Library
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A chemodectoma is a type of tumor made up of chemoreceptor cells. Chemoreceptor cells detect chemical changes in the body and respond by regulating chemical or physical processes. These tumors are most often seen along one of the carotid arteries and the aorta. Brachycephalic breeds are more predisposed to these types of tumors, though they may occur in any dog breed. These tumors are usually locally aggressive, however, there are rare cases of metastasis to other organs, including the lungs, lymph nodes, and bone.
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Rarely, ovarian tissue can be left behind when a cat is spayed. This leads to the ongoing secretion of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that can result in a cat continuing to have a heat cycle. Ovarian remnants are difficult to diagnose but vaginal cytology, combined with hormone testing, can be used to confirm the presence of functional ovarian tissue. Surgical treatment is typically recommended to prevent other health conditions from developing.
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Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect that occurs when the ductus arteriosus (an opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery) fails to close at birth. A PDA is usually diagnosed when your veterinarian hears a continuous heart murmur during a routine physical examination of your puppy. This article explains PDA and discusses signs, treatment, and prognosis for this condition.
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Penetrating wounds can look minor on the surface but may cause severe injury below the skin. A thorough assessment requires sedation or anesthesia and surgery may be required to address the extent of the injury. This handout outlines first aid steps a pet owner can take while transporting their injured pet to the veterinary hospital.
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A Penrose drain is a latex tube placed into a wound with one or two ends exiting the skin to passively remove unwanted fluid, usually from abscesses or open wounds. This handout provides post-operative wound care instructions for cats sent home with a Penrose drain.
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A perineal hernia is a protrusion of tissue through the muscle of the perineum. Potential causes, clinical signs, and treatment are explained. The prognosis ranges from good to poor, depending on the ability to perform surgery and the pet's response to surgery. Perineal hernias have the potential to be life-threatening.
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A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure that is most commonly performed on male cats with a urinary obstruction. Male cats develop urinary obstructions much more readily than female cats, due to differences in urinary tract anatomy between the two sexes. A PU creates a new urinary opening that decreases the length of the urethra and allows urine to bypass this narrowed region. Less commonly, PU may also be done in cats with severe urethral trauma. After surgery, your cat will be required to wear an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to prevent self-trauma to the surgical site.
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When your cat comes home after an operation, you must take special care to ensure she remains indoors with restricted activity and cannot lick or chew at the incision site. Monitor your cat for abnormal signs and contact your veterinarian if you see any.
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Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening infection in the uterus, occurring in female cats who have not been spayed. The condition must be treated quickly and aggressively. The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries by performing an ovariohysterectomy. There is a medical approach to treating pyometra, although the success rate is highly variable and not without considerable risk and potential long-term complications.
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Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Risks of retained testicles include testicular cancer, spermatic cord torsion, and the development of undesirable male characteristics, so neutering is strongly recommended.