Educational Articles
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A cesarean section is surgery usually performed as an emergency to help deliver puppies. Complete recovery from anesthesia may take 2 to 12 hours. The puppies may also be sluggish and slow to nurse at first due to the anesthesia. The dog should be monitored for fever, abnormal vulvar discharge, and abnormalities at the incision.
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Chediak-Higashi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease of smoke-blue Persian cats. The condition affects how the body processes waste products, resulting in changes within the body’s cells and leading to abnormal pigmentation of the skin and coat. The condition can lead to eye abnormalities and problems with blood clotting, but most cats can have a normal lifespan with careful health monitoring.
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Dogs are routinely neutered to prevent undesirable behaviors such as urine marking as well as to prevent unplanned litters of puppies. Neutering has both positive and negative health and behavioral consequences. Talk to your veterinarian about whether and when to neuter.
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Eclampsia, also referred to as hypocalcemia or puerperal tetany, is an emergency medical condition associated with a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that occurs in nursing mothers. Mothers that are especially attentive to their kittens seem to be more likely to develop eclampsia. Signs and treatment are discussed.
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Eclampsia, also referred to as hypocalcemia or puerperal tetany, is an emergency medical condition associated with a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that occurs in nursing mothers. Mothers that are especially attentive to their puppies seem to be more likely to develop eclampsia. Signs and treatment are discussed.
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Female cats have their first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle when they reach puberty (sexual maturity). Each cycle consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female can become pregnant. This handout explains the cycle stages and signs.
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Female dogs have their first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle when they reach puberty (sexual maturity). Each cycle consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female can become pregnant. This handout explains the cycle stages and signs.
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Estrus (heat) begins when a female dog reaches sexual maturity and occurs about twice per year, although it varies from dog to dog. From the beginning of a female’s estrus period, she will be attractive to male dogs, though she will usually not be receptive or allow mating until seven to ten days into her cycle. The time of mating is extremely critical and it is highly recommended to have your female tested to determine the optimal days for breeding.
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False pregnancy refers to a display of maternal behaviors, combined with the physical signs of pregnancy following estrus, in unspayed female dogs that are not actually pregnant. Signs include physical and behavioral changes, outlined in this article. Mild cases typically are not treated, but treatment may be needed for more serious cases. If your dog is not used for breeding, spaying is recommended.
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It's important to ensure your pregnant cat receives adequate nutrition to make sure both she and her kittens thrive during this time of increased demands on her body. Feeding and diet suggestions are provided.
