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  • A perineal hernia occurs when the muscles of the perineum (the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva that supports the organs of the pelvis) become weakened or torn. As a result, the bladder, intestines, or fat can push through the weakened muscles and bulge beneath the skin next to the anus.

  • A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure that is most commonly performed on male cats with a urinary obstruction. Male cats develop urinary obstructions much more readily than female cats, due to differences in urinary tract anatomy between the two sexes. A PU creates a new urinary opening that decreases the length of the urethra and allows urine to bypass this narrowed region. Less commonly, PU may also be done in cats with severe urethral trauma. After surgery, your cat will be required to wear an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to prevent self-trauma to the surgical site.

  • Perna (extract brand names: Lyprinol and Antinol) is a supplement made from the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) and is used as an antioxidant and anti- inflammatory for conditions like arthritis in cats, dogs, and horses. This supplement comes in capsule, powder, or chewable tablet forms.

  • A persistent tooth is a deciduous (baby) tooth that is still present when the permanent tooth erupts. When this happens, the baby tooth occupies the place in the mouth that is meant for the permanent tooth, forcing the permanent tooth to erupt at an abnormal angle or in an abnormal position. The result is crowding or malposition of the tooth, causing an abnormal bite (malocclusion). Early extraction is advised.

  • Human personal care products are usually not meant for pets. Commonly used human shampoos, conditioners, medical ointments, and even toothpaste can cause uncomfortable side effects for our pets. Some ingredients in human care products may be toxic. It’s best to gather information about what to share and what not to share with your pet. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

  • Pet health registries gather large amounts of data about pet health, then organize, analyze, centralize, and disseminate this information to facilitate research into animal disease and increase the understanding of pet health issues. This handout outlines a few important animal health registries.

  • Pet insurance is a type of health coverage that helps pay for veterinary care if your pet becomes sick or injured. This handout outlines how pet insurance works, what it covers, and what to consider when selecting a policy.

  • Monitoring your pet is important to his health. This handout discusses the use of trackers and apps to monitor your dog's activity level and overall mental and physical health.

  • This handout discusses the dangers of laundry and dishwasher detergent pods in dogs and cats. Consumption of detergent in any form is dangerous for cats and dogs. Signs of pod exposure include irritation of skin, eyes, and mouth as well as more serious gastrointestinal and respiratory signs that require prompt veterinary medical attention. Learning to recognize and prevent pod exposure will help keep pets safe.

  • A pet sitter can give your pet the care they need if you have a busy schedule or are traveling. Pet sitters take care of your pet in your home or theirs, and can do much more. Be sure to interview any potential sitters and use trusted friends, your vet, or online resources when looking for sitters.