ANTIOXIDANTS - ANIMAL NUTRITION

Antioxidants are substances that help to keep fats and fat-soluble ingredients (including vitamins A and E) from becoming oxidized. Once a fat is oxidized, it starts to taste rancid and loses much of its nutritional value. Dog and cat foods, which often contain significant levels of fat, are especially susceptible to oxidation. Canned foods are protected because they are airtight, but dry foods need to have antioxidants added to preserve them. If an antioxidant is used, then the common name of the antioxidant must appear on the label, along with a reference to the fact that it is being used as a preservative. There are both natural and artificial antioxidants, and they all work to preserve food from oxidation. The most common artificial antioxidants used in the pet food industry are ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Commonly used natural antioxidants include tocopherols (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid, and rosemary.

OTITIS EXTERNA - DOG AND CATS

It is an acute or chronic inflammation of the external ear canal. Owner may complaint about head shaking, head rubbing, ear scratching, and discharge from one or both ears, head tilt or hearing deficit. Physical examination will reveal aural priritis, edema of ear canal, erosions, ulcers, alopecia on the pinna and signs of generalised skin disease. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of history, clinical signs, ear canal cytologic examination, culture and sensitivity, otoscopic examination, CT scan, MRI and allergy testing. Treatment may include antibiotics, orticosteroids, antifungal drugs and ear flushing.

KNUCKLING IN COW CALF

CHERRY EYE

it is prolapse of gland of the third eyelid. It can be seen in dogs and cats. It is commonly observed in young dogs and is inherited in nature. It is due to weakness of the attachment of gland of the third eyelid. It is usually seen as an oval mass which protrude behind the edge of third eyelid. It could be either unilateral or bilateral. The treatment is surgical replacement of the gland

CATARACT IN DOGS AND CATS

it is defined as opacity of the lens or its capsule. It results as a change in the lens protein composition or lens fibre arrangement. It can be seen in both dogs and cats but is more common in dogs. In maximum cases cataracts are inherited in nature and causes loss of vision. Dog breeds with highest prevalence of cataract include Boston terrier, Poodles, American cocker spaniels, Smooth fox terrier and Miniature schnauzer. In cat breeds Persian, Himalayan, and Domestic short hair are reported to have congenital feline cataracts. Causes for cataracts formation are generally congenital defects, nutritional deficiency, radiation, diabetes, toxins and hypocalcaemia. History will reveal vision disturbance, cloudy, white pupil. Cataract can be classified as immature, mature and hyper mature. Dogs usually have difficulty to see objects in dim light. Usually owners are not able to detect this problem until cataract occupies 60 percent of lens. Risk factors involved are congenital defects, metabolic diseases, lens luxation, retinal detachment and retinal degeneration. Diagnosis can be done by complete ophthalmic examination including Menace test, intraocular pressure, fundic examination, blood chemistry to rule out any systemic disease if present. Other tests include ophthalmic ultrasonography and electroretinogram (ERG). Acute general treatment will include use of topical mydriatics and anti-inflammatory. Treatment in chronic cases is surgical intervention.

NECROSED FOOT OF MICE

Degenerative joint disease in dogs and cats

Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis is a very common condition in both cats and dogs, and is often seen in older animals. In this disease the cartilage surrounding the joint changes deteriorates as a result of wear and tear. The most common affected areas of the body are the hip, spine knees, elbows and wrist joints. Dogs tend to be more susceptible to degenerative joint disease than cats but certain breeds i.e. Labrador, German shepherd, or Golden retrievers suffer more from joint and bone problems. This disease is manageable, if treated early. Symptoms vary from reduced level of activity difficulty in getting up, running, jumping, climbing stairs, stiff-legged gait, lameness, limping, cries or whines in pain when the affected joint is touched, sensitive to cold weather, lethargy. The causes include: excessive wear and tear on the joints, trauma, and obesity, dislocation of the shoulder or kneecap. The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, a thorough examination, x-rays, contrast studies.

Hyperthyroidism in dogs

It is often referred to as an 'overactive thyroid', is when the thyroid gland produces and secretes excessive amounts of the free - not protein bound and circulating in the blood. This is the opposite of hypothyroidism, which is the reduced production and secretion of T3 and/or T4. Very few dogs are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. It is usually caused by cancer of the thyroid gland. The cancer tumour causes the thyroid to give off too much hormone. This disease usually affects older dogs. Hyperthyroidism may be asymptomatic, but when it is not, symptoms are due to an excess of thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are nervousness, irritability, increased perspiration, heart racing, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, thinning of the skin, fine brittle hair, and muscular weakness. When a dog has too much thyroxin, it may lose weight even though it is eating the same amount of food. It may be hungry all the time and bolt its food until it vomits. The dog is often excessively thirsty. It can have diarrhoea and urinate much more often than normal. Major clinical signs include weight loss, anxiety, hair loss, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability. Long term untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to osteoporosis. A dog with hyperthyroidism often is irritable and hyperactive because of the excess hormones. Its coat may look shaggy. Weight loss often causes the dog to be too thin and suffer muscle wasting. Though it is overly active at times, the dog may be weak due to the loss of muscle strength and its nervous physical activity.

