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Allergies - Food

What is food allergy?

Food allergy is one of the five most common allergies or hypersensitivities known to affect dogs. Most people know someone who is allergic to certain foods, such as strawberries or nuts. It is only recently that food allergies have become recognized in dogs. The signs are usually itchy skin or an upset stomach. Other more subtle changes can also occur including hyperactivity, weight loss, lack of energy and even aggression.

Allergies - Inhalant

What are allergies and how do they affect dogs?

Allergies may be defined as the body’s response to foreign proteins. For our purposes, we will consider allergies to be any of the common reactions or responses to pollens, flea bites, and so on that result in itching.

Allergies in Cats

What are allergies and how do they affect cats?

One of the most common conditions affecting cats is allergy. An allergy occurs when the cat's immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances called allergens or antigens.

Anal Sac Disease

What are the anal sacs?

 
Popularly called ‘anal glands’, these are two small pouches located on either side of the anus at approximately the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. The sacs are lined with numerous specialized sebaceous (skin) glands that produce a foul smelling secretion. Each sac is connected to the outside by a small duct which opens just inside the anus.
 

Anal Sac Disease in Cats

 The anal sacs are located on either side of the anus just under the skin at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. They connect to the anus by means of small canals called ducts. Anal sacs produce and store a dark, foul-smelling fluid. These are the same types of organs that a skunk has to scare away its enemies and mark territory. Although cats use their anal sacs for the same purpose, most domestic cats have no need to mark territory or repel predators. Because the sacs are rarely emptied, the fluid builds up, solidifies, and becomes an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

Anemia in Cats

What does it mean to be anemic?

Anemia is a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin or both. It is not a specific disease but the result of some disease process.

Anemia in Dogs

What does it mean to be anemic?

 
Anemia is a reduced number of red blood cells (RBC’s), hemoglobin (HGB) or both. It is not a specific disease but the result of some disease process.

Anthrax

I’ve heard about anthrax in people. Should I be concerned for my dog?

 
Unfortunately anthrax is being used as a method of bio-terrorism and dogs can be infected, as can most mammals. Birds are normally resistant to the disease. Different animals have different levels of susceptibility to anthrax infection. Herbivores (cattle, sheep, horses) are the most susceptible and humans; dogs are less susceptible to infection. Under normal circumstances cases of anthrax in dogs are very rare.

Applying creams, ointments and lotions

Applying topical medications to your pet can sometimes be a challenge. We are providing these tips to help make treating your pet easier – for both of you.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a complex condition involving inflammation of joints. There are many causes of arthritis in pets. In most cases, the degree of arthritis is related to the age of the animal.