Educational Articles
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Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to the proteins in flea saliva. Cats usually experience only minor skin irritation in response to flea bites, but in cats with flea allergies, the antigens in flea saliva cause an intensely itchy response. Strict flea control is essential for treatment and prevention.
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Flea allergy dermatitis is a common cause of allergic reactions in dogs. The antigens in flea saliva cause an intensely itchy response in sensitive dogs. Itching and hair loss in the region from the middle of the back to the tail base and down the rear legs (the flea triangle) is often associated with this allergy. Strict flea control is essential for treatment and prevention.
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Food allergies can be problematic for many cats, especially after years on the same diet. Clinical signs may manifest as gastrointestinal or skin problems. Animal proteins are the most common causes and strict avoidance is the best way to treat affected cats. An 8 to 12-week elimination diet trial on a special veterinary diet is the only definitive method to diagnose a food allergy and, in some cases, the veterinary diet may need to be continued long-term.
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Food allergies can be problematic for many dogs, especially after years on the same diet. Clinical signs may manifest as gastrointestinal or skin problems. Some animal proteins are the most common causes and strict avoidance is the best way to treat affected dogs. An eight to twelve-week elimination diet trial on a special veterinary diet is the only definitive method to diagnose a food allergy and, in some cases, the veterinary diet may need to be continued long-term.
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Fractured teeth in cats can result from fights, car accidents, and chewing on hard objects. There are five classifications of tooth fractures and each needs treatment to avoid tooth sensitivity and pain. Because cats have thin enamel, even a small chip fracture can cause pain and needs veterinary care. Clinical signs include chewing on one side of the mouth, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, and facial swelling.
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Dogs often break their teeth from chewing on bones, antlers, and hard chew toys. There are five classifications of tooth fractures and each needs treatment to avoid tooth sensitivity and pain. Clinical signs include chewing on one side of the mouth, excessive drooling, dropping food while eating, pawing at the mouth, and facial swelling. Your veterinarian may perform a root canal or extract the tooth. Eliminating hard chew toys and treats can prevent tooth fractures.
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This handout discusses what a heart murmur is, how it is detected, what recommended tests are advised to determine the underlying cause, and potential treatments or monitoring that should be undertaken when a murmur is detected in your cat.
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This handout discusses what a heart murmur is, how it is diagnosed, what recommended tests are advised to determine the underlying cause, and potential treatments or monitoring that should be undertaken when a murmur is detected in your dog.
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Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease. Adult heartworms may live for 5 to 7 years and produce millions of offspring called microfilaria. You can prevent your dog from getting heartworms by using a heartworm preventive.
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Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, better known as heartworm. Dogs become infected when they are bitten by an infected mosquito carrying immature heartworms. This handout discusses signs, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prevention in dogs.
