http://Pets.spogel.com This is an XML content feed of; Pets Forum : Last 10 Posts Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:04:27 +0000 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:21:46 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Pets Forum 30 Pets.spogel.com/RSS_topic_feed.asp http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_images/sPetslogo.gif http://Pets.spogel.com http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=19&PID=60#60 Author: shantanuy
Subject: ACute renal failure foi labrador
Posted: 07-Mar-2010 at 10:21pm

I'm currently facing the shock of knowing that my Nine year old Doberman has been diagnosed with "Acute Renal Failure" . He is become very lethargic with almost complete loss of appetite. He was given a week long treatment of IV injections along with Saline.
    I have been feeding him "Renal Resource" a dietary supplement for Kidney disorders in humans. I was advised by my pet to continue feeding him this dosage until he starts taking solid or regular food. I'v also been giving him egg white (minus the yolk). I would suggest to others facing the similar crisis to keep hope and hope for the best.
I'm from INDIA. Any suggestions regarding other dietary supplements etc are welcome.]]> Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:21:46 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=19&PID=60#60 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=34&PID=58#58 Author: globalpet
Subject: Cat Behavior Problems
Posted: 13-Aug-2009 at 2:58pm

Cats are also prone to certain behavior problems, and some of the most common cat behavior problems include aggression towards humans or other pets, furniture scratching, issues with using the litter box and inappropriate play. ]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:58:50 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=34&PID=58#58 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=33&PID=57#57 Author: globalpet
Subject: Grooming Your Dog
Posted: 13-Aug-2009 at 2:52pm

Dogs need regular grooming. Granted, some breeds need more grooming than others, but they all have certain needs. For instance, part of grooming your dog entails trimming it's nails. This is true no matter what breed of dog you have. Basic dog grooming would involve you bathing and brushing your dog, along with trimming your dog’s nails. You should also keep their teeth cleaned and their eyes and ears clear of debris. Read More]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:52:44 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=33&PID=57#57 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=32&PID=54#54 Author: Kioshi
Subject: Average lifespan of parrots
Posted: 21-Apr-2009 at 2:24am

average lifespan of parrots depends on the type

A parrot’s life span in captivity is considerably shorter than his potential life span. This is due to environmental factures. How long they enrich your life is in your hands. Proper nutrition and veterinary care are key factures in the life span of your companion bird. Here are some approximate life spans for various species of common companion birds.
NOTE: The larger the parrot the longer the commitment. Most of these birds require a lifetime commitment.


Macaws 50 - 100 +

Cockatoos 40 - 60 +

Amazons 50 - 70 +

African Grays 50 - 60 +

Eclectus 65 - 85

Conure 12 - 30

Lories and Lorikeets 13 - 25

Caique 30

Senegal 50 years

Cockatiel 12 to 20

Parakeets 7 to 18 years

Lovebirds average 15 to 25

Canaries average 10 to 15 years

Finches average 5 to 10

______________________________
Beautiful Birds]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:24:16 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=32&PID=54#54 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=32&PID=52#52 Author: cutebilly
Subject: Average lifespan of parrots
Posted: 21-Apr-2009 at 2:11am

I have a parrot, can I find out his avarage life ??

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:11:01 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=32&PID=52#52 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=31&PID=51#51 Author: Kioshi
Subject: Suggest names for dogs
Posted: 14-Mar-2009 at 6:07am

can any one suggest good names for dogs??]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:07:38 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=31&PID=51#51 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=30&PID=50#50 Author: Kioshi
Subject: Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Posted: 22-Dec-2008 at 10:43am



Heartworm in dogs is caused by an infestation of the organism Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic nematode (roundworm) commonly referred to as the heartworm. The severity of this disease is directly dependent upon the number of worms present in the body, the duration of the infestation, and the response of the host (the infested dog is the host).



In regions where Dirofilaria immitis is endemic, dogs without proper heartworm protection are almost 100 percent likely to suffer from heartworm infestation. The heartworm is mainly endemic in geographic areas with tropical and subtropical climates, and is also commonly found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and the Ohio and Mississippi river basins. The presence of Dirofilaria immitis is not limited to these areas, however – it is found everywhere. Dogs have been diagnosed with heartworm disease in all fifty U.S. states.



Heartworm disease is preventable with the administration of a heartworm prophylaxis (preventative) medication, as recommended by a veterinarian. For those dogs that do contract heartworm disease, the prognosis is good for mild to moderate cases, and such conditions can be relatively uneventful. Dogs with more severe cases may suffer from lung complications resulting from extreme medication given to kill serious infestations.


Symptoms and Types



Heartworm disease is defined in three classes, varying in severity. Dogs with Class I heartworm disease are often asymptomatic, meaning they exhibit no visible symptoms, or may only exhibit minimal signs such as an occasional cough. Class II patients usually exhibit coughing and unusual intolerance to exercise. The most severe cases, defined as Class III, may show symptoms of anemia, exercise intolerance, fainting spells, and – in severely affected dogs, right-sided chronic heart failure.



A physical examination may reveal further symptoms, especially in Class III cases. These include high blood pressure (hypertension), labored breathing, and extremely rapid heart beat (tachycardia).


