Educational Articles

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• The Importance of Dental X-Rays in Cats

  Dental X-rays in cats are similar to those taken in humans. In many cases, intraoral (within the mouth) dental X-rays are necessary to identify and treat dental problems in your cat. Nearly two-thirds of each tooth is located under the gum line. Your cat will need to be anesthetized to accurately place the X-ray sensor and perform a thorough oral assessment, treatment, and prevention procedures.

• The Importance of Sharing Medical Records

  Complete and accurate medical records are like a medical diary for your pet. The ability to review your pet’s medical history before the first appointment will allow your new veterinarian to provide exceptional care that is tailored and timely. You can request that your previous veterinary clinic send your pet's records to your new veterinarian.

• The Importance of Your Pet's Skin and Coat and the Role of Nutrition

  A lustrous coat is a signal of vitality and health. The food your pet eats can significantly impact the condition of their skin and coat. A balanced diet plays an essential part in supporting your pet's skin and coat, and should include essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. If you are concerned about the condition of your dog or cat's skin or coat, consult your veterinarian in case there is an underlying nutritional or medical condition.

• The Ins and Outs of Pet Doors with Microchip Sensors

  Electronic pet doors with microchip sensors can make life easier for pet owners and their pets by giving the pet freedom to enter and exit the home without disturbing the owner. However, there are things to consider before installing one. The location, size, and type of door should be carefully considered in relation to the pet and the outside environment. Following a few guidelines will make it simpler to choose and install the best door.

• The Role of Nutrition in Managing Urinary Stones

  Nutrition plays an essential role in treating and preventing urinary stones (uroliths). Since the diet can affect urine dilution, composition and pH, pet foods can be critical to the success or failure of treatment and prevention. Important factors are covered, such as the importance of water intake, diet composition, relative supersaturation (RSS) testing, and urinary diets.

• Theophylline

  Theophylline is used off label to treat cough caused by bronchoconstriction. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid, or in hospital as an injection. The most common side effects include stomach upset and excitement. It should be used with caution in pets with abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, stomach ulcers, hyperthyroidism, kidney, liver, or heart disease, severely high blood pressure, severely low blood oxygen levels, or in young, old, or pregnant or lactating pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

• Therapeutic Laser

  Therapeutic laser is the application of light energy to areas of the body to stimulate healing. This light–tissue interaction is called photobiomodulation. In the past, therapeutic laser was often referred to as low-level or cold laser (as opposed to a surgical or hot laser).

• Therapeutic Massage and Your Cat

  As veterinarians become more conscious of the details and nuances of how cats experience pain, they search for more methods with which to battle both acute and chronic pain in these patients. Therapeutic massage is one example of a physical medicine technique that has found a place in the feline pain management toolbox.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound

  Therapeutic ultrasound a treatment method that applies thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects to tissues to improve healing. It can be used to increase the stretch in fibrous tissues (such as tendons), which can help increase range of motion around a joint. Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used to soften and break down scar tissue that is interfering with movement. By deep heating the tissues, therapeutic ultrasound increases blood flow to the inflamed areas, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Therapeutic ultrasound can also decrease pain and muscle spasms, as well as speed up wound healing.

• Therapy Pets

  Therapy pets can help people with many facets of their health including physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. These pets live with their owners and make visits to hospitals and other facilities to spend time with these human patients. Therapy pets are not the same as service animals.