Illustrated Articles
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Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.
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At certain times of the year, birds are under the powerful influence of sex hormones and will behave instinctively in distinct ways that you may not have witnessed before. Humans may cause frustration or confusion in their birds with what may be our inappropriate responses to their sexual behaviors. This handout describes several of these behaviors in birds and how to prevent or manage them.
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Shaker syndrome is a condition involving generalized head and body tremors in dogs. The condition is often seen in small-breed, white dogs, although dogs of any size and color may be affected. The cause is unknown but thought to be autoimmune due to its response to treatment with steroids.
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Shar-Pei recurrent fever syndrome is a hereditary condition that affects nearly one in four Shar-Pei dogs. Affected dogs experience recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation, with no identifiable underlying cause. Inflammatory cytokines released during fever episodes contribute to the production of a protein called amyloid which is then deposited in a variety of internal organs, resulting in a condition known as amyloidosis. Signs that may accompany the fever episodes include swelling of the hocks and muzzle, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort. Colchicine is the drug of choice for the long-term treatment. Affected dogs can often be managed, but the condition will affect them for the remainder of their lives. If your dog is already showing signs of chronic kidney disease, your veterinarian will also develop a treatment plan to address the kidney disease.
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The "ancestral diet" for dogs and cats is a broad term for a feeding plan that generally mimics what a wolf or wild cat might consume in the wilderness. In practice, there is great variability in nutrients, ingredients, and safety considerations for food sold or produced as an ancestral diet. This article reviews these considerations, so that pet owners, along with their veterinary care teams, can make informed decisions for their pets.
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Whether you and your dog decide to share a bed is a personal choice that involves several factors. The health of you and your dog should be taken into consideration as well as any behavioral issues your dog may have. There can be many benefits for both you and your dog to co-sleep if the circumstances align.
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Is your dog lovable, smart, and obedient? Is she/he also really good-looking? If you want others to know just how great your dog is, perhaps you should consider showing them off!
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Si Miao San (SMS) is probably the most widely used herbal formula in all of small animal medicine. It has a system wide effect and adresses all stages of inflammation through its treatment of Damp Heat and secondary Blood Stasis. Indications for SMS include the most common disorders seen in small animal practice: colitis, cystitis, vaginitis, osteoarthritis, yeast otitis, moist pyoderma, allergic dermatitis, oily skin, pancreatitis, and anal gland infection just ot name a few. Symptoms of increased thirst OR appetite, heat intolerance, skin redness, convulsions adn significant inflammation. Dampness and Phlegm signs include polyuria, straining, lipomas, high liver enzymes, mucous discharges, weight gains, oily coat and rounded abdomen. Symptoms of Spleen deficiency leading to dampness can include poor appetite, vomiting, weakness, or apreference for warmth despite heat signs. Despite its potency, SMS is safe for long term use with almost no potential for adverse reactions. When animals respond well to SMS, serious consideration should be given to eliminating as much starch as possible from the animal's diet.
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Si Wu Tang (SWT) is the quintessential formula for the treatment of Blood deficiency, a condition particularly common in dogs. Symptoms of Blood deficiency include anxiety, frequent dreaming, timidity, noise sensitivity, territorial aggression, anemia, mild arthrtic pain better with movement, mild liver enzyme increases, and infertiliy.
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Si Wu Xiao Feng Yin (SWXFY) contains the BLood toni formula Si Wu Tang, but also several herbs to adress secondary skin infections ( wind invasions) that take advantage of reduced cutaneous blood flow.