Proper nutrition is just as important for our pets as it is for us. Unfortunately, when our cats and dogs become ill, their appetites often decrease or disappear altogether. Despite this worsening of appetite, the need for adequate nutrition doesn’t decrease. Indeed, it often increases! The use of temporary supplement…
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Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS) – A Cause of Bloody Feces in Dogs
No dog parent wants to clean up diarrhea. Cleaning up bloody diarrhea is even more unpleasant. Unfortunately, the development of acute bloody diarrhea is not an uncommon occurrence in our canine companions. Such a malady is called Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome or AHDS. Formally called Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE), this ailment…
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Parvovirus Infection in Dogs – Part II: Treatment & Prevention
This week we finish our discussion of parvovirus infection in dogs. I reviewed the origins and diagnosis of this viral disease last week. For this post, I will focus on treatment and prevention. Happy reading! Parvovirus – How is it treated in-hospital? I won’t beat around the bush when it…
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Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How It Is Treated
What Is Acute Pancreatitis? The pancreas is a boomerang-shaped organ within the abdominal cavity. It performs several essential functions. Most importantly, it produces digestive enzymes that allow dogs to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Acute pancreatitis develops when the pancreas becomes suddenly inflamed. Normally, digestive enzymes activate in the…
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Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs & Cats
For the past several weeks, I’ve had a survey on Because Pets Can Have Specialists Too asking about what you want to know more. Well you requested and I’ve responded! You wanted to know more about kidney diseases in dogs and cats so this week I’m giving you a post about…
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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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Nausea – Do You Know What Your Pet Is Saying?
On an almost daily basis I have the privilege of consulting with families whose dog or cat isn’t eating well (or at all). Sometimes the pet is also vomiting, but often the only concern for the family is the pet’s lack of appetite. When I obtain a complete patient history,…