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04, 2020
Hypothyroidism
The most common hormone problem encountered in dogs is hypothyroidism. It results when the thyroid gland does not secrete an adequate quantity of thyroid hormone called thyroxine. Many internal organs are affected, and the resulting problem depends on which organs are most affected. Cats do not get this problem, but get an opposite problem called hyperthyroidism. Their problem involves excess thyroxine and its effect on the internal organs. Anatomy The thyroid gland is a small gland located at the throat, near what might be termed in people the "adam's apple". It has two lobes, and can be felt with careful palpation.
21
04, 2020
Heart Diseases And Their Treatment
This page explains the more common heart diseases encountered in dogs and cats, along with how they are treated. We will cover the following seven topics: Chronic valve disease Cardiomyopathy Heartworm Aortic Stenosis Pulmonic Stenosis PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosis) Medical Treatment of Heart Disease Before you read about these diseases you might want to review some of the diagnostic tests we used to diagnose heart disease at our Heart Disease Diagnostics Page. Chronic Atrioventricular Valve Disease (Myxomatous AV Valvular Degeneration) This disease goes by several names. They include endocardiosis, mucoid valvular degeneration, chronic valvular fibrosis and acquired mitral regurgitation/insufficiency. It
21
04, 2020
Addison’s Disease in Dogs and Cats (hypoadrenocorticism)
Addison's Disease is an endocrine (hormonal) disease of the adrenal glands of dogs (it's very rare in cats) involves inadequate hormone levels of cortisol (cortisone) and electrolytes (sodium and potassium). The scientific name for this disease is hypoadrenocorticism. This unusual disease can show a vast array of different symptoms, symptoms that can mimic other diseases. The University of California at Davis vet school has been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid in diagnosis. The Canine Genetic Analysis Project at UC Davis is using genetics to help in diagnosis also. There is even a version of this disease called "atypical", which
20
04, 2020
Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats
The purpose of the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) is to provide the cells of the body with oxygen, nutrition, and essential fluids. It also helps these same cells rid themselves of waste products, and distributes hormones and enzymes to allow for normal physiologic processes. It is even a big part of temperature regulation. All of this is no small feat when you consider the fact that the cardiovascular system must supply these needs to a body that contains billions of individual cells. Add to that the fact that this occurs in animals as small as tiny insects and
20
04, 2020
Geriatric Medicine
In the past, we may have accepted a declining quality of life for our aging pets as a fact of life beyond our control. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever before. Like humans, older dogs and cats are more likely to encounter health problems than younger pets. Most humanoids are practicing preventive medicine as they age- routine physical exams, breast exams, prostate exams, blood pressure checkups, blood panels and dietary changes. Dogs and cats need similar preventive medicine at this age. Since they age approximately 7 years for every 1 year of human life,