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2367 results for “pet health”
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Elbow dysplasia is a group of inherited developmental elbow joint diseases - ununited anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, and osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle - driven by genetics and rapid growth. It causes forelimb lameness, a reluctance to walk, and sometimes a crackling joint sound. Weight control, pain relief, and surgery in severe cases are the mainstays.
Patellar Luxation in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Patellar luxation is displacement of the kneecap out of its trochlear groove, common in small breeds such as Toy and Pomeranian dogs and usually from a congenital conformational defect or trauma. It causes a sudden inability to extend the knee and a skipping, hopping gait that may self-correct. Mild cases are managed conservatively; severe ones need surgery.
Hip Dislocation in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Hip dislocation is separation of the femoral head from the hip socket, usually from trauma such as a car accident, a fall, or a forceful pull on the hind limb. It causes a shortened, rotated leg and a hopping or dragging gait; it is corrected by closed or surgical reduction and strict rest, since it tends to recur.
Lumbar Sprain in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
A lumbar sprain is injury to the lower-back muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints from sudden over-contraction or trauma, most common in small breeds and pets with rickets or nutritional deficiency. Signs range from a stiff arched back and weak hind limbs to, in severe cases, paralysis and loss of bowel or bladder control. Prompt rest and veterinary care prevent lasting nerve damage.
Black Dots on Your Cat’s Skin: Folliculitis, or ‘Black Chin’ and ‘Stud Tail’
Black dots on a cat's skin are usually the early sign of folliculitis, like blackheads, driven by excess sebum, blocked follicles, and bacterial infection. On the chin it is called black chin, and on the tail stud tail or oily tail, both managed with gentle localized cleaning and diet adjustments.
Myxoedema (Hypothyroid Dermatosis) in Dogs and Cats
Myxoedema is a hypothyroid disorder in which mucinous material accumulates in the skin and tissues. It causes obesity, marked hair loss, lethargy and cold intolerance, and is treated mainly with thyroid hormone replacement plus skin support.
Hyperlipidaemia in Dogs and Cats
Hyperlipidaemia is a metabolic disorder in which blood fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides rise above normal. It often accompanies hypothyroidism, diabetes or obesity, and is managed by correcting the underlying disease and feeding a low-fat diet.
Rickets in Dogs and Cats
Rickets in dogs and cats is a growing-animal bone disease from vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus deficiency, producing soft, deformed bones, lameness, and dental problems. It is prevented and treated with corrected diet, sunlight, and veterinary-directed calcium and vitamin D.
Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats
Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats is a disorder of insulin deficiency or resistance that causes persistently high blood sugar. Classic signs are excessive drinking, eating, and urinating with weight loss, and treatment centers on diet, insulin or other glucose-lowering medication, and monitoring.
Canine and Feline Androgen Deficiency
Androgen deficiency means the testes make too little testosterone or sperm, leading to poor libido, stunted development, and reduced fertility. It is managed by treating the cause and, in some cases, hormone therapy.