Cat Diarrhea- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Diarrhea in Cats

Diarrhea in cats is not a disease but rather a symptom.  Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. In most cases, cats experience diarrhea from exposure to an outside factor such as parasites, bacteria, or protozoa. A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern in cats-but if it persists for more than a day or two, it can lead to dehydration. This could be a minor problem or could signify a more serious illness.
Causes of Diarrhea in Cats
+Parasites
One of the most often causes of diarrhea in cats is parasites. Hookworms, tapeworms or roundworms, and whipworms will all cause cats to experience diarrhea. Cats may also have diarrhea if they become infected with certain types of protozoa, such as Giardia, which thrive in contaminated drinking water.
+Intestinal Bacteria.
Diarrhea in cats can also occur if the number of healthy intestinal bacteria with the number of bad intestinal bacteria becomes disrupted. This disruption can appear from a change in diet, eating foul meats or stress, such as colitis, that may interrupt the normal healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines.
In some instances, cats can experience diarrhea due to an underlying disease or infection. An underlying infection, like an abscessed tooth, may cause diarrhea in cats. Also, other causes could include: food allergies(A sudden switch in your cat's food can cause diarrhea. Food allergies and food intolerances can also cause diarrhea).
Symptoms of Diarrhea in Cats
If your cat has any of the following symptoms as well as diarrhea then you should consult with your vet:

Cat Diarrhea
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+Fever
+Pain
+Vomiting
+Blood in the diarrhea
+Lethargy or depression
+Weight Loss
+Dehydration
+Loss of appetite
+Foul smelling diarrhea
Treatment for Diarrhea in Cats
If your cat is only mildly ill, it may be treated on an outpatient basis, but patients with severe dehydration or vomiting should be hospitalized for fluid and electrolyte therapy. Shock fluid therapy could be necessary. Potassium supplementation could be required in very ill patients but it should not be given simultaneously with the shock fluid therapy. Patients that are mildly ill, and aren't vomiting should follow a period of fasting (12–24 hours), which is usually followed by a bland diet, like boiled rice and chicken or a prescription diet. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medicine for your cat’s diagnosis. Anti-secretory drugs, intestinal protectants or dewormers are the most commonly prescribed medications.
As you can see there are many causes of diarrhea in cats and kittens. If diarrhea persists you need to seek advice from your vet.

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Dog Bite - Treatment for Dog Bite

Dog bites are common, especially in children. Almost one half of all dog bites involve an animal owned by the victim's family or neighbors. In most cases, the wound that results from an animal bite is minor and can be treated with simple first aid. This includes: cleaning the wound immediately and thoroughly by running it under warm water for a couple of minutes encouraging the wound to bleed by gently squeezing it, unless it is already bleeding freely using painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol, to help relieve the pain and infection.
The most common complication of an animal or human bite is the bite becoming infected by bacteria. The saliva of any mammal contains hundreds of million bacteria from many different species, many of which can cause an infection. Signs that a bite has become infected include the following:

Dog Bite
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+Redness and swelling around the wound
+The wound becomes more painful
+Fluid or pus is leaking from the wound
What is the treatment for a dog bite?
There are three important treatment issues that need to be addressed with a dog bite:,the skin damage, injury to underlying tissues like muscle, nerve, and bone or infection.
Treatment for Dog Bite ( with Puncture Wounds)
Puncture wounds are those in which the dog's teeth pierce into the skin but no tearing of the skin takes place. The treatment must be administered as soon as the victim has managed to set himself free of the dog or at least within eight hours of the bite. Secure the dog up in a crate and take the victim as far away as possible from the dog. Begin administering the treatment by following basic first aid guidelines. If the victim is bleeding badly, consider stopping the bleeding by applying pressure. When the bleeding stops, clean up the area of the bite with an antibacterial or anti-septic solution
Treatment for Dog Bite (with Laceration)
In case of laceration wounds, the skin is torn by the penetration of the dog's teeth into the skin. This is a serious type of wound and demands immediate medical attention. Stitches might be required to cure this type of wound and it often leaves back a noticeable scar. This type of wound might also require more time to heal as compared to the puncture wounds.
Dog Bite Care
In both the types of dog bites, antibiotics should be administered to prevent infections that can be caused by the bacteria deposited by the dog's teeth. Allowing the blood to flow for some minutes after the bite will also help eliminate the bacteria. If the dog has it vaccinations in place, the victim could require a tetanus shot, else rabies vaccination must be administered. It is essential for the prevention of rabies and sepsis.

