12
12, 2020
Mammary Cancer (Breast Tumor) in Cats
Introduction Mammary tumors account for 17% of all cat tumors. They are the 3rd most common tumor in cats, after skin and blood cancer. Even though cats get this problem half as often as dogs, almost all of them are malignant. Intact females are at highest risk, although it does occur in males on rare occasion. Some tumors become so large that they can become ulcerated and painful, leading to the potential of an infection that spreads to the rest of the body (sepsis or septicemia). Why someone would wait for a tumor to get this large before seeking our medical
23
10, 2020
Minimizing Stress In Cats
Introduction Cats are interesting creatures when it comes to their social lives. They are highly prone to stress, especially in households with more than one cat. What Causes Stress in Cats? This stress can cause chronic disease, especially of the urinary tract. It is so important that have a page dedicated to this problem called Urinary Tract Disease in Cats. When this disease is caused by excess stress it is called Idiopathic Cystitis. There is even speculation that excess stress causes a "Pandora Syndrome" in cats with aspects that are similar to humans. In cats the excess stress can exacerbate
10
10, 2020
Ear Infections in Cats and Dogs: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Introduction A common problem in dogs and cats is ear infections. When it occurs in the ear canal it is called otitis externa. As a general observation the canine species tends to have more of a problem with otitis externa than the feline species. Dogs and cats have sensitive ears, and the amount of discomfort and pain they must endure when their ears are infected are not appreciated by most owners. How Do Cats and Dogs Get Ear Infections? There are many factors working in combination that determine whether or not a pet gets an ear infection. Without addressing the
10
10, 2020
Ear Cleaning in Dogs and Cats
One of the most important things you can do to keep your pet's ears clean and healthy is to clean them periodically, especially if they have been prone to infection. This page will show you the proper technique using a medium sized dog as an example. The technique for a cat is similar, the only major difference is in restraint. No matter which species you are restraining, pick a room that is quiet and free of small children. Please let one of our nurses give you an actual demonstration of this technique to develop your confidence. Before we institute any
10
10, 2020
Dog Skin Allergies: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction Allergies are a common cause of skin conditions in dogs and cats, along with other species. This type of allergy goes by several names; the most common are atopy, allergic skin disease, or allergic inhalant dermatitis (AID). The main difference between us and dog and cats is that allergies in pets tend to cause skin conditions and ear problems, as opposed to the runny eyes, runny noses, and sneezing we encounter in people. Symptoms typically include scratching and itching, although many other skin conditions can cause itching. This itching is called pruritus. Allergies can be hard to control