Animal Health

“Our goal is to promote animal welfare for all terrestrial and aquatic animals…”

Along with the suffering of animals themselves, animal diseases devastate some of the world’s poorest communities and damage international trade. Preventing and controlling diseases grows economies, bolsters local communities, and improves the health of vulnerable populations, especially the young and elderly. What’s more, securing a safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply at a time of rapidly increasing population depends on healthy, productive animals.

What To Do for Cats That Lick Too Much

What To Do for Cats That Lick Too Much If your cat is licking excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention. Here are some steps you can take to address the problem: Rule out medical causes Excessive licking can be triggered by medical conditions such as allergies, skin infections, parasites, or pain. It’s essential to take your cat to a veterinarian for a thorough examination to rule out any underlying health problems. The vet may recommend diagnostic tests or prescribe medication if necessary. Provide mental and physical stimulation Cats may over-groom due...

Dog Anxiety Awareness

Dog Anxiety Awareness Dog anxiety is a common condition that affects many dogs, and it’s important to raise awareness about this issue. Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety and stress in various situations. Understanding and addressing dog anxiety can significantly improve their well-being and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Here are some key points to raise awareness about dog anxiety: What is dog anxiety? Dog anxiety refers to excessive fear, stress, or unease experienced by dogs in response to specific triggers or general situations. Common triggers include loud noises (thunderstorms or fireworks), separation from...

Ebstein’s Anomaly

Ebstein’s Anomaly Ebstein’s Anomaly is an atrialization of the right ventricle—an apical displacement of the tricuspid valve complex into the right ventricle. Accompanied by various degrees of tricuspid insufficiency or stenosis. Major pathophysiology is related to the degree of tricuspid insufficiency or stenosis. An abnormal accessory pathway may lead to supraventricular tachycardias. SIGNALMENT Very rare—occasionally encountered in dogs and cats. No breed or sex predilection. Murmur auscultated at a young age, though can be very difficult to auscult with stenosis. SIGNS Animals with mild tricuspid insufficiency or stenosis are asymptomatic. Animals with moderate insufficiency or stenosis are often exercised...

Discospondylitis

Discospondylitis Discospondylitis Is a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebral bodies. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Hematogenous spread of bacterial or fungal organisms—most common cause. Neurologic dysfunction—may occur; usually the result of spinal cord compression caused by proliferation of bone and fibrous tissue; less commonly owing to luxation or pathologic fracture of the spine, epidural abscess, or extension of infection to the meninges and spinal cord. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Musculoskeletal—infection and inflammation of the spine Nervous—compression of the spinal cord GENETICS No definite predisposition identified. An inherited immunodeficiency has been detected in a few cases. INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE...

Diaphragmatic Hernia

Diaphragmatic Hernia Protrusion of an abdominal organ through an abnormal opening in the diaphragm either as an acquired injury or as a congenital defect. Traumatic—most common acquired cause; usually the result of automobile trauma but also any forceful blow; sudden increase of pressure results in an abdominal-thoracic pressure gradient, causing a tear in the diaphragm, usually at a muscular portion. Congenital—pleuroperitoneal or peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH); may note other congenital defects (e.g., umbilical hernia, cranioventral abdominal wall defects, cryptorchidism, cleft palate,ventricular septal defect, aortic stenosis, and portosystemic shunting). Impaired lung expansion—because of lack of lung contact with parietal pleura....

Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Insipidus Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a disorder of water metabolism characterized by polyuria, urine of low specific gravity or osmolality (so-called insipid, or tasteless, urine), and polydipsia. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Central DI—deficiency in the secretion of ADH Nephrogenic DI—renal insensitivity to ADH SYSTEMS AFFECTED Endocrine/Metabolic Renal/Urologic INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE Central DI—rare Nephrogenic—rare SIGNALMENT Species Dog and cat Breed Predilections None Mean Age and Range Congenital forms < 1 year Acquired forms (e.g., neoplastic, traumatic, and idiopathic), any age Predominant Sex None SIGNS Polyuria Polydipsia Incontinence—occasional CAUSES Inadequate Secretion of ADH Congenital defect Idiopathic...