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Cat Eye Infection- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Eye Infection in Cats

Eye infections in cats are quite common and are caused by a variety of pathogens. There are a number of disorders that result in eye infections in cats and they may be viral, protazoa, or bacterial, parasitic or fungal. Eye infections can affect one (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral). Luckily, most feline eye disease can be successfully treated by a veterinarian.
Causes of Cat Eye Infection
Different parts of the eyeball and surrounding area can become infected or inflamed. If it's the conjunctiva (the pink membrane which covers the front of the eyeball & the inside of the eyelids), it is known as "conjunctivitis". Conjunctivitis is probably the most common eye infection in cats. There are several causes of cat eye infections including viral, and bacterial, or fungal infectious agents. Viral eye infection in cats caused by the Feline herpesvirus-1 is the most frequent cause of feline conjunctivitis, or redness the eye. Feline herpesvirus-1 is very frequent in cats. Eye problems in cats are not as common as in dogs, but are still usually encountered in veterinary clinics.
What are the symptoms of eye infection in cats?

Cat eye infection
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Symptoms can include:
+Redness in the eye
+Squinting
+Itching
+Discharge
+Swelling
+Swollen eyes or eyelids
+Itching
+Excessive tearing
+Crusting over the eyelid
+Change in appearance of the eye (cloudy colour)
The most common symptoms are redness and discharge in the eye. Bacterial infection must be treated with antibiotics or medicated eye drops prescribed by your veterinarian.
Treatment of Cat Eye Infection
Oral treatments such as interferon and lysine can help shorten the course of infection and/or prevent future infections. Cat eye infections which are caused by bacteria are also treated with topical antibacterial ointments twice daily for 14 days. Treatment for fungal eye infection in cats includes the use of oral anti-fungal medications as fluconazole, triazole or voriconazole and itraconazole. If the vet prescribes certain antibiotic medications you will have to administer them on time. You may also have to use eye drops to bring relief from the itching and inflammation. Also wash your hands thoroughly after you touch your cat eyes as you could contaminate other surfaces even though you may not contract the infection yourself.
Cat eye infections can cause your pet a lot of discomfort. So as to protect your cat eyesight you must make sure that the infection doesn’t progress. You need to therefore seek medical help soon after the symptoms arise.

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Dog Upset Stomach- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Upset Stomach in Dogs

Stomach upset in dogs is a common problem that most dog owners have to deal with. Dogs can be vulnerable to stomach ailments like human. Eating large volumes of food or the wrong types of food can lead to an upset stomach. Almost dogs recover quickly but some may need to visit the veterinarian. In any case, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs
The most common causes of upset stomach are dog diet related. Dogs may be allergic to the food they are eating, or eat too fast, or eat too much. It’s also popular for dogs to eat things they shouldn’t like coins, string, balls, food wrappers, etc . Stress, motion sickness and physical trauma may also cause upset stomach. Any of these issues can cause upset stomach in your pet. Some  more possible causes are:
+Changes made in a dog’s diet
+Parasites like worms
+Stale food
+Injury to the stomach area
+Serious Stomach Issues
Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs
Dogs get an upset stomach from several causes that might range from eating too fast to an obstruction in their intestines. Below are some of the most common symptoms that your dog may have an upset tummy:

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+Dry-heaving
+Vomiting
+Diarrhea
+Gas
+Lack of appetite
+Increased thirst
+Bloating
+High fever
+Lethargy
These symptoms can appear individually or in combination with some other symptoms.


Treatment for Upset Stomach in Dogs
If the cause of your dog’s upset stomach is not something serious, your vet will may tell you to rest your dog’s stomach for 24 hours and don’t feed him in order to let his stomach calm itself. After the completion of 24 hours, you will feed the dog a little bland food to check if the upset stomach is any better. While feeding the dog bland food, you may add a little yogurt to the food. The bacteria in the yogurt can help regulate the dog's bowel movements and will also reduce intestinal inflammation. Your vet may also give you other instructions to help your queasy pet feel better by telling you to give him an appropriate dose of something like Pepto-Bismol.
Monitoring is Important
It’s important to monitor the situation to make sure things aren’t getting worse, be sure to pay attention to your dog’s condition. If the above methods aren’t working, your vet may have to intervene. For example, sometimes upset stomach and throwing up can mean your dog has an infestation of parasites like round worms and must be treated accordingly
Generally, by knowing the symptoms and causes of upset stomach in dogs, you can better be able to recognize your dog's discomfort and get him treated quickly.

