Educational Articles
-
The uropygial gland (preen/preening gland or oil gland) is a normal part of most bird's anatomy. The gland produces preen oil that helps coat a bird's feathers. Vitamin A deficiency, infections, and tumors may affect the uropygial gland.
-
Uveitis is an inflammation of one or more of the structures making up the uvea (part of the eye). Signs of uveitis are severe pain with an intense reddening of the visible parts of the eye. Measurement of intraocular pressure is often performed to diagnose uveitis. Treatment involves reducing the pain and inflammation in the eye as well as treating the initial cause of the disease.
-
Uveitis is an inflammation of one or more of the structures making up the uvea (part of the eye). Signs of uveitis are severe pain with an intense reddening of the visible parts of the eye. Measurement of intraocular pressure is often performed to diagnose uveitis. Treatment involves reducing the pain and inflammation in the eye as well as treating the initial cause of the disease.
-
Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina and can be a result of several possible underlying causes. Prognosis is generally good, especially if the underlying cause is identified and treated early. The most common clinical signs of vaginitis include increased frequency of urination, licking of the vaginal area, vaginal discharges, and scooting or rubbing of the vaginal area. Diagnostic testing to determine the cause of a dog's condition is helpful in identifying the appropriate antibiotic treatment.
-
Valley fever is an infection called Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides immitis. In the US, it is more commonly found in the southwestern states. Dogs are infected by inhaling spores released by disturbance of soil. These spores infect the lungs, forming spherules, and may migrate to different areas of the body, including the bones, joints, eyes, and rarely the brain. Dogs with weakened immune systems can become ill. Most dogs that are treated appropriately will recover from this disease.
-
Vestibular disease is when a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth, a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting. Most cases are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown. Idiopathic vestibular disease is a short-term, self-resolving condition with a good prognosis.
-
Vestibular disease refers to a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance. It is more common in older dogs. Clinical signs include a head tilt, loss of balance, and nystagmus. Causes of vestibular disease include middle or inner ear infections, drugs that are toxic to the ear, head trauma or injury, tumors, and hypothyroidism. This article discusses signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for dogs with this condition.
-
Just like other pets, mini-pigs should have a complete veterinary check-up after they are acquired and then annually after that. Your pig may need to be sedated for examination. Your veterinarian will determine the vaccines that are advisable for your pig, based on your pig's potential exposure to pathogens, breeding status, and geographic location. An analysis of your pig's feces should be performed annually to check for gastrointestinal parasites. Pet pigs should be screened for mites through a skin scraping. Veterinarians also will often help pig owners with hoof care and tusk trimming. Neutering of males and spaying of females is recommended for all pigs.
-
Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. Common sources of vitamin D poisoning include rodenticides that contain vitamin D and certain human medications.
-
Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. Common sources of vitamin D poisoning include rodenticides that contain vitamin D and certain human medications.
