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Compassionate, quality petcare since 1947

Compassionate, quality petcare since 1947

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With Educator Resources

  • 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.

  • Heartworm treatment involves several components to combat potential bacterial infection, kill heartworm larvae (microfilaria), kill adult heartworms, and then test to confirm successful treatment. Complete rest for a dog undergoing treatment is essential.

  • The most common cause of hip dislocation is blunt force trauma such as a fall or an automobile injury. Most cats with a hip dislocation will have severe hind limb lameness and pain, and may not be able to put any weight on the affected limb. A diagnostic X-ray will show the direction of dislocation, and whether a fracture of any part of the hip joint has occurred. In many cases, it is possible to replace the femoral head in the acetabulum by manipulation under general anesthesia. If the femoral head has been successfully replaced and the correct post-operative treatment has been adhered to, it is unlikely that the hip will redislocate.

  • The most common cause of hip dislocation is blunt force trauma such as a fall or an automobile injury. Most dogs with a hip dislocation will have severe hind limb lameness and pain and may not be able to put any weight on the affected limb. A diagnostic radiograph will show the direction of dislocation and whether a fracture of any part of the hip joint has occurred. In many cases, it is possible to replace the femoral head in the acetabulum by manipulation under general anesthesia. If the femoral head has been successfully replaced and the correct post-operative treatment has been adhered to, it is unlikely that the hip will dislocate again.

  • Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip that occurs during growth. The result is laxity of the joint, followed by degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis (OA), which is the body's attempt to stabilize the loose hip joint. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that is affected by factors such as diet, environment, exercise, growth rate, muscle mass, and hormones. It is predominantly seen in larger dogs. Treatment depends upon the pet's clinical signs and amount of discomfort the pet is in.

  • Immunotherapy (oral and injectable) is a treatment that involves using a pet’s own immune system to fight health conditions, such as certain allergies or certain types of cancer. Immunotherapy is specially formulated for each individual. It comes in injectable and oral forms.

  • A joint luxation is a dislocation or complete separation between the bones that normally move back and forth to form a joint. Subluxation refers to a partial separation of the joint. The most commonly subluxated joint in cats is the hip, although any joint can be affected. Your veterinarian may suspect a joint subluxation based on a history of trauma and physical examination findings such as pain and limping. A radiograph is necessary to definitively diagnose a joint subluxation. In many cases, the joint can be reduced or replaced to its original orientation by a procedure called a closed reduction, with a good prognosis if treated immediately. Surgery correction, however, may be needed.

  • A joint luxation is a dislocation or complete separation between the bones that normally move back and forth to form a joint. Subluxation is the term referring to a partial separation of the joint. The most commonly subluxated joints in dogs include the hip and elbow, although any joint can be affected. Your veterinarian may suspect a joint subluxation based on a history of trauma and physical examination findings such as pain and limping. A radiograph is necessary to definitively diagnose a joint subluxation. In many cases, the joint can be reduced or replaced to its original orientation by a procedure called a closed reduction, with a good prognosis if treated immediately. Surgical correction, however, may be needed.

  • Feline miliary dermatitis is a skin condition that typically results from an underlying allergic reaction, most commonly to fleabites. An affected cat will have a very itchy rash and may lick, bite, and scratch at the affected skin, quickly progressing to small lesions with scabs on them. The offending allergen must be removed for long-term resolution.

  • Nutrition is very important in managing cats with diabetes mellitus. Achieving a lean body condition is associated with better glucose control and an increased chance of remission. Other factors in dietary management of diabetes mellitus are discussed.