Library
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Hookworm is a parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The parasites have hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. This handout outlines clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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Horner's syndrome is a common neurological disorder of the eye and facial muscles and can occur suddenly. Horner's syndrome is caused by dysfunction of the sympathetic nerves of the eyes and surrounding facial muscles. It may be due to an injury such as a bite wound or blunt trauma, a tumor, intervertebral disc disease, or middle or inner ear disease. If an underlying cause can be identified, treatments will target that issue; however, many cases spontaneously recover after some time.
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Hospice is supportive care provided to individuals in the final phases of terminal disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice care recognizes that death is a part of life and focuses on maximizing the quality of life for the patient during whatever time remains. The veterinarian coordinates and oversees medical procedures, medication prescription and delivery, and comfort care, but the day-to-day hospice care happens in the home. With planning, forethought, and honest communication, it is possible to provide a dying pet with a reasonable and acceptable quality of life as the end of life approaches.
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Open, honest, and direct communication with your pet's veterinarian and veterinary healthcare team, throughout your pet's life, lays the necessary foundation for effective communication as the end of life approaches. As soon as a life-limiting disease is diagnosed, it is time to begin a dialogue about treatment options and how the approaching end of life will be handled. Delivery of hospice care is as individual as the pet and the family. Applying hospice and palliative care principles to our pets as they approach the end of their lives can be an emotionally rich and satisfying experience.
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House soiling is a common problem in cats and can be caused by medical issues, litter box aversions, stress, anxiety, or marking behavior. This article explains how veterinarians and behaviorists diagnose the cause, improve the litter box experience, and develop an effective treatment plan.
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House training is best accomplished with patience and positive reinforcement. Teaching a cat to be well house-trained makes them a more enjoyable pet and a welcome guest. Many cats nearly house train themselves, but it's important to meet cats' needs to ensure they maintain desirable habits for a lifetime.
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If your pet had an emergency crisis, how would you manage it? Ask your veterinary hospital how they handle after-hour emergencies. Use this handout to help you plan ahead and be prepared in the event of a pet health emergency.
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Your veterinarian may prescribe rectal medication if your pet is unable to swallow oral medications or if a specific required medication cannot be effectively absorbed with oral delivery. This handout outlines how to administer rectal medication effectively.
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Learn how to safely and effectively bathe your cat using medicated shampoo prescribed by your veterinarian. This article explains why medicated shampoos are used and provides step-by-step instructions for applying and rinsing the shampoo properly.
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Cats are very good at hiding signs of pain, so cat owners need to be very observant to recognize behavior changes that indicate their cat needs help. Some of the most common behavior changes are associated with grooming and litter box habits. This handout describes these and other changes to watch for, as well as advice on how to support your aging cat.