A good understanding of the normal reproductive cycle and timing for ovulation in the bitch is essential for anyone interested in breeding dogs. Prior to the planned mating of the bitch, other factors that should be evaluated and considered include: 1)  Age of the bitch2)  Body condition...

It's estimated that up to one third of pet cats are kept indoors only, and over fifty percent of cats, that are kept indoors, also spend part of their time outdoors.  The indoor environment is fairly static and unchanging. This can lead to boredom and stress for the cat. Stress in cats can be...

It is estimated that up to 10% of dogs have some form of vision and/or hearing impairment. Impaired vision or blindness can occur in dogs affected with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal degeneration. Deafness can be seen in certain breeds such as Dalmations, among others. Many of t...

Successful breeding of dogs is dependent on several factors. One of the most important factors is ovulation timing in the bitch. The reproductive or estrous cycle and timing of ovulation is influenced by several hormones. The Hormones of the Reproductive Cycle and Ovulation Estrogen - This hormo...

One of the more common problem behaviors seen in cats is house soiling (urinating or defecating outside of the litter box). This problem alone is one of the major reasons that cats are relinquished to shelters, cast from households, and, in some cases, euthanized. In most instances this is truly a...

Anesthetics and sedatives are routinely given to veterinary patients having surgery. Additionally, these drugs are often administered to pets needing certain procedures in which they need to lay still or where movement of the patient could be detrimental such as a CT scan, MRI or a biopsy. Anes...

Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) is a serious disorder that can be fatal if it goes untreated. More commonly referred to as "bloat," GDV is a condition in which the dog's stomach fills with gas and subsequently twists. Large, deep chested breeds are most commonly affected by bloat. Some breeds that a...

A preventive care examination or check-up should occur at least once a year for all cats, and more frequently for senior cats with chronic medical conditions. These visits are important to a cat's healthcare plan. During this visit, the veterinarian will assess the cat's nutrition, lifestyle, enviro...