Educational Articles
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Syncope (or fainting) is defined as a temporary loss of consciousness that occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Most dogs who experience syncope spontaneously recover once appropriate levels of oxygen reach the brain.
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Normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 101 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C). Pets with temperatures above 104°F (40.0°C) or falls below 99°F (37.2°C) need immediate veterinary care. Temperature can be taken rectally or aurally. If taking your pet’s temperature is too difficult, take your pet to your veterinarian. If your pet’s temperature remains high or low, take him to your veterinarian.
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Telehealth is a broad term that refers to the use of telecommunications to provide health-related services. Telehealth services can be delivered by a variety of methods including telephone, text messaging, internet chat, and videoconferencing. Teletriage is the act of performing triage remotely, via telephone or internet and helps determine the urgency of your pet’s medical concern. Telemedicine refers to the practice of medicine at a distance. In the context of veterinary medicine, telemedicine refers to a veterinarian formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan for your pet without an in-person examination. Telemedicine is typically only permitted within the context of an existing Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic and social/physical distancing requirements however, some federal and local governments have relaxed the requirements surrounding telemedicine.
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Wellness testing, performed routinely on apparently healthy birds, screens for underlying, hidden problems. Veterinarians also use test results in conjunction with physical examination findings and the owner's account of the bird's history to diagnose illnesses. Blood tests include the complete blood count and chemistry profile. Other tests your veterinarian may use to assess your bird's health and diagnose disease are discussed.
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If a dog ingests a potentially poisonous amount of CBD or THC, treatment may involve induction of vomiting followed by administration of activated charcoal, if the pet is not showing signs. Pets with moderate gastrointestinal signs of CBD poisoning are treated with anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications; hospitalization is not usually required.
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Toad poisoning occurs when a cat is exposed to the toxins secreted by certain species of toads. The two most common species of toads that cause poisoning in the United States are the cane or marine toad and the Colorado River or Sonoran desert toad. While there are toads in Canada that secrete toxic substances, their effects are much less severe than the toxins secreted by the cane or Sonoran desert toads. Death can occur quickly and immediate treatment is required.
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Toad poisoning occurs when a dog is exposed to the toxins secreted by certain species of toads. The two most common species of toads that cause poisoning in the United States are the cane or marine toad and the Colorado River or Sonoran desert toad. While there are toads in Canada that secrete toxic substances, their effects are much less severe than the toxins secreted by the cane or Sonoran desert toads. Death can occur quickly and immediate treatment is required.
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Urate bladder stones are most commonly the result of a genetic abnormality in breeds such as dalmatians. Other causes include liver diseases such as portosystemic shunts. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are difficulty urinating and blood in the urine. Strategies for treating urate bladder stones in dogs include medical dissolution and removal. Dogs that have experienced urate bladder stones will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life. Dogs with liver disease will need to be treated appropriately prior to addressing urate bladder stone management.
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Uveitis is an inflammation of one or more of the structures making up the uvea (part of the eye). Signs of uveitis are severe pain with an intense reddening of the visible parts of the eye. Measurement of intraocular pressure is often performed to diagnose uveitis. Treatment involves reducing the pain and inflammation in the eye as well as treating the initial cause of the disease.
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Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. A common source of vitamin D poisoning is when a cat accidentally ingests rodenticides containing vitamin D. The initial clinical signs of poisoning occur anywhere from 8 to 48 hours after ingestion and include depression, weakness, and appetite loss. Vomiting, increased drinking and urination, constipation, and dehydration typically follow these signs.
