Library

Emergencies

First Aid for Torn or Injured Foot Pads in Dogs

If your dog limps, or licks at his pads, he 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 dog by surveying the areas where your dog plays and walks.
Fractures in Horses

A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. Just about every bone in the body can be fractured but fractures of the bones of the limbs are of major importance in horses and ponies.
Frostbite in Cats

Frostbite is the damage that is caused to the skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. The paws, ears and tail are the most common tissues to be affected. If you suspect your cat has frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately. Mild cases of frostbite usually resolve with little permanent damage, while more severe frostbite may result in permanent disfiguration or alteration of the affected tissues.
Frostbite in Dogs

Frostbite is the damage that is caused to the skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. The paws, ears, and tail are the most common tissues to be affected. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately. Mild cases of frostbite usually resolve with little permanent damage, while more severe frostbite may result in permanent disfiguration or alteration of the affected tissues.
Gastropexy

A gastropexy is a surgical procedure that is sometimes performed in large-breed dogs to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat – a life-threatening condition. This handout explains how the procedure works, how it is used preventatively and in emergency situations, risk factors, and post-operative care.
Grape, Raisin, and Currant Poisoning in Dogs

While a favorite healthy snack for people, grapes, raisins, and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. Fortunately, dogs who receive prompt decontamination and treatment prior to symptoms developing are more likely to have a good prognosis following exposure.
Health Problems in Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs can be hardy and easy to care for when provided an appropriate environment for their unique needs. Like all animals, guinea pigs are susceptible to certain problems and diseases. This handout outlines the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for some of the more common health problems of guinea pigs.
Health Problems in Rodents

Rodents commonly develop certain health problems, including rabies (unlikely in pet rodents housed inside), hair barbering, foot necrosis, vitamin C deficiency, heat stroke, antibiotic toxicity, chromodacryorrhea, diarrhea, bone fractures, bacterial skin infections (dermatitis), and seizures.
Heat Stroke in Dogs

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.
Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats (Fatty Liver Syndrome in Cats)

Hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver syndrome, is unique to cats and is one of the most common liver diseases seen in cats. Usually a cat with hepatic lipidosis has recently gone through a period of anorexia (little or no eating) for 3 to 4 consecutive days. Diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is made from blood tests that demonstrate poor liver function and/or from a liver biopsy or fine needle aspirate. Hepatic lipidosis is treatable with aggressive nutritional support until a normal appetite returns. Treating the underlying initial cause of the inappetence is also essential for full recovery.