Causes



Heartworms are spread through mosquitos that carry the infective heartworm larvae. These larvae migrate from the bite wound through the dog’s body until they reach the heart and blood vessels of the lungs, a process that takes approximately six months. The larvae mature in the dog’s body – an adult heartworm can grow to be about twelve inches long. These adults reproduce and release immature heartworms, known as microfilariae, directly into the dog’s blood. When a mosquito bites an already infected dog, it may take in these microfilariae with the dog’s blood, and then pass on the infective heartworm larvae (the microfilariae develop once inside the mosquito) to another dog, thereby continuing the parasite’s life cycle and spreading the disease to the next host.



Risk factors associated with heartworm disease include residence in endemic regions, such as tropical areas, outdoor habitation, and lack of the proper prophylaxis to prevent heartworm infestation.


Diagnosis



If heartworm disease is suspected, an electrocardiograph (which monitors changes in the heart) may reveal heart rhythm disturbances and/or enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart (hypertrophy).



Additional tests may include a urine analysis, serologic tests that can identify the female heartworm antigen, and x-rays, which may reveal enlargement in key arteries associated with heartworm disease.


Treatment



In initial treatment, most patients are hospitalized as they receive administration of an adulticide designed to kill the adult heartworms. The microfilariae in the body can be eliminated with a monthly prophylaxis, which can be administered at home. For more severe cases, such as dogs experiencing thromboembolic complications (in which a blood clot that has formed breaks loose and travels through the blood stream to clot another vessel), hospitalization may be necessary for a longer period of time.



In some cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove adult worms from the right heart and pulmonary artery by way of the jugular vein. This procedure is recommended if the infestation consists of a high number of adult worms.

Living and Management



Upon initial heartworm treatment, activity should be severely restricted for at least four to six weeks after administration of the adulticide. Severely affected dogs may need to be kept in a cage to limit activity. For dogs recovering from congestive heart failure, a moderately restrictive sodium diet is recommended.



An antigen test should be done four months after adulticide treatment to check for continued presence of the adult Dirofilaria immitis. If the test is positive, the adulticide treatment can be repeated, or a surgical procedure performed instead. Some dogs with persistent infestation may not require retreatment, depending on the patient’s age and severity of the disease. Older dogs, for example, may not be overly affected by mild recurrent worm infestations.

Prevention



Routine heartworm prophylaxis (preventative) should be given to any at-risk dogs, for example those living in endemic regions, as directed by your veterinarian. This is essential to preventing heartworm infestation. There are a number of medical preventatives that are highly effective and commonly used. It is possible for reinfestation to occur if a prophylaxis is not regularly administered.

]]> Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:43:35 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=30&PID=50#50 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=28&PID=48#48 Author: Kioshi
Subject: Right-sided Congestive Heart Failure in Cats, Dogs
Posted: 22-Dec-2008 at 10:26am


Right-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump blood at the rate required to meet the basic needs of the body. This can occur in both dogs and cats. And while it is not curable, there are treatment options that can improve the quality of life for the animal.


Symptoms



All organ systems in the body can be affected by congestive heart failure. Common signs include weakness, lethargy, difficulty breathing, an enlarged liver, and abdominal distension. Upon physical examination, several signs of the disease may present, including jugular vein distention, heart murmur, and rapid, shallow breathing.


Causes



Heartworms can be a cause for congestive heart failure. In some cases, congenital heart conditions are hereditary, particularly with Boxers. In other cases, a weak heart muscle can cause congestive heart failure.

Diagnosis



The veterinarian will need to differentiate between causes of the heart failure when examining the animal. Generally, there will be a full diagnostic work up, including blood tests, heartworm tests, and fluid analysis to determine the cause for the heart failure.


Treatment



Most animals are on an outpatient basis unless the condition is severe. Some of the treatment options that are used to treat this condition include a restriction of activity, and a reduction of sodium in the diet. In some cases, surgery will be required. If there is a build up of fluid in the abdomen or the chest, a technique called "tapping" can be used to remove some of the excess fluid.


Living and Management



Following treatment, it is important to administer the full course of prescribed medication, and observe any abnormalities in the animal's behavior. It will also be necessary to monitor the animal's kidney health. This disease is not curable, so ongoing management by the pet owner will be required.


Prevention



Preventing right-sided congestive heart failure is dependent on the underlying cause of the disease. For example, if heartworms are the cause of the heart diseases, then pet owners should ensure their dog or cat is taking heartworm medication regularly, and that they go in to your veterinarian for routine wellness checkups.


]]> Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:26:39 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=28&PID=48#48 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=27&PID=47#47 Author: petmd
Subject: Search for Veterinarians Across the U.S.
Posted: 17-Dec-2008 at 4:25pm

You can search for Veterinarians Across the USA here: http://www.petmd.com/findveterinarian

Find Veterinarians
]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:25:46 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=27&PID=47#47 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=26&PID=46#46 Author: petmd
Subject: Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs
Posted: 17-Dec-2008 at 4:22pm

Right-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump blood at the rate required to meet the basic needs of the body. This can occur in both dogs and cats. And while it is not curable, there are treatment options that can improve the quality of life for the animal.

Read full Article Here: Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:22:00 +0000 http://Pets.spogel.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=26&PID=46#46