Health Issues

Diabetes Mellitus

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 11:47am by nwseed

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

 

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine disorder that occurs in dogs and cats. It is characterized by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and results when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the animal's requirements.

 

Insulin is a hormone which is needed to transport glucose (blood sugar) as well as certain amino acids and minerals through the blood to energy producing cells. When a lack of insulin occurs, glucose cannot move into the cells and the glucose level in the blood rises to abnormally high levels.

Pancreatitis

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 11:45am 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).
 

 

SIGNS OF PANCREATITIS

 

The signs of pancreatitis usually occur suddenly in dogs and cats. You'll need to be aware of the signs so you can get treatment for your pet as soon as possible. A pet with pancreatitis will exhibit some or all of the following signs: lack of appetite, frequent vomiting and diarrhea which may contain blood. A pet may also drink more water than usual and vomit it soon after consumption. Weakness, inability to walk and abdominal tenderness or pain may be present. Body temperature will vary in pets with pancreatitis, but usually the temperature will be higher than normal at the onset of the disease and then fall to below normal as the condition continues. The eyes may become sunken, and the mouth and eyes may become very dry, indicating dehydration. These signs are not unique to pancreatitis; therefore your veterinarian may recommend tests to differentiate pancreatitis from other diseases.

LIVER (hepatic) DISEASE

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 11:40am 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.

A Healthy Older Pet

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 11:36am by nwseed

For most of us, few things in life are as satisfying as the loving companionship our pets provide us. By now, your older pet has become a real member of the family, and with proper care, can live many more happy, healthy years.

YOUR OLDER PET

 

The aging process brings about a gradual reduction in your pet's physical capabilities. While dogs and cats begin to undergo these changes starting at about age five to seven years, different pets will show the various signs of growing old at different rates. The best time to recognize your pet's "senior" status and need for extra TLC is long before advanced disabilities are apparent. To increase the length and quality of your pet's life, it is important to begin a process of Risk Factor Management involving both you and your veterinarian. Risk Factors are characteristics of your pet's background, environment or life style which put him or her at greater risk of developing various diseases or old-age changes. Some of these factors cannot be controlled, like the inherited predisposition of some breeds to certain diseases. Others however, like activity level, living conditions, quality of medical care, and level of nutrition, are all risk factors which a pet owner can control. The extent to which such factors are managed to increase the pet's comfort and continued good health will help to determine the quality and quantity of your pet's life. Your veterinarian can help you make a list of your particular dog or cat's "risk factors" so you can begin to manage some or all of them.

Diarrhrea

Posted Wed, 12/09/2009 - 11:35am by nwseed

(This information is to help you understand this condition, the causes and treatments, and how to care for a pet with Diarrhea.  For complete and proper care please consult your veterinarian.)

 

Diarrhea is not a disease, but is a condition which can be caused by many diseases. This condition represents a dysfunction in the normal process of defecation.

 

 

SIGNS OF DIARRHEA

 

Diarrhea in a dog or cat is characterized by abnormally frequent, watery stools. Clinical signs associated with diarrhea include frequency of evacuation of loose feces which results in an increase in the volume of feces passed. The diarrhea feces contains not only increased amounts of water and electrolytes, but may also contain mucus, blood, fat or undigested food.

 

Diarrhea can originate from the small intestine or the large intestine (colitis) and is further sub-classified as acute (sudden onset of brief duration) or chronic (long-term).  This brochure will be limited to a discussion of small intestinal diarrheas.)