Educational Articles
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Pyothorax is the presence of inflammatory fluid or pus within the chest cavity, which is the area between the lungs and the inner walls of the ribs. Signs of pyothorax include rapid, shallow, open-mouthed breathing that may be painful, depression, lethargy, decreased appetite. Clinical examination by a veterinarian, particularly listening to the chest with a stethoscope, may indicate fluid in the chest.
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Pyothorax occurs when pus or inflammatory fluids collect in the space around the lungs causing fever, anorexia, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. It is diagnosed through history, physical exam, radiographs, and thoracocentesis. Treatment with oral antibiotics is essential and may involve repeated thoracocentesis or the placement of a chest drain.
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Pythiosis is a waterborne infection that can infect the GI tract or skin of dogs. It can cause extreme weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea or skin lesions such as ulcerating nodules and draining tracts. This disease is more common in southern regions. Treatment involves surgical removal of all affected material if possible, including limb amputation if indicated. Different antifungal therapies have shown some efficacy and need to be continued long-term. Prognosis for resolution of pythiosis is guarded to poor.
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A recessed vulva, also referred to as a juvenile or hypoplastic vulva, is a conformational issue that occurs in female dogs. In this condition, the vulva is recessed within, or partially hidden by, surrounding folds of skin. Some dogs might have a recessed vulva for their entire life without ever experiencing any visible effects. In other dogs, however, a recessed vulva can predispose them to vaginitis and/or urinary tract infections. Depending on the severity of your dog’s clinical signs, medical or surgical options may be used to treat this condition.
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In the wild, a bird will try to uphold a strong appearance when sick. By the time a pet bird begins to display symptoms of illness, it has likely been sick for several days to weeks. Many things contribute to ill health. This handout provides bird owners with a list of signs that will alert them that their bird is sick.
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Reproductive disease in ferrets is rare today, as most pet ferrets are spayed or neutered at a young age. One disease that is still occasionally seen in pet ferrets occurs in females that are not spayed. This is called hyperestrogenemia and is a result of persistently high blood levels of estrogen in unspayed females that are not bred or fails to ovulate.
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Respiratory disease is common in birds and can be caused by infection with bacteria, fungus, or parasites; by exposure to aerosolized toxins or environmental irritants; or by pressure on the respiratory tract from enlarged organs or tumors. Birds can have varying signs, such as coughing, sneezing, ocular or nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing. Any bird showing respiratory tract signs should be examined and tested by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Over-the-counter medications from pet stores are not recommended for treating sick birds.
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Respiratory disease in ferrets is common. Several infectious/contagious conditions like distemper and influenza can be life threatening for ferrets. Like dogs and cats, ferrets can develop heartworm disease, even indoors. Lymphoma, a cancerous condition of lymph organs can cause disease in the chest cavity.
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Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Some purebred cats are more at risk, but it can affect any cat and is believed to be an inherited trait. Diagnosis can usually be made by palpation but sometimes requires blood testing or abdominal ultrasound if the cat’s history is unknown. Risks of retained testicles include testicular cancer, spermatic cord torsion, and the development of undesirable male characteristics, so neutering is strongly recommended. Surgery is generally routine, and recovery is similar to any abdominal surgery.
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Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Toy breeds may be more at risk, but it can affect any breed of dog and is believed to be an inherited trait. Diagnosis can usually be made by palpation but sometimes requires blood testing or an abdominal ultrasound if the dog’s history is unknown. Risks of retained testicles include testicular cancer, spermatic cord torsion, and the development of undesirable male characteristics, so neutering is strongly recommended. Surgery is generally routine, and recovery is similar to any abdominal surgery.