posted by Tess on Sep 29
What is Cushing’s Disease?
Cushing’s disease is also known as hyperadrenocorticism and is characterized by the over-production of hormones from the adrenal glands. The extra high levels of these hormones in your pet’s body can cause varied and serious symptoms.
Function and definition of the adrenal glands
The adrenal glands are two, small bean-shaped structures situated above each of your pet’s two kidneys. They consist of two separate regions: an inner adrenal medulla surrounded by an outer adrenal cortex.
The adrenal glands release a wide variety of hormones. The medulla is responsible for producing epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline). These hormones control the body’s reaction to Stress and affect blood pressure and heart rate. The adrenal cortex produces hormones such as cortisone and aldosterone which are necessary for balancing fluid and electrolytes (salt) in the body as well as regulating the use of Dietary protein, fats and carbohydrates and controlling inflammation.
What are the symptoms of Cushing’s Disease?
High levels of corticosteroids in the body can cause a number of health problems in pets including:
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posted by Tess on Sep 26
What is flea bite dermatitis?
Fleas are an extremely common parasite among dogs and cats. Some pets suffer very little from the bites of these creatures but a number of less fortunate pets develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva, leading to a severe skin reaction known as flea Bite dermatitis. Fleas Bite their host animal and suck the blood for nutrition, leaving saliva behind under the pet’s skin. Recent scientific studies have shown that flea saliva contains around 15 different allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive dogs and cats.
The common problem of flea Bite dermatitis affects both cats and dogs of all ages, genders and breeds. In pets with this condition, the flea bites themselves generally become red, swollen and severely itchy. This leads to chronic inflammation and scratching of the skin as well as ongoing discomfort for your pet.
How do I know whether my pet has flea bite dermatitis?
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posted by Tess on Sep 22
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a contagious skin condition occurring commonly in both cats and dogs and is actually caused, not by a worm, but by a fungus. Ringworm may cause various lesions on the skin and these are not always in the shape of a ring. You may notice your pet Scratching at areas that look scaly and inflamed and, with time, the hair in these patches may be lost. Ringworm can look very similar to a number of other skin conditions including mange and allergic conditions, so if in doubt it is important to take your pet to a vet in order to be sure of the diagnosis.
What is the conventional treatment?
Usual treatment of ringworm involves use of anti-fungal shampoos or creams. In severe cases oral anti-fungal medication may be used but this has the potential to cause side-effects. Although in most healthy pets ringworm may resolve spontaneously after several weeks, treatment is necessary to speed this up due to the risk of infection of humans and other pets and the discomfort that this condition can cause to your pet.
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posted by Tess on Sep 13
Signs and symptoms of ear problems in pets
Ear infections are very common amongst cats and dogs and can cause severe irritation and discomfort in your beloved pet. Some animals (i.e. dogs of the ‘hound’ family) are more susceptible to ear infections than others due to the particular structure of their outer ears.
Common signs of ear infection are:
* Shaking of the head and ears
* Scratching or rubbing the ears and face
* Discharge or even bleeding from the ears
* Foul smell coming from the ears
* Sensitivity to touching in the ear area
* General irritability
There are a number of causes of ear infection and common culprits include bacteria, yeasts and mites. Less commonly, allergies may have a role to play in inflammation and subsequent infection of the ears.
What are ear mites?
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posted by Tess on Sep 11
Whenever you use eggs, save shells. Wash shells out right after using the eggs and save them up for about a week or so until you have a “batch” worth processing. Bake shells at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to remove the mineral oil coating and make them brittle enough to grind. Grind to a fine powder in a food processor, blender or coffee grinder (I use a coffee grinder). Make sure there are no sharp, gritty pieces.
1 tsp. of powder supplies about 1800mg - 2000mg of calcium.
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posted by Tess on Sep 6
About healing
Healing after surgery or an accidental injury can be a slow and painful process for your pet. Depending on the extent of the injury or operation, this can take days or even months. There may be internal or external wounds and bruising - or even (in the case of injury) broken bones and damaged organs. They cannot understand what is happening to them or why and this makes it very difficult to see them in pain and often immobilized.
The physical process of healing involves restoration and regeneration of connective tissue, blood vessels and nerve fibers. White blood cells have to remove infection and red blood cells have to bring oxygen rich blood and nutrients to the surrounding area. Effective pain control will help to make your pet comfortable, prevent stress and permit healing rest.
How can natural remedies help?
Your pet’s body has the inherent ability to heal itself from any injury, whether this is surgery or an accidental injury. The Immune System and healing potential of animals’ bodies is one of the greatest miracles of nature! Provided that you give your pet proper care and nurturing, healing will take place by itself.
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posted by Tess on Sep 5
* 5 d. lavender oil
* 5 d. Chamomile oil
* 2 d. mandarin oil: in 4 oz. of water.
Spray around pet’s Furniture and/or where pet sleeps and plays.
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