The gallbladder plays a critical role in digestion by storing and releasing bile to help break down dietary fats. In dogs, however, this small organ can sometimes develop a life-threatening condition called a gallbladder mucocele. This disease has been increasingly recognized by veterinarians in recent years, and understanding its signs…
Introduction Hyperaldosteronemia in cats, sometimes called Conn’s syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronism, is a condition where a cat’s adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone. While this disease is relatively uncommon, veterinarians are recognizing it more often as feline diagnostics advance. Excess aldosterone leads to low potassium (hypokalemia), high…
Understanding the Role of Phosphorus Think of phosphorus management in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) like crowd control at a busy concert. In a healthy cat, the kidneys act as the security team, quietly keeping things under control by filtering out extra phosphorus. But when CKD develops, the kidneys…
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious neurological condition seen in pets with significant liver dysfunction. It develops when more than 70% of liver function is lost, allowing toxins and metabolic byproducts to affect the brain. While the condition is complex, understanding its signs, causes, and treatment options can help both…
Introduction: Why the Gallbladder Halo Sign Matters If your dog suddenly collapses, vomits, or develops dramatic facial swelling, your veterinarian may worry about anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Time is critical in these situations. One of the fastest and most reliable clues veterinarians can use at the bedside…
Anemia is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. While many causes exist, one especially challenging and often misunderstood form is Precursor-Targeted Immune-Mediated Anemia (PIMA). This condition is being recognized with increasing frequency in both dogs and cats. Whether you are a veterinarian…
When a pet is critically ill, one of the most urgent decisions veterinarians must make is whether to give intravenous (IV) fluids. In both veterinary and human medicine, IV fluid therapy can be lifesaving, but it can also be harmful if not carefully managed. Two key concepts guide modern fluid…
What Is Zenalpha®? Zenalpha® is a veterinary prescription medication by Dechra Veterinary Products that delivers safe and effective sedation in dogs. It blends medetomidine (a sedative/analgesic α₂-agonist) with vatinoxan (a peripheral α₂-antagonist), balancing effective sedation with fewer cardiovascular effects. This combination helps pets stay calm during procedures while minimizing risk…
Understanding Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is one of the most common causes of recurrent seizures in dogs, affecting up to 5% of certain breeds. By definition, idiopathic epilepsy means there is no underlying structural brain disease or metabolic disorder causing the seizures. Most affected dogs require lifelong…
Prostatic disease in dogs is an important differential diagnosis for male canine patients presenting with lower urinary tract signs, recurrent infections, or abnormal prostate size on rectal examination. Prostatic washing (also called prostatic lavage or prostatic flush) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that allows veterinarians to obtain samples for…