How Advancements In Veterinary Medicines Has Improved Animal Health Care

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Advancements in the field of medical science have enhanced the life of humans as well as pets. In the past two decades, veterinary medicine has drastically transformed and become robust enough to provide faster diagnoses and accurate prognoses to sick animals. The use of technologies like x-ray machines, CT Scans, and other advance technologies has become pivotal in saving the lives of sick animals and improving their quality of life. Moreover, these technologies are blessings not only for pets but also for their owners.

Let’s look at some ways how the use of medical technologies in Virginia Beach animal hospital improving the lives of animals.

Pain Management: For a very long time, it was thought that animals and humans felt and experienced pain differently. Pain relief was not prescribed to animals as it was thought that the medicine would not help in the surgical recovery.  

But new findings due to medical advancements have revealed that animals heal quickly if their pain is under control. Now, there are new classes of medicines for pain relief and treatments like stem cell for pain.  

Personal Care: Earlier, it was common for veterinarians to give the same vaccinations to pets of the same age and breed. They would also perform spay and neuter surgery on pets of the same age. Thanks to technology and data processing facilities, vets can offer personalized care to pets. Instead of functioning in a one-treatment-for-all model, vets have adopted individualized care approach to treat animals.

More specialists: In the 1950s, there were only two veterinary specialties – pathology and public health. Now, there are more than 40 specialties. Some of the most prominent are, behavior, dermatology, emergency, critical care medicine, anesthesia, dentistry, etc. moreover, there are more than 11,000 veterinarians all over the USA who are trained to provide care to pets with critical health problems.

The Internet: When speaking of technological advancements, it’s impossible to mention the internet. The internet has enhanced veterinary care facilities in more ways than one. Through the internet, the pet owners can educate themselves on good pet care practices as well as find trusted Virginia Beach vet clinic. It has also brought top veterinary care on their fingertip. Within a few seconds, you can consult your vet without having to go to the clinic.

Advanced diagnostics: Until very recently, it would take days and weeks to get test results back from the lab. Thanks to technology, many veterinaries are equipped with advanced machines and devices that are enabling doctors to conduct tests in-house. Now, blood analysis, kidney diagnosis, and liver check-ups can be performed in a short time. These tests allow vets to diagnose the ailment without wasting precious time.

Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation or after-surgery therapies were practiced on animals. Once the animal’s stitches came out, doctors would consider the job is done. Now, animals are cared for until they are able to walk or move comfortably. Underwater treadmill, massage, and electrical stimulation are some of the ways to give therapies to animals and help them recover from their conditions.…

What is hyperthyroidism in cats and how to treat the condition?

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Nobody wishes their cat to get sick, but with the proper medication and animal hospital Virginia Beach consultation, the vets may easily treat certain ailments. One such condition is hyperthyroidism, which is relatively common in elderly cats. Knowing the signs and consequences of this condition can help you get your cat the care they need to cure and control it before it progresses to more severe issues.

What Is Hyperthyroidism and How Does It Affect You?

Hyperthyroidism is also termed thyrotoxicosis and develops when the thyroid node enlarges and generates excess hormones. Thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, are produced by the thyroid gland in the throat and have a part in a range of human activities, including metabolic and internal control of temperature. When a cat has hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much T3 and T4, leading the cat to get worse over time.

Clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats

Excessive hunger and weight loss are two primary indicators of hyperthyroidism. Some cat parents claim that their cat eats anything but doesn’t acquire weight as a result. On the other hand, hyperthyroid cats lose weight and may start to drink and pee more often. Other indications are vomiting, matted, untidy fur, and behavioral changes such as hostility and hyperactivity.

Hyperthyroidism Causes

Two types of tumors cause hyperthyroidism in cats. The most common reason for hyperthyroidism is a benign tumor known as an adenoma, although in rare situations, a dangerous tumor known as an adenocarcinoma can cause discomfort. Although both tumors induce the thyroid to expand, no one understands what causes them to grow in the first place.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Diagnosis

A consultation with your pet hospital Virginia Beach veterinarian is recommended if your cat is exhibiting hyperthyroidism signs. Before proposing blood testing, the veterinarian will undertake a physical checkup and establish your cat’s medical history. During a physical examination, swollen thyroid glands can sometimes be discovered. The blood test will determine how effectively your cat’s kidneys are working and the amount of thyroid hormone generated by his thyroid glands. If these hormonal changes are abnormally high, your cat will be confirmed with hyperthyroidism. The vet may perform other tests to screen for hyperthyroidism-related problems such as high blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Treatment

Dietary intervention, operation, medicine, and radioiodine treatment are the four options for treating a cat with hyperthyroidism. Although each method has advantages and disadvantages and may not be appropriate for every cat, many cat owners choose to treat the condition with either food or medication. The quantity of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid glands is reduced by prescription, and a specific diet limits the amount of iodine cat intakes. Thyroid hormone synthesis is dependent on iodine; hence lowering iodine consumption reduces thyroid hormone generation.