EAR CYTOLOGY

EAR CYTOLOGY Ear cytology is one of the most important investigative steps in all cases of otitis externa and lends itself well to input from the veterinary nurse. Stained and unstained samples are useful to assess the ear for the presence respectively of bacterial and yeast pathogens and ectoparasites. Sample collection can be easily achieved in the conscious dog and only a minimal amount of equipment is needed to take and interpret good samples. While the color, appearance and odor of an otic discharge can give strong clues as to the presence of and type of infection, visual inspection of...

PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP)

PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP) PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FUTURE EXPOSURE TO RABIES THROUGH This vaccination acts as the patient’s prevention against rabies as it is given before any possible exposure. It is also recommended for travelers who are living or will visit areas where dogs or rabies virus are common. What is pre-exposure (Pre-EP) rabies vaccination? Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is a way to protect a person from getting rabies before they come in contact with a rabid animal. Two types of rabies vaccines are licensed for pre-exposure in the US; both are equally safe and produce an antibody response against...

Hiatal Hernia in Dogs

Hiatal Hernia Hiatal hernias, also known as diaphragmatic hernias, form at the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm where the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach) joins the stomach. OVERVIEW Hiatal herniation – when abdominal contents (most commonly the stomach), herniate cranial to the diaphragm into the thorax through the esophageal hiatus. Four types of hernia have been described: Type I (sliding hiatal hernia; most common) Type II (paraesophageal hiatal hernia) Type III (includes elements of both type I and II) Type IV (herniation of organs other than the stomach) Congenital and acquired Hiatal hernias have...

Myiasis (Maggots) in Dogs

Myiasis (Maggots) in Dogs Myiasis is an infestation of fly maggots or grubs on another living thing. This is more common in the warm summer months when flies are laying their eggs, and is much more prominent in hot, humid environments. Dogs with festering wounds, chronic skin problems, incontinence or mobility impairment issues are more likely to develop this disease. This is a serious condition and the removal of the maggots or grubs should be handled by a veterinary professional in order to avoid the release of dangerous enzymes and toxins into the dog’s bloodstream. Myiasis is the medical...

Osteoarthritis a.k.a. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) in Cats

Is Your Cat Slowing Down? Know more about Osteoarthritis, otherwise known as a degenerative joint disease (DJD) At the age of 12, your cat seems to be slowing down a bit, and that could be perfectly normal. After all, a cat of her age—equivalent to the age of 65 or so in a human—has been living a full life and deserves to take it easy on herself. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to have the animal checked out by your veterinarian. It’s quite possible that her diminished activity is a consequence not of her advancing age but of debilitating...

Lens Luxation

Lens Luxation Total dislocation of the lens from its normal location. Anterior—forward displacement through the pupil into the anterior chamber. Posterior—backward displacement into the vitreous. Occurs when the lens capsule separates 360° from the zonules that hold the lens in place. Subluxation—partial separation of the lens from its zonular attachments; the lens remains in a normal or near-normal position in the pupil. Primary (hereditary) luxation—due to a gradual zonular breakdown; usually inherited in dogs; often bilateral. Congenital luxation—often associated with other congenital anomalies. Secondary luxation—due to chronic inflammation, buphthalmia, intraocular neoplasia, senile zonular degeneration or trauma. SIGNALMENT Primary—usually...

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis The signs of Leishmaniasis reflect the distribution of the parasite. They commonly include skin problems (especially around the head and pressure points), enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, eye problems, weight loss, lethargy, reduced appetite, nose bleeds, and vomiting and diarrhea. Cats – often localize in skin. Dogs – invariably develop the visceral disease; renal failure is the most common cause of death. Incubation period—1 month to several years. SIGNALMENT Dogs – virtually all develop visceral (systemic), disease; 90% also have cutaneous involvement; no sex or breed predilection. Cats – cutaneous disease (rare); no sex or breed...

Congestive Heart Failure, Left-Sided

Congestive Heart Failure, Left-Sided Failure of the left side of the heart to advance blood at a sufficient rate to meet the metabolic needs of the patient or to prevent blood from pooling within the pulmonary venous circulation. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Low cardiac output causes lethargy, exercise intolerance, syncope, and prerenal azotemia. High hydrostatic pulmonary venous pressure causes leakage of fluid from pulmonary venous circulation into pulmonary interstitium and alveoli. When fluid leakage exceeds ability of lymphatics to drain the affected areas, pulmonary edema develops. SYSTEMS AFFECTED All organ systems can be affected by poor perfusion. Respiratory increased rate and...

