Library
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Brain injuries are devastating and, unfortunately, often fatal. The typical signs of brain injury in a dog include altered consciousness that may signal bleeding in the skull, decreased blood flow to the brain, or fluid causing swelling within the brain itself. There are many potential causes of brain injury and treatment will always be determined by the underlying problem that led to the injury.
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Raw bread dough is poisonous to dogs. Yeast-based bread rises or expands because of the reaction between yeast and flour, which causes the release of carbon dioxide. If a dog ingests unbaked bread dough, it will continue to rise in their stomach and can cause problems. Signs, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.
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Bromethalin is a common rodenticide. Dogs are commonly poisoned when they find loose bait placed for rodent control. Clinical signs can develop as soon as a few hours after exposure and as long as seven days after exposure. There is no antidote for bromethalin, so early decontamination is extremely important.
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A burn is a type of skin injury, commonly caused by heat, fire, or chemicals. Burns are classified based on how many layers of skin are affected; this classification scheme can help predict prognosis. Treatment of burns varies, depending on the severity of the burn and how much of the body is affected. Superficial burns may heal without treatment, while more severe burns may require hospitalization and possible skin grafts.
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One of the more common uroliths in the dog is composed of calcium oxalate crystals. Current research indicates that acidic urine high in calcium, citrates, or oxalates predisposes a pet to developing calcium oxalate urinary crystals and stones. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are increased frequency of urination, painful urination, and blood in the urine. Male dogs are more commonly affected and may be at risk of a life-threatening urinary obstruction. Treatment options and prognosis are discussed.
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Cats and dogs can become intoxicated by cannabis in various ways, most commonly by eating things that include cannabis (e.g., baked goods, candies, chocolate bars and chips) or by ingesting cannabis directly in any form (second-hand smoke). A small amount of cannabis is all it takes to cause toxicity in cats and dogs.
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Sometimes, the location of your dog’s wound or the amount of skin lost can prevent surgical closure or bandaging. This handout describes general guidelines for proper care of your dog's open wound at home; your veterinarian can provide you with specific instructions.
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Raising orphan puppies requires great care, time, and vigilance. Puppies must be kept at appropriate temperatures and humidity levels. Orphaned puppies need to be fed appropriate amounts of a commercial puppy milk replacer at regular intervals and can be fed by bottle or feeding tube. This article provides care guidelines. A veterinarian should be consulted early and frequently throughout the first 6–8 weeks of life.
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Inside the eye is a lens that focuses light on the back of the eye, or retina. Vision occurs at the retina. The structure of the eye is similar to a camera, which has a lens to focus light on the film. A cloudy or opaque lens is called a cataract.
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Cervical vertebral instability (wobbler syndrome) is caused by compression of the spinal cord, usually at the base of the neck. Although the spinal cord compression occurs in the neck, the hind legs are often affected first. In severe cases, the dog may suddenly develop total paralysis of all four limbs. The condition is most prevalent in Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. Most pets enjoy a relatively normal lifestyle following surgery.