How to Prevent Cat Hyperthyroidism?

There is no method to avoid hyperthyroidism in cats since no one understands what produces the tumors that cause it. As a cat owner, the best thing you can do is address any hyperthyroidism symptoms as soon as you notice them. Furthermore, treating the sickness as soon as it is diagnosed will assist in preventing the emergence of further issues. Routine examinations and blood tests for your older cat can help detect a problem before it gets critical, so your veterinarian is crucial to your cat’s long-term health.…

Things to Know About Dog Heat Exhaustion

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Dog heat stroke can be fatal, mainly if it is not treated immediately. Like us, dogs can become too hot and faint. It becomes more difficult to breathe when there is too much heat and sun. Thus, it’s also advisable to bring your dog to animal hospital Virginia Beach when you suspect your dog experiencing heat exhaustion.

In particular, dogs have ways of keeping cool during the sweltering summer season when the heat beats down for hours. In either case, using these natural cooling methods still leaves you vulnerable to heat exhaustion.

Causes of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

Overexposure to heat and sunlight is the principal reason for dog heat exhaustion. Your pet may experience several situations that make them dizzy and uncomfortable. For instance, playing with your dog in the hot sun around noon can make your puppy too hot.

It is advisable only to take your dog for a walk when it is cloudy outside or when there is a cool, shaded place. Over-100-degree Fahrenheit temperatures are hazardous.

Because of how dense their fur is, dogs’ coats and fur tend to hold onto a lot of heat. Unlike humans, dogs have long coats of fur that encircle and envelop their entire body. This does nothing but trap heat, creating oppressive heat that is almost impossible to expel.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

Different dogs respond differently to heat. However, most dogs who experience heat exhaustion have similar traits and clinical signs. Dogs suffering from severe heat exhaustion may pant profusely for hours unless they are adequately cooled off and given cool water. A dog suffering from heat exhaustion will not only pant, but it’s also typical to watch them walk back and forth while trembling. 

To stay cool, dogs will take tiny steps back and forth to simulate a breeze. Dogs may partially regulate their body temperature by using their paws’ soles. Dogs become more relaxed due to the heat dissipating from their paws. 

Vets at pet hospital Virginia Beach say that it may be difficult for them to cool off if they remain stationary for an extended period of time, especially if their paws are tucked under. Instead, the heat is prevented from leaving your dog’s body, gradually raising its internal temperature.

Dog Heat Exhaustion Prevention

Even easier than treating dog heat exhaustion is preventing it. First of all, make sure your dog has a cooling station with a sizable water bowl wherever you go that is outside. While they are playing outside, avoid giving your puppy any treats. These snacks’ saltiness and dryness may cause your dog’s mouth to become dehydrated.

Water intake is essential. Your puppy needs water to stay hydrated when under the intense summer sun. A little kiddie pool should be added to your yard if you want your energetic dog to play outdoors. To reduce the likelihood that your dog will drown, fill the water halfway above its height.

Keeping your dog inside once the air temp has surpassed 85 degrees Fahrenheit is simpler. Remember that your dog experiences the same sensations that you do if the sun is penetrating your skin.

The medical condition known as heat exhaustion is significant, especially in canines struggling in the scorching sun. During the sweltering summer, you need to keep your pup cool because exposure to direct sunlight can cause overheating and injury. Dogs can also develop sunburns on their lips, noses, and fur. Your pet can stay cool and comfortable outside by maintaining a shaded area with plenty of water nearby.

How to Prevent Dog Heat Exhaustion?

You can carry a few items and supplies if you must walk your dog in the blazing sun to keep your pet cool. Ensure to have enough cold water and a small foldable bowl to keep them hydrated. Some bowls are equipped with a tiny hook and are simple to fasten to belt buckles.

But the water shouldn’t be icy cold. Even while it may be tempting, giving your dog ice water might put them in shock due to the drastic temperature change. Instead, bring little, airy boots with you to shield your dog’s feet from the concrete, which can be hotter than the air outside. Dog shoes come in handy when the concrete is sweltering from heat and intense sunlight.…

Understanding Gingivitis in Cats, its Causes, Treatment, and Prevention in detail

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Inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, is prevalent in cats. Due to dietary factors, illnesses, or physical defects, most cats over the age of three develop gingivitis and dental problems. Gingivitis is more common in short-nosed breeds, such as Persians, due to dental malalignment. 

