CUTANEOUS CYSTS Cutaneous cysts are saclike structures in the skin that occur in dogs and rarely in cats. Some cysts are congenital and/or inherited in certain breeds. Most cysts contain a white cheesy material and start out as small bumps or nodules but can become large, inflamed, or painful. Surgical removal is the recommended treatment.
CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE The cruciate ligaments connect the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Cruciate ligaments are an essential part of the stability of the hind leg. Cruciate ligaments can stretch, tear or rupture completely. The injury is common in human athletes, and is caused by fast acceleration, stops, and turns that
CORNEAL ULCER A corneal ulcer occurs when the superficial layer of the cornea has been removed by trauma. Fluorescein stain can reveal the size of the ulcer. It is very important to treat the eye immediately and aggressively (every 4-6 hrs) to prevent loss of the eye. Medication must be placed in the eye every
CONSTIPATION AND COLONIC IMPACTION Constipation is the difficult passage of dry, hard stools. Colonic impaction is a more severe, chronic form of constipation. Both conditions are managed by fluid therapy, high-fiber dietary products, laxatives, and enemas when necessary. Constipation and colonic impaction are conditions that can be caused by many factors and diseases. Insufficient dietary
CONJUNCTIVITIS Conjunctivitis is an eye infection and should be treated with the eye medication as prescribed. Minimum treatment requires 1/4 inch strip in lower lid or lids 4 X daily (every 6 hrs) for at least 10 days. (EG: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime.) It is important to treat the eye as directed or the
COLLAPSED TRACHEA Collapsing tracheas occur most often in small dogs. These dogs usually have a chronic "honking" cough. The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube that carries air from the mouth to the lungs. It is composed of rings that normally have a circular shape. A collapsing trachea is a flattening or narrowing of these
COLITIS Colitis is an inflammation of the large bowel. Colitis can be acute or chronic causing diarrhea and small quantities of blood and mucus. Other signs can include depression, fever, weight loss, dull coat, and abdominal pain. Causes of Colitis include parasites, bacteria, fungus, colon polys and nervousness. Although few cases of colitis can be
COCCIDIOSIS Coccidiosis is commonly seen in young puppies and kittens, but can be seen in older pets as well. Coccidiosis causes diarrhea, possibly with blood or mucous. If left untreated, pets may become dehydrated, lose weight, stop eating, or fail to grow properly. Coccidiosis is treatable by oral medications. Please give all medications as prescribed.
CROPPING EARS Cropping or cutting a pet's ears is a matter of taste, an optional aesthetic decision. The procedure, if decided upon, is best performed between 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age, after at least one or two sets of immunizations have been absorbed by the pet. Many owners opt to have their pet
CHERRY EYE A prolapsed 3rd eyelid gland is commonly called "cherry eye". This condition is common in certain breeds, is inherited, and is not painful. Two surgical options are available "tacking" by ophthalmologist specialist is the preferred procedure, and sometimes needs to be redone if the gland tack comes loose gland removal is less expensive
