Articles
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Degenerative myelopathy (DM), a disease affecting the spinal cord, results in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. DM is like some forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, and it is a progressive, incurable disease.
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Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites (Demodex canis or Demodex injal) that live in the hair follicles of dogs. These mites occur normally in dogs, and cause no harm if the body's immune system is functioning properly. Topical and oral medications are available to treat demodectic mange.
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Cats -
Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article: Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) in Dogs -
Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Miliary Dermatitis in Cats -
Dermatomyositis is a hereditary, immune-mediated disease of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels that causes dramatic inflammation of these tissues. Signs are usually first recognized in puppies but can present in young adulthood. This handout discusses signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
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Testing for diabetes includes confirming hyperglycemia and glucosuria while looking for other conditions by taking a complete blood count (anemia, infection), biochemistry profile (hepatic disease, pancreatitis), and a urinalysis (urinary tract infection). Monitoring includes regular glucose curves and additional exams and testing based on the pet owner's monitoring of their cat's clinical signs at home. Urine glucose testing and fructosamine are sometimes used in diabetic monitoring and urine testing for infection may be recommended.
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Testing for diabetes includes confirming hyperglycemia and glucosuria while looking for other conditions by taking a complete blood count (anemia, infection), biochemistry profile (hepatic disease, pancreatitis), and a urinalysis (urinary tract infection). Monitoring includes regular glucose curves and additional exams and testing based on the pet owner's monitoring of their dog's clinical signs at home. Urine glucose testing and fructosamine are sometimes used in diabetic monitoring and urine testing for infection may be recommended.
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Diabetes insipidus (DI) is rare in cats, and is characterized by excessive thirst/drinking and the production of enormous volumes of extremely dilute urine. Despite drinking large volumes of water, the cat can become dehydrated from urinating so much. Without treatment, NDI results in dehydration leading to stupor, coma, and death.
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Diabetes insipidus results in excessive drinking and urination. As many conditions cause these signs, a number of diagnostic tests including bloodwork and urinalysis need to be performed to rule out other causes. After more common causes are ruled out, a modified water deprivation test can confirm disease and an MRI or therapeutic trial can be performed. Diabetes insipidus results from reduced production of ADH from the brain or reduced sensitivity to ADH in the kidney. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease either replacing the lack of ADH with a synthetic replacement or using a hydrochlorothiazide and a low salt diet to decrease urine production.