Skip to main content

Library

Content Library

  • Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells that are involved in the immune system. Feline lymphoma most commonly affects the intestines; therefore, clinical signs of lymphoma are often similar to other intestinal diseases. Diagnosing lymphoma requires finding cancerous cells on microscopic examination. This cancer cannot be prevented, but the likelihood of a cat developing lymphoma can be decreased by preventing feline leukemia virus infection.

  • Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. This cancer may be localized to one particular region, or may spread throughout the entire body. Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer, accounting for 15-20% of new cancer diagnoses in dogs. The prognosis for lymphoma varies, depending on various characteristics that can only be determined by specialized testing.

  • The most common forms of cutaneous lymphoma are epitheliotropic lymphoma and dermal lymphoma. No specific risk factors or causes have been identified in the development of cutaneous lymphoma. Generally, cutaneous lymphoma can appear as various-sized irritated, ulcerated, or infected patches anywhere on the skin, including the gums, nose, or lip margins. These areas may become ulcerated and bleed, or become crusted. Secondary infections are possible. By far, the most common treatment for cutaneous lymphoma is chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the response to treatment, although initially encouraging, is typically short-lived, with gradual return of the tumors.

  • Ferrets can suffer from tumors in any part of their body, ranging from benign cancers of the skin to aggressive malignant tumors of internal organs. The clinical signs depend on the type of tumor, the organ involved, and the stage of the disease. For a dedicated owner with an otherwise healthy-looking patient, treatment with chemotherapy is a very good option.

  • Lysine is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat signs and symptoms associated with feline herpes virus infection in cats. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include diarrhea. There are no specific contraindications for using this supplement. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Lysosomal storage diseases are a rare collection of conditions that are inherited. Many of them are more prevalent in certain breeds and are seen in the first few months of life. Clinical signs vary depending on the type of disease, but commonly include failure to thrive, incoordination, vision loss, and seizure. Prognosis is usually poor for long-term survival.

  • While macadamia nuts are edible for humans, they are poisonous for dogs. Initial signs of macadamia nut poisoning include vomiting, fever, and lethargy, and will progress to incoordination, reluctance to use the rear limbs, inability to stand, joint stiffness, and muscle tremors. Macadamia nuts can also lead to pancreatitis.

  • Macaws are the largest members of the parrot family. They are high maintenance birds that require a great deal of space to house. They also require a lot of daily affection and attention. Macaws require annual, routine veterinary health check-ups.

  • Once a pet has lost some weight, the new goal is to make sure that excess weight stays off. Pet parents who partner with their veterinary health care team for support and who focus on changing their behaviors often have the most success. Examples of some changes include using a different food or a different feeding method, focusing more on portion control, and incorporating some movement or activity time into each day. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about how to help a pet during the maintenance phase (after the weight has been lost).

  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition of the small intestine that results in increased numbers of bowel bacteria. The bacteria cause damage to the surface of the bowel so digested food cannot be absorbed, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea and weight loss.