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Prazosin is given by mouth and is used to reduce urinary sphincter tone to relax the bladder and allow easier urination in dogs and cats. It may also be used as a treatment for congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, or pulmonary hypertension in dogs. Give as directed. Common side effects include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation. This medication should be used with caution in pets with kidney disease or other conditions that cause low blood pressure, as well as in MDR1-positive dogs. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
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Although uncommon, cats and dogs are at risk for several diseases during the two months of their pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia occurs if the mothers cannot keep up with the demand for calcium to produce bones and milk. Gestational diabetes can occur due to high concentrations of hormones and result in increased drinking, urination, inappropriate weight loss and lethargy. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of one or more mammary glands that is contracted either through the blood (sepsis) or from the external environment from unsanitary conditions and/or injury from babies’ teeth or nails. Retained placentas can occur and will result in lethargy, pyrexia and abnormal vulvar discharge. Be aware of the signs, symptoms and management for all four conditions.
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Telemedicine is the act of practicing medicine from a distance and your appointment will be conducted by a licensed veterinarian. Before your appointment, gather information on your pet’s history and your current concern. Look at a calendar and write down a timeline of your pet’s problems. Be prepared to answer questions that you would normally be asked at an in-person appointment. Write notes to help you remember everything. Most telemedicine appointments involve the use of some type of video chat. Conduct your visit in a quiet area with good lighting and have your pet with you before the call starts. Not all concerns can be addressed through telemedicine. If your veterinarian is unable to arrive at a diagnosis via telemedicine, he or she can help you determine the next step for your pet to ensure that he or she receives optimal care.
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Having your pet properly prepared for a blood test helps to ensure that the results are as accurate and reliable as possible. Preparation for these two types of tests is slightly different. Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions before your appointment. It is important that you follow these instructions exactly to ensure accurate test results.
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Winter cold weather poses several risks for our pets. This article outlines some of the key risks and how to avoid them, to keep your pet safe year-round.
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The American Animal Hospital Association and American Veterinary Medical Association have established guidelines to standardize preventive health care for cats, helping them to live longer, healthier lives. This handout provides an overview of the recommendations within these guidelines and why they are so important.
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Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of degenerative diseases that affect photoreceptor cells in the eyes. With this disease, the cells deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness. There are two main forms of PRA recognized in cats, an early-onset, inherited form called retinal dysplasia, and a late-onset form. PRA is an inherited condition in Abyssinian and Persian cats. When a cat develops PRA, it should be removed from the breeding program, along with its parents and siblings. As PRA progresses, your cat's vision gradually worsens until she becomes completely blind. There is currently no effective treatment for PRA.
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Medical waste includes needles, syringes, body parts, bodily fluids, feces and medications among other things. This handout addresses some of the ways such waste can be safely disposed.
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Tumors of the prostate are relatively uncommon in dogs and extremely rare in cats. Clinical signs include bloody urine, or straining to urinate or defecate. Metastasis to the pelvic bone and/or lumbar spine is likely. Diagnosis and treatment options are discussed. Prognosis is considered poor.
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Prostatic disease in cats is uncommon and, as a result, relatively little is known about these conditions. Enlargement of the prostate is a common sign with most prostatic diseases and may be noted by your veterinarian on a rectal exam. Other diagnostic tests may be required to determine the cause of your cat's condition.