Articles
-
The clinical signs of heart failure are seen in many cats as they age. The two most common causes of CHF are chronic valvular disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertension (high blood pressure) may contribute to heart disease and CHF. Secondary diseases, such as obesity, excessively high thyroid, or kidney disease may require dietary changes. Key nutritional goals are to maintain a stable body weight, deliver appropriate calories, and feed a balanced diet that the cat will regularly eat.
-
When the digestive tract is upset, vomiting and diarrhea may result. Since the causes of these symptoms are varied, it's best to consult a veterinarian. Often, a gastrointestinal (GI) diet is recommended to support the digestive tract and ensure the gut gets the nutrients it needs to recover. A bland diet of cooked chicken and rice might be recommended, but it has several limitations and is not appropriate for long-term feeding.
-
Over 60% of cats in North America are either overweight or obese, so paying attention to the balance between activity and calorie intake is important. Nutrient formulation and portion control are the two most important aspects of weight control. Once you have chosen a formula and have calculated a reasonable daily portion based on calorie density, the best way to stay on track and prevent unwanted weight gain is to combine portion control with regular, formal weigh-ins.
-
A Penrose drain is a latex tube placed into a wound with one or two ends exiting the skin to passively remove unwanted fluid, usually from abscesses or open wounds. This handout provides post-operative wound care instructions for cats sent home with a Penrose drain.
-
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.
-
Preanesthetic bloodwork is an important step in the evaluation of pets undergoing anesthesia or surgical procedures. Bloodwork can help diagnose a variety of internal disorders, many of which could negatively affect your pet's anesthetic and surgical safety. By diagnosing and treating any underlying medical disorders before surgery/anesthesia, your veterinarian can make anesthesia as safe as possible for your pet.
-
A telemedicine visit is typically conducted over telephone, text messaging, chat, email, or videoconference. This may allow a veterinarian to diagnose and treat your pet’s medical condition remotely, without the need for an in-person visit. Your appointment will be conducted by a licensed veterinarian.
-
Preparing your cat to travel to the vet is one of the most important investments you can make during the lifespan of your cat. Cats should visit the veterinary hospital at least once yearly. The smoother the experience goes, the least amount of stress both you and your cat will experience.
