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Check Out Our Pet Library for Medical Information
Countryside Animal Hospital provides you with a full library of pet medical information from the Veterinary Information Network.
VIN is the world's first and largest online veterinary community, where new articles are added weekly by the experts at VIN to make sure that our readers have the most current veterinary information available.
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Articles by Species
Dogs
Diseases and Conditions
March 8, 2017
A localized accumulation of pus, usually caused by an infection introduced from an animal bite or other penetrating wound.
September 8, 2020
For most of the time, a good fur coat is all the protection a dog needs to avoid damage from the sun. After all, protection from the environment is what fur is all about. There are two problems, however: the tummy (which is sparsely furred in most dogs) and short white fur (which sunlight readily penetrates).
Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS or HGE)
April 28, 2021
A potentially life-threatening intestinal condition of dogs that manifests as sudden onset bloody, watery diarrhea called acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (previously called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or HGE.)
Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
October 15, 2020
Also called hypoadrenocorticism, Addison's disease results from a deficiency of the hormones that enable adaption to stress. Signs can be vague or can culminate in a circulatory crisis.
Adrenal Tumor Treatment in Cushing's Syndrome
July 30, 2020
While only approximately 15% of canine Cushing's syndrome patients have adrenal tumors, half of these patients will have a benign tumor and half will have malignant tumors. The choice of therapy may well depend on which type it is.
Adverse Reactions to Spot-on Flea and Tick Products
August 5, 2014
With spot-on preventives, there is the possibility that certain individuals will have adverse local reactions to one or more ingredients in the product.
Allergies: Atopic Dermatitis (Airborne)
January 16, 2019
We get hay fever; dogs get itchy skin. This condition is usually seasonal - but not always - and many treatments are available. Find out the causes and what you can do to relieve your pet's discomfort.
Alopecia X is a Pattern of Baldness
March 17, 2020
It may be that Alopecia X is not one hair loss-causing disease but several and we simply do not know how to distinguish them.
Amputation is Preferable to Continued Pain
March 11, 2019
A letter from a veterinarian points out that amputation is far better than continued pain or euthanasia.
Anal Glands and Anal Gland Abscess in Dogs
August 6, 2020
The infection prevents the foul-smelling anal gland fluid from leaving the sac.
July 22, 2021
Anal sac tumors are uncommon but serious and left untreated are generally fatal.
April 8, 2014
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease. Two forms of anaplasmosis are known: granulocytic anaplasmosis and infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia. A dog can have both infections at the same time
Anaplasmosis in Dogs and Cats Is Tick-Borne
December 26, 2019
Signs can include poor appetite and fever. Joints are commonly affected.
Anorexia, or Lack of Appetite, in Dogs and Cats
June 30, 2020
Loss of appetite is one of the most important criteria in determining if a pet is significantly ill or just having a minor malady. When the veterinarian says the pet has anorexia, it means the pet is not eating.
September 1, 2021
Nasal aspergillosis is the most common manifestation of the Aspergillus infection.
April 21, 2021
Atopic animals will usually rub, lick, chew, bite or scratch at their feet, muzzle, ears, armpits or groin, causing hair loss, and reddening and thickening of the skin.
Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs and Cats
May 17, 2018
Atrial fibrillation (sometimes called "A fib") is an arrhythmia, an irregularity of the heart's rhythm.
Aural Hematoma in Dogs and Cats
May 28, 2021
A hematoma is swelling created by a broken blood vessel after bleeding has occurred inside tissue. Hematomas within the ear flaps (aural hematomas) occur when head shaking breaks a blood vessel. The ear flap may partially or completely swell with blood. This condition is more common in dogs but can occur in cats as well.
Care and Husbandry
November 21, 2018
Pet food labeling does not provide detailed nutritional information and it’s easily misunderstood by pet owners.
January 30, 2020
An x-ray is a still photograph, but an ultrasound is like a video.
January 26, 2021
Most airlines require pets to be 15 lbs or less to fly in the cabin with their owners (this weight includes both the pet and the carrier). Remember that you will need a USDA Health Certificate in most cases. Check with the airline as to how recent the certificate must be issued.
