Advances in human medicine are due to years of research in laboratories around the world. Every medication and every surgical technique is first applied to experimental animals. In theory, therefore, veterinary medicine is at the forefront of all medical knowledge. In practice, unfortunately, the potential of veterinary medicine is impeded. Most pet owners, regardless of […]
Veterinarians are not “real doctors.”
Many people are surprised to learn that doctors of veterinary medicine undergo the same rigors of selection and training required of physicians to complete their formation. There are only twenty-seven schools of Veterinary Medicine in the United States and just four in all of Canada. Competition for the limited number of spaces at each school […]
Bad breath is a sign of dental problems.
Bad breath can he associated with gingivitis and dental abscess or tonsillitis and pharyngitis. It can also be a sign of metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, kidney and liver disorders), respiratory illness (upper respiratory infections, pneumonia), gastrointestinal diseases and immune-mediated disease. Almost any severe illness, like infections (viral, bacterial, fungal) or cancers, can affect mouth odor […]
Teeth and gum problems do not affect a pet’s general health.
Dental and periodontal disorders are uncomfortable and painful. These can impact a pet’s health by decreasing appetite overall. Infections anywhere in the mouth can directly affect the individual’s health. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the mouth and spread rapidly to other internal organs such as the heart and kidneys. Finally, malignant oral tumors can […]
Mange in dogs is always contagious.
The skin infection referred to as “mange” is really at least three different conditions. All forms of mange are caused by microscopic insects called mites that inhabit the outer layers of the skin to cause a superficial or deep dermatitis. Mange can leave the pet with thick and crusty scabs, varying levels of slight to […]
Brown discharge from a pet’s eyes is a sign of infection.
Brown stains on the inside corner of the eve is normal in dogs and cats. The reddish brown stain is caused by the presence of porphyrins a substance normally found in their tears. When tears mix with any mucus flushed from the eye’s surface and then dry, the crusty deposit can have a dark brown […]
Colds are passed between people and pets.
The common cold (upper respiratory infection) in people is actually caused by many viruses. In general, the viral symptoms run their course and do not require anything more than optional symptomatic medication, unless complicated by a secondary bacterial invasion. Colds are usually of little concern unless the patient is less resistant to illness. Animals, as […]
Sneezing is a sign of allergy.
Most of the time, excessive sneezing in cats and dogs is a sign of an irritation, inflammation or infection of the upper respiratory system (involving the nasal passages and sinuses). Allergy in cats and dogs more frequently affects the skin or digestive tract. Individuals allergic to seasonal pollens, for example, are more likely to feel […]
