Health Issues

Controlling Fleas Infestations

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 11:05am by nwseed

 

Fleas do not generally live on your pet but jump onto him when the flea is hungry and will bite your pet for a blood meal. You will find fleas living and laying eggs in your carpets, furniture, drapes, pet bedding and outdoors in the lawn and gardens.

Because the flea can generally be found anywhere around the house controlling flea infestation requires a continuous effort on the pet owners part. No longer is just a can of flea powder or flea collar a totally effective way of eliminating fleas on the pet. The pet owner must initiate a total flea control program. To have an effective flea control program one must break the 3 week life cycle of the flea. This is accomplished by repeated insecticidal treatments using the appropriate insecticides in the following 3 areas. 

1 . Direct insecticidal application on the pet. 
    (powders, insect shampoos, insecticidal rinses)

2. Indoor insecticide application.
    (indoor foggers, sprays)

3. Outdoor yard application.
    (premise spray)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gastoenteritis

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 10:55am by nwseed

(This information is provided to help you learn about the disease and is not intended to take place of a Veterinarians recommendation.)
 

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach; enteritis is inflammation of the intestinal tract. Consequently, gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Although these conditions involve separate portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, one seldom occurs without the other being present also.

 

SIGNS OF GASTROENTERITIS

 

The two most significant signs associated with gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhea. Vomiting is normally preceded by a period of nausea, with licking, salivation or repeated attempts at swallowing. This period is followed by retching and forceful vomiting. Other clinical signs include belching, increased thirst and increased water consumption. These clinical signs may be followed by a craving for unnatural articles of food such as dirt, house plants or grass. Later in this syndrome, the vomited material and diarrhea may contain blood resulting from increased irritation in the GI system. The fluid loss associated with the vomiting and diarrhea may result in dehydration. Your pet may also exhibit extreme abdominal tenderness.

LIVER (hepatic) DISEASE

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 10:42am by nwseed

(This information is provided to help you learn about the disease and is not intended to take place of a Veterinarians recommendation.)

 

The liver is the largest gland in the body and serves many complex functions. Because of its key role in many metabolic processes, the liver is subject to damage by a wide variety of diseases.

 

Liver disease is any destructive or metabolic disorder involving the liver and is not limited to any particular age or breed.

 

The knowledge of liver diseases in dogs and cats has increased significantly in the last several years and great advances in liver therapy have been made.

Pancreatitis

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 10:36am by nwseed

(This information is provided to help you learn about the disease and is not intended to take place of a Veterinarians recommendation.)

 

Pancreatic disorders occur frequently in the dog and cat. The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that produces enzymes which aid in the digestion of food. It also produces some hormones such as insulin which are secreted into the blood. If, because of injury or disease, these digestive enzymes become activated within the pancreas before they are released, they will begin digesting the pancreas itself. This self-digestion cause’s severe inflammation called Pancreatitis which is associated with pain and tenderness of the abdomen. Pancreatitis is usually classified as either acute (occurs suddenly) or chronic (an ongoing condition).
 

Feline Urologic Synd

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 10:28am by nwseed

(This information is provided to help you learn about the disease and is not intended to take place of a Veterinarians recommendation.)

 

FUS is the clinical condition that occurs as a result of cystitis and/or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). It is characterized by the frequent passing of often-times bloody urine, or partial to complete obstruction of the urinary tract.

 

 

 

SIGNS OF FELINE UROLOGIC SYNDROME

 

Because FUS is a very serious disease that can be fatal to a cat if left untreated, you need to be aware if any of its signs occur in your pet.

 

Most signs of FUS result from irritation of the urinary tract. Be suspicious if your cat shows prolonged squatting and straining when urinating, attempts to urinate more frequently than normal, urinates in unusual locations, has a painful abdomen if touched, or has bloody urine.

 

FUS can also cause your pet to lose its appetite, act sluggish, or begin vomiting, especially if urine flow is blocked.