posted by Tess on Mar 13
The liver performs important functions like detoxification of the blood, production of bile for digestion and the removal of waste from the body. It is structured with six lobes and is one of the most complex organs in the body of the dog.
An early detection of a liver infection in a dog can help in improving the prognosis of pet liver diseases including feline liver disease . The unusually vast capacity of the liver to continue to function even when afflicted is mostly responsible for late detection of liver disease in dogs. Early detection is also tough since the symptoms of liver disease tend to surface only after the disease has progressed. Symptoms of liver disease in dogs may be gradual or sudden and symptomatic of certain conditions like indigestion and anxiety.
There are multiple causes of liver disease and a specific diagnosis is not always possible. Some of the major causes include:
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posted by Tess on Mar 10
One of the basic characteristics of the liver is its functional reserve power to continue performing despite being affected by liver disease. Like other liver diseases in dogs , liver cancer too is usually diagnosed well after the disease has taken it roots and progressed to dangerous levels. Diagnosing canine and feline liver diseases , including liver cancer requires a comprehensive approach.
Liver, being closely associated with other organs in the body, demonstrates symptoms that mimic diseases of organs. Moreover, symptoms of liver disease in dogs are subtle and vary as the disease progresses.
Primary liver cancer is less common than secondary cancer that originates from elsewhere in the body. Liver has a dual blood supply - one through the portal vein and the other through the hepatic artery. While the liver needs this extra supply to perform its multiple functions, it also means that it is exposed to a greater risk of cancer cells that can reach it from distant organs that have spread in the blood stream.
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posted by Tess on Mar 6
Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by excessive urination and thirst. It is a metabolic disorder marked by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas. There is no major variation in the incidence of diabetes in cats and dogs but recent figures reveal that the condition is becoming more common in cats. Roughly 5% to 20% of cases of diabetes in cats are type 1 classifications and the rest experience type 2.
Both type 1 and type 2 have similar symptoms and consequences but have different causes. The end cause in both types is the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin to prevent hyperglycemia (elevated sugar levels). Type 1 diabetes is often caused due to autoimmune responses that destroy the beta cells of pancreas, which produce insulin. Although some disability of beta cells is necessary for type 2 diabetes, it is basically characterized by insulin resistance of the target tissue.
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posted by Tess on Mar 3
Generally, cancer occurs in older animals. Cats are destined to live long and the price they pay for it shows in the increased incidence of feline cancer . Symptoms of cancer in cats and dogs do not present themselves in early stages. It requires a keen observation for an early detection and treatment. For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs need to be evaluated after considering other conditions that throw up similar symptoms.
Cells normally multiply by division in a pattern. Initially there is a continuous increase in cells to achieve an optimal level of growth in cats. Once a particular level is achieved cell multiplication is automatically curbed and new cells are formed to replace dead cells. Certain unknown conditions cause cells to ‘rebel’ and multiply even when the body does not need them. Characteristically, an unrestricted multiplication of cells is known as cancer. Normally a tumor or growth is formed in and around the affected organ or area, which may be localized or invasive and spread to distant organs as well. A tumor may be benign (harmless) or malignant (dangerous to health, often fatal and characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth)
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posted by Tess on Mar 2
Some of the important aspects of caring for your diabetic cat at home include understanding:
* Symptoms of diabetes in cats
* Timings and regularity of check ups
* Quality, amount and timing of meals
* Testing blood sugar levels at home and making a blood glucose curve
* Regularity of insulin injections and the manner in which to inject them
* Type of insulin to be used and the right syringe to inject it with
* The manner in which changes in diet and type of insulin should be made
While all the above are important, knowing the peak action of the insulin that has been prescribed is equally significant. Ignorance on this aspect of home care can lead to hypoglycemic episodes. Hypoglycemia is the opposite of hyperglycemia. It is abnormally low level of sugar in the blood. While hyperglycemia is manageable, hypoglycemia may be difficult to control unless immediate action is taken. A slight oversight can result in the death of the cat.
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