Alternative Diets for Dogs and Cats
July 27, 2021
There are about as many diet options for your pet as there are for you, so which one is best? Breed, age, weight, allergies, medical conditions, and finances are some of the contributing factors that need to be considered when choosing an alternative diet.
January 28, 2019
Antibiotics are useless against viruses and will not cure viral infections. Previously, people and pets with viruses were given preventive antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, but this approach is not favored anymore because of the bacteria's ability to develop antibiotic resistance.
Antifreeze Additives that are Taste Aversive to Protect Dogs and Cats
March 13, 2013
At this time, the ASPCA is neutral on legislation requiring the addition of taste-aversive agents such as denatonium benzoate (Bitrex) to automobile antifreeze products containing ethylene glycol for the purpose of preventing poisoning in animals.
Toxicities
February 18, 2020
Dogs and cats can get more than just drunk when they drink alcoholic beverages -- they can get a trip to the emergency room. Pets can die from alcohol ingestion.
Behavior
June 12, 2018
Here are a few things to consider before, during, and after the adoption that can help ensure success.
Aggression Between Familiar Dogs
December 21, 2020
Aggression between familiar dogs in the same household is a common occurrence and is one of the most common reasons that dogs are surrendered, rehomed, or euthanized. When a fight occurs, damage to the relationship between the dogs can be difficult to repair. Learn how to address this type of aggression.
Applying a Muzzle to an Aggressive Dog
December 15, 2020
Applying Eye Drops with Low Stress Handling
October 14, 2020
Applying eyedrops need not be a struggle for you or your pet.
Cats
Diseases and Conditions
March 8, 2017
A localized accumulation of pus, usually caused by an infection introduced from an animal bite or other penetrating wound.
September 29, 2018
At most clinics, a week doesn't go by without seeing a cat or two in this condition. Cats fight, bite, and get infected. What do you need to know?
Adverse Reactions to Spot-on Flea and Tick Products
August 5, 2014
With spot-on preventives, there is the possibility that certain individuals will have adverse local reactions to one or more ingredients in the product.
Allergies: Atopic Dermatitis (Airborne)
January 16, 2019
We get hay fever; dogs get itchy skin. This condition is usually seasonal - but not always - and many treatments are available. Find out the causes and what you can do to relieve your pet's discomfort.
Amputation is Preferable to Continued Pain
March 11, 2019
A letter from a veterinarian points out that amputation is far better than continued pain or euthanasia.
April 8, 2014
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease. Two forms of anaplasmosis are known: granulocytic anaplasmosis and infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia. A dog can have both infections at the same time.
Anaplasmosis in Dogs and Cats Is Tick-Borne
December 26, 2019
Signs can include poor appetite and fever. Joints are commonly affected.
Anorexia, or Lack of Appetite, in Dogs and Cats
June 30, 2020
Loss of appetite is one of the most important criteria in determining if a pet is significantly ill or just having a minor malady. When the veterinarian says the pet has anorexia, it means the pet is not eating.
Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: What Can be Done?
January 4, 2019
Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a degenerative, progressive, and irreversible condition of the joints.
April 20, 2020
Aspergillosis infections in cats are rare and most commonly seen in cats with a poor immune system.
July 8, 2020
If your cat needs to open its mouth to breathe or if its abdomen moves excessively as it breathes (and it is not purring), then it may be suffering from feline asthma. Asthma is a recurring respiratory compromise that occurs when the lung airways constrict either spontaneously or in response to stimuli that normally should not cause a reaction.
Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs and Cats
May 17, 2018
Atrial fibrillation (sometimes called "A fib") is an arrhythmia, an irregularity of the heart's rhythm.
Care and Husbandry
November 21, 2018
Pet food labeling does not provide detailed nutritional information and it’s easily misunderstood by pet owners
January 30, 2020
An x-ray is a still photograph, but an ultrasound is like a video.
January 26, 2021
Most airlines require pets to be 15 lbs or less to fly in the cabin with their owners (this weight includes both the pet and the carrier). Remember that you will need a USDA Health Certificate in most cases. Check with the airline as to how recent the certificate must be issued.
Alternative Diets for Dogs and Cats
July 27, 2021
There are about as many diet options for your pet as there are for you, so which one is best? Breed, age, weight, allergies, medical conditions, and finances are some of the contributing factors that need to be considered when choosing an alternative diet.