Factors in Dog Bite-Related Fatalities (DBRFs)

Factors in Dog Bite-Related Fatalities (DBRFs) There are a variety of factors, all having to do with how owners chose to live with and care for their pets that can prevent dog bite-related fatalities. “Prevention is key in eliminating rabies disease, 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans are from dogs. Be a responsible pet owner and vaccinate your pets. This is the most cost-effective strategy to prevent rabies,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said in a statemen Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Parasite control and veterinary care are also...

How Do Dogs Get Rabies?

How Do Dogs Get Rabies? Rabies is secreted through saliva then passes to canines through a bite from an infected animal. They can also become infected if they have a scratch or open wound that’s exposed to contaminated saliva. Once the rabies virus enters the body, it travels to the brain and attacks the nervous system. Rabies is an incurable virus that attacks the brain and spinal cord. While it’s preventable and even treatable if caught early on, once the symptoms of rabies appear, the virus is fatal. What’s The Incubation Period? The incubation period (the time from initial exposure...

Home Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Home Safety Tips for Pet Owners A home should be a safe and comfortable retreat for every member of the household — and that includes any four-legged ones that share this space as well. If you love your pet enough to invest in their care in so many ways, you shouldn’t let the space they spend their days be the thing that could cause them harm. Here are some safety tips you can do at home, keeping your pet safe is part of your responsibility as a pet parent: Common house hazards that every you should know about: Insecticides Batteries...

TASTY TIPS WHEN CHOOSING FOOD FOR YOUR PUPPIES

TASTY TIPS WHEN CHOOSING FOOD FOR YOUR PUPPIES Puppies require proper nutrition as too much or too little of this can cause problems and choosing the right diet for your puppy can be an overwhelming task. Here are helpful tasty tips that can help you! There’s a bewildering range of diets out there. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the best one for your dog. Where to Buy Specialist pet stores and vets can provide expert, independent advice on feeding based on your dog’s age, breed size, and any noticeable sensitivities. Look for Quality Check out the ingredients list to...

Perineal Hernia

Polyphagia

Pyometra

Pyuria

Renal Failure

Respiratory Parasites

Retained Placenta

Retinal Degeneration

Retinal Detachment

Retinal Hemorrhage

Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Rotavirus Infections

Seizures in Pet

Spay Neuter

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Stomatitis

Sunburn

Tick Paralysis

Urinary Incontinence

Urolithiasis

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Tumors

Vasculitis, Cutaneous

Vestibular Disease, Idiopathic

Vitamin D Toxicosis

What is the Right Food for Your Puppy

What to Look For in a Puppy Diet

Why Your Dog Needs Animal Protein

Xylitol Toxicosis

Zinc Toxicosis

Abscessation

Blepharitis

Aural Hematoma

Anorexia

Acne Canine

Brain Injury

Blood Parasites in Pets

Blepharitis

Blastomycosis

Battery Toxicosis

Aural Hematoma

Anorexia

Acral Lick Dermatitis

Amoebiasis

Aggression Toward Children

Aggression

Acute Diarrhea

Acne Feline

Congestive Heart Failure, Right-Sided

Congestive Heart Failure, Right-Sided Failure of the right side of the heart to advance blood at a sufficient rate to meet the metabolic needs of the patient or to prevent blood from pooling within the systemic venous circulation. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY High hydrostatic pressure leads to leakage of fluid from venous circulation into the pleural and peritoneal space and potentially into the pericardium and interstitium of peripheral tissue. When fluid leakage exceeds the ability of lymphatics to drain the affected areas, pleural effusion, ascites, pericardial effusion, and peripheral edema develop. SYSTEMS AFFECTED All organ systems can be affected by either...

