STAPH DERMATITIS Staph dermatitis is caused by staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is ubiquitous (everywhere) in our environment and is the common cause of human Hospital “nosocomial” Staph infections. Some pets, especially purebreds, have a genetic immuno-incompetence, (lacking adequate immune system) to fight off the bacteria allowing occasional skin infections. Most pets benefit from Staph Lysate
SEIZURE When pets experience seizure it is very upsetting to the humans that love them. Epilepsy is a term to describe repetitive inappropriate brain stimulation causing seizure activity. A "Gran Mal" seizure indicates full tremor, usually including defecation and urination. "Petit Mal" describes a briefer, lesser, tremor without defecation or urination. The first medical step
SEBORRHEA Sebum is a normal product of certain skin glands. In seborrhea, excessive sebum is produced and appears as dry, light-colored flakes in the hair coat or as greasy, waxy scales on the skin and hair. Because sebum is a fatty material, it becomes rancid and causes a strong coat odor. Seborrhea may occur as
SARCOPTIC MANGE (“SCABIES”) Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease caused by tiny mites. Symptoms include severe itching (pruritis), hair loss, and sores. It is seen in dogs of all ages and breeds. The common name for Sarcoptic mange is Scabies. It is highly contagious to pets, as well as humans. Treatment includes medicated shampoos
ROUNDWORMS Roundworms are 2-6 inch long intestinal parasites that are seen in dogs and cats of all ages. Pups are infected through the soil and mother's womb or through mother's milk. Weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and "pot belly" are common symptoms. Diagnosis is made with fecal examination/flotation. Treatment consists of oral medications, pyrantel pamoate. Most
RINGWORM (MICROSPORUM CANIS) Microsporum Canis is the cause of “Ringworm.” Mild to moderate cases are treated by applying antifungal cream to the affected areas two to three times daily for two weeks. Antifungal shampoos should be soaked for 10 minutes weekly. In systemic or severe cases oral medications such as Itraconozol can be indicated. Ringworm
REVERSE SNEEZE SYNDROME – Reverse sneeze syndrome is characterized by a series of rapid, loud, forced inhalations through the nostrils, lasting anywhere from 10 seconds to 2 minutes. Attacks occur on a sporadic, unpredictable basis. Dogs usually have the head extended forward and stand still during the episode. Affected dogs appear completely normal before and
RETAINED TESTICLE Retained testicle is also known as “crypt orchid”. The testicles normally descend from their embryonic location near the kidneys through the abdominal cavity out the inguinal canal to the scrotal sac within weeks of birth. If both testicles are not descended by the age of 5-7months the neuter procedure is postponed for a
RENAL/ KIDNEY FAILURE Renal failure describes a decline in kidney function whereby the kidneys are no longer capable of filtering nitrogenous waste from the bloodstream. Nitrogenous waste is the toxic bi-product that results from normal daily metabolism. Many diverse processes and diseases can cause renal failure. Among the many causes of renal failure are old
PYOMETRA Pyometra is an accumulation of pus in the uterus. It is a serious, often fatal infection commonly seen in older un-spayed female dogs and less frequently in cats. Common clinical signs include excessive water consumption and urination, depression, and appetite loss. Ovarian hysterectomy (spay) is the recommended therapy. Most cases of pyometra develop spontaneously