HYPOTHYROIDISM IN DOGS

This is a disease of thyroid deficiency. Dogs with hypothyroidism have metabolic rates below normal. Hypothyroidism, in most cases, is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis (also called lymphocytic thyroiditis), which results in destruction of thyroid tissue. Autoimmune thyroiditis is known to be an inherited disease. The disease occurs most often in middle-aged dogs of medium and large breeds, but has been seen in virtually every breed and in mixed breeds as well. The breeds most commonly affected are the Golden Retriever, Doberman pinscher, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Greyhound. Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine skin disease in dogs-but it is still less common than other skin diseases. Coat and skin changes are bilateral and symmetrical. A typical sign is poor hair regrowth, which is most noticeable after the dog has been clipped. . Other signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, intolerance to cold, a slow heart rate, and absence of heat cycles, lethargy, and a variety of nonspecific symptoms. Hypothyroid dogs may develop blepharitis, corneal ulcers, deafness, constipation, and anaemia. At least two-thirds of hypothyroid dogs have high serum cholesterol levels. Behaviour changes including aggression have also been noted in hypothyroid dogs, particularly German Shepherd Dogs. The recommended blood test for screening purposes is the total T4. A normal T4 is fairly conclusive evidence that the dog does not have hypothyroidism. However, a low-normal or below-normal level does not mean the dog is hypothyroid, because concentrations below normal are common for many reasons other than hypothyroidism.

CANINE THYROID DISEASES

Canine thyroid disease can be tough to diagnose. The symptoms can be: lethargy, weight gain, dull coat, skin infections, constipation, diarrhoea, cold intolerance, skin odour, hair loss, dry skin, reproductive problems, aggression, and more. The associated conditions can be serious: mega-oesophagus, ruptured knee ligaments, testicular atrophy, excessive bleeding, and corneal ulcers. The disease can be inherited or of unknown origin. Thyroid gland Endocrine glands secrete hormones that help manage the body’s processes. The thyroid gland lies on the dog’s trachea, just below the larynx; tri-iodothyronine and levo-thyroxine, the hormones produced by the thyroid, govern the body’s basic metabolism — including control of growth and development and maintenance of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism — throughout life. The most common cause of canine thyroid disease is autoimmune thyroiditis. It is an immune-mediated process that develops in genetically susceptible individuals and is characterized by the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies in the blood or tissues. Thyroiditis is believed to start in most cases around puberty, and gradually progress through mid-life and old age to become clinically expressed hypothyroidism once thyroid glandular reserve has been depleted. During this process, the animal becomes more susceptible to immune-mediated or other diseases affecting various target tissues and organs.

OVERGROWN TEETH OF A RABBIT

DOG AND ARRIVAL OF BABY AT HOME

Let’s discus - whether this combination - pregnant woman and dog or dog and baby is really so dangerous? Pregnancy brings on physical and emotional changes in expecting mothers. There are changes in one's scent, posture, and moods and are normal parts of pregnancy. Dogs are experts in observing and recognizing these subtle changes. Your dog’s reactions can vary from increased attention-seeking behaviours to aggression. The postural changes in pregnant women may make you vulnerable or in need of protection in the view of your dog. Hormonal changes also may cause mother to smell a bit different and this may also bring on a change in behaviour for some dogs. You must take care that dog should not jump on your belly as that can be harmful to you. To avoid this habit, get him trained by a professional trainer. Dogs are very comfortable when they know what is expected from them and exactly what to do. If your dog is demonstrating any negative behaviour, get back to your basic commands to provide them with something to do. Obedience and leadership play a huge role in keeping the balance during these changes. Practicing basic obedience is essential during time of change and transition. Leadership is also very important. If your dog is pushy in nature to seek attention then he or she may have a more difficult time to adjust during times when you are busy with your own work. It is also ideal for planning and thinking ahead on how to handle the stressful times once the baby arrives. Planning ahead and learning the body language that dogs offer when stressed is the best way to increase success as the family grows. Hiring a professional dog behaviour consultant or trainer can greatly decrease stress, prevent problems, and eliminate unwanted behaviours that are cropping up.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a lowering of the core body temperature below the dog’s and cat’s normal 101.5-102.5 temperature. A first reaction to the lowering of temperature is to shiver. Shivering increases muscle activity, which in turn increase heat production. Mild hypothermia causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, but if the time and severity of heat loss continues, heart rate and blood pressure decline and cardiac arrest can occur. Severe hypothermia leads to respiratory depression, lethargy, lack of coordination, paralysis, and collapse. Treatment for hypothermia involves rapid warming of the body. In mild cases, heating pads, hot water bottles, or a warm water bath will do the trick, but severe cases require need veterinary attention immediately.