Library
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Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is an often fatal condition that damages the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract in birds. These nerves stop stimulating the muscles of the digestive tract, so food in the intestinal tract moves very slowly or not at all. Signs, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.
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Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a serious condition in parrot species for which there is no cure. The highly contagious virus attacks fast-growing epithelial cells, commonly causing visibly abnormal formations of the beak and/or feather follicles. The clinical signs vary depending on the species of bird and the age at which it was infected. Diagnostic testing is available and precautions must be taken when purchasing a new bird.
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Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that can affect all areas of the skin, including skin folds, often seen as red, pus-filled pustules. Treatment may require oral or topical medications and it is always a good idea to practice good hygiene. Pyoderma carries a good prognosis for recovery but recurring or chronic cases may require longer treatment and additional testing to determine an underlying cause.
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Radiation is a type of energy produced naturally by the sun, earth, and rocks and artificially by machines. Although several types of tumors can be treated with radiation therapy alone (e.g., nasal tumors, brain tumors, and certain types of lymphoma), radiation therapy is most commonly used to destroy or limit the growth of cancer cells left behind (i.e., microscopic disease) after a tumor has been surgically removed. Side effects depend on the type and location of the tumor and its surrounding tissues.
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This handout discusses the pros and cons of feeding a raw food diet to your dog. Topics included are nutritional imbalances, potential bacterial contamination, the risk of foodborne illnesses involving both you and your pet, and other concerns that may arise from feeding raw food.
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Reproductive disease in ferrets is rare today, as most pet ferrets are spayed or neutered at a young age. One disease that is still occasionally seen in pet ferrets occurs in females that are not spayed. This is called hyperestrogenemia and is a result of persistently high blood levels of estrogen in unspayed females that are not bred or fails to ovulate.
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Swellings on or around the joints in reptiles can be an indication of uric acid deposits in the area. This condition is referred to as gout. Gout is often painful and may also affect internal organs. Treatment will require medications and sometimes surgery.
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Some dogs have a condition known as paroxysmal respiration, more commonly called reverse sneezing. With this condition, the dog rapidly pulls air into the nose, whereas in a regular sneeze, the air is rapidly pushed out through the nose. The dog makes a snorting sound and seems to be trying to inhale while sneezing.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is spread by various species of ticks and is not confined just to the Rocky Mountain regions of North America. Clinical signs can be non-specific and affect multiple body systems. Early diagnosis and treatment give the best prognosis for recovery after treatment with antibiotics. Prevention of tick bites and prompt removal of ticks is important.
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Dogs can be great running partners. They are always available, they have energy to burn, and they aren't in a bad mood from a stressful day at work. Plus, approximately 50% of American dogs are overweight and need to work off a few calories.