Did you know that heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in cats including American Shorthairs? Your vet can tell you that the disease is caused by a foot-long worm that can invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels of your cat. This can cause lung disease and heart failure or a condition known as HARD (heartworm associated respiratory disease). Signs and symptoms of heartworm disease in cats can range from barely visible to extremely dramatic. Symptoms include coughing, asthma, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Some American Shorthairs have experienced difficulty walking, fainting, seizures, and the buildup of fluid in the abdomen. If your cat has any of these symptoms you should contact your veterinarian right away. The best way to prevent heartworms is to have your American Shorthair on a monthly heartworm prevention program. You should also have your American Shorthair tested for heartworms at yearly wellness visit ... Read more »

If your Shar Pei has been diagnosed with canine bloat chances are your vet has already started immediate treatment. Canine bloat can be a serious disease. It affects all dog breeds. It occurs when abnormal amounts of gas, food or fluid builds-up in the stomach causing it to expand. Expansion of the stomach can apply pressure to surrounding organs and prevent blood flow to the heart and other areas. Your vet will most likely make a diagnosis of bloat by reviewing symptoms and conducting a physical exam. Symptoms may include unsuccessful attempts to vomit, anxiety, restlessness, hunched up appearance, no normal digestive sounds in the stomach, bloated or tight abdomen, whining, pacing, drooling, unsuccessful attempts to poop, heavy breathing, etc. In some cases the pressure causes the stomach to twist requiring surgery to untwist it. Consult with your veterinarian WestLake, TX about the risks involved in this particular surgery. To find out more, visit thi ... Read more »

If your Dalmatian (or Dalmatian) has been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) then you may want to talk to your vet more in depth about treatment, medication and long-term care. In general, DM is an incurable disease of the nerves and spinal cord, which can cause loss of mobility and numbness or loss of feeling in the legs. It’s important to understand that there is no cure for DM and that therapeutic exercises, medications and other treatments are provided in an effort to slow the progression of the disease and prolong quality of life. Drugs that are available to help slow the onset of DM include N-Acetylcysteine (an antioxidant), Aminocaproic acid (inhibits the breakdown of fibrin needed for blood clots), Antiox-Q (vitamins and minerals to help the nervous system), and Antiox-QCB (like Antiox-Q but also contains an anti-inflammatory). Talk to your veterinarian Bee Cave, TX about prescribing these for your dog. ... Read more »

If you are in the midst of weaning your American Longhair kittens from their mother then you may be wondering what to feed your kittens as a substitute for milk. Talk with your vet to find out the best foods for your kittens. During the initial phases of weaning, you should serve the kittens a milk replacer in a shallow bowl. Make sure you do not use cow’s milk as this might cause stomach upset or diarrhea. You will have to teach your kittens how to drink from the bowl by first dipping your fingertip in the milk and allowing the kitten to lick it. Show him where the bowl is and guide him to it. During the next phase of weaning you will want to add some moist cat food to the bowl until it takes on an oatmeal like consistency. You may gradually move to dry or wet food. Talk with your vet Bee Cave, TX. Or visit this website Crystal Mountain Animal Hospital to know more.

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Did you know there is a correct and incorrect way to hold an American Longhair kittens? If you have young children in your household, it’s especially important that they are instructed in how to hold your American Longhair kitten. If you need assistance give your vet a call for tips and pointers. One of the most recommended ways to pick up a American Longhair kitten is to use your writing hand to gently grip the kitten behind its front legs. Use the opposite hand to scoop up the kitten by his rump. Make sure his tail is tucked between his legs so he doesn’t get hurt. When setting your cat kitten back down, support his body and make sure all four feet touch the ground at the same time. Remember, kittens may enjoy being held but not for long. Talk with your vet Bee Cave, TX for details.

Or set an appointment here: http://beecavetxvet.com/

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Heartworm disease is a serious condition in dogs including Papillons. It is extremely important for dogs to be tested for heartworms on a routine basis. Heartworms can be fatal if not treated properly. The disease itself is caused by a foot-long worm or heartworm that can invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels of your Papillon. This can cause lung disease and heart failure among other things. Prevention is the best possible form of treatment. Your dog should be on a monthly heartworm prevention plan. Once the parasites invade your dog, they can leave a lasting impact even if they are treated and killed off. Heartworms can damage the heart, lungs and arteries. Your vet can run a simple blood test to determine if your Papillon has heartworms. Treatment must be provided immediately and aggressively by your vet care Bee Cave, TX if your dog tests positive for heartworms.

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