Articles
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Lymphatic tumors are rare in pets. Lymphangiomas are benign and lymphangiosarcomas are malignant and have a moderate-to-high metastatic potential. Patients with lymphatic tumors typically have severe edema or cavity effusions because of lymphatic obstruction and leakage. These types of tumors occur more frequently in young dogs and cats. Treatment usually involves surgical excision and chemotherapy may be used as a follow-up treatment in the case of lymphangiosarcomas.
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Lymphocytic plasmacytic gastroenteritis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. While the exact cause is not known, it is possible that the intestinal bacteria themselves may be involved in stimulating the immune response. Treatment may include nutrition management, immunosuppressive medications, and dietary supplementation of cobalamin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, which are cells involved in the immune system. These cells travel throughout the body, so lymphoma may affect one area or several parts. Lymphoma is relatively common in dogs. There are four main types, and the prognosis varies depending on the type.
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The most common forms of cutaneous lymphoma are epitheliotropic lymphoma and dermal lymphoma. No specific risk factors or causes have been identified in the development of cutaneous lymphoma. Generally, cutaneous lymphoma can appear as various-sized irritated, ulcerated, or infected patches anywhere on the skin, including the gums, nose, or lip margins. These areas may become ulcerated and bleed, or become crusted. Secondary infections are possible. By far, the most common treatment for cutaneous lymphoma is chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the response to treatment, although initially encouraging, is typically short-lived, with gradual return of the tumors.
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Lysosomal storage diseases are a rare collection of inherited conditions. Many are more prevalent in certain breeds and are seen in the first few months of life. Clinical signs vary, but commonly include failure to thrive, incoordination, vision loss, and seizure. Prognosis is usually poor for long-term survival.
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Macadamia nuts are edible for humans, but even a few nuts are poisonous for dogs. They can also result in pancreatitis, due to their high fat content. This handout outlines signs, treatment, and prognosis for macadamia nut poisoning.
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Macrocyclic lactones are a class of deworming medication, including ivermectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin. They are frequently used as large animal dewormers and are found in many heartworm preventatives for dogs and cats, in small doses. Poisoning occurs when a dog receives or accidentally ingests a medication dose that is too high. Early intervention is key to successful treatment.
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Magnesium hydroxide (Magnalax®, Carmilax®, Polymag®, Rumen Bolus®, Instamag®, Polyox®II, Laxade®) is a drug that may be used in animals as an oral laxative, an antacid, for treatment of low magnesium levels, and for treatment of orally ingested toxins. It may be used in dogs, cats, cattle, sheep and goats.
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It can be a challenge to prevent rebound weight gain once a pet has lost some weight. Sticking to a specific number of calories, weighing food portions, and helping your pet stay physically active are a few recommendations. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about how to help a pet during the maintenance phase (after the weight has been lost).
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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition of the small intestine that results in increased numbers of bowel bacteria. The bacteria cause damage to the surface of the bowel so digested food cannot be absorbed, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea and weight loss.