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Diet for Kidney Failure in Dogs

Though there is no cure for chronic renal failure, there are many steps that can be taken to minimize the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease(For example, feeding your dog a especially formulated kidney diet, or anoother diet low in protein, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium, is often very helpful). These especially formulated foods will usually have a higher level of potassium and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids), and both have shown to be beneficial to the kidneys. The downside is that these foods aren't flavorful. The best diet depends on the stage of kidney disease present as one specific kidney diet does not fit all stages of kidney disease. If your dog is resistant to its new diet, a small amounts of tuna juice, chicken stock, or anoother flavor enhancers can be used with guidance from your veterinarian. It is important that you understand the nature and severity of your pet's kidney condition before selecting a suitable diet.
Recipes for Dogs with Kidney Disease
Dogs with kidney disease can fed using the following renal diet recipes:
Recipe 1
1 egg, large, cooked
3 cups potato, boiled with skin
1 tablespoon chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600mg calcium)
1/2 mulitple-mineral tablet

Recipe 2
1/4 cup cooked chicken breast
3 cups potato, boiled with skin
2 tablespoons chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600mg calcium)
1/2 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet

Recipe 3
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
6 tablespoons. low sodium, low fat chicken broth
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup cooked vegetable (green beans, and carrots or mixed)
In Summary
While prescription diets do have a place in the treatment of pets with kidney disease, numerous high quality pet foods are likely to be acceptable in the earlier stages of kidney disease and may avoid detrimental states like protein malnourishment and muscle loss. Supplements, like Omega-3 fatty acids , B-vitamins and antioxidants, can be added to a commercial diet to help support kidney health.
Living and Management
Kid failure in dogs are a progressive disease. Dogs experiencing this disease must be monitored on an ongoing basis, with consistent check-ups to ensure that it is not necessary to make changes to medications or diet.

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Kidney Failure in Dogs-Cause,Symptoms and Treatment of Kidney Failure in Dogs

What is kidney failure in dogs?
Kidney (renal) failure is a common finding in dogs. Kidney failure is defined as the inability of the kidneys to remove waste products from the blood. The bodies of dogs produce toxins all  everyday and the toxins circulate to the kidneys to be mixed in water, filtered out and excreted through urination. The buildup of toxins produces the signs and symptoms of uremic poisoning. Kidney failure may be appear suddenly (acute kidney failure) or come on gradually over months. Ten in every 1,000 dogs that are examined suffer from chronic renal disease. And while dogs of any age may be diagnosed with the kidney disease, it is more typically seen in older dogs.
What Are The Signs Of Kidney Failure In Dogs?
The first sign that there is a problem is when your pet begins to drink water and urinate excessively. At first, it is usual for owners to ignore this. These signs are caused by the failure of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. This results in a large urine output that the dog has no control, then  dehydration and thirst. As kidney function declines, the dog keeps ammonia, nitrogen, acids, and other chemical wastes in  blood and tissues(This is called uremia). Signs of uremia are apathy and depression, loss of appetite and weight, a brownish discoloration to the surface of the tongue, and an ammonia odor in the breath. Dogs at this stage can urinate less than normal. Ulcers can arise in the mouth. With the nephrotic syndrome the dog can develops ascites and edema. Vomiting with diarrhea, and gastrointestinal bleeding can occur. At the end stages of kidney failure, the dog may falls into a coma.
Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs
Symptoms usually occur gradually over an extended petriod of time. In addition, symptoms can vary and not all of those listed below will be seen in every dog:

