Educational Articles
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Pulmonary hypertension means that the peak blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is much higher than normal. Several abnormalities can lead to high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and many of the underlying reasons involve the heart. There are many signs of pulmonary hypertension including exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing with or without exertion/exercise, rapid breathing, coughing, spitting up blood from the lungs, fainting, and more. There are many potential causes of pulmonary hypertension. Several medications are available to treat your dog. It is important to maintain a low-stress environment while any underlying cardiac or respiratory disease is treated and managed. Activity may need to be restricted. It is essential to monitor dogs with pulmonary hypertension for worsening of clinical signs. Periodic physical examinations, blood pressure monitoring, and ultrasound evaluations of the heart will also be important. The long-term prognosis is very guarded for dogs with pulmonary hypertension.
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Life with puppies is complicated, and all puppies will sometimes do things their owners find problematic. Using management, planning, supervision, and positive reinforcement for the right behaviors will help puppies succeed, and owners better enjoy their companions.
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Pyothorax occurs when pus or inflammatory fluids collect in the space around the lungs causing fever, anorexia, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. It is diagnosed through history, physical exam, radiographs, and thoracocentesis. Treatment with oral antibiotics is essential and may involve repeated thoracocentesis or the placement of a chest drain.
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Radiation is a type of energy produced naturally by the sun, earth, and rocks and artificially by machines. Although several types of tumors can be treated with radiation therapy alone (e.g., nasal tumors, brain tumors, and certain types of lymphoma), radiation therapy is most commonly used to destroy or limit the growth of cancer cells left behind (i.e., microscopic disease) after a tumor has been surgically removed. Side effects depend on the type and location of the tumor and its surrounding tissues.
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A RAST test, or radioallergosorbent test, is a blood test that can be used to determine which allergens are causing a pet's allergies. This test is often performed as part of the workup for atopic dermatitis in dogs. The results of allergy testing are typically used to develop a hyposensitization plan for your dog, which helps desensitize your dog to allergens. Many dogs treated with hyposensitization, formulated on the basis of RAST results, experience a significant reduction in the signs of allergic dermatitis.
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A recessed vulva, also referred to as a juvenile or hypoplastic vulva, is a conformational issue that occurs in female dogs. In this condition, the vulva is recessed within, or partially hidden by, surrounding folds of skin. Some dogs might have a recessed vulva for their entire life without ever experiencing any visible effects. In other dogs, however, a recessed vulva can predispose them to vaginitis and/or urinary tract infections. Depending on the severity of your dog’s clinical signs, medical or surgical options may be used to treat this condition.
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Congratulations on the addition of a new puppy to your family! This handout provides general care advice for your puppy, including nutrition, play and chewing behavior, housetraining, socialization, nail trimming, and basic first aid.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is spread by various species of ticks and is not confined just to the Rocky Mountain regions of North America. Clinical signs can be non-specific and affect multiple body systems. Early diagnosis and treatment give the best prognosis for recovery after treatment with antibiotics. Prevention of tick bites and prompt removal of ticks is important.
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Round cell tumors are among the most common skin tumors in dogs, and they typically form just under the skin, although they may change the surface of the skin above them. It is impossible to diagnose any of them without a veterinary pathologist analyzing a tissue sample of the tumor under a microscope. If detected early, most round cell tumors can be easily removed.
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Dogs can be great running partners. They are always available, they have energy to burn, and they aren't in a bad mood from a stressful day at work. Plus, approximately 50% of American dogs are overweight and need to work off a few calories.