Educational Articles
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol, APAP, N-acetylparaminophenol) is used for pain in fever in humans, and may be recommended for dogs in low doses, but should only ever be given under the direction of a veterinarian. Young and small dogs have a higher risk for toxicity.
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Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS), formerly known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, is characterized by vomiting and bloody diarrhea in dogs. AHDS is believed to be caused by a bacterium that is part of the normal gut flora and can produce toxins and enzymes that can damage the intestinal lining and blood vessels.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden failure of the kidneys to perform normal filtration duties. Clinical signs, potential causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are outlined in this handout.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening complication of critical illness in dogs, such as systemic infection, systemic disease, severe trauma, or near-drowning. Treatment involves targeting the underlying cause while supporting the dog's compromised lung.
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Exposure to ethanol (also called ethyl alcohol) by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption can lead to alcohol poisoning. Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol/rubbing alcohol) and methanol (methyl alcohol) can also cause alcohol poisoning. Early intervention is key to successful treatment of alcohol poisoning.
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Amitraz is a topical insecticide found in flea collars, sprays, dips, and other topical spot-on or pour-on products used to control ticks, mites, and other parasites. Dogs can be poisoned if they ingest amitraz or are given a treatment intended for another species.
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Anaphylaxis is an acute severe allergic reaction caused by an overreaction of the body's immune system to an allergen such as a food protein, medication, vaccine antigen, or other chemical. The most common signs include itching, cutaneous edema, hives, excessive drool, vomiting, diarrhea or respiratory distress. Diagnosis is made based on history and physical exam.
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Anisocoria is a condition in which the pupils of the eyes are different sizes; one pupil is larger than the other. Anisocoria is a symptom of an underlying condition or disease that needs to be identified and treated. Prognosis is guarded pending the diagnosis and treatment. Blindness may occur as a result of the underlying condition.
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A dog that does not want to eat, or is not eating, is a dog with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Many conditions can lead to the inability of your dog to eat or lose his appetite completely. It is important to find the underlying cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. Appetite stimulants may be prescribed, and in some cases, a feeding tube may be placed by your veterinarian. Decreased food intake or any change in eating habits warrants investigation by your veterinarian.
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Anticoagulant rodenticides are poisons used to kill mice, rats, and other rodents by preventing blood clotting. Poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a rodenticide that is placed without a protective bait station. Secondary poisoning can also occur when a dog eats a rodent that has died from poisoning.
