Foal Care – The First Year
Feed The foal will nurse up to twenty times an hour during the first week of life. As the foal grows nursing will become less frequent but more milk will be ingested with each feeding. It is important to monitor the mare’s body condition during this time as lactating for a 1-2 month old foal […]
Equine Recurrent Uveitis
Equine Recurrent Uveitis Other Names: Moonblindness, panophthalmitis, iridiocyclitis, periodic ophthalmia Equine recurrent uveitis is a painful inflammatory response involving the gel (uvea) inside of the eye. This inflammatory response can occur as a primary problem, particularly in certain breeds, or as a consequence of other infection or injury to the eye. Uveitis may occur as […]
Equine Metabolic Syndrome / Insulin Resistance / Insulin Dysregulation
Clinical Signs Patients with equine metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance/insulin dysregulation will often be overweight or have a tendency to be overweight. Often, the patient does not have any trouble until they have a sudden episode of laminitis. Diagnosis Diagnosis if often made based on a clinical syndrome or clinical “picture” based on the horse being an […]
Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (Cushing’s Disease)
Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (AKA Cushing’s Disease; PPID) in horses is caused by an abnormal pituitary gland. Overgrowth of the gland results in production and release of excessive stress hormone circulating in the body. Signs of PPID Classic clinical signs are long shaggy hair, laminitis, chronic founder, pot-bellied appearance, excessive drinking, excessive urination and a […]
Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats
What Is Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine disorder that results in abnormally elevated blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is a critical energy source for the body and comes from food that is ingested. The pancreas is a small but important organ next to the digestive tract. The pancreas secretes insulin that helps cells absorb […]
Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
Stifle Anatomy The stifle, or knee, is a fairly complicated joint. It consists of the femur above, the tibia below, the kneecap (patella) in front, and the bean-like fabella behind. Chunks of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci fit between the femur and tibia like cushions. An assortment of ligaments holds everything together, […]
Dental Disease in Pets
Dental disease is not just about bad breath! Dental disease is painful! 80% of dogs and cats over 3 years of age have dental disease. Infections from poor dental health can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, liver and heart. Many pets will continue to eat, even while painful, and show little sign of their […]
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Parvovirus Recovery and Environmental Decontamination Allegheny Veterinary Services Diet Your pet is recovering from extensive damage to the intestinal tract. It is typical for stool to be a little loose at first or for no stool to be produced for a few days as the tract recovers. The stool should gradually firm up […]
Canine Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an emerging infectious disease at Allegheny Veterinary Service and within our practice area. As a result, we are constantly updating our diagnostic and treatment protocols. We now test all canine patients during their annual wellness exam and sick patients that present with lameness and fever when no other obvious cause is found. […]
Canine Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease)
What Causes Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by an excess of stress hormone (cortisol) from the adrenal glands. This excess can be caused by overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, abnormal signaling from brain to the adrenal glands or long-term steroid usage (such as prednisone, prednisolone, Temaril P, or dexamethasone). This […]