Renal Tubular Acidosis

Renal Tubular Acidosis Renal Tubular Acidosis – a syndrome characterized by hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis due either to decreased bicarbonate reabsorption from the proximal renal tubule (proximal or type 2 RTA) or decreased hydrogen ion secretion in the distal tubule (distal, classic or type 1 RTA) in patients with normal or near normal glomerular filtration rate and absence of diarrhea. Aldosterone deficiency or resistance can cause type 4 distal RTA leading to hyperkalemia. Proximal RTA has not been documented as an isolated entity in dogs but has been observed as part of Fanconi syndrome. The following discussion is limited to...

Papillomatosis

Papillomatosis OVERVIEW Cutaneous mucous membrane lesions of dogs and cats caused by various papilloma viruses. Dogs: oral papillomatosis, venereal papillomatosis, exophytic cutaneous papillomas, cutaneous inverted papillomas, multiple papillomas of the footpad, canine pigmented viral plaques. Cats: feline cutaneous papillomas, feline cutaneous fibropapillomas (feline sarcoids), feline viral plaques. Viral plaques may progress to BISC, SCC or invasive carcinoma. SIGNALMENT Dogs Puppies and young adult dogs—oral papillomatosis, venereal papillomatosis, multiple papillomas of the footpad, cutaneous inverted papillomas, canine pigmented viral plaques (breed predisposition). Older dogs—exophytic cutaneous papillomas, cutaneous inverted papillomas. Miniature schnauzers and pugs—pigmented viral plaques; associated with immunosuppression...

Panting and Tachypnea

Panting and Tachypnea DEFINITION Tachypnea—increased respiratory rate. Panting—rapid, shallow, open-mouth breathing that is usually not associated with gas exchange issues. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Respiratory rate, rhythm, and effort are controlled by the respiratory center in the brainstem in response to numerous afferent pathways, both central and peripheral in origin. These include the cerebral cortex, central chemoreceptors, peripheral chemoreceptors, stimulation of mechanoreceptors in the airways that sense lung inflation and deflation, stimulation of irritant receptors of the airways, stimulation of C-fibers in the alveoli and pulmonary blood vessels that sense interstitial congestion, and baroreceptors that sense changes in blood pressure. Tachypnea and...

Panosteitis

Panosteitis DEFINITION A self-limiting, painful condition affecting one or more of the long bones of young, medium- to large-breed dogs that is characterized clinically by lameness and radiographically by high density of the marrow cavity. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Cause unknown. Attempts to isolate microorganisms have failed. Metabolic, allergic, or endocrine aberrations—without support. Pain—may owe to the disturbance of endosteal and periosteal elements, vascular congestion, or high intramedullary pressure. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Musculoskeletal—lameness of variable intensity; may affect a single limb or become a shifting leg lameness. GENETICS No proven transmission. Predominance of German shepherds in the affected population strongly suggests...

Panniculitis/Steatitis

Panniculitis /Steatitis Panniculitis is a term that describes inflammation of the fat-containing tissues just under the skin. An uncommon condition, it’s been identified as a problem in dogs when bacteria, fungi or other organisms infect this area SYSTEMS AFFECTED Skin/Exocrine SIGNALMENT Species Steatitis—predominantly cats, but can occur in dogs with concurrent diseases. Mean Age and Range Panniculitis—any age. Steatitis—young to middle-aged cats; older dogs. SIGNS Uncommon in dogs and cats. Single or multiple subcutaneous nodules or draining tracts. May be painful and fluctuant to firm. Nodules—few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Involved fat may...

Pancytopenia

Pancytopenia Simultaneous leukopenia, nonregenerative anemia, and thrombocytopenia; not a disease itself—rather, a group of laboratory findings that can result from multiple causes. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Mechanisms may include decreased production of cells in the bone marrow or increased peripheral use, destruction, or sequestration; one or more of these mechanisms may occur together. Decreased production occurs when pluripotent, multipotent, or committed stem cells are destroyed, their proliferation or differentiation is suppressed, or the maturation of differentiated cells is delayed or arrested. If pluripotent stem cells are affected, pancytopenia develops; if committed stem cells are involved, cytopenia of the specific cell type develops....

Rotavirus Infections

Rotavirus Infections Rotavirus Infections is a non-enveloped, double-stranded RNA virus; rota (Latin; “wheel”) for shape of the capsid; genus within the family Reoviridae; relatively resistant to environmental destruction (acid and lipid solvents); unique double capsid protects virus from inactivation in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Wide host range, identified in almost every species investigated. Most significant cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children (< 2 years) and animals throughout the world. Transmission—fecal-oral contamination. Infection—affects mature epithelial cells on luminal tips of the intestinal villi; causes swelling, degeneration, and desquamation; denuded villi contract; results in villous atrophy with loss of absorptive...

