Pet Health Articles

Ear mites are microscopic parasites that live in the ear canals of infected dogs and cats. These mites are highly contagious and can be found in whole litters of kittens or, less frequently, in puppies. Adult pets can also be infected.

Ectropion and entropion are abnormalities of the eyelids. Ectropion is a rolling out, and entropion is a rolling in of the eyelid. The abnormalities can be inherited, congenital, or acquired from disease or injury.

Enteritis is an inflammation or infection of the intestines in general. Colitis is an inflammation or infection confined to the large bowel. These diseases can range from mild and self-correcting to severe and rapidly fatal. A chronic form that persists over time causing weight loss and general ill health exists as well. Enteritis may be accompanied by "gastritis" (stomach inflammation or infection).

Abnormalities in the Central Nervous System (CNS), or brain, can cause seizures and seizure like episodes. The abnormalities can be caused by epilepsy, brain tumors, head trauma, toxins, cancer, compromised blood flow, infections, and poorly functioning internal organs that cause build up or body wastes in the blood.

Feline viral upper respiratory tract disease is caused by Feline Herpes Virus and/or Feline Calicivirus infection. Any age cat can become ill, but the disease most often attacks kittens or weakened individuals.

Dermatitis is inflammation or infection of the skin. Symptoms of flea bite dermatitis are the result of your pet's allergy to flea saliva. Just as one bee sting can cause an allergic reaction in some people, the bite of only one flea may be sufficient to cause a problem for some pets.

Fleas are small, brown or black, wingless, rapid-moving insects that feed on blood by biting pets and, occasionally, people.

Canine periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the mouth. There are four stages of periodontal disease, progressing from plaque and mildly inflamed gums to established gingivitis (gum disease), and then on to mild and ultimately severe periodontitis, which may involve bone and/or tooth loss

Now that spring is here, your pets are probably itching to go outside. The problem is, they may also be itching when they come back in. If you and your pet want to enjoy an itch-free summer, see your veterinarian and get your pet on a flea prevention program today!

Many people realize pets are fun to snuggle, walk and play fetch with, but few know that pets also have been proven to help us live healthier, longer lives!