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Pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
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Cats and dogs can become intoxicated by cannabis in various ways, most commonly by eating edibles (e.g., baked goods, candies, chocolate bars, and chips containing cannabis), or by ingesting cannabis directly (in any form). Pets can also be exposed to second-hand smoke. A small amount may affect one pet more than another, so there is no official safe level of exposure. Many of the signs of intoxication are neurological, including disorientation, dilated pupils, and hyperactivity. In severe cases, tremors, seizures, and coma can result. Regardless of the method of exposure, accurate and complete information from the owner is imperative to treat the patient successfully.
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Pericardial effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the sac surrounding the heart. Pericardial effusion can have a number of underlying causes, including inflammation, infection, cancer, and hereditary defects. Mild cases of pericardial effusion may be asymptomatic, but more significant fluid accumulations can interfere with the heart’s function and lead to severe effects such as sudden death. Treatment and prognosis is dependent upon the underlying cause of the condition.
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Heatstroke is another term for hyperthermia. Dogs suffering from heatstroke can have varied signs, from high respiratory rate to coma, depending on their temperature. Prognosis depends on the extent and duration of temperature elevation. Some dogs recover normally, but more severe cases will have permanent organ damage or may die from hyperthermia.
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If your cat limps, or licks at her pads, she may have a foot pad that is torn, punctured, or burned. Minor injuries may be treated at home, by cleaning and covering the wound, but deeper or complicated wounds require veterinary attention. Try to avoid foot injuries in your cat by surveying the areas where your cat plays and walks.
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Pyrethrin insecticides are naturally derived from the chrysanthemum (mum) flower, and pyrethroids are the synthetic versions. The use of pyrethrins/pyrethroids is generally safe in dogs; however, cats and fish are very sensitive to these products.
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E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices used to create and inhale an aerosol composed of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. If a companion animal ingests an e-liquid, signs of nicotine poisoning occur rapidly. The nicotine associated with e-cigarettes, even without tobacco, poses a serious health threat to dogs and cats.
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Mothballs are solid pesticides that slowly release a gas vapor to kill and repel moths, their larvae, and other insects from stored clothing and fabric. Mothballs are sometimes also used to repel snakes, mice, and other animals, although this use is not recommended and can be harmful to pets, children, and the environment.
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Raising orphan puppies requires great care, time, and vigilance. Puppies must be kept at appropriate temperatures and humidity levels. Orphaned puppies need to be fed appropriate amounts of a commercial puppy milk replacer at regular intervals and can be fed by bottle or feeding tube. This article provides care guidelines. A veterinarian should be consulted early and frequently throughout the first 6–8 weeks of life.
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In cats, diseases of the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) are often grouped under the term feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Typical signs in cats with FLUTD are those of inflammation and irritation of the lower urinary tract. There are many potential causes of FLUTD, and diagnosis is based on assessing clinical signs and laboratory testing. There is no universal treatment for FLUTD. Each case has to be investigated to determine the underlying cause, and then the treatment has to be tailored to the individual cat.