Pancreatitis—Dogs

Pancreatitis—Dogs Inflammation of the pancreas most often of unknown cause(s). Acute pancreatitis—inflammation of the pancreas that occurs abruptly with little or no permanent pathologic change. Chronic pancreatitis—continuing inflammatory disease that is accompanied by irreversible morphologic change such as fibrosis and atrophy. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Inflammation of the pancreas most often of unknown cause(s). Acute pancreatitis—inflammation of the pancreas that occurs abruptly with little or no permanent pathologic change. Chronic pancreatitis—continuing inflammatory disease that is accompanied by irreversible morphologic change such as fibrosis and atrophy. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Gastrointestinal—altered GI motility (ileus) due to regional chemical peritonitis; local or generalized peritonitis...

Pancreatitis—Cats

Pancreatitis—Cats Cats can suffer from two forms of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Clinical signs can be similar for either form but tend to come on more rapidly and are more severe in cats with acute pancreatitis. The most common clinical signs are very vague, including lethargy and a reduced appetite. About 50% of cats will have vomiting or weight loss, and some cats will develop diarrhea as well. Abdominal pain, while a very common finding in human and canine pancreatitis, is only reported in about 10-30% of cats with pancreatitis, but this may be related to cats’ stoic nature and...

Vascular Ring Anomalies

Vascular Ring Anomalies Right Aortic Arch Entrapment of the esophagus by a persistent right fourth aortic arch on the right and dorsally, the base of the heart and pulmonary artery ventrally, and ductus or ligamentum arteriosum on the left and dorsally. Causes megaesophagus cranial to the obstruction at the base of the heart. Double Aortic Arch Entrapment of the esophagus by a functional aortic arch on the right, an atretic aortic arch on the left, the base of the heart and pulmonary artery ventrally, and ductus or ligamentum arteriosum on the left and dorsally. Causes megaesophagus cranial to...

Roundworms (Ascariasis)

Roundworms (Ascariasis) Ascariasis caused by Toxocara canis (dogs), T. cati (cats), and Toxascaris leonina (dogs and cats); Baylisascaris (raccoons) can infect dogs and cause neurocysticercosis in people. Transplacental transmission of T. canis larvae from bitch’s tissues to pups causes prenatal infection; transmammary transmission of larvae occurs with both Toxocara spp.; no transplacental or transmammary transmission occurs with Toxascaris. In the first month of life, infected neonatal pups may develop abdominal pain and rapidly deteriorate before eggs appear in feces. Older pups and kittens can acquire infection by ingesting eggs disseminated on premises by dams with post-gestational infection; dams can be...

Rectal and Anal Prolapse

Rectal and Anal Prolapse Rectal and Anal Prolapse – eversion of one or more layers of the rectum through the anus. An anal prolapse (incomplete prolapse) is a protrusion of anorectal mucosa through the external anal orifice. A rectal prolapse (complete prolapse) is a double-layer invagination of the full thickness of the rectal tube through the anal orifice. SIGNALMENT Dog and cat (especially Manx). Any age, sex, or breed. High prevalence for young, parasitized dogs or cats with diarrhea. SIGNS Persistent tenesmus. Incomplete prolapse—protrusion of a portion of the circumference of the rectal mucosa that typically appears...

Q Fever

Q Fever Q Fever is caused by the zoonotic rickettsia Coxiella burnetii. Infection—most commonly by inhalation or ingestion of organisms while feeding on infected body fluids (urine, feces, milk, or parturient discharges), tissues (especially placenta), or carcasses of infected animal reservoir hosts (cattle, sheep, goats); can occur after tick exposure (many species of ticks implicated). Lungs—thought to be main portal of entry to systemic circulation. Organism replicates in vascular endothelium; causes widespread vasculitis; severity depends on the pathogenicity of the strain of organism; vasculitis results in necrosis and hemorrhage in lungs, liver, and CNS. An extended latent period exists...

