Arthritis versus Osteoarthritis in Cats

 

Cats often develop some type of joint condition as they grow older. It’s important to monitor your cat’s mobility especially as he grows older and if he is the least bit overweight. Joint conditions that your cat may develop include arthritis and Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). In general, arthritis is the painful inflammation of a cat’s joints. This is not to be confused with Osteoarthritis or DJD, which is a deterioration of the joints completely. Arthritis occurs as the cat ages and can cause a cat to have trouble walking or getting up and down. Your cat may also lose balance and coordination. Age, genetic history, obesity, and past trauma can be a cause of the arthritis. The condition can be diagnosed by the vet after a full physical exam is given. Treatment may include inflammatory medications as well as joint supplements. Ask your vet Murrieta, CA for additional suggestions. Or click here.

Dehydration In Pets

Dehydration in pets is quite common and could become a potentially life-threatening condition. It’s the result of having insufficient water and electrolytes intake or losing too much body fluid. Water is a vital nutrient of the body; hence pets need to have an appropriate amount of water intake every day to stay hydrated and help support body functions. To tell if your pet is dehydrated, check its saliva and its skin. An animal’s mouth can tell a lot about their health. Likewise, checking the gums of your pets can determine if your pet is hydrated or not. Well-hydrated gums will most likely be wet and also moist, while a dehydrated animal will have sticky gums. For skin testing, try pulling the back part of your pet’s neck. If you let go of the skin, it should go back to its original position quickly, this is a sign that your pet is hydrated. If the skin does not go back quickly this may mean that the pet is dehydrated. If your pet is dehydrated, it is important to seek immediate medical advice from your veterinarian Tipp City, OH.

Safety Tips When Using Hamster Balls

Hamster balls are hollow spheres made of clear plastic that allow hamsters to run around inside their cages without the risk of running away or getting lost under furniture. These balls are designed for physical and mental exercise. The balls are made to be two halves that can be joined together. Once the hamster is inside the ball, the hamster’s weight and movements cause the ball to spin. This activity can be enjoyable and stimulating for pet hamsters. On the other hand, inappropriate use of the ball may cause harm to your pets.

Certain preventive measures can be imposed to avoid unwanted events. One important factor in choosing a ball that is appropriate for the size of your pet hamster. The ball must have an ample amount of room inside to play and also stretch its body. Only a single hamster must fit inside the ball, too much space and an additional hamster inside can cause injury or fights. Choose a ball that is light in color to prevent overheating, dark-colored balls entrap more heat inside the ball. One more advantage of light-colored balls is that you can easily monitor your pet inside.

Seeking immediate medical help from your vet Flat Rock NC in case you notice any changes in your pet’s health and behavior.

Diagnosing FeLV in the Himalayan

 

Talk to your vet if you’re concerned about your Himalayan cat’s health and her risks of contracting the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). FeLV virus affects cats only and is not contagious to other animals or people. One of the best ways to fight FeLV is to prevent it with vaccinations and to test your cat routinely to catch it early. The symptoms of FeLV include pale gums, yellow coloring of the mouth and whites of the eyes, enlarged lymph nodes, bladder infections, etc. In order to diagnose your cat your vet will need to administer a simple blood test called ELISA, which can identify the FeLV proteins. This test is very good at identifying FeLV in early stages. A second test known as IFA can be administered to detect the progression of FeLV in infected cats. Consult with your vet clinic Murrieta, CA to better understand FeLV and how it may affect your Himalayan Cat.

Clipping Your Dog's Nails

Do your dog's paws make a clacking sound as he walks across the room? If so, your pup may need his claws clipped.

Overgrown nails may not sound like a huge issue for dogs, but they actually can cause problems. For one thing, they can easily snag and tear on things. This can cause painful rips, and can even lead to infections. Plus, they're simply uncomfortable, just as long toenails are for us. Your dog may adjust his gait a bit to compensate, and he may shift his weight around. This puts a lot of stress on his bones and joints, which can contribute to or aggravate bone/joint issues, such as arthritis.

If you aren't sure how to clip your dog's nails, ask your vet to demonstrate proper techniques. You may find it useful to get a clipper with sensors. You can also contact your veterinary clinic Thorold, ON to schedule an appointment.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used For Dog Ear Infections?

Dogs brought to a veterinary clinic because of an ear infection is relatively common. Dog owners can easily spot or notice signs of an ear infection. However, treating ear infections can prove to be difficult to ensure that there wouldn’t be a recurrence. Outer ear infections can be identified when a dog begins to persistently shake its head and scratch its ears. Dog owners may also note a foul-smelling discharge escaping the dog’s ear, as well as, swelling and redness of the ear. 

Myth: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a remedy for ear infections.

Fact: Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with other ingredients to create an ear-cleaning solution for your pet. The problem with DIY solutions, however, these are not recommended by veterinarians because this may lead to an increased incidence of infection and possible damage to the sensitive ear tissues.

Any sign of an ear problem exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your veterinary clinic Seminole, FL. 

Pet Medication Side Effects

 

Just like humans, pet animals are also at risk of adverse drug reactions. Medications aim to cure an illness or alleviate a health condition. However, it is a fact that drugs can cause undesirable side effects. Among the common possible reactions to pets include allergies, infections, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, weakness, and internal organ damage. Thus, pet owners need to inform their veterinarians about their pet’s medical history, such as previous illnesses and hospitalizations. Information on drugs or supplements the pet is consuming would be helpful as well before the veterinarian prescribes any new medications. It is necessary that pet owners not use the same medicines for several pets, as each pet has different body conditions. Pet owners should also ensure to give the pet the right dose. A veterinarian Marietta, GA should see the pet for diagnosis once an owner considers the pet displays signs of adverse reaction to a new medication. Visit this website for more information.