Educational Articles
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Slippery elm is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat cough and stomach upset. Give as directed by your veterinarian. There are no known side effects. Do not use in pets that are allergic, pregnant, or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Smoke inhalation injuries are caused by a combination of heat and airborne toxins. Clinical signs of smoke inhalation vary, depending on the materials contained within the smoke and how much smoke the cat inhales. Common signs include coughing, shortness of breath, eye injuries, and burns. Neurologic signs can also occur, especially in cases of carbon monoxide inhalation. Treatment typically involves oxygen therapy and other supportive care measures.
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Socialization is the process during which the kitten becomes familiar with people, other animals, and many aspects of their environment. Kittens are primed for socialization when they are between two and seven weeks old. As soon as kittens have settled into their new home, they can begin gentle exposures to a wide range of stimuli that they may encounter as adults.
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Sodium chloride (hypertonic) ophthalmic is a topical medication used to reduce surface (corneal) swelling of the eye in cats and dogs. Sodium chloride is available without a prescription but should only be used under the direction of a veterinarian. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat eye conditions in animals other than cats or dogs. Sodium chloride (hypertonic) ophthalmic comes in ointment and liquid drop form. Avoid use in animals with corneal ulceration or dry eye.
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Soft tissue sarcomas are a broad category of tumors that can develop over the chest, back, side, legs, and facial tissues of your pet. The clinical signs depend on where the tumor is located and the tissues that are affected. Often, pets have a noticeable mass that is growing in size. One of the biggest concerns with soft tissue sarcomas is their ability to invade the local surrounding tissues. The most commonly pursued treatment is surgery. Chemotherapy is not usually pursued as a primary treatment unless surgery or radiation are not options for your pet based on the tumor size or location.
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Solar dermatitis is a skin disease caused by exposure to the sun. It occurs mainly in cats with white or pale patches of skin that are non-pigmented areas. The most commonly affected areas in the cat are the ears, but the nose and the eyelids are sometimes involved. Your veterinarian will recommend taking a tissue biopsy from the affected area if there is any concern that the condition may be progressing to squamous cell carcinoma.
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Sotalol is given by mouth or injection and is used off label in dogs and cats to treat abnormal heart rhythms. The most common side effect is tiredness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that have asthma, heart block, slow heart rate, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, or shock. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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There are lots of ways to find adoptable pets, and large or small, local or national, online resources and shelters have the same goal: match available pets with the most suitable homes. Social media has helped find homes for countless dogs and cats. Well-developed websites that are updated frequently and actively used by rescue groups and humane societies make shopping for a pet online a fruitful experience. Shelters are another great option if you want to see many pets at one time.
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Soy protein is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat many conditions such as urinary incontinence, certain cancers, inflammation, obesity, and diabetes. Side effects may include gastrointestinal signs, or allergic reactions. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed completely in order to sterilize a female cat. Spaying is recommended to reduce the risk of mammary cancer and to prevent ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as pyometra and unwanted pregnancy. No adverse effects occur following spaying; however it is important to remember that metabolism does decrease after the procedure, so diet will need to be adjusted accordingly to prevent inappropriate weight gain.