Red Eye

Red Eye Red Eye – hyperemia of the eyelids or ocular vasculature, or hemorrhage within the eye. Active dilation of ocular vessels—in response to extraocular or intraocular inflammation or passive congestion. Hemorrhage from existing or newly formed blood vessels. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Ophthalmic—eye and/or ocular adnexa SIGNALMENT Dog and cat SIGNS Historical Findings Depends on cause Physical Examination Findings Depends on cause. May affect one or both eyes. Result of systemic disease—abnormalities in other organ systems common. CAUSES Virtually every case fits into one or more of the following categories. Blepharitis. Conjunctivitis. Keratitis. Episcleritis or...

Rectoanal Polyps

Rectoanal Polyps Most rectoanal polyps are benign growths located in the distal rectum. Histopathologic evaluation typically reveals adenomas, but lesions may undergo malignant transformation. SIGNALMENT Dog and rarely cat Middle-aged to old No breed or sex predilection SIGNS Hematochezia with relatively well-formed feces. Mucus-covered feces. Pencil-thin or ribbon-like feces. Tenesmus. Dyschezia. Soft, well-vascularized, friable, and often ulcerated mass(es) may be seen or palpated rectally. Usually single but multiple polyps can occur. May be pedunculated or broad-based sessile masses. CAUSES & RISK FACTORS Unknown DIAGNOSIS DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Carcinoma in situ and adenocarcinoma. Other neoplasias—leiomyoma, lymphoma, papilloma....

Rectal Stricture

Rectal Stricture Rectal Stricture – diminution in the size of the rectal or anal lumen either from cicatricial contracture or scarring as a result of wound healing or chronic inflammation or from proliferative neoplastic disease. Gastrointestinal function is compromised because of outflow obstruction. No genetic basis reported. SIGNALMENT Dog and cat No age, breed, or gender predilection reported SIGNS Vary with severity of the lesion Tenesmus Dyschezia Constipation Hematochezia Mucoid feces Large-bowel diarrhea Secondary megacolon can develop CAUSES & RISK FACTORS Inflammatory—rectoanal abscess, anal sacculitis, perianal fistulas, proctitis, foreign body, fungal infection (e.g., histoplasmosis, pythiosis). Traumatic—lacerations. Neoplastic—rectal...

Vestibular Disease, Geriatric—Dogs

Vestibular Disease, Geriatric—Dogs Vestibular Disease, Geriatric—Dogs is an acute onset non-progressive disturbance of the peripheral vestibular system in older dogs. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Unknown. Suspected abnormal flow of the endolymphatic fluid in the semicircular canals of the inner ear secondary to disturbance in production, circulation, or absorption of the fluid. Possible intoxication of the vestibular receptors or inflammation of the vestibular portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII). Often incorrectly referred to as a stroke, geriatric vestibular disease is neither central in location nor suspected to be vascular or ischemic in origin. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Nervous—peripheral vestibular system ...

Renomegaly

Renomegaly Renomegaly – one or both kidneys are abnormally large as detected by abdominal palpation or diagnostic imaging. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY The kidneys may become abnormally large because of abnormal cellular infiltration (e.g., inflammation, infection, and neoplasia), urinary tract obstruction, acute tubular necrosis, or development of renal cysts or pseudocysts. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Endocrine/Metabolic—metabolic acidosis due to decreased elimination of acid by kidneys and inability to reclaim bicarbonate Gastrointestinal—inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, or melena due to gastrointestinal irritation or ulceration in patients with uremia Hemic/Lymphatic/Immune—anemia due to blood loss or decreased red blood cell survival in patients with uremia; increased susceptibility...

Retinal Degeneration

Retinal Degeneration Degeneration of the retina from any cause inherited or acquired. Inherited—generalized PRA; a group of progressive retinal diseases; may be subdivided into photoreceptor dysplasias (begin before the retina fully develops, < 12 weeks) and photoreceptor degenerations (begin after the retina matures). PATHOPHYSIOLOGY A number of genetic defects in photoreceptor metabolism have been identified. May be secondary to retinal pigment epithelial or choroidal disease; amino acid metabolic disorders, and storage diseases. Central PRA: genetic defect in vitamin E metabolism, can be acquired with vitamin E deficiency. Also may be idiopathic, secondary to diffuse or focal inflammation and scarring...