Gum inflammation may be extremely painful and, if left untreated, can result in loss of teeth, bone inflammation, and germs enter the bloodstream through infected oral tissues. Other organs in a cat’s body can be harmed by a systemic bacterial infection. Both preventive and urgent treatment from animal medical center Virginia Beach VA can assist to lower the risks of gingivitis while also supporting your cat’s general health.

Gingivitis Symptoms

Gingivitis indications are most commonly connected with a cat’s mouth. The physical and behavioural aspects of the cat may show indicators of disease in more severe situations.

Bad smell and gum sensitivity, which makes the gums seem red or swollen, are the initial indicators of gingivitis in cats. Salivating can be a sign of mouth pain, but it can also be caused by other disorders, so it isn’t a sure sign of gingivitis.

A cat with painful gums or a dental infection may either avoid eating or chew with discomfort. It may spit out food or chew on one edge of its mouth exclusively. Naturally, if a cat refuses to eat, it will lose a lot of weight and become malnourished. Weight loss and behavioral changes might be signs of underlying health problems and should be checked up by a veterinarian.

Gingivitis can be caused by a variety of factors.

Plaque and bacteria accumulation are the most prevalent causes of gingivitis in cats.

Predisposing variables also include:

  • Infectious or systemic disorders, such as feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency viral infection, and feline calicivirus, as well as autoimmune diseases
  • Inadequate dental treatment
  • Genetics

Teeth that are misaligned collect more plaque and tartar than teeth that are properly aligned.

Malalignment can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Extremely short-nosed varieties are prone to having their teeth misaligned. Overcrowding and misalignment are common because their jawbones are too tiny to fit the teeth.

Deciduous tooth retention: After the adult teeth have sprouted, some cats’ baby teeth can be retained, causing crowding.

Trauma or a congenital defect

Gingivitis in Cats: Diagnosis

You would most likely be the first to identify concerns with your cat’s dental health as a cat owner. Schedule a visit with your vet if you see any of the probable symptoms of gingivitis. To your doctor’s experienced eye, a basic oral exam will indicate the existence of gingivitis. Further diagnostic procedures may not be necessary if there is just minimal redness or irritation. If your veterinarian suspects an infection or more serious damage to the oral cavity, x-rays may be required to determine the extent of the condition.

Treatment

To avoid further disease progression, gingivitis is treated by eliminating deposited plaque and periodontal calculus, followed by extraction of loose or diseased teeth. The primary lines of therapy are usually routine dental hygiene and ongoing care. To tackle any chronic dental illness, clear plaque and tartar, and clean the tissues below the gum line, a professional dental brushing and dental x-rays should be performed under anaesthetic. In severe cases of gingivitis, antibiotics may be prescribed, as well as surgery to remove teeth or repair affected tissue.

After the dental cleaning, cats’ teeth should be cleaned on a regular basis. However, cats suffering from stomatitis may find brushing too painful. To reduce the agony of cats with stomatitis, their teeth are frequently extracted by a veterinarian at pet care Virginia Beach.

If your cat’s periodontitis is triggered by a systemic disease, your veterinarian will need to assess that condition in addition to the gingivitis to decide the best course of therapy.

While gingivitis is not infectious, the circumstances that cause it in one cat are likely to impact other cats in the family, thus all cats in the household should be inspected.…

What is Pododermatitis in Dogs and How is it Treated?

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The paw pads on your dog’s feet protect them from a variety of surfaces. As a result, these pads are susceptible to various factors that might irritate them. This inflammation is known as pododermatitis, and it can make even ordinary actions difficult for your dog, such as walking. If you suspect any abnormality in your dog, you should bring them to Virginia Beach veterinary hospital for a thorough medical evaluation.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about dog pododermatitis, including its reasons, consequences, and treatment choices, in this blog.

What is Dog Pododermatitis?

Pododermatitis is the blistering of the epidermis of your dog’s paws. It’s a skin condition that can damage one or more of your puppy’s paws. The most common targets are paw pads, nails, nail creases, and interdigital regions.

What Causes Dog Pododermatitis?

A variety of factors can induce pododermatitis, including an underlying illness, an infected surface, or an allergic response. Knowing the reason will aid in determining the best course of action for your pet. The following are the most prevalent causes of this ailment, so you’ll know what to look out for:

  • Infections

Infections of the paws are a common cause of inflammation. Bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses are all examples of them. T

  • Allergies

One of the most prevalent causes of dog pododermatitis is allergies. An allergic response might cause soreness in your dog’s paws after it has been initiated. It most commonly affects puppies between the ages of 6 months and three years.

