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Before and After Care Tips in Chemotherapy for Ferrets

Ferrets who are diagnosed with insulinoma may need to undergo chemotherapy treatment in order to combat the disease. Insulinoma is the second most common disease among ferrets, occurring when the pancreas develops multiple small tumors on the insulin-producing cells.

Thankfully, there is an effective treatment option for this condition: chemotherapy. While it may come as a surprise to some pet owners, chemotherapy is a wonderful form of treatment that can cure a ferret of insulinoma, especially if the disease is caught at an early stage.

Read moreBefore and After Care Tips in Chemotherapy for Ferrets

Contact a Veterinary Clinic to Resolve Luxating Patella

A luxating patella is an unfortunately common condition that affects numerous dog breeds, some more than others. When a dog is suffering from a luxating patella, it means that the knee cap has moved out of its natural position.

The kneecap (patella) in dogs is shaped like an almond and helps assist when the knee is extended. It is one of the most common skeletal problems found in small dog breeds, in particular. It is important to note that since the patella is located in a dog’s hind legs, these are the only limbs impacted by this condition.

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Cat Diseases: What Heartworm is and How to Prevent It

Heartworm disease is one of the more serious cat diseases that can affect your little pet. Fortunately, it can be prevented with a prescription for effective medication from your veterinarian.

Mosquitoes Cause the Spread of Heartworm Disease 

A parasitic organism called dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease. It is a type of nematode or roundworm that lives inside an animal’s body. Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading this disease as they carry it from infected animals to other animals. When a mosquito bites into the skin of an infected animal, it picks up the diseased blood, which is then transferred into a new host, and infectious larvae develop within 10 to 14 days.

Adult female worms produce offspring called microfilaria that can travel through the animal’s bloodstream to all the major organs. Mature heartworms can live for up to three years in cats.

Read moreCat Diseases: What Heartworm is and How to Prevent It

Use these Cat Care Tips to Prevent Heartworm Disease

It is important to follow these cat care tips to help prevent heartworm disease from troubling your little pet. Although this disease is more prevalent in dogs than cats, your pet cat is still at risk with 10% to 15% of worldwide heartworm cases striking cats. Your little pet can become a host for parasites spread by mosquito bites that carry heartworm disease from one animal to the next.

Heartworm parasites find their way through the bloodstream into the animal’s heart, lungs and other organs and inflict serious damage. In spite of the name “heartworm,” most cats experience more lung damage and breathing problems than heart damage. A cat’s immune system may eventually destroy the parasites or keep them in check, at least, but it’s hard to be sure of that.

Since there is no vaccination available and the treatment for advanced stages of heartworm disease is uncertain, it is best to take preventative measures to keep your pet cat free of all parasite infestations.

Read moreUse these Cat Care Tips to Prevent Heartworm Disease

Six Tips for Dog Surgery Recovery at Home

Let’s face it – surgery can be scary for both pets and owners. Whether your dog is going in for a common surgery such as being neutered, or if he or she is in need of something more serious, there are several things you should know about post-op care.

In most cases, the recovery process is fairly simple and only requires your love and undivided attention. However, it is the first few days and weeks after surgery that are important enough that special care is required for your pooch. Once your pet is out of the operating room and on their way home with you, it is up to you to help him or her feel more comfortable as they try to get back on their feet.

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Check on Cat Dental Problems at Home for Best Treatment

Whether your cat spends all his time indoors chasing birds only in their imagination, or if he or she ventures out to explore from time to time, your kitty still needs clean, sharp and healthy teeth and gums. In fact, your cat’s overall health depends on their teeth.

Since your feline companion is not able to care for their teeth and gums on their own, the task is left up to you. There are several common cat dental problems that you should be aware of as a cat owner, as well as what signs and symptoms of cat dental disease you should be on the lookout for.

Unfortunately, damage to the tongue, teeth, palate and gums can lead to many serious health risks and problems for cats. However, by performing regular home check-ups and bringing your cat into see your local vet for annual exams, you will be doing your part in keeping your beloved feline’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape.

Read moreCheck on Cat Dental Problems at Home for Best Treatment

Good Pet Dental Health Care is Crucial for Rabbits

If you own a pet rabbit, you know all too well that rabbits are nonstop chewers and require the best in pet dental health care. They chew not only to eat and ingest a high-fiber diet but also for other reasons, such as: expressing happiness, pain or frustration; adjusting to their environment; exploring new objects; marking their territory; grooming themselves, and more.

For all these reasons, pet owners should be knowledgeable about rabbit dental care measures. Remember, it is important to detect problems early in order to consult a veterinarian and administer proper treatment right away. Your little bunny’s survival depends on good oral health.

Read moreGood Pet Dental Health Care is Crucial for Rabbits

How You Can Help Prepare Your Pet for Cat Surgery

Cat surgery is likely going to be part of life for your little pet. Most cats undergo at least one surgery in their lives, usually spaying or neutering. Other surgical procedures sometimes performed are the removal of lumps, bladder stone removal, biopsies and exploratory surgery, among others.

It’s imperative to learn about the proper measures you can take before any surgery to reduce anxiety and confusion for both you and your cat. If you know what to expect and how you can help, the procedure itself and the recovery process will go more smoothly.

Read moreHow You Can Help Prepare Your Pet for Cat Surgery