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Articles

  • This handout discusses some of the more common forms of oral tumors in pets. Highlighted are Papillomas (“Warts”) and Fibropapillomas, both of wish are caused by viral infection. Clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and treatment options are highlighted.

  • Oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are the most common oral tumor in cats, and second most common in dogs. These tumors are locally aggressive, with a possibility to metastasize. Regardless of the location of SCC, surgery is the typically the standard treatment. Radiation therapy may be recommended following surgery or as a primary treatment for palliative care. Staging is recommended for all cases. If metastasis is present chemotherapy is often pursued.

  • Orbifloxacin (brand name: Orbax®) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain skin, soft tissue (such as kidney and prostate), respiratory, and urinary tract bacterial infections in pets. Orbifloxacin is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid.

  • Occasionally, cats’ teeth do not erupt in the right location, resulting in pain and poor function. Treatment options include orthodontic appliances to move the teeth, extraction, or crown amputation with restoration. Many veterinarians are comfortable delivering orthodontic care for cats. Your veterinarian may seek the advice of a board-certified veterinary dental specialist for advice or referral.

  • Osteosarcoma is an aggressive type of bone cancer that usually develops in the long bones of the leg but can occur elsewhere, such as the skull, pelvis, ribs and vertebrae. It is less aggressive in cats than dogs, and can spread to other areas of the body. Amputation is the most common treatment.

  • Ovarian remnant syndrome is a condition that occurs when ovarian tissue remains inside the body after a female cat is spayed. This tissue can produce estrogen, triggering signs of heat (estrus) in the cat. Surgical treatment is typically recommended to prevent other health conditions from developing.

  • Ovarian tumors are quite rare in North American pets, mainly due to routine spaying practices. This handout discusses ovarian tumors in dogs and cats. The various forms of ovarian tumors, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this cancer are outlined.

  • Obesity is the most common problem in cats in North America. The negative effects of obesity are far-reaching because it contributes to other diseases and shortens cats’ lives. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and activity levels.

  • Obesity is a common problem in cats. It results from too many calories being eaten and not enough calories being burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis and joint disease. To prevent your cat from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about your cat’s calorie needs and an appropriate food for your cat's life stage. Increasing your cat's daily activity can help prevent or reverse obesity. Be aware of your cat's body condition and keep track of her weight.

  • Oxazepam (brand names: Serax®, Novoxapam®, Oxpam®) is a benzodiazepine used to stimulate appetite and to treat behavior-related disorders in cats and dogs, such as anxiety and phobias, in conjunction with other therapies. It is given as a capsule, tablet, or compounded liquid suspension.