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While sick birds can occasionally be treated by their owners at home, any bird showing signs of illness should be examined by a veterinarian. Birds that are gravely ill require hospitalization; those that are mildly ill may be treated by their owners under their veterinarian's direction. Medication must be administered as directed. Most pets recover faster when kept at the upper end of their normal environmental temperature and kept on a normal day/light cycle. Sick pets need extra calories to recover, and cage rest is often best while the bird is recuperating. A sick bird should be isolated from other pets, preferably in a separate room. While not often the case, some bird diseases can be transmitted to owners.
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The term 'nutraceutical' was coined to represent compounds found in food and herbs that are not technically considered nutrients, such as vitamins or minerals, but may have a profoundly beneficial impact on the health of the body. Common examples of nutraceuticals include glucosamine, which is used in the treatment of arthritic conditions for both dogs and cats, and antioxidant compounds, that help in the prevention of cancer.
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A nutraceutical is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and/or medical benefits. In addition to diet modifications, exercise, weight loss, and medications, joint support nutraceuticals are also helpful in an osteoarthritis management program. Nutraceuticals are not subjected to the same testing and regulation as pharmaceuticals. Your veterinarian can advise you on products that have been evaluated and have yielded positive effects.
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A nutraceutical is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and medical benefits. Specific nutraceuticals are commonly used in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs. Because nutraceuticals are not subjected to the same testing and regulation as pharmaceuticals, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before giving any to your dog.
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Dogs are omnivores meaning that, under normal circumstances, dogs can meet their nutritional needs by eating a combination of plant and animal foods. Selecting a dog food can be a challenging task. Feeding your dog a proper diet for their life stage is one of the most important aspects to help keep them at optimal health. Your veterinary health care team can help you make good-quality diet choices and determine the correct number of calories your dog needs in a day.
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Nutritional changes can improve the management and treatment of pancreatic diseases in cats. Diet type and pancreatitis in cats may not be as crucial as in dogs. Diet factors for managing pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and insulinoma are discussed. Recommendations for feeding diabetic cats and approaching hypoglycemia are also described.
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Nutritional changes can improve the management and treatment of pancreatic diseases in dogs. To prevent chronic pancreatitis relapses, diet adjustments will be necessary. Diet factors for managing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and insulinoma are discussed. Recommendations for feeding diabetic dogs and approaching hypoglycemia are also described.
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Chronic kidney disease is frequently diagnosed in aging cats. Nutrition plays an important role in managing CKD in cats. Commercial diets for cats with CKD are developed support kidney function while maintaining body condition. A kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate formulation for your cat which will slow the progression of this disease, contributing to both life expectancy and quality of life.
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Like dogs and people, cats are susceptible to age-related brain changes associated with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Behavioral changes such as excessive vocalization at night, having bathroom accidents, and increased anxiety are often associated with CDS, but a thorough examination must be completed to ensure that another medical reason is not the cause of the behavioral changes. Supportive care for the condition is discussed.
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Nutrition is very important in managing cats with diabetes mellitus. Achieving a lean body condition is associated with better glucose control and an increased chance of remission. Other factors in dietary management of diabetes mellitus are discussed.
