Articles
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Megaesophagus is a disorder in which the esophagus dilates and loses motility. When esophageal motility is decreased or absent, food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach. Regurgitation is the most common sign of megaesophagus. Weight loss or failure to gain weight, as well as aspiration pneumonia, are also common signs. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms.
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A meibomian gland adenoma is a benign tumor that arises from the epithelial tissue of the eyelid. These tumors start out quite small and can expand into a thick, nodular (bumpy) mass. Removal is considered curative, but the tumor can grow back if not all the affected tissue is removed during surgery.
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This handout discusses meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, in dogs. The numerous potential causes, along with the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the condition are outlined.
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Meningoencephalitis is a term referring to inflammation of the brain and the surrounding fluid and tissues. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin is a term used to describe those cases of meningoencephalitis in which MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicate the disease but diagnosis through histopathological analysis is not possible. Treatment typically involves immunosuppressant drugs, sometimes with the addition of antibiotics. The prognosis depends on several factors, which are also explained in this handout.
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Miconazole topical is an antifungal medication used to treat surface skin infections caused by yeast in cats and dogs. It may be used off label (extra label) to treat other conditions in cats and dogs. It may be specially compounded or combined into a formulation with other medications.
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Mitral valve disease is often one of the earliest indicators of heart disease that could lead to heart failure. It is more common in small dogs than large breeds. This handout discusses mitral valve disease in dogs, a degeneration of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and the prognosis of this condition are outlined.
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Many herding dog breeds (most commonly collies and Australian shepherds) have a mutation at the ABCB1 (or MDR1) gene that makes them more sensitive to the negative effects of certain medications. A similar ABCB1 mutation can occur in cats, although it is believed to be much less common. This handout explains how this mutation works and how to know if your pet is affected.
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Muscle tears are direct or indirect traumatic injuries that cause damage to muscle tissue. The most common cause is an indirect injury, or strain, caused by overstretching during athletic activities. This handout discusses these injuries, the clinical signs, diagnostic testing, therapy, and expected prognosis.
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Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease that affects muscles. Signs of muscular dystrophy are typically seen early in life (at one to three months of age) and they progress as the dog ages. This handout discusses the signs, diagnosis, and treatment of muscular dystrophy in dogs.
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Myasthenia gravis is a disease in which there is a malfunction in the transmission of signals between the nerves and muscles. Dogs with myasthenia gravis exhibit extreme weakness and excessive fatigue. There are two forms: inherited and acquired. Anti-acetylcholinesterase medication and immunosuppressive therapy will likely be required for the life of the dog.