Educational Articles
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Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which the pressure within the eye, called the intraocular pressure (IOP) is increased. Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid. It is classified as primary or secondary glaucoma. High intraocular pressure causes damage to occur in the retina and the optic nerve. Blindness can occur very quickly unless the increased IOP is reduced. Analgesics to control the pain and medications that decrease fluid production and promote drainage are often prescribed to treat glaucoma. The prognosis depends to a degree upon the underlying cause of the glaucoma.
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Globoid-cell leukodystrophy, also called Krabbe disease or lysosomal storage disease, is a rare disease caused by a mutation in a dog’s DNA. It results in abnormal processing and storage of an enzyme critical for producing myelin, the substance that coats and protects the nerves throughout the brain and spinal cord. Clinical signs emerge at an early age, including tremors, muscle weakness, and loss of control of the limbs. Most dogs must be euthanized due to their neuromuscular decline about two to six months after the onset of clinical signs.
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Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory condition of one part of the kidneys (glomeruli) that results in excessive urinary protein loss and kidney damage and can cause many life-threatening conditions, including thromboembolic disease. There are many causes though most of the time, no specific cause is identified. Diagnosis involves blood work, repeated urine tests, imaging, blood pressure, and kidney biopsy. Treatments and prognosis are also described in this handout.
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This handout discusses glomerulonephritis in dogs, a form of kidney disease that implies inflammation within the glomeruli (filtration units) found within the kidneys. Topics covered are the potential causes for the condition, the diagnostic methods used to determine the presence and extent of the condition, and potential treatment options for the disease.
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Hawthorn is given by mouth and is used over the counter and off label to treat heart conditions, digestive issues, and anxiety. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include dizziness or stomach upset. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Guinea pigs can be hardy and easy to care for when provided an appropriate environment for their unique needs. Like all animals, guinea pigs are susceptible to certain problems and diseases. This handout outlines the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for some of the more common health problems of guinea pigs.
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Pet rabbits have several unique problems and disease concerns. Dental disease is very common in pet rabbits, as are gastrointestinal problems. Rabbits have unique gastrointestinal tracts and need a high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet to help keep the normal GI bacteria fermenting their food. Rabbits need a soft bedding area to prevent sore hocks from forming. Rabbits that eat high-calcium, alfalfa-based diets or high-calcium vegetables are prone to developing bladder stones that must be removed surgically. Bunnies housed at temperatures over 80°F are prone to heat stroke.
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Though less common than in dogs, some heart conditions in cats are serious and need to be treated medically. The most common type of heart disease in cats is adult-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The most common types of congenital heart disease are malformations of a valve, or a septal defect in the wall that divides the right and left sides of the heart. Diagnosis involves X-rays, ECG, and echocardiography. Treatment depends on the cause of the heart disease.
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Heart disease is more common in dogs than in cats. It can be due to congenital defects or adult-onset disease. The two most common types of adult heart disease are mitral regurgitation (valve disease) and dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM (heart muscle disease). Diagnosis involves X-rays, ECG, and echocardiography. Treatment depends on the cause of heart disease.
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This handout discusses what a heart murmur is, how it is detected, what recommended tests are advised to determine the underlying cause, and potential treatments or monitoring that should be undertaken when a murmur is detected in your cat.
