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641 results for “trauma”

Why Has Your Cat Suddenly Become Aggressive?
A cat can turn aggressive for many reasons, including physical health problems, social conflict, bad past experiences, lack of play and stimulation, and fear or stress. Owners should learn their cat's physical and emotional needs and provide affection, social contact, stimulation, and a safe environment to prevent negative moods. If the aggression persists or worsens, have the cat checked at a veterinary clinic and, when needed, consult a professional animal behaviorist.

Cat Eye Swelling and Tearing: A Recovery Case
A cat with one swollen, tearing, discharging eye—but no sneezing or runny nose—most likely has a bacterial conjunctivitis rather than a viral one. Ingrown eyelashes or a foreign body can be the trigger. Oral amoxicillin plus antibiotic eye drops, an E-collar, and a dim, clean environment brought clear improvement in a few days. An ingrown lash, though, needs a vet to remove.

What Causes Cat Sinusitis (and How to Prevent It)
Feline sinusitis is inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, usually from bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, and sometimes as a complication of dental disease or upper respiratory infection. Young and old cats are most at risk. Prevention means a clean, well-ventilated home; regular dental checks; a balanced, immunity-boosting diet; avoiding sick animals; and routine vet visits. See a vet if your cat sneezes often, has constant nasal discharge, seems congested, or loses appetite.

Can a Dog’s Protruding Eye Be Saved?
A dog's eye bulging from its socket needs urgent veterinary care. Causes range from the fatty pad behind the eye being pushed forward—common in short-nosed breeds like Pugs and Boston Terriers—to tumors, thyroid issues, infection, or trauma. Treatment is either replacing the eye or, in severe cases, removal. Gently clean around the eye before the visit, and keep up regular eye and health checkups to catch problems early.

What Happens When You Give Your Dog Away Midway Through Its Life?
Rehoming a dog partway through its life is more common than people admit, yet few realize how deep the psychological wound can be. Most dogs show stress responses such as refusing food, over-grooming, or night barking, and loyal breeds may stop eating even during short boarding. Over time, the trauma can make a dog timid, reluctant to bond with the new owner, or even aggressive and resource-guarding. Some try to escape and find their original home, ending up stray. If rehoming is truly unavoidable, do it early, ease the transition with scent and gradual introductions, and remember that many situations—pregnancy, a busy schedule, a move—have kinder alternatives than giving the dog away.

Does Abdominal Fluid in Cats Always Mean FIP?
Fluid in a cat's abdomen, or ascites, is a sign—not a diagnosis. It can stem from liver or heart disease, kidney failure, malnutrition, or peritonitis caused by infection, viruses, or injury, and only one of those causes is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Because the symptom alone cannot confirm FIP, diagnosis needs bloodwork, imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound, and viral testing. If your cat shows a swollen belly, lethargy, fever, or breathing trouble, see a veterinarian promptly to find the real cause.

What to Do If Your Cat Is Extremely Shy or Fearful of People?
A shy or 'socially fearful' cat isn't being difficult—it is usually reacting to past trauma, early separation from its mother, or prior abuse, though some cats are simply born timid. These cats avoid all social contact, hide or flee when approached, and in severe cases may even stop eating or drinking. The fix is patience, never force. Earn back trust with calm, gentle handling and a quiet environment, gradually increasing gentle exposure to people and other cats. If the fear stems from abuse or genetics, lean on a professional trainer to build a safe space and use positive reinforcement. With time and understanding, most fearful cats can learn to relax and enjoy company.

What Is Canine Hemophilia A
Hemophilia A, also called factor VIII deficiency, is an inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. Affected dogs lack the clotting protein factor VIII, so they bleed easily and cannot form clots normally. It is X-linked recessive, mostly affects males, and currently has no cure, only lifelong management with clotting-factor replacement.

Why Does My Cat Have Uneven Eye Size?
A cat with one eye larger than the other is common and can be genetic, but if it appears later it usually points to irritation, inflammation, feline herpes, injury, or heat. The right response depends on the cause, so judge by the situation. If a foreign object is the culprit, gently clearing it often restores the eye quickly. Eyelid inversion may need surgery, so see a veterinarian. Other causes include eye disease such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, feline rhinotracheitis with discharge and sneezing, trauma, and diet-related heat that responds to lighter food and more water.

How to Tell If Your Cat or Dog Has Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye disease in cats and dogs where blocked fluid drainage raises eye pressure, damages the optic nerve, and can end in blindness. It always comes with high eye pressure. Signs include a cloudy or enlarged eye, a fixed dilated pupil, vision loss, redness, and head pressing. Diagnosis uses eye-pressure and fundus exams, and treatment ranges from pressure-lowering drugs to, in severe pain, removal of the eye.