Library
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Behavior Management: Pet Selection Guidelines
Pueden evitarse muchos problemas de salud y de comportamiento en las mascotas pidiendo consejo antes de adquirirlas. Estos consejos ayudan, primero, a seleccionar la mejor mascota para una familia en particular, para lo cual hay que tener en cuenta la especie, la raza, la edad y el sexo del animal, y también el lugar en el que se va a adquirir.
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Esophageal tumors are extremely rare but more often than not malignant type tumors. The cause is unknown but cases in tropical environments may be due to infection by the worm Spirocerca lupi. Treatment options are limited as surgical complications are high due to the advanced nature of the disease at time of diagnosis.
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Evan’s syndrome is the term used when a pet has both immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). With this condition, the body destroys its own red blood cells and platelets. Prognosis is variable and depends on the underlying cause and the pet’s general condition at the time of diagnosis. Relapses are common.
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Proprioception is the ability to know where your body is in space. This is what helps reduce falls and injury. Proprioception may be lost suddenly through spinal cord trauma, or it may be reduced with age, joint disease (osteoarthritis), or other orthopedic or neurologic disease. Some specific controlled exercises that can improve proprioception are discussed. Any exercise plan needs to be formulated by a veterinary rehabilitation therapist to avoid injury.
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All glues containing isocyanate and diisocyanate can expand. Pets exposed to a very small amount of wet or liquid expanding glue may consume enough product to be problematic. Foreign body obstruction due to a mass of expanded glue in the stomach is the most common outcome in dogs ingesting expanding wood glues. After abdominal X-rays confirm the presence of a glue mass and obstruction, surgery is required to remove the mass, or endoscopy in mild cases. The prognosis for recovery from expanding glue ingestion depends on the removal of the mass.
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Extracorporeal shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a treatment that uses high energy sound waves to exert changes in the target tissues. In specific situations it can decrease pain and increase healing. Conditions that can be treated, types of shockwave therapy, contraindications and adverse effects are discussed.
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Primary intraocular tumors, aside from melanoma, are relatively uncommon. There are many different types of primary tumors, including ciliary body adenoma and adenocarcinomas, uveal schwannomas of blue-eyed dogs, feline post-traumatic ocular sarcomas, and iridociliary adenomas and adenocarcinomas. When an intraocular tumor is suspected, a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be recommended. Diagnosis is usually via an abnormal ophthalmic examination and/or ophthalmic ultrasound. Surgery is often recommended, especially if the pet has symptoms that reduce quality of life. The risk of metastasis is related to the type of tumor.
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Eyebright is an over the counter supplement, given by mouth or used topically as an adjunctive treatment for infection and inflammation of the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect is a sensitivity reaction that may include redness, itching, or irritation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant, nursing, have had eye surgery, or have diabetes. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Tumors can affect the eyelids, conjunctiva, and periocular tissues can be benign or malignant and can lead to secondary problems such as eye infections and corneal ulcerations. Diagnosis is best achieved through surgical excision of the tumor, but fine needle aspiration may be pursued as an initial diagnostic. Surgery is highly recommended to provide the pet with symptomatic relief, remove the tumor, and obtain a definitive diagnosis.
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Famotidine is an antacid given by mouth or into the vein and is commonly used off label to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and acid reflux. Side effects are uncommon but may include a slow heart rate, stomach upset, or dry mouth and skin. Use cautiously in pets that are geriatric or have liver, kidney, or heart disease.