Related Articles to Geriatric Pets
-
Most cats are considered geriatric by the age of 12 years. This is highly variable depending upon the lifestyle of the cat. For example, neutered/spayed indoor cats tend to live longer than sexually intact outdoor cats. Read more...
-
Arthritis can affect dogs and cats of any age, although we frequently think of it as a disease of the geriatric animal. There is still no cure, but veterinarians are able to offer a variety of treatment choices to allow our pets to live a fairly active and comfortable life. Read more...
-
Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by a deficiency of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produce by a certain cell in the pancreas, and is necessary for the body tissues to use to absorb blood sugar. Imagine insulin as the key that unlocks the door to each cell that allows glucose to enter the cell. Read more...
-
Diabetes is a problem primarily of middle-aged and older cats. Male cats get the disease about twice as frequently as females, and the typical feline diabetes patient is overweight - although unchecked diabetes will cause weight loss over time. One of the first symptoms noticed is often excessive drinking. Read more...
-
Every year, by some estimates, about 10,000 dogs and cats are victims of accidental poisoning by automobile antifreeze. A pet does not have to drink a lot of antifreeze to be poisoned. Most brands of commercial antifreeze consist of 95 percent ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical. Read more...
-
Kidney failure is one of the most common causes of death in dogs. It is usually of the chronic kind, which builds up over time but only causes symptoms when the reserve capacity of the kidneys is exceeded. Kidney failure can also be sudden onset, if a toxin such as antifreeze is ingested. Read more...
-
Kidney failure is one of the most common causes of death in cats. While it is generally non curable, there are medications and diets available that can significantly extend life expectancy for many of these cats. Read more...
-
Despite many years of selective breeding, hip dysplasia remains one of the commonest orthopaedic diseases of dogs. Hip dysplasia is a developmental disease that can start within the first few weeks of life. Read more...
-
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a disease of the hip joints of young miniature and toy breeds of dogs, most often in Poodles, Yorkies, Lakeland terriers, west Highland white terriers, Jack Russell terriers and miniature pinchers just to name a few. It invariably requires surgical treatment. Read more...
-
Lyme Disease is a disease caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease can affect dogs, cats, horses, cattle, birds, wild animals, and people. White-tailed deer and white-footed mice appear to be natural carriers. Read more...
-
Does your dog suffer from arthritis or any other painful condition? If so, chances are your veterinarian will have prescribed NSAID painkillers to make your beloved pet more comfortable. However, many owners are starting to realise that they can buy the exact same drugs online, for far cheaper. Read more...
-
Hyperthyroidism (also called thyrotoxicosis) is one of the most common diseases of the middle-aged and older cat. It is a multi-system disorder caused by an increase in the amount of thyroid hormones (called T3 and T4) produced by an enlarged thyroid gland. Read more...
-
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and plays an important role in regulating the body’s rate of metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in the metabolic rate. Read more...
-
When a pet requires surgery, often the owner's first concern is the idea of anesthesia. We as veterinarians are very sensitive to your apprehensions and concerns. Although, anesthetic protocols have become considerably safer and much easier to both administer, we are very respectful of these medications. Read more...
-
Though relatively uncommon, a brain tumor has always made a grim prognosis for any unfortunate animal that is diagnosed with one. Here we discuss the different types of brain tumor that affect dogs and cats, the clinical investigations that can be performed, the treatments available and the likely outcomes. Read more...
-
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is difficult to diagnose. This is because cats with pancreatitis show signs that are not specific. The most common symptoms reported with pancreatitis are lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Read more...
-
Patellar luxation is a dislocation of the knee cap either toward the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the leg. The patella and its ligament normally rides in a trough or trochlear groove in the center of the leg (femur). It is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities in dogs. Read more...
Ask a Question
Do you have a pet question you need answering?
Popular Articles
Flystrike in Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
Flystrike is a horrible illness that can cause terrible pain and distress to an animal and can even lead to death. However, there are simple, easy steps you can take to help... Read More »
Skin lumps are very common in dogs. There are a whole range of possible scenarios that can present as a lump on the skin. Tumors are probably the most common of these, but two... Read More »
Primary lung tumors in cats are a commonly misdiagnosed disease. This is because the early stages can appear very similar to feline asthma, a common and non life threatening... Read More »
Bathing or showering you parrot is an important part of its hygiene routine. Having a bird bath in our gardens invites several species of bird to the area for a bath... Read More »
Legg Calve Perthes Disease in Dogs
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a disease of the hip joints of young miniature and toy breeds of dogs, most often in Poodles, Yorkies, Lakeland terriers, west Highland... Read More »
