There are many reasons that may cause your pet to become itchy. The following are signs and symptoms you can monitor to help determine why your pet may be itching. These may be questions asked by your veterinary staff in order to establish a complete history on your pet. Feel free to print this blog as a reference for your next examination. 1. Presenting Symptoms: please check any that apply. ___ Hair loss ___ Odour/Smell … Read More
What is Cherry Eye? There is a gland located in the third eyelid, known as the third eyelid gland. This gland is normally hidden behind the third eyelid and kept in position by a small ligament. A Cherry Eye is when this gland prolapses and is visible with the eye. Cherry Eye is thought to be caused by a laxity or weakness of the ligament holding it in place. What breeds are predisposed to Cherry … Read More
What is KCS? KCS is defined as a deficiency of tears that occurs commonly in dogs and infrequently in cats. It is most commonly a chronic disorder. It may affect one eye or both eyes. What are the Signs of KCS? 1. Recurring conjunctivitis: swollen membranes around the eye with minimal irritation to the surface of the eye. 2. Tacky, mucoid discharge: caused by the decrease of tear production. This discharge clings to the … Read More
What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is an increase of pressure within the eye that causes degenerative changes in the optic nerve and retina which can lead to blindness. Glaucoma is a very painful condition for both humans and animals and treatment is required to manage the pain and possibly save the vision in the eye. What causes Glaucoma? Glaucoma is commonly seen in pure bred dogs (ex: Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Bouvier, Springer Spaniel, Beagle, Shar … Read More
What is a corneal ulcer? The cornea is the transparent front layer of the eyeball. It is made up of several complex layers. An ulcer occurs when there is a disruption to one or more layers of the cornea. An ulcer can be very shallow and only effect minimal layers (ex: a scratch or abrasion). They can also be very deep and can possibly cause the eye to rupture. If the ulcer is deep there … Read More
Although there are no organizations in Canada to regulate pet food labeling in Canada, there are two organizations in the United States that regulate pet food labels. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) control how companies in the U.S. can label the bags of pet foods so we will explain their regulations and guidelines. What to watch for on the front of the bag: Quality is … Read More
Easter is just around the corner, and some of our favorite decorations include Easter lilies which are toxic to cats. The entire plant is toxic to cats, the leaves, petal, stem or simple the pollen. Just one bite can cause quite a digestive upset for your cat and prolonged exposure can lead to kidney failure (which can be fatal). Easter lilies are not that only lily that is toxic to our feline friends but also … Read More
Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL’s) are lesions that occur as a loss of the tooth’s structure, starting with the enamel and may eventually affect the dentin and the pulp. FORL’s normally affect the crown of the tooth and are generally found along the gum line. They usually affect the large rooted teeth, such as molars and premolars, but can affect any tooth. Unfortunately, FORL’s may be difficult to diagnose in the early stages as some … Read More
We have previously discussed the different stages of Dental Disease, how it occurs, how it affects your pet and their overall health and also how to prevent it. Below are those previous blogs if you would like to refresh your memory. Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats: https://www.townandcountryanimalclinic.ca/2012/11/15/dental-disease-in-dogs-and-cats/ How To Give Your Pet A Celebrity White Smile: https://www.townandcountryanimalclinic.ca/2012/11/20/how-to-give-your-pet-a-celebrity-white-smile/ Usually when your pet has tartar accumulation, brushing their teeth or using oral chews are not enough … Read More
As our canine friends age, their bodies and immune systems change as well. Often times a dog’s metabolism will slow down as they age and if their feeding regimen is not change. This may cause your dog to become overweight. Most senior dogs begin to experience arthritis pain as they age and having excess weight on their stiff joints may lead to additional tenderness. As a result the dog tends to exercise less which also … Read More
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