Symptoms and signs of cancer in pets and humans depend largely upon the organ or the tissue that has developed cancer cells. For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats are far removed from the symptoms of oral cancer. Cats with cancer of the digestive system will show signs of vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia while a lump in the peripheral skin indicates lymph cancer.

Some cancers are highly progressive and spread very fast. The first tool in your hands is to educate yourself and be aware of all the symptoms properly. Timely approach to treatment is the only way to prolong and make life comfortable for your cat.

Cats should be groomed regularly. Stroking and petting all over the body serves two purposes – it lets you know of any abnormal changes that might be occurring in your cat’s body and it helps in building an emotional bond between you and your cat.

Older cats should be taken to a specialist for annual check ups. There are ten signs that are commonly understood to be indicative of cancer, including feline cancer and on noticing them they should be brought to the notice of a veterinary oncologist without fail.

The immune system in a cat’s body has a committed task. It is a complex interconnected system of white blood cells, antibodies and other substances that are released to combat infections and eliminate foreign proteins. On recognition of a foreign invasion, the system releases antibodies which chemically bind with antigens to destroy them.

The important part of the immune system is that it is supposed to recognize foreign substances and respond immediately to destroy them. Unfortunately it does not happen like this always. Certain disorders cause the controlling mechanism of the immune system to fail and it produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. These are known as autoantibodies. The resultant disease is known as an autoimmune disease. Even though it is known that an autoimmune disease is caused by production of these autoantibodies, the underlying causes are complicated and not thoroughly understood.

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary depending upon the organ or system that has been affected. In certain cases multiple organs and body systems are affected. Autoimmune diseases occur in both cats and dogs, producing relatively similar symptoms.

Question:

My dog has been gagging/hacking…how do you clear hairball on
dogs? Any natural remedies?

Can you please help my poor dog?

Ron

Answer:

Hi Ron,

Thank you for your query. Although it is unusual for dogs to get
hairballs as they don’t generally groom themselves, if this is the
problem then you can quite safely and effectively give your dog our
hairball formula that is usually used for cats, Furball Dr.

Originally posted 2005-10-20 09:17:31.

Birds can make wonderful pets and companions and there are many different birds to choose from. Two of the most popular are cockatiels and parakeets. Cockatiels and parakeets make wonderful pets that only require simple daily care. They don’t take up a lot of space, they eat small amounts of food, and they don’t require a daily walk outside. They love being around people and often want out of their cages just so they can be closer to you. Some even learn to talk.

You’re not alone in considering a pet bird. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), birds are the 3rd most popular pet behind cats and dogs.

It all sounds great doesn’t it? Slow down a little bit, before you rush out to buy a cockatiel or a parakeet, take some time to think about whether or not you are ready for a bird companion. There are a few things for you to consider before you decide if you’re ready for the responsibilities that comes with parakeets and cockatiels.

Do yourself a favor and don’t buy a parakeet or cockatiel until you ask yourself the following questions:

Sinus infections

The sinuses are bony cavities in the skull that meet up with the nasal cavities and are prone to infection, especially after a cold or other upper respiratory tract infection.

In cats and dogs, sinus infections may be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses and are sometimes even associated with tooth abscesses. Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) may also be caused by non-infectious ailments such as allergies.

How will I know if my pet has a sinus infection?

Typical signs of a sinus infection are sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing or gagging and a postnasal drip. If your pet has never had such an illness before, it may be wise to have your vet investigate with X-rays or other tests to confirm a sinus infection.

If your pet has had sinusitis before, you will probably recognize the signs. Cats with a sinus infection may stop eating due to a decrease in their sense of smell.

How are sinus infections usually treated?

Sinus infections are usually treated with antibiotic drugs which are prescribed long-term in order to achieve penetration of the drug into the sinuses. Anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes also used. Pets who are prone to recurrent sinus infections may be prescribed chronic medication for prevention.

What is Diarrhea?

When your pet has diarrhea, the number of stools passed may or may not be increased but each stool will be much looser and more watery than normal. Diarrhea in pets can be related to something they have eaten, a viral infection, bacterial infection, worms, a foreign object they have swallowed and even diseases affecting other organs such as the liver or kidneys. It can be very serious in young puppies, kittens and in elderly pets as they can dehydrate extremely quickly. If your pet has diarrhea, make sure they have plenty of fresh water available at all times. If you have a very young or very old pet that is affected, or if you are at all concerned in any other way, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

What is RuniPoo Relief?

