Educational Articles
-
An aortic thromboembolism (ATE) results when a blood clot is dislodged and travels through the aorta, becoming lodged in a distant location. This clot causes severely reduced blood flow to the tissues receiving blood from that section of the aorta, leading to decreased oxygen in the tissues. Aortic thromboembolism is a rare occurrence in dogs and can be associated with endocarditis, cancer, sepsis, hyperadrenocorticism, and increased protein loss through diseased kidneys. This article outlines clinical signs, treatment, monitoring, and prognosis for dogs with this condition.
-
Arsenic poisoning is the accidental ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of products containing a toxic dose of arsenic. Clinical signs can include abdominal pain, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, weakness, rapid weak pulse, lethargy, low body temperature, collapse, and death. Supportive therapy is a crucial part of treating arsenic poisoning.
-
Aspirin is a commonly used, over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is used to treat fever, pain, swelling, and clotting disorders in humans. Aspirin poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of aspirin, either through misuse or accidentally. Cats are especially sensitive to aspirin and salicylates, and as a result are more vulnerable to poisoning than dogs. High doses may damage major organs like the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
-
Aspirin is a commonly used, over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is used to treat fever, pain, inflammation (swelling), and clotting disorders in humans. Aspirin poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of aspirin, either through misuse or accidentally. High doses may damage major organs like the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
-
Atrial fibrillation describes very rapid contractions or twitching of the heart muscle, specifically in the atria. Most of the time, atrial fibrillation in cats occurs secondary to heart disease. Sometimes, in large breed cats, atrial fibrillation will occur as a primary heart problem. Most cats who develop atrial fibrillation have underlying heart disease, so the signs that are observed are often related to that underlying condition, and may include exercise intolerance, cough, or difficulty breathing. Treatment varies depending on whether the pet has primary or secondary atrial fibrillation. Your cat will need to be monitored on a regular basis.
-
Behavioral health medications are used in animals and humans. They include antidepressants, atypical antidepressants, antipsychotics, and amphetamines. Dogs and cats often require lower doses of these medications than humans and are sensitive to overdoses. As such, when a dog or cat gets into human doses of these medications or a pill vial of their own medication, behavioral health medication poisoning can occur.
-
Blood feathers are a normal maturation process for all feathers on birds. When feathers first erupt from the skin they contain blood. Injury to the feather as it grows may cause the blood feather to become broken causing blood loss that at times may require emergency treatment by an avian veterinarian.
-
This handout summarizes the possible reactions a cat may experience when receiving a blood transfusion. Many transfusion reactions occur acutely, within seconds of starting the transfusion up to 48 hours post-transfusion. The clinical signs and treatment protocols both vary based on the type of reaction. Prior to a blood transfusion, your veterinarian may perform tests to help ensure that the donor blood is a good match for your cat.
-
This handout summarizes the possible reactions a dog may experience when receiving a blood transfusion. Many transfusion reactions occur acutely, within seconds of starting the transfusion up to 48 hours post-transfusion. The clinical signs and treatment protocols both vary based on the type of reaction. Prior to a blood transfusion, your veterinarian may perform tests to help ensure that the donor blood is a good match for your dog.
-
Cats are exposed to botulism by eating raw meat or dead animals containing botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Botulism causes ascending paralysis of the nervous system. Clinical signs are reviewed as well as diagnostic tests and treatment. Prognosis is guarded depending on the amount of toxin ingested and the degree of supportive care available. There is no vaccine.