Illustrated Articles
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Tail injuries are common and can sometimes be managed with home first aid but some cases require veterinary care. Abrasions are mild scrapes that can be treated with daily cleaning and application of antibiotic ointment. Lacerations are more serious cuts that may expose underlying muscle and bone requiring stitches and often antibiotics. Happy tail is a condition where the skin at the end of the tail becomes damaged and continues to split and bleed whenever the wagging tail hits a hard surface. Bandaging, antibiotics and pain medication may help these heal but amputation may become necessary to reduce re-injury. Tail fractures can heal well if they occur near the tip of the tail but if bones are severely damaged then amputation may be required. Nerve damage can occur from fractures, crushing injuries or severe tail pulls causing stretching or tearing of the nerves and can result in loss of fecal and urinary continence and can also result in a limp tail. Limber tail is a painful muscle condition likely caused by overexertion and treated with rest and anti-inflammatories.
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If your cat limps, or licks at her pads, she may have a foot pad that is torn, punctured, or burned. Minor injuries may be treated at home, by cleaning and covering the wound, but deeper or complicated wounds require veterinary attention. Try to avoid foot injuries in your cat by surveying the areas where your cat plays and walks.
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If your dog limps, or licks at his pads, he may have a foot pad that is torn, punctured, or burned. Minor injuries may be treated at home, by cleaning and covering the wound, but deeper or complicated wounds require veterinary attention. Try to avoid foot injuries in your dog by surveying the areas where your dog plays and walks.
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Frostbite is the damage that is caused to the skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. The paws, ears and tail are the most common tissues to be affected. If you suspect your cat has frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately. Mild cases of frostbite usually resolve with little permanent damage, while more severe frostbite may result in permanent disfiguration or alteration of the affected tissues.
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Frostbite is the damage that is caused to the skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. The paws, ears, and tail are the most common tissues to be affected. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately. Mild cases of frostbite usually resolve with little permanent damage, while more severe frostbite may result in permanent disfiguration or alteration of the affected tissues.
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Ferrets are naturally curious animals, and it is common for them to chew and swallow foreign material, which cdan cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset or obstruction. Typical swallowed objects include rubber bands, bits of rubber toy, foam, remote control buttons and other similar items. Hairballs are another potential cause of GI obstruction. Hairballs (trichobezoars) are compacted wads of fur, which may develop over time as a ferret grooms adn swallows fur. Unlike cats, ferrets seldom vomit up hairballs, adn the compacted fur may ause gastrointestinal (GI) upset or obstruction.
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Gastrointestinal stasis (Ileus) is a potentially dangerous condition in rabbits, where muscular contractions of the stomach and/or intestines are reduced, and normal bacteria in the digestive tract become out of balance. Rabbits can quickly become lethargic, may exhibit signs of pain such as teeth grinding and a hunched up posture, adn begin to produce excessive gas, adn sometimes soft stool or diarrhea. Left untreated, severe cases of gastrointestinal stasis can be fatal.
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A gastropexy is a surgical procedure that is sometimes performed in large-breed dogs to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat – a life-threatening condition. This handout explains how the procedure works, how it is used preventatively and in emergency situations, risk factors, and post-operative care.
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While a favorite healthy snack for people, grapes, raisins, and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. Fortunately, dogs who receive prompt decontamination and treatment prior to symptoms developing are more likely to have a good prognosis following exposure.
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Dental disease is a common problem in guinea pigs, adn can affect both the incisors and the premolars/molars caoomonly called cheek teeth. Several types of dental problems affect guinea pigs (GPs) and can include incisor and chhek teeth fractures, overgrown teeth, sharp dental spurs, infected tooth roots and dental abcesses. Unlike dogs and cats, GPs do not ahve a problem with tartar accumulation or cavities.