Library
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Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes of the body caused by inadequate oxygen levels. Cyanosis is an emergency, and the root cause may be life-threatening and may or may not be reversible. Once back home, homecare instructions must be followed carefully.
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Cardiomyopathy is a term used to describe diseases of the heart muscle. In cats, three classes of cardiomyopathy have been described: hypertrophic, dilated, and intermediate or restrictive cardiomyopathy. The long-term prognosis for a cat with cardiomyopathy varies depending on the cause of the disease.
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Spironolactone + benazepril (brand name Cardalis®) is a combination aldosterone antagonist (spironolactone) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or ACE inhibitor (benazepril) used to treat certain types of congestive heart failure in dogs. Use to treat other heart conditions or in other species is "off label" or "extra label". Spironolactone + benazepril comes in chewable meat-flavored tablet form.
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Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes of the body caused by inadequate oxygen levels. Cyanosis is an emergency, and the root cause may be life-threatening and may or may not be reversible. Once back home, homecare instructions must be followed carefully.
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Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious and often fatal condition in medium to larger breed dogs. Signs may be sudden or progressive in onset. Some signs include rapid breathing, increased effort with breathing, restless sleeping, coughing, or gagging, among others. Early and proper diagnosis is key, followed by treatment to give the best quality of life.
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Potential purchasers of yearlings and even foals at public sales increasingly ask for endoscopic examinations ('scoping') of the larynx and pharynx to be performed in an attempt to assess 'soundness of wind'.
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Atrial fibrillation describes rapid contractions or twitching of the heart muscle, specifically in the atria. In cats, atrial fibrillation occurs secondary to heart disease. The signs that are observed are often related to that underlying condition, and may include exercise intolerance, cough, or difficulty breathing. Signs, treatment, and outlook are discussed.
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Atrial fibrillation describes rapid contractions or twitching of the heart muscle, specifically in the atria. In dogs, atrial fibrillation usually occurs secondary to heart disease. In some large breed dogs, atrial fibrillation occurs as a primary heart problem. Signs, treatment, and outlook are discussed.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows from the stomach to the esophagus. In dogs with GERD, stomach acid passes through the lower esophageal sphincter and enters the esophagus. Possible signs associated with GERD include decreased appetite, difficulty swallowing, licking the lips, change in bark, chronic cough, appearance of generalized discomfort, pacing, or restlessness at night. Gastrointestinal reflux disease is often diagnosed on the basis of endoscopy. There are a number of different treatments for GERD. Most dogs require a combination of treatments, each of which addresses the problem differently. Most dogs experience a rapid improvement in clinical signs with treatment.
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Gastrointestinal endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera or viewing port to inspect the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine, or the colon. The endoscope cannot reach all areas of the small intestine, so other tests may be needed to diagnose disease in these areas. 12-18 hours fasting and enemas are required prior to endoscopy depending on the area being studied.