Educational Articles
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Cytology is the microscopic examination of cells that have been collected from the body. Lesions on the surface of the skin or from moist body cavities can be sampled very simply by scraping, swabbing, flushing, or making impressions of the tissue. The collected cells get looked at under a microscope and in many cases a diagnosis can be made to determine the best form of treatment.
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Collecting tissue samples for cytology or histopathology allow a pathologist to often give a diagnosis of the type of mass or tumor your pet has. Samples can be obtained by fine needle aspirate or biopsy, where a piece of the mass is cut out. Based on what the mass appears like under the microscope, the pathologist can often give a prognosis of how the tumor will behave.
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Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to help relax the urinary tract and improve urine flow in cats and dogs. It has also been used to help prevent muscle contractions caused by certain toxicities in dogs and malignant hyperthermia in miniature pigs and dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Dantrolene comes in capsule and injectable forms.
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Darbepoetin alfa is prescribed off label to treat low red blood cell levels (anemia) caused by progressing kidney disease in dogs and cats. It is administered by injections under the skin.
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Dasuquin® Advanced is a supplement used to improve joint function, reduce joint pain, and support flexibility and mobility in dogs and cats. Therapeutic ingredients include glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), sodium chondroitin, and sulfate.
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Cat food labels can be confusing. These labels are an important way that pet food manufacturers communicate nutritional information to consumers. It is important to understand some of the rules regulating cat food labels to better interpret the information they contain.
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Your veterinarian wants to keep your pet healthy and the fact is that people who are better informed take better care of their pets. Do not be overwhelmed by “medicalese”. Try your best to understand this foreign language and if you cannot quite decipher it, ask your veterinarian to speak more plainly.
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Degenerative joint disease is arthritis caused by deterioration and degeneration of tissues lining joints. It is an under-recognized condition in cats. Treatment involves modification of the home environment, regular gentle exercise, anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications, omega fatty acids, chondroprotectants, and possibly other nutraceuticals. Maintaining your cat’s weight can help prevent degenerative joint disease.
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It all starts with an exam room evaluation. When rough tartar accumulates on tooth surfaces and touches the gum line, it’s time for a professional oral assessment, treatment, and prevention visit. This visit will include a thorough dental examination, teeth cleaning, and polishing to remove the tartar and invisible plaque from all of the tooth surfaces.
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Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the tissues supporting the teeth become inflamed. When a pet develops dental disease, significant quantities of bacteria reside within the mouth and the oral tissues. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas such as the liver and kidneys, causing distant or systemic effects.
