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Library Articles

  • Infertility in a male dog is defined as the inability to produce a successful pregnancy in a fertile female, even with multiple breedings near the time of ovulation. The causes of infertility fall under three broad categories: failure to copulate or ejaculate, poor semen quality, and prostatic disease. This handout explains the possible causes in detail, as well as methods to diagnose and treat them.

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a syndrome affecting the stomach and/or intestines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. It is considered a chronic condition that may have a good prognosis, though the diagnosis is not always easy. Treatment may involve a diet change, medications, or both and will need to be closely followed to prevent relapses.

  • Foreign body obstruction is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in veterinary practice. Some foreign bodies pass through the intestinal tract, but if an obstruction occurs, surgical removal of the blocked object is the only treatment.

  • A hernia occurs when a body part or internal organ protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue meant to contain it. In the case of an inguinal hernia, these internal organs or structures have managed to make their way through the inguinal ring (an opening in the abdominal wall near the pelvis) to protrude into the groin area. The condition itself can be broadly classified as either acquired or congenital. In general, it is best to surgically repair an inguinal hernia at the time of diagnosis, as delaying can result in a more complicated and difficult procedure.

  • Otitis interna is a serious condition that can cause significant signs in your dog, including reluctance to eat, head tilt, alteration in balance, and reduced hearing on the affected side. Treatment could involve long-term medication if the specific cause can be identified, such as bacterial or fungal infection. Less commonly, surgery may be needed. Many dogs will respond to treatment and recover well.

  • Bee stings and bites from spiders, fleas, and ticks are the most common causes of insect bite reactions in pets. Insect bites can cause mild to severe allergic reactions in many dogs. Fortunately, most reactions are minor and have an excellent prognosis for recovery. Treatment typically involves antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Caesarean Sections in Dogs - Post-Operative Instructions

    Su perro ha sido sometido a una intervención de cirugía mayor. Que tenga una buena recuperación dependerá de que siga recibiendo ciertas atenciones en casa. Su papel en el período de la recuperación es tan importante como la cirugía que acabamos de realizar.

  • This handout discusses the anatomy of the dog’s ear canal, how to safely clean your dog’s ears to prevent ear infections, and how to apply topical ear medications if needed.

  • Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs

    El término insuficiencia renal crónica parece sugerir que los riñones han dejado de funcionar y no producen orina pero, por definición, insuficiencia renal indica que los riñones son incapaces de eliminar productos de deshecho de la sangre. La definición del término puede crear confusión en ocasiones porque hay quien identifica insuficiencia renal con la incapacidad para producir orina, cuando en realidad no es así.

  • Insulin is injected under the skin to treat diabetes, ketoacidosis, and high potassium levels. Side effects may include low or high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and skin allergic reactions to the injections. Do not use in pets who are having an episode of low blood sugar and do not use pork insulins in pets with a pork allergy.