January 28, 2019
Antibiotics are useless against viruses and will not cure viral infections. Previously, people and pets with viruses were given preventive antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, but this approach is not favored anymore because of the bacteria's ability to develop antibiotic resistance.
Antifreeze Additives that are Taste Aversive to Protect Dogs and Cats
March 13, 2013
At this time, the ASPCA is neutral on legislation requiring the addition of taste-aversive agents such as denatonium benzoate (Bitrex) to automobile antifreeze products containing ethylene glycol for the purpose of preventing poisoning in animals.
Horses
Diseases and Conditions
Acetaminophen Can Be Used for Horse's Laminitis Pain
September 5, 2017
A new pain killer is being used in horses for laminitis and founder.
Acupuncture for Laminitis in Horses
February 25, 2020
Consider acupuncture in horses that have not responded to typical laminitis therapy.
July 29, 2020
There are three types of arthritic pain.
Arthritis in the Neck Can Cause Equine Lameness
November 13, 2020
It's possible that lameness in a leg is due to a problem in the neck, not the leg.
December 10, 2019
The overall feeling is that Adequan is moderately effective at treating chronic joint disease while hyaluronic acid is more effective at treating acute joint disease.
Care and Husbandry
November 21, 2018
Pet food labeling does not provide detailed nutritional information and it’s easily misunderstood by pet owners.
Adding Fat to your Horse's Diet for Weight Gain
August 15, 2016
To provide energy by feeding something other than carbohydrates, giving fat is a good option and there are several sources of fat for horses.
Adequan and Polyglycan in Horses
August 26, 2009
Horse owners are always looking for cheaper medications that will do the same job as Adequan and Legend.
February 2, 2009
Raising an orphan foal is not an easy task.
Altering a Horse's Tail and the Ethics behind It
October 31, 2016
Tails are altered for cosmetic reasons, for the show ring, or for competitive purposes, neither of which is done for the good of the horse and in fact, sometimes it is done to the horse's detriment.
September 1, 2015
There are many rehab centers that are using water therapy for horses but the science involving the use is mostly coming from studies in humans and dogs.
Are your Horse's Feet Being Trimmed Correctly?
October 24, 2016
After the farrier works on your horse, check that it is done correctly.
Artificial Insemination Techniques for Horses
August 20, 2012
When natural breeding was compared to AI, there was no difference in pregnancy rates when breeding fertile mares, so breeding mares by AI is very effective.
Behavior
June 16, 2014
Wood chewing and crib biting (also called cribbing) are common undesirable horse behaviors.
Antianxiety Supplements in Horses
September 4, 2018
Horses were treated and heart rate and cortisol levels were checked to determine the amount of anxiety when performing certain tasks such as loading in the trailer, walking onto a scale, and riding in a trailer.
Reptiles
Diseases and Conditions
October 30, 2017
Abscesses are usually seen on the skin or can be felt just under it but they can develop anywhere in the body.
May 2, 2017
Being infected with an adenovirus commonly causes stomach, intestine and liver problems; less common issues include kidney, bone marrow and brain disease.
Amphibian Vitamin A Deficiency
May 17, 2017
This condition is extremely common in captive amphibians. Owing to its prevalence, any ill amphibian should receive vitamin A supplementation as part of initial treatment.
Care and Husbandry
November 21, 2018
Pet food labeling does not provide detailed nutritional information and it’s easily misunderstood by pet owners
Behavior
Aggression in Captive Reptiles
May 17, 2017
While reasons for intra-species and inter-species aggression are varied, some of the more common causes are centered on improper husbandry practices, reproductive behaviors, and defensive behaviors.
Small Mammals
Diseases and Conditions
Adrenal Gland Disease in Ferrets
November 4, 2019
Adrenal gland disease in ferrets is common in North America.
Care and Husbandry
November 21, 2018
Pet food labeling does not provide detailed nutritional information and it’s easily misunderstood by pet owners.
January 28, 2019
Antibiotics are useless against viruses and will not cure viral infections. Previously, people and pets with viruses were given preventive antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, but this approach is not favored anymore because of the bacteria's ability to develop antibiotic resistance.
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