Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats
What Is Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine disorder that results in abnormally elevated blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is a critical energy source for the body and comes from food that is ingested. The pancreas is a small but important organ next to the digestive tract. The pancreas secretes insulin that helps cells absorb […]
Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
Stifle Anatomy The stifle, or knee, is a fairly complicated joint. It consists of the femur above, the tibia below, the kneecap (patella) in front, and the bean-like fabella behind. Chunks of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci fit between the femur and tibia like cushions. An assortment of ligaments holds everything together, […]
Dental Disease in Pets
Dental disease is not just about bad breath! Dental disease is painful! 80% of dogs and cats over 3 years of age have dental disease. Infections from poor dental health can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, liver and heart. Many pets will continue to eat, even while painful, and show little sign of their […]
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Parvovirus Recovery and Environmental Decontamination Allegheny Veterinary Services Diet Your pet is recovering from extensive damage to the intestinal tract. It is typical for stool to be a little loose at first or for no stool to be produced for a few days as the tract recovers. The stool should gradually firm up […]
Canine Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an emerging infectious disease at Allegheny Veterinary Service and within our practice area. As a result, we are constantly updating our diagnostic and treatment protocols. We now test all canine patients during their annual wellness exam and sick patients that present with lameness and fever when no other obvious cause is found. […]
Canine Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease)
What Causes Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by an excess of stress hormone (cortisol) from the adrenal glands. This excess can be caused by overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, abnormal signaling from brain to the adrenal glands or long-term steroid usage (such as prednisone, prednisolone, Temaril P, or dexamethasone). This […]
Pig Health
As the owner, it is ultimately your responsibility to provide a healthy environment so that your pig may flourish and grow. A keen understanding of good husbandry practices, basic infectious disease prevention, swine diseases and conditions specific to your pig and your farm are critical to the success of your project. This document is only […]
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Equine Diet
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? Omega-3 fatty acids are compounds found in our diets that are very beneficial as natural ANTI-inflammatories. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and support immune function. We often recommend them as adjunct therapy for many conditions including: Inhalant Allergies (Heaves, RAO, Equine Asthma); Skin Allergies (Sweet Itch, […]
