Educational Articles
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Staph (or staphylococcal) dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that the skin caused by a group of bacteria called Staphylococcus. Any disorder that causes itching or a change in the skin’s environment can create the ideal conditions to allow Staphylococcus to become a problem. This handout discusses Staphylococcus dermatitis in dogs, as well as a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to this bacteria. The clinical signs of these conditions, along with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are outlined.
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Strokes are rare in cats. Some causes include a blood clot such as a thrombus or embolus that lodges in a cerebral blood vessel, cerebral bleeding from trauma, or a blood clotting disorder; however, the cause is often unknown. Signs of a stroke are variable depending on the regions of the brain affected and the degree and duration of blood and oxygen deprivation. Magnetic resonance imaging is the ideal diagnostic test for diagnosing a stroke. Treatment is complex and there is no guarantee of complete success. Your veterinarian will help you assess progress and plan remedial action.
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Strokes are rare in dogs. Some causes include a blood clot such as a thrombus or embolus that lodges in a cerebral blood vessel, cerebral bleeding from trauma, or a blood clotting disorder; however, the cause is often unknown. Signs of a stroke are variable depending on the regions of the brain affected and the degree and duration of blood and oxygen deprivation. Magnetic resonance imaging is the ideal diagnostic test for diagnosing a stroke. Treatment is complex and there is no guarantee of complete success. Your veterinarian will help you assess progress and plan remedial action.
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Struvite bladder stones are one of the most common bladder stones in cats. In some cats, struvite bladder stones form because of a urinary tract infection. Signs of bladder stones typically include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside of the litterbox. If your cat is having urinary issues, your veterinarian will first recommend a urinalysis. Blood tests, abdominal X-rays, and ultrasound may also be recommended. Medical dissolution and surgical removal are two categories of treatment. Cats who have developed struvite bladder stones are likely to experience a recurrence later in life, unless the conditions that led to the formation of stones can be corrected.
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Struvite bladder stones are one of the more common bladder stones found in dogs. Struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection caused by bacteria, and if the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated and acidic. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are blood in the urine (hematuria) and straining to urinate (dysuria). There are three primary treatment strategies for struvite bladder stones: 1) feeding a special diet to dissolve the stone(s), 2) non-surgical removal by urohydropropulsion (flushing out the stones) and 3) surgical removal. Dogs that have experienced struvite bladder stones will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life.
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Stud tail, or tail gland hyperplasia, is a condition in which the oil glands near the base of the tail enlarge. This condition causes hair loss, excess accumulation of oils in the skin and on the fur, plugged hair follicles, and secondary infections. It is more prevalent in intact male cats, as these glands are under hormonal control, but any cat can be affected. Poor grooming can be the underlying issue in many cats. Other hormonal imbalances and skin disorders are less common causes. Prognosis is generally good, especially if the underlying cause can be identified and controlled.
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Stud tail, or tail gland hyperplasia, is a condition in which the oil glands near the base of the tail enlarge. This condition causes hair loss, excess accumulation of oils in the skin and on the fur, plugged hair follicles, and secondary infections. It is most common in intact male dogs, as these glands are under hormonal control, but any dog can be affected. Other hormonal imbalances and skin disorders can also cause this problem. Prognosis is generally good, especially if the underlying cause can be identified and controlled.
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Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) causes blindness in older dogs, most often females. The underlying cause of SARDS is unknown and there is no effective treatment for the condition. This handout explains the clinical signs observed in affected dogs, how the condition is diagnosed, and how to support a dog with SARDS.
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Sugar gliders have become popular pets over the last decade. There are several well-known diseases or conditions that owners of sugar gliders should be aware of. Tooth decay from tartar build-up can lead to tooth root abscesses. Improper diets can lead to low blood calcium, obesity, and tooth decay. Intestinal problems may be caused by an improper diet, a bacterial infection, or a flagellated protozoal infection. It is essential to consult a veterinarian familiar with sugar gliders to select a proper diet and keep your sugar glider healthy.
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Syncope (or fainting) is defined as a temporary loss of consciousness that occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Most dogs who experience syncope spontaneously recover once appropriate levels of oxygen reach the brain.