Educational Articles
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Terbutaline is a bronchodilator used to treat symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions in cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and other animals. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Terbutaline comes in tablet form that may be compounded into liquid.
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Testicular tumors are generally not aggressive and have a low metastatic rate. Pets with undescended testicles (cryptorchid) are predisposed to the development of certain testicular tumors. Hyperestogenism is possible with Sertoli cell tumors. In any cryptorchid pet, removal of both testicles should be pursued. Intraabdominal tumors in cryptorchid pets may cause lethargy, decreased appetite, and fever. Standard staging is recommended in all cases, including a rectal exam. Surgery is typically the treatment of choice and may be combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy if metastasis is evident.
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Wellness testing, performed routinely on apparently healthy birds, screens for underlying, hidden problems. Veterinarians also use test results in conjunction with physical examination findings and the owner's account of the bird's history to diagnose illnesses. Blood tests include the complete blood count and chemistry profile. Other tests your veterinarian may use to assess your bird's health and diagnose disease are discussed.
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Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, results from decreased corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid production from the adrenal glands. This results in non-specific signs of illness that mimic many other diseases. This article outlines screening and diagnostic tests for Addison’s disease.
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Abdominal enlargement in cats may occur due to a simple cause such as obesity, pregnancy, or intestinal parasites; however, it can also be a symptom of different illnesses including heart disease, organ enlargement, cancer, FIP, trauma, and rarely hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism. Identifying the cause of abdominal enlargement can take several steps starting with history and physical exam, progressing to screening tests including bloodwork and urinalysis. The CBC is assessed for signs of anemia, low platelets, or signs of inflammation. A biochemistry profile may reveal liver or kidney dysfunction, hypo- or hyperproteinemia, hypoglycemia, or other abnormalities. Urinalysis is used to fully interpret the biochemistry and check for abnormal urinary sediment. Based on the findings of the screening tests, additional diagnostics may include imaging, EKG, tissue biopsy, or fluid analysis.
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Abdominal enlargement in dogs may occur due to a simple cause such as obesity, pregnancy, or intestinal parasites; however, it can also be a sign of different illnesses including hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, heart disease, organ enlargement trauma, GDV, and cancer. Identifying the cause of abdominal enlargement can take several steps starting with history and physical exam, progressing to screening tests including bloodwork and urinalysis. The CBC is assessed for signs of anemia, low platelets, or signs of inflammation. A biochemistry profile may reveal liver or kidney dysfunction, hypo- or hyperproteinemia, hypoglycemia, or other abnormalities. Urinalysis is used to fully interpret the biochemistry and check for abnormal urinary sediment. Based on the findings of the screening tests, additional diagnostics may include imaging, EKG, tissue biopsy, or fluid analysis.
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Coughing can have many different causes, including infectious disease, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, anatomical abnormalities, or cancer. Important for the diagnosis is a thorough history, physical exam, and screening tests, outlined here. More advanced diagnostics are also summarized.
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Listlessness and inappetence are vague signs that can occur in pets for many reasons, both physical and mental. Diagnosis starts with a thorough history and physical exam and may progress to screening tests, including a complete blood test, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis, as well as additional tests. This article outlines the typical tests for listlessness and inappetence.
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Diarrhea can be a simple diagnosis or a complex one. A thorough history and physical exam may be enough to determine the cause; however, in less obvious cases, various tests may be needed. Pending the results, a treatment plan can be developed.
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Fever of unknown origin is a term used for persistent fever in pets. It has many possible causes, including infection, immune-mediated disease, and cancer. Initial steps in diagnosis are history and physical exam, followed by standard screening tests, including a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. Further testing may be indicated. This article outlines the typical tests.
