In recent posts I wrote about two of the major cells types in blood – red blood cells and platelets. Specifically I reviewed causes of low red blood cells and low platelets. This week I introduce the last major cell type in blood – white blood cells – and discuss reasons…
General Information
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Low Red Blood Cells – Understanding Anemia
One of the more common reasons for which patients are referred to me is anemia or a low red blood cell count. Red blood cells are truly important as they carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Without an adequate oxygen supply, body organs suffer damage and the body…
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Low Platelets – Unraveling The Mystery of Persnickety Cells
Platelets having several important functions in the body, chiefly helping to form strong blood clots. One of the more common problems for which patients are referred to me is that of low platelets. This is a condition called thrombocytopenia, and can be life-threatening. Without adequate functional platelets, patients can spontaneously…
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Chronic Nasal Disease – Snuffing Out The Snuffles, Part I
No one likes having a stuffy nose. It can be uncomfortable and frustrating. One may not even be able to taste food appropriately or at all. Simply it can be quite miserable! So too is the feeling for a dog or cat with nasal congestion. Now imagine having a horribly…
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Mass Removal – Important Things To Know Before Surgery
Dogs and cats unfortunately develop masses frequently. Whether these masses are associated with the skin or are growing inside a body cavity, they can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems for pets. Thus their removal is often imperative to maximize the best possible outcome for affected animals. Mass Removal Point #1: “See…
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Red Blood Cell Transfusions for Pets – Bloody Brilliant!
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions supply critical oxygen-carrying cells to the body. Prior to the development of veterinary blood banking techniques, the major form of RBC transfusion was on-site collection of fresh whole blood (FWB) with subsequent administration within hours of collection. Today, however, the use of stored whole blood…
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Nutrition For Sick Pets – Complex Info in Edible Bites
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is understandably very important in all animals, and it becomes truly vital in sick pets because of its many functions that support health. The GIT has several components, all of which work together to help ensure an animal is able to maximally utilize nutrients s/he ingests.…
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Subcutaneous Fluid Therapy – You Want Me To Poke What?
At some point in a pet’s life, s/he will benefit from receiving fluid under the skin or subcutaneous fluid. This type of therapeutic intervention is prescribed to help treat mild dehydration or to prevent dehydration in at-risk patients. For some parents, the thought of administering subcutaneous fluid can be downright…
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Blood Pressure Monitoring – Vital Yet Under Appreciated
Vital signs (i.e.: heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature) are non-invasive clinical measurements used to assess the state of a patient’s essential body functions. Clinical board-certified veterinary specialists consider blood pressure (BP) to be the fourth vital sign, but sadly the prevalence of appropriate blood pressure monitoring in veterinary…
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Fluid Therapy Information About Your Dog and Cat
When a beloved pet becomes sick, a veterinarian may recommend administration of special fluids to help make her/him feel better. Fluid therapy is principally important for specific patient populations, particularly those: Undergoing general anesthesia With persistent diarrhea and/or vomiting Who have ingested toxins Coping with dysfunction of major organ systems like the…