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+Vomiting
+Lethargy
+Diarrhea
+Constipation
+Depression
+Weight loss
+Increased thirst
+Lack of appetite (anorexia)
+Acute blindness
+Seizures and comas
+Blood in the urine (hematuria)
An increase in the frequency and number of urination
When kidney failure is acute, symptoms come on quickly and are usually severe. The three symptoms need to watch  are:
+Vomiting
+Complete loss of appetite
+Marked lethargy
Other symptoms you might notice:
+Straining when urinate and decreased urine production
+Disorientation
+Physical weakness and loss of coordination
A dog with renal failure can't produce urine that's concentrated. So, the two main symptoms for renal failure are excessive thirst and frequent urination. Sometimes, symptoms for renal failure aren't usually obvious until most of the kidney function is already lost, so the disease had been active for months or years and already be in the last stages. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, or if you know or even suspect, call your vet or an animal emergency clinic immediately.
Causes of kidney failure in dogs
Causes of kidney failure can include
+Kidney disease
 +Urinary blockage (obstruction of the urinary tract or of the ureters)
+Certain prescription medications
+Lymphoma
+Diabetes mellitus
+Genetic (hereditary) factors.
+Rupture of the bladder or urethra
+Poisoning, especially from antifreeze
+Lyme disease
+Leptospirosis
Diagnosis
Kidney disease in dogs can be reliably diagnosed through blood and urine tests. The common blood tests are a complete blood count (CBC) and a serum biochemical profile. The veterinarian will also determine the urine’s specific gravity(with specific gravity  is the weight of a substance compared with the weight of an equal amount of some other substance taken as a standard). For liquids, the standard is water. Normal canine urine has a specific weight when compared with an equal amount of water. Urine that is abnormally dilute (low specific gravity) is highly suggestive of kidney disease.
Treatment of kidney failure in dogs
In cases of acute kidney disease, the dogs usually has severe signs that occurred suddenly. It can include depression, vomiting or fever, loss of appetite, and changes in the amount of urination. Dogs with kidney failure require periodic monitoring of blood chemistries to detect changes in kidney function that may require medical intervention. Most important step is to restrict salt intake. This wil helps prevent edema, ascites, and hypertension. If the dog is vomiting because of the renal disease, treatment can include giving frequent small meals and medications such as cimetidine or chlorpromazine. The nausea can come and go through the day so small meals offered throughout the day can increase the overall food intake. Dogs suffering from long-term kidney failure will often undergo fluid therapy to assist with depleted body fluid levels (dehydration). Dietary protein is often restricted, because it can further compound the problem. Some other veterinarians believe that as long as the protein is of high biological value, it may help the kidneys retain their function.
Some types of kidney failure are acute and mild, and if the dog is well supported medically, there will be a complete recovery. With chronic renal failure, there is no cure; the disease must be controlled as well as possible for the rest of the dog’s life.
+Dialysis
Dialysis describes two therapies that try to duplicate the filtering tasks of the kidneys. Hemodialysis is the second technique. This therapy is only available at some referral centers across the country, because the equipment is expensive and has to be specially designed to work with dogs.
+Kidney Transplant
Another option for dogs with terminal kidney failure is to consider a kidney transplant. Kidney transplants are only done some veterinary referral centers, but have become more common.
Kidney failure problems in dogs are common and serious but with quick treatment and a change in lifestyle, some dogs can continue to lead long, normal and happy lives.

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Fleas on Dogs- All about Dog Fleas

What is flea dog?
The dog flea is a species of flea (Siphonaptera) that lives primarily on the blood of dogs. Fleas pose a significant risk to dogs and other animals, even humans. It thrive in warm, wet environments, and eat on the blood of their hosts. Scientists have identified nearly 2,000 species of fleas, but suprisingly, it's Ctenocephalides felis(the cat flea) that gives dogs the most grief.
How did my dog get these fleas?
Dogs often get infested with fleas through contact with other animals or contact with fleas in the environment. The strong back legs of this fleas enable it to jump from host to host or from the environment onto the host. (It don't have wings, so they cannot fly!). When dogs are troubled by fleas, they scratch and bite their selves, specially in areas such as the head, neck, and around the tail. Many dogs, sensitive to the flea's saliva, will itchiness all over from the bite of even a single flea.
What Are Some Signs of Fleas in Dogs?

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+ Flea dirt  in a dog’s coat
+ Flea eggs on dog (or in dog’s environment)
+ Allergic dermatitis
+Excessive scratching, licking or biting at skin      
+ Hair loss
+Scabs and hot spots
+ Pale gums
+Tapeworms
The dog usually experiences severe itching in all areas where the fleas may reside. Problems caused by fleas may range from mild to severe itching and discomfort to skin problems and infections. Because of compulsive scratching and biting, the dog can lose hair, get bald points, exhibit hot spots by to extreme irritation, and grow infections that result in smelly skin.
Dog Flea Treatment
When you are treating fleas, you need to focus on three things: the dog, the house and the yard. Sometimes if you address the house aggressively enough, you are possible to ignore the other two areas, so you should start by addressing all three.
The yard is the hardest area to treat, unless of course the dogs are kept in a pen outside. Cedar in a pen can help repel fleas, but beware, some dogs are allergic to cedar. Cut the tall grass, trim back the bushes and shrubs, after rake up all the leaf litter under the bushes. There are also yard sprays, which will help reduce the number of fleas in the yard
If the dogs spend any time inside, the house is often the biggest problem area. The best solution is to use Boric Acid to all surfaces the dog has been on. This includes all: carpet, couches, and hardwood. Boric acid is readily available as 20 Mule Team® Borax in the laundry aisle at the grocery store.
On your dog
Be sure to consult your veterinarian regarding which methods and products will be best for your dog. Common options include a topical, liquid treatment used on the back of the neck, shampoos, sprays and powders. Many products kill both adult fleas and their eggs, but they may be vary in efficacy.
If my dog has fleas? What should I do?
Consult your vet, who will confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options. Your veterinarian may determine the best plan for preventing fleas in the future.
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