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Feline Stomatitis is a common and painful problem for many cats. Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral cavity involving the gums, and gingiva. It is most common in purebred cats such as Himalayans and Persians. Cats with stomatitis often have bad breath (halitosis). They also have red and inflamed gums (gingiva). The inflammation can spread from the areas near the teeth to the back of the throat. Eating and swallowing become difficult and painful for many of these cats. Many of these cats develop tooth resorption which looks like the gum growing over the tooth or a hole in the tooth. This is very painful.

There are many causes of feline stomatitis. Here are the most common ones Read the rest of this entry »

Perianal fistula is an inflammatory disease that results in fistulous tracts that form around the anus and sometimes inside the rectum. 85 % of all cases occur in German Shepherd Dogs, but other large breed dogs such as the Irish Setter, Collie and Bulldog are also affected. This condition is seen more frequently in un neutered males. The cause of perianal fistulae is unknown although it is thought to be caused by immune disease or infection. In German Shepherd Dogs, these fistula have been associated with colitis. Clinical signs of this conditions include straining, low tail carriage, rectal discharge, lethargy and weight loss . Diagnosis is made by examination and finding the characteristic lesions. Read the rest of this entry »

Most people are familiar with the pancreas as the organ that produces insulin which regulates blood sugar in animals and people. However, a part of the pancreas also has a function in digestion. This part is called the Exocrine Pancreas. The Exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates. When these pancreatic cells are not functioning well, then the dog or cat can not digest its food. This results in weight loss, diarrhea, increased appetite, large, greasy stools, and a poor hair coat. This conditions is known as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). It is most commonly seen in German Shepherd Dogs. Read the rest of this entry »

Although cats do not get colds, they do suffer from upper respiratory infections. These kind of infections are seen mostly commonly in shelter cats, barn cats and outdoor stray cats. Although any cat can contract these diseases, kittens are at higher risk as their immune systems are not yet developed to fight off disease. Purebred cats such as Persians have a greater problem with chronic upper respiratory tract infections due to their pushed in faces and the fact that due to inbreeding they do not have great immune systems. Read the rest of this entry »

Pet owners frequently complain of age related problems with their older pets. Common complaints are house training issues, memory loss, confusion, disorientation, panting, drooling, wandering, night pacing and other sleep disturbances , obsessive licking and other conditions. These behaviours usually start gradually and many times owners do not notice them until they are quite severe.

How common is this syndrome? Approximately 30 % of all 11 year old dogs have this condition and 100% of all 16 year old dogs are affected. Studies have shown that dogs affected with this condition have amyloid protein deposits in their brains just like those found in the brains of humans with Alzheimer’s Disease. Cognitive dysfunction is also associated with low levels of dopamine –a neurotransmitter– in the brain. Read the rest of this entry »

Treating aggression in cats involves identifying the cause of aggression and tailoring a treatment plan to the type. For inter cat aggression, re-directed and territorial aggression, try to prevent cats that do not like each other from interacting. Have all cats spayed or neutered as this helps prevent fighting. If the cats are all sharing a smaller space you may have to use some things to calm the cats. Conventional treatments would involve using pharmaceuticals like clomipramine to calm the cat. If your cat is on a medication like this, he or she needs to be monitored frequently for liver and kidney issues. Read the rest of this entry »

Aggression in cats is the second most commonly seen behavioural problem of cats. Cat aggression can be very serious because cats have so many weapons, (teeth and 4 sets of claws) and these can inflict serious injuries to humans, dogs or other cats. Cat bites are painful and easily become infected. Cats can also carry the bacteria that causes cat scratch fever in their claws. Cats attacking other cats can cause abscesses that require veterinary attention.

Aggression can be either offensive or defensive in nature. An offensive cat will try to make himself look bigger by stiffening his tail and erecting his fur. A defensive cat will crouch and try to appear smaller. Aggressive signs such as swatting, shrieking and a growling can be either offensive or defensive. These cats mean business! Read the rest of this entry »

Urinary tract infections or bladder problems are the number one reason cats are taken to the veterinarian according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The signs of bladder issues are pretty obvious–the cat urinates in odd places, has pain or straining with urination, licks the genitals excessively, goes frequently to the box, or passes blood or cloudy urine. If you have a male cat and he has the above signs, this could be an emergency. Cats of either sex can develop bladder stones or crystals but in the male cat these stones can cause a urinary obstruction. This means that the cat cannot empty his bladder. If the obstruction is not relieved, the cat could die, so do not fool around with this condition. Seek immediate veterinary attention.

Not all cats with urinary problems have stones, crystals or infections. Read the rest of this entry »

Lick Granulomas or Acral Lick Granulomas as they are called, can be a frustrating and difficult condition to treat. These lick spots are usually on the front or back legs in an area that the dog can reach and lick at constantly. Veterinary dermatologists tell us that these spots always contain bacteria and can be started by medical or behavioural conditions.

So what are the known or suggested causes of these lick spots? Not all spots may be created for the same reasons but here is a list of possible causes. Read the rest of this entry »

We all make New Year’s Resolutions that most of us break within a few weeks of making them! However, I have a list here of New Year’s Resolutions to make involving your pets. I would suggest that you pick a Resolution that you think you can keep for the entire year. You do not necessarily need to try to keep all of them, but pick the one that resonates with you and your pet. Read the rest of this entry »