Illustrated Articles
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Bowel incontinence is the loss of the ability to control bowel movements. There are two broad causes of fecal incontinence: reservoir incontinence and sphincter incontinence. In reservoir incontinence, intestinal disease interferes with the rectum's ability to store normal volumes of feces. In sphincter incontinence, a structural or neurologic lesion prevents the anal sphincter from closing normally. Clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and treatment vary based on the underlying cause.
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Brachycephalic airway syndrome refers to a particular set of upper airway abnormalities that affect brachycephalic cats. The most common sign of the condition is mouth breathing and, in the long term, the increased effort associated with breathing can put a strain on the cat's heart. Surgery is the treatment of choice whenever the anatomical abnormalities interfere with a cat’s breathing.
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Brain injuries are devastating and, unfortunately, often fatal. The typical signs of brain injury in a cat include altered consciousness that may signal bleeding in the skull, decreased blood flow to the brain, or fluid causing swelling within the brain itself. There are many potential causes of brain injury and treatment will always be determined by the underlying problem that led to the injury.
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This handout summarizes breeding and queening (giving birth) in cats and the normal estrus (heat cycle). Pregnancy care and labor care are outlined, along with signs to watch for to determine if your cat is experiencing delivery complications.
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Transitioning to a new home is a big step for even the most playful and outgoing kitten. Prior to bringing your kitten home, make sure you have all the items your kitten will need. Slowly introduce your kitten to your home, family members, and other cats or dogs in the home. Begin training your kitten as soon as your she is comfortable with all the members of your household.
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Bromethalin is a common rodenticide. Cats are commonly poisoned when they find loose bait placed for rodent control. Relay toxicity, where poisoning occurs due to ingesting rodents that died from bromethalin, has been anecdotally reported in cats. Clinical signs can develop as soon as two hours after exposure and as long as 24-48 hours after exposure. There is no antidote for bromethalin, so prompt induction of vomiting by a veterinarian can be lifesaving. Prognosis is poor to grave if severe clinical signs develop such as seizures, paralysis, or coma. Patients with milder clinical signs may recover after several weeks but may have permanent neurologic damage.
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Bromfenac ophthalmic is a topical eye NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) used off-label in in a variety of animal species to treat inflammation of the eye. It is often used post-operatively in animals who have undergone cataract surgery. It may also be used to treat allergic eye conditions such as conjunctivitis.
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Some 50-80% of all cats over the age of four have periodontal disease (infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth). Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation. To be successful at brushing your cat's teeth, you must make it a positive experience for both of you. Do not use human toothpaste or baking soda. A list of dental products and diets that have been accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Counsel can be found at vohc.org.
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Bu Gan Tang is translated as 'Tonify the Liver Decoction', presumably because normal blood volume is reflected in a liver of normal size and color. It is a basic formula to tonify Liver BLood nf Yin.
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Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (BZYQT) was designed to raise sinking Spleen Qi. Patients benefiting from the formula will often have Spleen Qi deficiency symptoms such as chronic weight loss, chronic small bowel diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle weakness/atrophy, anemia, and pallor.