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Emergencies

  • Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an uncommon but fatal disease of cats caused by a virus called a feline coronavirus (FECV). The first signs of FIP may be very vague: dullness, lethargy, and inappetance are common findings. FIP is a fatal illness, and essentially all cats that develop clinical signs will go on to die of the disease.

  • GDV is a very much more descriptive term than the old fashioned name, bloat, which is still often used for the condition in farm animals. It means the dog's stomach is distended with gas and may in addition have twisted upon itself thus effectively trapping the gas in the stomach.

  • Glaucoma is an increase in IOP i.e a raised pressure within the eye. The cause of glaucoma is always related to inadequate drainage of aqueous humor rather than its over production.

  • Raising an orphaned kitten can be a rewarding experience. However, kittens are very fragile, and raising them can be difficult, time consuming, and not always successful. Included are basic considerations and frequently asked questions in regards to hand rearing kittens.

  • Heart failure is the inability of the heart to maintain a circulation sufficient to meet the body's needs. Heart failure most usually describes a failure of the heart muscle (myocardial failure).

  • Dogs can succumb to heat stroke very quickly in warm and humid weather because the only way dog’s releases heat is by panting and sweating through the foot pads and nose. Prevention is the key.  Avoid vigorous exercise on hot days, keep your dog hydrated and if a trip out in the car means you will need to leave them in the car - leave them at home instead.

  • The most common cause of heatstroke or hyperthermia is the confinement of a dog in a car with inadequate ventilation. In such circumstances the condition can occur with frightening rapidity.

  • Hypocalcaemia is a term that refers to low blood concentrations of calcium. Calcium is an important electrolyte (chemical) within the body, and is needed for normal function of muscles and nerves.

  • The term jaundice describes a yellow discoloration of the skin. This can most easily be appreciated by looking at the whites of the eyes, and the mucous membranes (ie the third eyelids and gums).

  • This term indicates there is a decrease in the number of circulating blood platelets thus impairing blood clotting.