-calcium vegetables are prone to developing bladder stones that must be removed surgically. Bunnies housed at temperatures over 80°F are prone to heat stroke.
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Heart disease refers to any abnormality of the structure or function of the heart. Most cats display no clinical signs until heart disease is advanced. This handout outlines types of heart disease and summarizes signs, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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Heart disease refers to any abnormality of the structure or function of the heart. Most dogs display no clinical signs until heart disease is advanced, although it may be detected earlier, if your veterinarian hears a heart murmur during a physical examination. This handout outlines types of heart disease and summarizes signs, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow. This article explains the common causes of heart murmurs in cats, how they are diagnosed, and when further testing may be recommended. Learn how the underlying cause influences treatment and prognosis.
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A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow. This article explains the common causes of heart murmurs in dogs, how they are diagnosed, and when further testing may be recommended. Learn how the underlying cause influences treatment and prognosis.
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A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that originates from the heart valves and can be heard with a stethoscope skillfully placed over the heart valves.
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Heartworms are blood-borne parasites that reside in the heart or nearby large blood vessels of infected animals. Heartworm disease is much less common in cats than dogs, but more common than previously thought. This handout explains the disease and outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
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Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite transmitted to dogs by mosquitos. Heartworm larvae migrate through the dog’s bloodstream to the heart and adjacent blood vessels, where they mature into adult heartworms. This handout explains the disease and outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.