Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. It can occur in any joint, including the spine and jaw. Signs of arthritis include painful or stiff joint movement, joint swelling and a grating sensation during joint movement. Arthritis can also cause fever and redness of the skin over the joint.
Causes of arthritis include degeneration from aging, inherited arthritis, infection, injury, blood diseases, allergic or immune-mediated disease and cancer.
Radiographs (x-rays) and laboratory tests are necessary to determine the type and extent of the arthritis. Follow-up examinations during treatment may be necessary to evaluate the response to therapy.
Arthritis is generally controllable rather than curable. Therapy is designed to minimize discomfort and delay or prevent the progression of disease.
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•Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis:
• Reluctance to climb stairs
• Swollen or warm joints
• Favoring of a specific limb
• Difficulty rising from a prone position
Canine hip joint with arthritis.
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| Dental Disease |
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| Periodontal (gum) disease is a common condition affecting both dogs and cats. The problem begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate on your pet's teeth. Besides the negative impact on the oral cavity, periodontal disease can lead to serious heart, liver, and kidney diseases as well. Have your pet's teeth checked by your veterinarian if any of the following signs or symptoms should occur:
•Persistent bad breath
• Sensitivity around mouth
• Pawing at the face
• Bleeding from the gums
• Visible tartar on the teeth
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty chewing food
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Poor Dental Health :
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| Heartworm Disease |
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Heartworms are parasites that literally live in the heart of dogs and cats. The microscopic larval stages are passed from one animal to another when the mosquito takes a blood meal. The immature heartworms migrate to the heart and lungs as they develop over the course of several months. The presence of the worms interferes with the heart's ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. Consequently, the heart and lungs fail to function properly, and the infected animal becomes very sick.
Because we live in an area where heartworms are prevalent, heartworm prevention is recommended for your pet. A simple blood test is needed before preventative medication can be given to ensure your pet does not already carry the parasite. Protecting your pet now is far less expensive than treating them once they contract the disease. |
Canine Heart filled with heartworms
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| Fleas |
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Fleas are small, brown or black, wingless insects with flattened bodies. These blood-sucking parasites cause considerable irritation and distress to infested pets. Severe infestations may lead to anemia from blood loss. Fleas also spread the common dog and cat tapeworm. Flea bites also cause skin allergies, rashes and sores on both pets and their owners.
Many different products are available for flea control. Bring your pet into the clinic and we will establish the best method to treat or prevent a flea infestation on your pet and in your home. |
The Flea
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| HomeAgain Microchip ID |
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| Protect your pet from theft or loss with the HomeAgain Microchip Identification System. Thousands of pets are lost each year due to a lack of permanent, unalterable identification. Ask us about having your pet permanently identified at our clinic today. |
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| Otitis |
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Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external ear canal that begins at the outside opening of the ear and extends inward to the eardrum. Causes include bacteria, fungi, ear mites, accumulation of wax, thick or matted hair in the ear canal, debris, impaired drainage of the ear, and infections from elsewhere in the body.
The ears of dogs (especially those with pendulous ears) are ideal for the growth of bacteria and fungi because they are moist and warm, and contain wax and other debris. The funnel shape of the ear canal effectively traps debris, further complicating treatment of infections.
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Signs and Symptoms of Otitis:
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| • Your pet continually rubs, paws, or scratches its ears |
| • You notice a pungent, foul odor from your pets ears |
| • There is an excessive amount of wax or debris in your pet's ear canal |
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Estrus (heat) in Cats
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Estrus (heat) is the mating period of female animals. When estrus occurs, animals are said to be "in heat" or "in season." Cats normally have their first estrous cycle between five and ten months of age, with the average age around six months. On average, cats experience two to three estrous periods per year, each lasting about twenty days.
Cats are induced ovulators, therefore mating must occur for ovulation to take place. If a female cat in heat is not bred, she may continue to cycle every 3-4 weeks indefinitely.
Cats can be spayed while they are in heat, however, there is greater risk for complications. Spaying your cat at five months of age is recommended.
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Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
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Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common and destructive of all cat viruses. It is highly contagious and is spread primarily by saliva during cat fights, grooming or mating. Kittens may become infected while still in the womb, when the mother bites off the umbilical cord or during nursing.
There are no signs specific for FeLV infection. The main effect of the virus is to disrupt the cat's immune system. Disorders commonly associated with FeLV infection include: chronic respiratory disease, persistent infection of the mouth and gums, chronic eye disease, reproductive disease, polyarthritis, and chronic urinary tract infections.
The good news about the disease is that it can be prevented. A simple test can be performed at our clinic to see if your cat has FeLV. If the test is negative, a series of two initial vaccinations is given, and a yearly booster thereafter.
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Important Facts About FeLV:
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•Infected cats are at high risk for developing cancer and other life-threatening diseases
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• Outdoor cats are at high risk for developing FeLV infection
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• There is no uniformly effective treatment for cats infected with FeLV
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