Seizures in Dogs and Cats – What You Need to Know!
Dr. Christopher G. Byers/Critical Care DVMThere aren't many things as scary and heartbreaking than if your dog gets a seizure. Full blown seizure is easy to recognize. When Roxy started having her seizures, she would be collapsed on the ground, convulsing and foaming at her mouth. It was very obvious this was a seizure. Some partial seizures can be harder to discern. Roxy had some partial ones too when she'd just get all upset, confused and would pee on herself.
Seizures are the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can have a number of different causes, such as toxins, infections, metabolic diseases, disturbances in glucose or electrolyte levels ... Proper identification and diagnoses are crucial for effective treatment.
Please remember that any seizure that lasts more than five minutes, as well as multiple seizures, are an emergency!
Read Dr. Buyer's comprehensive article to get a better understanding of seizures.
Increased Life Through Play
Dr. Carol Osborne/Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center |
| Photo Kyle Stehling |
We all keep searching for the secret of helping out dogs live longer. Weight management is one of the scientifically proven answers. All else being equal, a thin dog will have about two years longer life expectancy than overweight or obese one.
Something as simple as play can make your dog's life better and longer. It will also help keeping them thinner. Walk your dog, play with your dog. Don't let them become inactive.
Dr. Osborne talks about the physical benefits of play, but I guarantee you that your dog's brain will thrive as well. I remember when my grandmother started feeling physically unwell enough that she gradually stopped going anywhere and doing things. And the less she did, the worse she felt. The worse she felt, the less she did. And then her mind gave up as well. In most people, becoming inactive is the beginning of the end. I am sure the same is true for dogs.
6 Things Commonly Found in Your Dog’s Poop
Dr. Jennifer Coates/petMDI noticed that with devoted dog lovers, sooner or later, every conversation has to include poop. It is certainly something to pay attention to. Poop provides valuable information. What are the main things to watch for? Blood, mucus, worms, toxic substances, foreign materials, and undigested food.
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| Healthy poop should be brown in color, firm but not hard, dry logs that look segmented, with nothing in it other than poop. |
Find out what it means if you find any of these things in your dog's poop.
Is it Acid Reflux or Indigestion?
Dr. Jean Dodds/Dr. Jean Dodds' Pet Health Resource BlogIndigestion and acid reflux - are they the same thing? They are often used interchangeably. Technically, though indigestion happens in the stomach or upper GI tract, while acid reflux, also known as heartburn, takes place in the esophagus.
Indigestion refers to gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining. This can be caused by stress, infection, injury, some medications, immune system disorders or food sensitivities. Acid reflux results in esophagitis, inflammation of the esophagus which happens when a weakened esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. Other causes also include infections, medications or high levels of specific white blood cells.
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