Library
-
A pharyngostomy tube is a small flexible tube that passes via an incision in the skin at the side of the neck, just behind the jaw bone, to enter the pharynx. These tubes are useful in cases when the dog temporarily is unable to eat but still retains the ability to swallow. The liquid food is syringed through the tube three to five times a day depending on the individual circumstances.
-
Most pituitary tumours are benign (and a few are non-cancerous cysts) but because of their location, they still produce serious adverse effects as they enlarge and they are rarely curable.
-
Within a few hours of a meal an invisible layer of bacteria forms on the teeth. This is plaque. Within 24 hours this starts to harden, absorb minerals and becomes dental calculus or tartar.
-
Plasmacytomas in the skin are usually solitary benign tumours that grow rapidly but rarely recur after surgical removal. Malignant tumours are very rare.
-
Pedal eczema, interdigital cysts and pododermatitis are all terms used to describe a condition of varying severity which causes lameness and discomfort in dogs.
-
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited condition in cats, that causes multiple cysts (pockets of fluid) to form in the kidneys. These cysts are present from birth.
-
When a portosystemic shunt (PSS) is present blood in the portal vein effectively bypasses the liver, i.e it is shunted straight into the caudal vena cava, a major vein returning blood to the heart.
-
Pre-procedure check ups are the best way to assess the risk involved in any procedure where an anaesthetic is required for surgery or any other investigation.
-
Breeding cats can be an extremely rewarding experience. However, before undertaking a breeding programme it is essential to understand what this involves; from the time of mating to the time of weaning.
-
Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no reliable blood tests that will detect pregnancy in the cat.