Pet Alive RuniPoo Relief is a 100% safe and natural remedy containing herbal and homeopathic ingredients which are carefully selected to maintain digestive balance, firm stools and healthy bowel functioning just when your pet needs it most.

Use PetAlive RuniPoo Relief to:

Buying a Pet ID tag is like buying insurance – you do so with the devout wish that you’re never going to need it. The “possible cost” of not having a pet ID tag is more expensive than the “actual cost” of buying the pet tag itself.

The type of pet identification tag that you buy is important, so take 5 minutes or so to think it through. Impulsively choosing a collar tag because it’s cheap or cute often proves to be unwise, long-term.

Consider the following before purchasing any pet id tag: 1.What is the level of risk to your pet? Lost pets are certainly common – we’ve all seen “Lost Dog!” signs tacked around town, or dead pets lying by the side of the road. If your pet is a master at escaping the fence, or a breed of dog that cannot resist following a scent, or a young pet that’s full of energy, or a new pet that isn’t properly trained, the risk of a lost pet is high.

But losing your pet isn’t the only risk.

Prostate problems in pets

By far the most common condition involving the prostate in pets is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). As in humans, this is often found in older pets and is a widespread problem in male animals. The glandular tissue of the prostate increases in size with age and puts pressure on surrounding structures (e.g. the bladder) causing urinary and defecation problems. Although BPH is not an infection nor is it cancer, it can cause very troublesome symptoms and may worsen very gradually, with increasing age.

What are the symptoms of BPH in pets?

* Pain or discomfort on urination
* Frequent, strained attempts to urinate
* Painful and strained defecation
* Abnormal gait: you may notice your pet walking with very small steps and his rear legs straight and stiff
* Discharge from the penis

Although the above are common symptoms of prostate problems in pets, it is important to consult a trained veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.

What is the conventional treatment?

Conventional prevention and treatment of BPH in pets is neutering. Neutering of young dogs before the onset of puberty will prevent normal development and growth of the prostate, and therefore most cases of prostate hypertrophy in later life. If a pet is neutered after prostate maturation, the prostate gland will shrink due to lack of testosterone.

How Low Quality Foods can be Hurting Your Pets

A few short months ago, pet owners everywhere were afraid to feed their pets for fear of what they might be ingesting. Every time you turned on the news, there was an update on the “Pet Food Scare”.

Although the situation has now subsided after more than 60 million bags and cans of pet food were recalled, concerns with production and safety standards were raised regarding the high levels of hazardous food that slipped through to the retail market. The situation caused pet owners to question the quality and safety of even the well-recognized brands on the market.

Disturbing Findings on Nutritional Content

James Morris and Quentin Rogers, two Molecular Biologists at the University of California at Davis, found a lack of information on the bioavailability of nutrients in many of the common dietary ingredients used in pet foods. “These ingredients are generally by-products of the meat, poultry and fishing industries, with the potential for a wide variation in nutrient composition,” the biologists stated.

Given the varying degrees of quality, it is impossible to be sure that your particular batch of food will be of the same nutritional value as another.

Why is liver functioning so important for my pet?

The liver is the second largest organ in the body and is often seen as the most important one. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, a healthy liver is seen as the most critical element in the body’s ability to fight disease and function optimally.

Amongst other important functions, the liver is responsible for eliminating and detoxifying the poisons that enter the blood stream. It also produces bile which is essential in the breakdown of fats and is the organ which stores Vitamin A, D, E and K.

Environmental pollution, processed and unhealthy foods, prescription drugs, frequent vaccinations and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to sluggish and diseased livers. The result? Pets with depressed immune systems, constant fatigue, obesity, sluggish livers and digestive systems, allergies, respiratory ailments, unhealthy skin and many other health problems.

A sluggish or diseased liver can seriously compromise your pet’s health and increase the chances of systemic illness.

How do I know if my pet has a problem liver?

Symptoms of a problem liver can be vague especially in the early stages of liver disease.