Pet Health Library
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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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Vascular tumors of the skin develop from the blood vessels of the skin. These tumors may arise anywhere on the body and appear as a firm and raised lump on or under the skin. Hemangiomas may ulcerate and bleed; hemangiosarcomas may bleed into the surrounding tissues. This type of tumor is typically diagnosed via a tissue biopsy or surgical removal of the entire tumor. Surgery is the recommended treatment for vascular tumors of the skin.
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Dogs have dietary requirements for water, energy, and many essential nutrients, but they do not have a requirement for any specific ingredient. Animal-derived ingredients are typically highly digestible and usually have essential nutrients important to dogs in higher amounts than plant-derived ingredients. However, if properly formulated and tested, plant-based diets such as vegetarian diets can provide all the essential nutrients dogs require. It is recommended that you choose a complete and balanced diet that was formulated by a pet nutrition expert and underwent feeding trials.
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Veggiedent® is a brand of oral hygiene chews for dogs. Oral hygiene chews are often recommended by veterinarians to help prevent or delay the formation of dental plaque and calculus build-up on your pet’s teeth. Veggiedent® can be given by mouth once daily or as directed by your veterinarian.
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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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The term chiropractic refers to manual therapy used to manipulate muscles and joints, especially the intervertebral joints in the spine. The goal of this therapy is to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall wellness.
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Herbs are plants that contain ingredients with active therapeutic properties. These active ingredients may be present in the whole plant or only in a specific part. Herbal therapy is the use of herbs for medicinal purposes, either on their own or in combination with other herbs. Herbal treatment must be administered only after an accurate diagnosis has been made. Trained veterinary herbalists have the knowledge and skill to understand the interactions between different forms of treatment and to interpret the patient's response to therapy. Herbal treatment of serious disease in animals without veterinary training is not advised and frequently ineffective.
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Homeopathy is a distinct philosophy of medicine that has its roots in eighteenth-century Germany, and subsequently spread to Europe, India, Australia, South America, the United States, and Canada. The underlying basis of homeopathy is the principle that "like cures like": the idea that a substance given at a toxic dose can produce a certain set of symptoms, but given in much lower doses, it can cure the same set of symptoms, regardless of their perceived cause. As veterinary homeopathy gains acceptance, there are an increasing number of veterinarians in private practice who possess the necessary training and experience.
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Veterinary rehabilitation uses physical therapies to improve a pet's mobility and reduce pain. Many acute and chronic conditions affecting movement can benefit from rehabilitation. Rehabilitation therapy can cause significant harm to a patient if done by someone with inappropriate education and training, or incomplete knowledge of a pet's full medical history. Speak to your veterinary healthcare team to help you evaluate the suitability of specific therapy for your pet.
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Combining alternative medical therapies, either with other alternative therapies or with more conventional treatments, may improve a patient's health or speed the healing of disease. However, combined incorrectly, these same therapies have the potential to interfere with healing or cause serious health consequences. Veterinary practitioners trained in acupuncture, herbal therapy, and homeopathy are the best sources of information on what conventional and alternative treatments will combine well and which ones should not be used together.