2
08, 2024
Skin Conditions
Some of the more common skin conditions we see in dogs and cats at the Long Beach Animal Hospital. Allergic Dermatitis Cushings (Hyperadrenocorticism) Demodectic Mange Hypothyroidism Lick Granuloma Ringworm Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
5
07, 2024
Cat & Dog Ear (aural) Hematoma
Introduction On occasion we are presented with a cat that has a swollen ear flap (pinna). The swelling is due to blood vessels that have ruptured inside the ear flap, between the inside and outside layer of cartilage. This causes the ear to fill up with bloody fluid, and after a period of time the blood in the ear clots and there is a firm swelling. If left untreated the ear will be painful and will eventually scar down, similar in appearance to a cauliflower ear in a prized fighter that has spent a lifetime in the boxing ring. This
5
07, 2024
Hypothyroidism
Introduction The most common hormone problem encountered in dogs is hypothyroidism. It results when the thyroid gland does not secrete an adequate quantity of thyroid hormone called thyroxine. Many internal organs are affected, and the resulting problem depends on which organs are most affected. Cats do not get this problem, but get an opposite problem called hyperthyroidism. Their problem involves excess thyroxine and its effect on the internal organs. What is Hypothyroidism? This is a disease where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine. Anatomy The thyroid gland is a small gland located at the
5
07, 2024
Parvo Virus
Introduction Disease associated with the canine parvovirus started appearing around 1978. It is postulated that this virus is a mutation of the feline distemper virus. Since so few dogs had developed natural antibodies in the late 1970's, a large number of dogs died from this disease. In some cases, the virus affected the heart, and caused death within a few hours. We can still remember people coming into our clinic in droves to get their dogs vaccinated. There was no parvo vaccine for dogs then, since we did not even know what parvo was. The vaccine we gave initially was
5
07, 2024
Retained Deciduous Teeth
Introduction It is not uncommon for us to encounter dogs with retained baby teeth. If they are still present at 6 months of age when your pet is spayed or neutered, we will remove them. We do this so they do not interfere with the adult teeth growing in. Since 6 months is a common time to neuter a dog or spay a dog , this is the ideal time to remove this tooth since your pet is already being anesthetized. What is a Retained Deciduous Tooth? This is a baby tooth that does not fall out and allow and