Dust, pollen, and food items are common causes of allergy reactions in dogs.

  • Bodies from Other Countries

When your pet comes into touch with various foreign materials, it might cause paw irritation. It has the ability to penetrate the epidermal layer, causing varying degrees of discomfort. Grass seeds, flora, foxtails, spikes, timber slivers, and wood splinters are some examples.

  • Genetics

If their parents have a neurobiological health issue linked to pododermatitis, pododermatitis can be transmitted to younger puppies in some circumstances. A baby Bull Terrier, for instance, may get paw irritation if their father has died from acrodermatitis. The familial variety of paw pad hyperkeratosis is also included.

  • Hormonal Disturbances

Hormonal imbalance may cause pododermatitis as well. A hormonal imbalance can impair the skin’s immune system, making the paws more prone to infection. Luckily, it appears to be relatively infrequent in these circumstances, but knowing when it could happen is useful.

What is the Treatment for Canine Pododermatitis?

The etiology of pododermatitis will determine the therapy. To propose the best treatment approach for your dog, your veterinary hospital doctors must first evaluate the underlying issue.

Your veterinarian may do a full medical history assessment, physical examination, and various dermatological studies on your dog’s feet to determine the problem. Skin cytology, peelings, hair plucking, fungal and bacterial cultures, biopsies, urinalysis, diet trials, and radiographic imaging are among the tests available. They’ll help you rule out other possibilities and establish exactly what’s causing your pododermatitis.

Your veterinarian can explain the treatment alternatives for canine pododermatitis once the problem has been identified. Systemic and topical treatments are frequently used in remedies to relieve symptoms and aid your dog’s recovery. Here’s a list of therapy choices based on the reason to help you make an informed selection.…

Dental Care Tips For Every Pet Parents

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When it comes to the comprehensive fitness and well-being of pets, one can’t overlook dental care. Good oral hygiene of a pet is paramount for the pet’s health. Oral hygiene starts with regular cleaning of teeth and visits to veterinary clinics Virginia Beach. Poor dental health can become the root cause of various ailments and illnesses. Unkempt teeth are an open invitation for plaque buildup. If tartar buildup is not removed, it can lead to other diseases. Tooth decay or loose teeth are commonly seen in dogs with poor dental hygiene. Some dogs may also experience excessive drooling, inflamed gums, bad breath, or have trouble eating due to loose and painful teeth. If these issues are not resolved in time, it can lead to serious health issues like liver failure, kidney ailments, heart, etc. These issues can quickly turn fatal without proper medical intervention.

Here are some things every pet parent should know about keeping good dental care for your pet.

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth is Easy and Fun

One may think that brushing their dog\cat teeth can be a difficult task. However, all it takes is a pet-friendly soft-bristled brush, appealing flavored toothpaste, and will to clean the teeth. Also, refrain from using human toothpaste on pets. Human toothpaste contains chemicals and substances that are toxic to pets. Even if your pet ingests a small quality of human toothpaste, they get poisoned. Besides this, you should make the whole brushing experience rewarding for your pet. Rewarding your pet with their favorite treat every time they brush will instill positivity in them. Instead of resisting brushing, they will enjoy it.

How often should you brush your pet’s teeth?

While brushing twice a day is a standard norm for humans, setting the frequency for brushing a pet’s teeth can be tricky. Some believe that one should brush their pet’s teeth daily to keep the tartar from building up. However, how frequently you should brush your pooch’s teeth may depend on a wide range of things. Moreover, not all pets enjoy daily brushing. Whether you have a puppy, an adult dog, or a cat, regular brushing will ensure no dental issues. Some dog breeds are prone to dental illnesses, and thus, special care must be taken to keep their teeth and gums clean. Large dog breeds don’t require frequent teeth cleanups and brushing. If your pet has good teeth, routine cleanup may not be necessary.

One thing no one can argue upon is that regular dental inspection by a veterinarian is essential. You should take your pet to Virginia Beach vet hospital for a yearly dental checkup. The vet will not only remove any built-up plaque but also do other tests to rule out more serious issues like gum infection, tooth decay, etc.

Besides regular brushing of teeth, a healthy diet will also go a long way in keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and disease-free. The toys your pets play with and chew on also affect their dental health. You should always supervise your pets when they are chewing on their toys to make sure they don’t hurt their teeth.…