Apatite or calcium phosphorous stones are the least common type of stone I see in practice. These rare stones form from the same risk factors responsible for calcium oxalate stones. These include increased amounts of calcium and/or phosphate in the urine. The one big difference is pH. While calcium oxalate stones precipitate out of acidic urine, …
Category Archives: Ask The Vet
Urate Urinary Stones in Dogs
Ammonium urate or urate stones in dogs are common in Dalmations and bulldogs. Dalmations lack the enzyme needed to convert uric acid in the urine to allatoin. As a result, their urine contains high concentrations of uric acid leading to formation of uroliths (stones) in the urinary tract. Urate uroliths are also seen in dogs with …
Struvite Urinary Stones in Dogs
Struvite is the common name for magnesium ammonium phosphate uroliths (stones) found in dogs. These stones may occur anywhere in the urinary tract including the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. Struvite stones often form when the dog has a urinary tract infection with bacteria that produce urease. This enzyme leads to over production of …
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease) in Dogs
Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s Disease is a serious health problem that can cause death if left untreated. In this disease, the adrenal glands fail to produce two very important hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is the stress hormone important for regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Aldosterone is the hormone that regulates electrolyte levels. Without aldosterone, levels of sodium plummet while potassium surges. Without …
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ReliOn N Insulin For Dogs
Now that Walmart is offering an NPH insulin (RelinOn) for approximately $25.00 a vial, I am getting questions from some people wanting to switch their pets to save money. Unfortunately, not all insulin is the same which means switching may not save money. Let me explain: There are many types of insulin used in human and veterinary …
Weight Loss and Poor Appetite in Elderly Cats
Weight loss and/or poor appetite is a common problem in elderly cats. A cat who used to be a good eater suddenly becomes selective, refusing to eat any food consistently. Concerned owners try all kinds of foods including a variety of canned and dry food, human baby food and home cooking. Unfortunately, the results are disappointing, the cat will …
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Tear Stains in Dogs
Tear stains are a common problem in toy breed dogs due to their confirmation. Once and awhile, a dog with normal confirmation will develop tear stains from a blocked tear duct. In either case, tears spill down the face usually between the inner corner of the eye and nose. I was taught in veterinary college that the stains are …
Demodex Mange in Dogs
Demodex mange is a very itchy skin condition caused by a mite named Demodex canis. Most dogs are infected as puppies while they are nursing. The mites live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands on the skin. Many dogs will have mites without showing any clinical signs. In some dogs thought to be immuno-compromised, the mites cause …
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a horrible disease seen most frequently in young cats and kittens. The disease is caused by a corona virus shed in the feces and then ingested. Most cats will develop diarrhea that resolves with time. In 5 to 10% of infected cats, the virus causes severe, usually fatal immune-mediated disease. The virus damages …
Lick Granulomas
One of the most frustrating conditions I treat in dogs is acral lick dermatitis (commonly called a lick granuloma). This condition most commonly occurs on the legs of large breed dogs. The condition starts as a discoloration of the fur. With more licking, the skin thickens and the hair falls out. Eventually the area becomes an …