Cataract Surgery in Dogs

Have you ever wondered how cataract surgery is actually performed? If so, read on as it really is a very interesting procedure! Cataract surgery is formally known as phacoemulsification. “Phaco” stands for lens, and to ‘emulsify’ means to break down. This is a great name for this procedure, because this is exactly what it is!

Normally the lens in the eye is a clear soft structure that allows light to easily pass through it. If there is any opacity on the lens, it is known as a cataract. A cataract occurs when proteins in the eye leak into the lens, and start to harden. A general rule of thumb is that if you cannot see into an animal’s eyes clearly, then it can’t see out at you clearly! Thus in a cataract, if the entire lens is opaque due to the protein that has leaked out, then the animal’s vision is reduced.

Cataract surgery involves two main tools; one to break up the cataract into smaller pieces, and the other to vacuum the pieces out of the eye. To begin, the animal is placed under general anesthesia so that it is completely unconscious during the procedure.

Cryptorchidism in Dogs

Cryptorchidism is when one or both testicles fail to descend properly into the scrotum. But what does it mean to you, and to your dog, if your dog is diagnosed with cryptorchidism? It is a fairly straightforward condition. This article …

Fearful Cats – Pet tip 197

Although phobic and extremely fearful domestic cats are not as common as domestic dogs, fearful feline behaviour does occur regularly. The most common phobias in cats are fear of storms and loud noises. One of the main differences between cats …

Cats and Car Accidents – Pet tip 169

One of the leading causes of injury and death in domestic and feral outdoor cats is getting hit by cars. This common scenario is absolutely devastating for cat lovers and one of the reasons that many cat professionals advocate limiting …

Puppy Behavior

You and your dog have more in common than you may think! Just as you went through different stages in your life, your dog also has specific age ranges where it has different needs and qualities. By being aware of …

Dogs and leg amputation

What would you do without a leg? It’s hard for most humans to imagine life without a leg. It would prevent us from doing many of the activities that we love to do. Many people have trouble dealing with the amputation emotionally and physically. Leg amputation is not common in people, which is a good thing, because it is a life-altering surgery. What would you think if you were told that leg amputations in dogs are not the same as leg amputations in people? Yes, the surgery is the same, but dogs rarely have the emotional or physical problems that people have. In fact, dogs adapt very well and surprisingly quickly to life on three legs!

Leg amputation means the total removal of the leg. It may be a front or a back leg. There are a few reasons you might decide to have your dog’s leg amputated. The three most common reasons are; cancer, damage, and cost. Many leg cancers are very aggressive and can destroy bones and muscles in the leg.

Tip 49 – Sleeping cats – My cat sleeps all the time

Cats sleep a lot and it is perfectly normal. In fact an average house cat will sleep the majority of its life away. It’s one of their most favorite activities and they are really good at it. Most cats will …

Common Ferret Diseases

Ferrets are sweet, intelligent little animals that many of us love. Before introducing one to your family however, there are a few things to know about ferrets, namely the common diseases they may suffer from. Here is a list of some of the diseases that ferrets commonly get, along with how they are diagnosed and treated.

Pyoderma: Pyoderma literally means pus (pyo-) in the skin (derm-). This is due to a bacterial infection; usually secondary to trauma or self-inflicted wounds from having itchy skin. Clinical signs are variable, either from mild superficial lesions to areas of furunculosis, which means the hair follicle itself is completely damaged from all the bacteria hiding in and around the hair shaft.

Red Eye Cats and Dogs

Although most animals do not have day jobs or have the need to read road signs, their vision is an important part of their ability to sense their environment. Their ability to get around the house, catch a tennis ball, …

Veggie Cookies

Dog treat recipe – Max’s veggie cookies – From Better Food for Dogs

NB: This recipe is for doggie treats. It should not constitute the primary diet of your dog, and is not suitable for cats.

Max’s Veggie Cookies

Makes …