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• Nutritional Support for Dogs with Bladder Stones

  Bladder stones can be a significant problem for dogs. Bladder stones set the stage for chronic urinary tract infection, and some bladder stones (struvites) grow more quickly if the dog already has a urinary tract infection. Diet selection can play a role, and it is important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations to prevent recurrence.

• Obesity in Birds

  Obesity is a major problem in older birds on seed-based diets and can contribute to diseases such as arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis (fat deposits in major arteries), and fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). Unlike their wild counterparts, pet birds are not given as much opportunity for daily exercise. Pet birds often burn off very few calories in their daily lives. Switching a bird from an all-seed diet to a more suitable diet consisting mainly of pellets, with smaller amounts of fresh vegetables and fruit, will decrease its overall daily intake of calories.

• Obesity in Dogs

  In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. Almost 60% of domestic dogs are overweight. Scientific evidence now shows that fat tissue is not benign; it actively secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress, both of which contribute to increased risks for several diseases, as well as a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, inflammatory condition means regular veterinary assessments and strict attention to portion control.

• Open Fontanelle in Small Breed Puppies

  Open fontanelles are soft spots in the skull, or gaps between the skull’s growth plates. They can be normal in young puppies, especially small breeds, and typically close or harden by 9-12 weeks of age. This handout discusses causes, diagnosis and treatment of open fontanelles in small breed puppies.

• Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Dogs

  Rarely, ovarian tissue can be left behind when a dog is spayed. This leads to the ongoing secretion of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that can result in a dog continuing to have a heat cycle. Ovarian remnants are difficult to diagnose, but vaginal cytology combined with hormone testing can be used to confirm the presence of functional ovarian tissue. Surgical treatment is typically recommended to prevent other health conditions from developing.

• Pancreatitis in Dogs

  The pancreas is a vital organ that produces enzymes to assist in food digestion and hormones such as insulin, which regulates blood sugar or glucose metabolism. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis commonly occurs in dogs and may be acute or chronic.

• Pancreatitis in Dogs: Pancreas-Specific Lipase

  Pancreas-specific lipase is a form of lipase produced only in the pancreas and is highly specific to the pancreas. Blood values increase only when there is pancreatic inflammation. A version of the cPLI test can now be used in-clinic (SNAP fPL© from IDEXX). Ideally, the sample should also be sent to the laboratory to get an actual value of cPLI to help with treatment and monitoring.

• Pandora Syndrome in Cats

  Pandora syndrome affects multiple organ systems, including the urinary tract. The term is often used synonymously with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), but FIC is only one component of Pandora syndrome. It is believed to be related to chronic stress. This article discusses causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for cats with this condition.

• Panniculitis

  Panniculitis is a localized inflammation of the tissues under the skin, causing a firm swelling (nodule) that may ulcerate and drain fluid. It is a common problem in cats and is less common in dogs. There are several causes of panniculitis, but in younger animals with a single lump, the cause is often blunt trauma and, in cats, it is often caused by bite wounds from fighting. An accurate diagnosis relies on the microscopic examination of tissue and the most common treatment is the surgical removal of the lump(s).

• Pannus in Dogs (Chronic Superficial Keratitis)

  Chronic superficial keratitis (CSK), or pannus, is a potentially blinding disease affecting the cornea. Any dog breed can be affected by pannus, but it is predominantly seen in German shepherds, Belgian shepherds, and border collies. Diagnosis is based on medical history and clinical signs. Treatment involves using topical corticosteroids or other immune-modulating drugs. If diagnosed early and treatment plans are followed, many dogs can have a good prognosis and live a normal life.