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Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of voluntary control of urination. The most common clinical sign is pooling or spotting of urine underneath your dog when it is sleeping or relaxed. Urinary incontinence is diagnosed based on clinical signs, medical history, blood tests, and urine tests. Bladder X-rays and ultrasounds are often performed to search for bladder stones or other abnormalities affecting urine storage and outflow. Treatment will be based on your pet's specific diagnosis. Medications that increase urethral sphincter tone such as phenylpropanolamine (PPA), or hormone replacements such as estrogen or diethylstilbestrol (DES), are commonly used alone or in combination. In general, the prognosis is good.
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While urinary tract disorders are common in cats, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fairly uncommon. Cats with UTIs tend to have the following signs: frequently passing small amounts of urine, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, crying out or whining while urinating, licking their genitals, and urinating outside the litterbox. Generally, a UTI occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder. If your cat presents to your veterinarian with urinary signs, your veterinarian will first perform a urinalysis. Once the culture and sensitivity results are received, an appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed. Older female cats and cats with certain health conditions may be predisposed.
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fairly common in dogs. Dogs with UTIs tend to have the following signs: attempting to urinate frequently when they go outside, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, crying out or whining while urinating, licking their genitals, and a break in house training. Generally, a UTI occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder. If your dog presents to your veterinarian with urinary signs, your veterinarian will first perform a urinalysis. Once the culture and sensitivity results are received, an appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed. Older female dogs and dogs with certain health conditions may be predisposed.
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Uveitis is an inflammation of one or more of the structures making up the uvea (part of the eye). Signs of uveitis are severe pain with an intense reddening of the visible parts of the eye. Measurement of intraocular pressure is often performed to diagnose uveitis. Treatment involves reducing the pain and inflammation in the eye as well as treating the initial cause of the disease.
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Uveitis is an inflammation of one or more of the structures making up the uvea (part of the eye). Signs of uveitis are severe pain with an intense reddening of the visible parts of the eye. Measurement of intraocular pressure is often performed to diagnose uveitis. Treatment involves reducing the pain and inflammation in the eye as well as treating the initial cause of the disease.
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Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina and can be a result of several possible underlying causes. Prognosis is generally good, especially if the underlying cause is identified and treated early. The most common clinical signs of vaginitis include increased frequency of urination, licking of the vaginal area, vaginal discharges, and scooting or rubbing of the vaginal area. Diagnostic testing to determine the cause of a dog's condition is helpful in identifying the appropriate antibiotic treatment.
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Valley fever is an infection called Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides immitis. In the US, it is more commonly found in the southwestern states. Dogs are infected by inhaling spores released by disturbance of soil. These spores infect the lungs, forming spherules, and may migrate to different areas of the body, including the bones, joints, eyes, and rarely the brain. Dogs with weakened immune systems can become ill. Most dogs that are treated appropriately will recover from this disease.
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Vestibular disease is when a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth, a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting. Most cases are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown. Idiopathic vestibular disease is a short-term, self-resolving condition with a good prognosis.
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Vestibular disease refers to a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance. It is more common in older dogs. Clinical signs include a head tilt, loss of balance, and nystagmus. Causes of vestibular disease include middle or inner ear infections, drugs that are toxic to the ear, head trauma or injury, tumors, and hypothyroidism. This article discusses signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for dogs with this condition.
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Just like other pets, mini-pigs should have a complete veterinary check-up after they are acquired and then annually after that. Your pig may need to be sedated for examination. Your veterinarian will determine the vaccines that are advisable for your pig, based on your pig's potential exposure to pathogens, breeding status, and geographic location. An analysis of your pig's feces should be performed annually to check for gastrointestinal parasites. Pet pigs should be screened for mites through a skin scraping. Veterinarians also will often help pig owners with hoof care and tusk trimming. Neutering of males and spaying of females is recommended for all pigs.
