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There are six primary reasons for vaccination failure. Vaccine inactivation is one reason and is most commonly caused by warming during shipping and handling. In addition, vaccines are not always 100% effective. Dogs may also be unhealthy or too young, leading to vaccine failure. Interference by maternal antibodies can lead to the vaccine being blocked.
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Veterinarians routinely recommend certain vaccines for all dogs (called core vaccines) while they recommend others more selectively, according to the dog’s environment and lifestyle. Vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and fight particular microorganisms such as a virus, bacteria, or other organism. The vaccine helps prevent infection or lessens the severity of infection and promotes rapid recovery.
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Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina and can be a result of several possible underlying causes. Prognosis is generally good, especially if the underlying cause is identified and treated early. The most common clinical signs of vaginitis include increased frequency of urination, licking of the vaginal area, vaginal discharges, and scooting or rubbing of the vaginal area. Diagnostic testing to determine the cause of a dog's condition is helpful in identifying the appropriate antibiotic treatment.
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Valley fever is an infection called Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides immitis. In the US, it is more commonly found in the southwestern states. Dogs are infected by inhaling spores released by disturbance of soil. These spores infect the lungs, forming spherules, and may migrate to different areas of the body, including the bones, joints, eyes, and rarely the brain. Dogs with weakened immune systems can become ill. Most dogs that are treated appropriately will recover from this disease.
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Vascular tumors of the skin develop from the blood vessels of the skin. These tumors may arise anywhere on the body and appear as a firm and raised lump on or under the skin. Hemangiomas may ulcerate and bleed; hemangiosarcomas may bleed into the surrounding tissues. This type of tumor is typically diagnosed via a tissue biopsy or surgical removal of the entire tumor. Surgery is the recommended treatment for vascular tumors of the skin.
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Dogs have dietary requirements for water, energy, and many essential nutrients, but they do not have a requirement for any specific ingredient. Animal-derived ingredients are typically highly digestible and usually have essential nutrients important to dogs in higher amounts than plant-derived ingredients. However, if properly formulated and tested, plant-based diets such as vegetarian diets can provide all the essential nutrients dogs require. It is recommended that you choose a complete and balanced diet that was formulated by a pet nutrition expert and underwent feeding trials.
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Veggiedent® is a brand of oral hygiene chews for dogs. Oral hygiene chews are often recommended by veterinarians to help prevent or delay the formation of dental plaque and calculus build-up on your pet’s teeth. Veggiedent® can be given by mouth once daily or as directed by your veterinarian.
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Velagliflozin (brand name Senvelgo®) is an oral glycemic control medication used in cats with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels in cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin. Velagliflozin comes in liquid suspension form.
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Vestibular disease refers to a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance. It is more common in older dogs. Clinical signs include a head tilt, loss of balance, and nystagmus. Causes of vestibular disease include middle or inner ear infections, drugs that are toxic to the ear, head trauma or injury, tumors, and hypothyroidism. This article discusses signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for dogs with this condition.
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New birds should be examined by an avian veterinarian within the first couple of days after purchase or adoption. Pet birds should receive routine annual veterinary examinations. A physical examination allows a veterinarian to notice subtle signs of disease before they are obvious. Your veterinarian will discuss the need for testing with you depending on the findings of the physical examination. Tests, including blood tests and fecal analysis, are performed routinely to monitor the current state of health of the bird. The specific tests your veterinarian suggests will depend on your bird's age, size, species, and health status.