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A cesarean section is surgery usually performed as an emergency to help deliver puppies. Complete recovery from anesthesia may take 2 to 12 hours. The puppies may also be sluggish and slow to nurse at first due to the anesthesia. The dog should be monitored for fever, abnormal vulvar discharge, and abnormalities at the incision.
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Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer and other conditions in people and animals, and often target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, but normal, healthy cells that grow quickly may also be affected. Side effects of ingestion can include stomach upset, neurological signs, bone marrow suppression, and organ damage.
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Chlorfenapyr is a pesticide used to control nuisance and destructive insects. Poisoning occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. Signs may occur within hours but generally take days to weeks. Due to a high risk of death, pet owners should seek immediate veterinary care if their pet is exposed.
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Chocolate is toxic to dogs. While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which cause clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, and increased heart rate. Signs of chocolate poisoning can take several hours to develop and can last for several days.
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Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) has become increasingly more common as a residential rodenticide. While it may seem like a safer option than anticoagulants, there is no antidote available and the amount in a single block is a severe overdose in nearly all animals. This handout discusses clinical signs, treatments, and prognosis for cholecalciferol poisoning in pets.
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Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to the heart's inability to pump adequate blood to the body. There are many causes of CHF in dogs. The two most common causes are mitral valve insufficiency (MVI), or a leaky mitral valve, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The most common clinical sign of CHF is persistent coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing. Other signs include coughing when at rest or sleeping, an increased resting respiratory rate or excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums.
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This handout outlines corneal ulcers in dogs, a painful eye condition often resulting from trauma. Other causes, clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and treatment options are explained.
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Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, are found in fresh and brackish water of ponds and lakes. These microscopic bacteria can also grow in backyard fountains, garden pots, bird baths, and anywhere water is stagnant. Regardless of where they are found, cyanobacteria can be dangerous.
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Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes of the body caused by inadequate oxygen levels. Cyanosis is an emergency, and the root cause may be life-threatening and may or may not be reversible. Once back home, homecare instructions must be followed carefully.
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Cystine bladder stones appear to be the result of a genetic abnormality that prevents a dog from reabsorbing cystine from the kidneys. While bladder stones in general are somewhat common in dogs, cystine bladder stones are rare. Your veterinarian may be able to palpate the stones or may need to perform imaging studies such as a bladder ultrasound or a contrast radiographic study. There are two primary treatment strategies for treating cystine bladder stones in dogs: dietary therapy to dissolve the stones, or physical removal of the stones. Cystine stones have a high rate of recurrence, despite careful attention to diet and lifestyle.