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. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, and blood in the stool/vomit. 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. Vaccination for feline leukemia virus infection (FeLV) can reduce the likelihood of lymphoma in cats.
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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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Lysine (brand names: Enisyl-F, Incremin, Viralys, Felisyl, Optixcare) is an amino acid supplement used to treat clinical signs associated with feline herpes virus infection in cats.
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Macrocyclic lactones are a class of deworming medication, including ivermectin, eprinomectin, 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 cat receives or accidentally ingests a medication dose that is too high.
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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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Cats have four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Skeletal malocclusion results when an abnormal jaw length creates a malalignment of the teeth. Dental malocclusion occurs when the upper and lower jaw lengths are considered normal but one or more teeth are out of normal alignment. This article explains the common forms of skeletal and dental malocclusion seen in cats.
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A mammary tumor is an abnormal growth in the mammary gland that develops because of abnormal replication of cells that make up the breast tissue. Mammary tumors are the third most common type of tumor in cats and most are malignant. Detecting and treating these tumors when they are small provides your cat with the best chance of long-term control.