Strays Anatomy

How Common is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is frequently encountered in dogs. The function of the heart is to maintain an adequate flow of blood to the tissues and organs of the body. Acquired diseases affecting the heart valves or heart muscle can eventually cause the heart to fail and result in inadequate blood flow.

How is Heart Disease Detected?

A thorough physical exam, including listening the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, is how veterinarians determine that heart disease may be present in your dog.

To help confirm the diagnosis of heart disease, radiographs (x-rays) of the chest can help your veterinarian evaluate the size of the heart and condition of the lungs. In addition, the electrocardiogram can be used to evaluate how fast the heart is beating. Irregularities in the heartbeat also can be identified with an electrocardiogram. (more…)

Complete blood count (CBC)

This is the most common blood test performed on pets and people. A CBC gives information on hydration status, anemia, infection, the blood’s clotting ability, and the ability of the immune system to respond. This test is essential for pets with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite. If your pet needs surgery, a CBC can detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities.

o HCT (hematocrit) measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia and dehydration.

o Hb and MCHC (hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) are the oxygen-carrying pigments of red blood cells.

o WBC (white blood cell count) measures the body’s immune cells. Increases or decreases indicate certain diseases or infections.

o GRANS and L/M (granulocytes and lymphocytes/monocytes) are specific types of white blood cells.

o EOS (eosinophils) are a specific type of white blood cells that may Indicate allergic or parasitic conditions.

o PLT (platelet count) measures cells that form blood clots.

o RETICS (reticulocytes) are immature red blood cells. High levels indicate regenerative anemia.

o FIBR (fibrinogen) Is an important clotting factor. High levels may indicate a dog is 30 to 40 days pregnant (more…)

Sunscreen can and should be used on cats and dogs. Animals that have light-colored noses and thin, very short, or missing fur are most in need of protective sunscreen, or sunblock. The groin, inside legs, and abdomen can also need sunscreen because hair is very thin there and UV light can reflect off of concrete surfaces to affect that skin.  Also, dogs who like to expose their belly to the sun may need sunscreen.  The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends use of sunscreen in appropriate animals. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair coat are particularly prone to sunburn or skin cancer. Pets who have suffered hair loss from allergies, hot spots, disease, surgical preparation, or radiation can benefit from sunscreen. If your dog’s coat is shaved so the dog is cooler during the summer, sunscreen may be helpful. (more…)

One of the most overlooked aspects in preventative health maintenance is dental care. It is very important to the health of your pet. Dogs and cats do have problems with their teeth. Many of these problems are very slow in onset. Reluctance to eat, odor from the mouth, loss of energy, and reluctance to play are a few signs of possible dental disease.

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of dental problems. Periodontal disease starts as an invisible glycoprotein layer on the tooth surface. Bacteria use this layer to attach to the tooth surface in a substance called plaque. Dead attached bacteria form calculus, which harbors additional bacteria. As these bacteria grow on the surface of the tooth they start to enter the gingival tissues. Bacteria produce toxins that injure the tissue. (more…)

Otitis is a common addition in both dogs and cats. There are many causes but the main cause is the anatomy of the ear. The ear canal is an inverted "L". Once an infection starts in the ear, with the ear canal’s temperature being at least body temperature, it literally cooks as in an incubator. Usually combined with large, heavy floppy ears or hairy ears, we have a severe Otitis. Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria but yeast and mites can also be a problem. (more…)