Pet Health Articles
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Successful airline travel with a dog begins long before the day of travel. Do your homework with the airlines. Acquire your dog's travel carrier well before your trip. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian close to the date of travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he does not travel well. With some advance planning, attention to detail, and consultation with your veterinarian, flying with your dog can be a great experience.
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A focal seizure refers to an abnormal electrical activity surge confined to a specific area of the brain. Fly-biting seizures are a type of focal seizure in which a dog snaps at the air like she is biting at invisible flies. Although the only way to definitively determine that fly-biting and other suspected focal seizures are caused by seizure activity is through an electroencephalogram (EEG), this test is often impractical due to the unpredictable nature of the seizures. The same anti-epileptic medications used for generalized seizures are typically used in managing focal seizures.
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Folic acid is given by mouth or injection and is used to treat folic acid deficiencies due to intestinal or pancreatic disease, or due to the use of certain medications. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are not common but may include stomach upset. Do not use in pets with a known sensitivity. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Follicular conjunctivitis is an eye condition that primarily affects young dogs, under 18 months of age. Follicular conjunctivitis is often caused by allergens, such as dust, grass, and weeds. Mild cases of follicular conjunctivitis do not require treatment. If your dog’s eye is uncomfortable, treatment may include saline rinses, topical steroids, and possible debridement.
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Overweight dogs have an increased risk of many health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer. This article reviews the components of a strong weight loss plan and includes tips for success to discourage begging and help promote healthy weight loss in dogs who live in a multi-dog household.
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Food allergies can be problematic for many dogs, especially after years on the same diet. Clinical signs may manifest as gastrointestinal or skin problems. Some animal proteins are the most common causes and strict avoidance is the best way to treat affected dogs. An eight to twelve-week elimination diet trial on a special veterinary diet is the only definitive method to diagnose a food allergy and, in some cases, the veterinary diet may need to be continued long-term.
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Guarding food items can be a normal behavior in dogs, but when it escalates, the safety of both people and animals is compromised. Exercises to prevent and reverse guarding behavior can be beneficial to any dog. Professional guidance is needed for any dog who has repeatedly come into conflict with people or pets because of guarding behavior.
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Adverse food reactions in dogs are either caused by food allergy – an immune response to something ingested or food intolerance – a non-immunological response to something ingested. Signs of food intolerance are usually only digestive in nature. Food intolerance will generally occur on the initial exposure to the food or food additive in contrast to food allergy which requires repeated exposures to develop. Different causes of food intolerance include food poisoning, or inappropriate ingestion of an irritant, reaction to food additives, histamine reactions, lactose intolerance and dietary indiscretion such as eating fat or bones. A dietary history is important in diagnosing these conditions.
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Fosfomycin is an antimicrobial used to treat multi-drug-resistant bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Fosfomycin comes in granule and compounded liquid suspension forms. Do not use in cats as fosfomycin is nephrotoxic (toxic to the kidneys) in this species.
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Dogs often break their teeth from chewing on bones, antlers, and hard chew toys. There are five classifications of tooth fractures and each needs treatment to avoid tooth sensitivity and pain. Clinical signs include chewing on one side of the mouth, excessive drooling, dropping food while eating, pawing at the mouth, and facial swelling. Your veterinarian may perform a root canal or extract the tooth. Eliminating hard chew toys and treats can prevent tooth fractures.