Rotavirus Infections

Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Rhinitis and Sinusitis Rhinitis—inflammation of nasal epithelium. Sinusitis—inflammation of paranasal sinuses. Includes frontal sinus and maxillary recess in dogs, frontal and sphenopalatine sinuses in cats. The nasal cavity communicates directly with the sinuses; thus rhinitis and sinusitis often occur together (rhinosinusitis). PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Inflammation and irritation stimulate serous glandular secretion in the nasal mucosa. With chronicity, opportunistic bacterial infections develop in the compromised nasal mucosa causing discharge to become mucoid or mucopurulent. The inflammatory process can lead to turbinate destruction and erosion of the vasculature that results in epistaxis. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Respiratory—sneezing and nasal discharge usually indicate upper respiratory...

Retinal Hemorrhage

Retinal Hemorrhage Retinal Hemorrhage is focal or generalized areas of bleeding into part or all layers of the retina. May be acute or chronic. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Depends on cause. Trauma-induced retinal detachments—may tear retinal blood vessels. Often involved in congenital malformations, concurrent vascular abnormalities, and neovascularization syndromes. Intoxications, vasculitis, systemic clotting, neoplastic disorders, systemic infectious disease—may cause focal or more widespread hemorrhage. Systemic hypertension and immune-mediated diseases (e.g., those causing anemia)—may cause local hemorrhage in conjunction with vascular abnormalities and/or complete or partial retinal detachments. May note a retinopathy in conjunction with diabetes mellitus—includes the formation of vascular microaneurysms...

Roundworms (Ascariasis)

Roundworms (Ascariasis) Dogs and cats of any age may get roundworms and hookworms, but they are most vulnerable when they are very young. Ascariasis caused by Toxocara canis (dogs), T. cati (cats), and Toxascaris leonina (dogs and cats); Baylisascaris (raccoons) can infect dogs and cause neurocysticercosis in people. Transplacental transmission of T. canis larvae from bitch’s tissues to pups causes prenatal infection; transmammary transmission of larvae occurs with both Toxocara spp.; no transplacental or transmammary transmission occurs with Toxascaris. In the first month of life, infected neonatal pups may develop abdominal pain and rapidly deteriorate before eggs appear in feces. Older pups and kittens...

Vasculitis, Cutaneous

Vasculitis, Cutaneous Vasculitis, Cutaneous is the Inflammation of blood vessel walls PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Primarily type III (immune complex), but type I and type II reactions are possible. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Skin/Exocrine Renal/Urologic—some greyhounds SIGNALMENT Species Dog and cat (rare) Breed Predilections Any age breed or sex may be affected. SIGNS Historical Findings Anorexia, depression, pyrexia possible Physical Examination Findings Focal alopecia with scarring and scaling (especially vaccine-induced/lesions over location of vaccination). Necrosis and punctate ulcers, palpable purpura, hemorrhagic bullae or urticaria. Acrocyanosis. Extremities (paws, pinnae, lips, tail, and oral mucosa) may be painful. Pitting edema of...

Vascular Ring Anomalies

Vaginitis

Vaginitis Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Juvenile vaginitis: unknown, possibly due to imbalances of juvenile vaginal mucosal glandular epithelium. Primary adult-onset vaginitis: Brucella canis or canine herpesvirus. Secondary adult-onset vaginitis: sequela to congenital anomaly, vaginal atrophy post-OHE, drug therapy, foreign body, neoplasia, urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Reproductive INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE 0.7% incidence in one study Primary vaginitis—very rare SIGNALMENT Species Primarily dog Mean Age and Range Juvenile vaginitis: less than 1 year of age, ranging from 8 weeks to 1 year, prepubertal animals. Adult-onset vaginitis:...

Zinc Toxicosis

Zinc Toxicosis Toxicity results from the ingestion of zinc-containing material. Causes gastrointestinal inflammation and hemolytic anemia; may cause multiple organ failure (e.g., renal, hepatic, pancreatic, and cardiac), DIC, and cardiopulmonary arrest. SIGNALMENT Most frequently reported in young, small-sized dogs (i.e., < 12 kg); can occur in all species of all sizes. SIGNS Anorexia Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Pale or icteric mucous membranes Hemoglobinemia Hemoglobinuria Orange-tinged feces Tachycardia CAUSES & RISK FACTORS There are a variety of zinc compounds with different bioavailabilities: zinc carbonate and zinc gluconate (dietary supplements), zinc chloride (deodorants), zinc pyrithione (shampoos), zinc acetate (throat...

