Library
-
While macadamia nuts are edible for humans, they are poisonous for dogs. Initial signs of macadamia nut poisoning include vomiting, fever, and lethargy, and will progress to incoordination, reluctance to use the rear limbs, inability to stand, joint stiffness, and muscle tremors. Macadamia nuts can also lead to pancreatitis.
-
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition of the small intestine that results in increased numbers of bowel bacteria. The bacteria cause damage to the surface of the bowel so digested food cannot be absorbed, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea and weight loss.
-
Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a large role in allergic response through degranulation. Mast cell tumors (MCT) can occur in the skin, spleen, or gastrointestinal tract of cats. Their cause is unknown; however, many affected cats show a genetic mutation in the KIT protein involved in replication and cell division. Cutaneous MCTs most often appear as hard pale/white plaques or nodules, often around the head and they may be itchy. Splenic MCTs cause decreased appetite, weight loss, and vomiting. Intestinal MCTs may cause GI upset and bloody stools, and a mass may be palpable. Diagnosis is typically achieved via fine needle aspirate although histopathology can be used. Treatment usually requires surgical removal of the masses or the spleen. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation is needed.
-
Mast cell tumors are most common in the skin of dogs and may appear red, ulcerated, or swollen. They can be itchy and can fluctuate in size. Tumors can range from lower-grade, with minimal spread, to higher-grade, with a high risk of local invasion. Treatment usually involves surgical removal and may require supportive treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and therapy to target the mutation that instigated the tumor.
-
Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) is an immune system disorder in which the dog's immune system identifies the dog's own muscle tissue as foreign and attacks it. The masticatory muscles are the muscles involved with chewing. MMM causes these muscles to become swollen and painful.
-
Mastitis is inflammation of a mammary gland (breast). In most cases, mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Less commonly, mastitis may occur due to the mammary gland, or prolonged periods of milk accumulation without milk removal, leading to inflammation in the gland. This handout discusses causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.
-
Mastitis is inflammation of a mammary gland (breast). In most cases, mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Less commonly, mastitis may occur due to the mammary gland, or prolonged periods of milk accumulation without milk removal, leading to inflammation in the gland. This handout discusses causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.
-
Megacolon is extensive stretching of the colon and resulting constipation. It occurs when the nerves to the colon do not function normally, causing the muscles of the colonic wall to not contract properly. The muscles then become stretched over time and the colon enlarges in diameter. Fecal material accumulates in the distended colon, resulting in severe constipation called obstipation.
-
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.
-
This handout discusses meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, in cats. The numerous potential causes, along with the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the condition are outlined.