Print Hyperviscosity Syndrome in Cats Thickening of the blood, medically referred to as hyperviscosity, or high blood viscosity, typically results from markedly high concentration of blood plasma proteins, although it can also result (rarely) from an extremely high red blood cell count. It is most frequently seen as a paraneoplastic syndrome (the consequence of [...]
Print Ethanol Toxicosis in Dogs Ethanol poisoning (toxicosis) occurs from exposure to the chemical ethanol, either orally or through the skin, and results most commonly in a depression of the central nervous system — expressed in the animal as drowsiness, lack of coordination or unconsciousness. Other effects may include damage to body cells, and [...]
Print Hyperphosphatemia in Cats Hyperphosphatemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which abnormally elevated levels of phosphate are present in the cat’s blood. It can occur at any age but is more common in kittens or old cats with kidney problems. Additionally, cats with bone diseases and calcium deficiency are susceptible to hyperphosphatemia. Hyperphosphatemia [...]
Print Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Dogs Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries in a female dog is called an ovariohysterectomy. This type of surgery results in the cessation of subsequent estrus (heat) symptoms in the female. However, sometimes after an ovariohysterectomy, some female dogs continue to exhibit the behavioral and/or physical signs pertaining [...]
Print Hypermagnesemia in Cats Electrolytes are required in the body for many vital functions, like keeping fluid balance, normal heart and brain functions, delivery of oxygen, and many more. Magnesium, after potassium, is the second most abundant positively charged electrolyte found inside cells. Bones and muscles contain a major portion of magnesium in the [...]
Print Megaesophagus in Dogs Megaesophagus is a generalized enlargement of the esophagus — a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach — with a decreased to absent motility. Esophageal motility is required for moving food and liquid down to the stomach. Megaesophagus is seen more often in dogs as compared to cats. [...]
Print Iron Toxicity in Cats While iron is an essential nutrient for the regular functioning of a cat’s body, it can become lethal when it is present in large quantities in the bloodstream. Cats may be ingesting unhealthy amounts of iron when they are being given multivitamins that are not appropriate for their age, [...]
Print Splenomegaly in Dogs Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen. This medical condition can occur in all breeds and genders, but middle-aged dogs and larger breeds tend to be more prone. It is also not usually directly related to the spleen, but rather a symptom of another disease or condition. Treatment options [...]
Print Hyperchloremia in Cats Hyperchloremia refers to abnormally high levels of chloride (an electrolyte) in the blood. Electrolytes play important roles within the dog’s body: helping in heart and nervous system functions, fluid balance, delivery of oxygen, and much more. For every electrolyte a very delicate chemical balance is required, and each electrolyte has [...]
Print Hepatomegaly in Dogs The term hepatomegaly is used to describe an abnormally enlarged liver. Often occurring due to certain diseases and conditions that can either directly or indirectly affect the functioning of the liver, the liver organ may increase in size, taking on a diseased condition of its own. Symptoms and Types [...]