Megacolon

Megacolon A gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistently increased large bowel diameter associated with chronic constipation/obstipation and low-to-absent colonic motility. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Acquired megacolon results from chronic colonic fecal impaction that leads to excessive absorption of fecal water and solidified fecal concretions. Prolonged distension of the colon results in irreversible changes in colonic motility that leads to colonic inertia. Congenital absence of colonic ganglionic cells (Hirschsprung’s disease) is not clearly documented in small animals. The pathogenesis of idiopathic megacolon in cats likely involves a disturbance of normal colonic smooth muscle function. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Gastrointestinal SIGNALMENT...

Mediastinitis

Mediastinitis The mediastinum occupies the central portion of the chest and is defined anatomically by the thoracic inlet cranially, the diaphragm caudally, the mediastinal pleura laterally, the paravertebral gutters and ribs dorsally, and the sternum ventrally. It is lined on both sides by parietal pleura, contains the major organs in the central thorax, and separates these organs from the left and right lung lobes. Mediastinitis—an inflammatory process involving the mediastinal space, usually the result of bacterial or fungal infection. Acute disease—severe infection may be life-threatening and can spread to the pleural space; sepsis can occur. Chronic—mediastinal granuloma or abscess...

Maternal Behavior Problems

Maternal Behavior Problems Abnormal maternal behavior is either excessive maternal behavior in the absence of neonates or deficient maternal behavior in the presence of the dam’s own neonates. The latter is more common in dogs, the former in cats. SYSTEMS AFFECTED Behavioral GENETICS There is no identified genetic predisposition, but a breed disposition for deficient maternal behavior in Jack Russell terriers indicates that there may be a genetic component. There are genetic models in mice. The genes responsible for deficient maternal behavior in mice are paternally imprinted. If this is true in dogs and cats, one would expect...

Mastitis

Mastitis Bacterial infection of one or more lactating glands. Result of ascending infection, trauma to the gland, or hematogenous spread. Escherichia coli, Staphylococci, and β-hemolytic streptococci—most commonly involved. Mycobacterium and blastomycosis reported. Potentially life-threatening infection; may lead to septic shock. Sepsis—direct effect of mammary glands with systemic involvement. SIGNALMENT Postpartum bitch and queen Pseudopregnant lactating bitch or queen (rare) SIGNS Historical Findings Anorexia Lethargy Neglect of puppies or kittens Failure of puppies or kittens to thrive Physical Examination Findings Firm, swollen, warm, and painful mammary gland(s) from which purulent or hemorrhagic fluid can be expressed. Fever, dehydration,...

Feline Eosinophilic Keratitis

Feline Eosinophilic Keratitis Feline eosinophilic keratitis is a presumed immune-mediated inflammation of the cornea characterized by perilimbal corneal vascularization, white-pink corneal infiltrate, and corneal edema. Synonym—proliferative keratitis. SIGNALMENT Young adult to middle-aged cats are most commonly affected. SIGNS Unilateral or bilateral. Usually little to no ocular pain. Serous to mucoid ocular discharge. Limbal superficial corneal vascularization 90–360° (temporal or inferior nasal quadrants usually are first affected). White to pink flat or raised granular corneal infiltrate. Multifocal small white gritty corneal deposits. Corneal edema. With or without corneal ulceration. Conjunctival and third eyelid hyperemia, chemosis and thickening with...

Joint Luxations

Joint Luxations DEFINITION Luxation is the complete disruption of the contiguous articular surfaces of a joint when the supporting structures around the joint are damaged or missing. Subluxation is a partial disruption. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY All synovial joints have a joint capsule that joins the articulating bones together. The fibrous layer of this capsule is a primary stabilizer of the joint. Most joints have additional ligaments that reinforce the joint capsule to improve the resistance to movement outside of the normal range of motion of that joint. All motion joints also have a system of muscles and tendons that exert...