Articles
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The most common disorder of the thyroid gland in cats is hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism includes screening the hormone output of the thyroid as well as screening for other systemic diseases. This is achieved by running a complete blood count, biochemistry panel, urinalysis, and total T4 (tT4). Additional tests may be required. Cats undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism will have regular blood monitoring to ensure the disease is under control.
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The most common disorder of the thyroid gland in dogs is hypothyroidism. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism includes a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and thyroid-related hormones. Mild anemia, elevated cholesterol and mildly elevated liver and kidney enzymes are supportive of a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. A combination of clinical signs and measurements of total T4, free T4 by equilibrium dialysis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is generally used to confirm a diagnosis.
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Thyroid tumors can be benign or malignant and functional or non-functional. In dogs, they are usually malignant and non-functional, whereas in cats, they are usually benign and functional. A swelling in the neck may be the only sign in a dog; however, a change in bark, coughing, difficulty swallowing, facial swelling, rapid breathing, breathlessness, weight loss, and a loss of appetite are possible. In cats, the signs are related to excess thyroid hormone production (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid tumors are diagnosed with a physical examination, bloodwork, various forms of diagnostic imaging, and in dogs, a tissue biopsy. In dogs, staging is required to determine the presence of spread. A variety of treatment options are available.
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Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host and can in turn transmit diseases to your cat or even you. They are prolific breeders, and their life cycles can extend through multiple seasons. Prompt removal or use of preventatives limit or prevent the spread of disease or kill the ticks.
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Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host and can in turn transmit diseases to your pets or even you. They are prolific breeders, and their life cycles can extend through multiple seasons. Prompt removal or use of preventatives limit or prevent the spread of disease or kill the ticks.
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Timolol ophthalmic is a medication used off label to reduce intraocular pressure (pressure in the eye) in cats and dogs with glaucoma. Timolol ophthalmic is also used to prevent glaucoma in the normal eye of an animal with unilateral (one-sided) glaucoma.
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Tiopronin is a drug used to prevent and dissolve cystine bladder stones in dogs. There are no licensed veterinary versions of tiopronin available. Human formulations may be prescribed for off-label use (Thiola®, Thiola EC®).
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Helping your pet lose weight may be challenging at first, but with patience and persistence, you can be successful. Research has shown that small amounts of weight loss help improve the quality of life for overweight pets. This handout focuses on commonly asked questions and tips for owners to help their overweight pet successfully achieve some weight loss.
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Toad poisoning occurs when a cat is exposed to toxins secreted by certain species of toads, most commonly the cane toad and the Colorado River or Sonoran desert toad. Licking or ingesting one of these toads can cause life-threatening signs and immediate treatment is required.
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Toad poisoning occurs when a dog is exposed to toxins secreted by certain species of toads, most commonly the cane toad and the Colorado River or Sonoran desert toad. Licking or ingesting one of these toads can cause life-threatening signs and immediate treatment is required.