Pet Health Articles
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Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) causes blindness in older dogs, most often females. The underlying cause of SARDS is unknown and there is no effective treatment for the condition. This handout explains the clinical signs observed in affected dogs, how the condition is diagnosed, and how to support a dog with SARDS.
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Sugar gliders have become popular pets over the last decade. There are several well-known diseases or conditions that owners of sugar gliders should be aware of. Tooth decay from tartar build-up can lead to tooth root abscesses. Improper diets can lead to low blood calcium, obesity, and tooth decay. Intestinal problems may be caused by an improper diet, a bacterial infection, or a flagellated protozoal infection. It is essential to consult a veterinarian familiar with sugar gliders to select a proper diet and keep your sugar glider healthy.
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Symmetric lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is a condition that results in abnormal nail growth and nails that are easily broken. This condition can be painful and may require lifelong treatment.
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Syncope (or fainting) is a temporary loss of consciousness that occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Most dogs who experience syncope spontaneously recover once appropriate levels of oxygen reach the brain.
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This handout explains syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation in dogs, in which fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord develop, leading to an abnormal sensation in affected dogs. The clinical signs of the condition, along with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are described.
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Systemic hypertension describes high blood pressure throughout the body. Hypertension in cats is often due to an underlying disease (secondary hypertension). When there is no underlying disease, it is called primary hypertension. The course of hypertension in cats, and treatment, depends on the underlying cause. Signs, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.
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Systemic hypertension describes high blood pressure throughout the body. Hypertension in dogs is often due to an underlying disease (secondary hypertension). When there is no underlying disease, it is called primary hypertension. The course of hypertension in dogs, and treatment, depends on the underlying cause. Signs, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune-mediated disease, rare in cats, that causes the immune system to see the body’s own cells and related matter as foreign substances. The dog’s immune system mistakenly starts to attack parts of its own body instead of protecting it.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune-mediated disease that causes the immune system to see the body’s own cells and related matter as foreign substances. The dog’s immune system mistakenly starts to attack parts of its own body instead of protecting it.
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Taurine is a type of amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats. Taurine deficiency leads to feline taurine retinopathy, a weakening of the muscle cells in the heart (dilated cardiomyopathy) and may cause digestive disturbances. Since the 1980s, all cat diets are supplemented with enough taurine to meet the normal cat's needs. A healthy cat that eats a high-quality cat food that is appropriate to its life stage does not require supplementation. Supplemental taurine is used as a treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy in cats.