Search Results for ‘brain’
Recognizing And Treating Brain Tumors In Pets
No pet owner wants to hear that their beloved companion has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The good news, however, is that this frightening problem is one that we don’t see very often. And, thanks to today’s cutting-edge veterinary technology, many of the brain tumors that are diagnosed in pets are treatable.
In the event it is determined that your pet has a brain tumor, gathering information is essential for making the best decision for your pet’s treatment and long term health.
Your team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center is here to help you navigate the many questions that may arise with a brain tumor diagnosis and the treatment options that are available.
Continue…Managing Epilepsy In Pets
Epilepsy is the main cause of seizures in pets and a commonly diagnosed neurological disorder that we see at our facility. Witnessing a seizure in your pet is a frightening experience, and it’s an event that any pet owner would want to understand and address right away.
The team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center is here to help you navigate the difficult challenges that can occur during your pet’s life. Epilepsy can be one of those challenges and if it becomes a problem for your pet, helping you understand it is an important first step in managing it.
Continue…Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism in Pets
Thyroid gland disorders can cause numerous health issues for pets and is a common problem that we see at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center. As in most medical conditions, the earlier thyroid disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome is for your pet.
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism in Pets
The thyroid gland is located in the neck, near the larynx, and is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain. The thyroid gland is essential for regulating the body’s metabolic rate and does this by producing hormones that keep it in balance – the most important one being thyroxine. When the thyroid gland doesn’t function properly, the resulting hormone imbalance can wreak havoc with the body’s metabolism.
Continue…Seizures in Pets: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever witnessed a seizure in a pet, you know how scary it can be. Panic may set in as you wonder what is wrong with your furry companion and what you should or shouldn’t be doing.
Seizures in pets are one of the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorders, but that doesn’t make it any less frightening. Getting to the bottom of why your pet has had a seizure is the key to treating and preventing future episodes.
What is a Seizure?
Seizures are caused by abnormal bursts of electricity in the brain function, which causes involuntary muscle activity.
Continue…Understanding Old Dog Vestibular Disease
Anyone who’s ever suffered from vertigo or an inner ear problem understands the unsettling dizziness, loss of coordination and nausea that can accompany these types of conditions. Dogs can experience a similar condition known as canine vestibular disease.
There are several types of canine vestibular disease. Some may be due to serious causes, such as a brain tumor, neurological infection or other neurological disorder. However, there is a benign self-limiting type that affects mostly older dogs. Because of this, it is commonly referred to as ‘old dog vestibular disease’, which is the focus of this discussion.
The symptoms of old dog vestibular disease can be quite bewildering for any pet owner. At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we see this problem in many of our older patients, so we’d like to shed some light on this mostly benign form of canine vestibular disease.
Continue…Can Pets Get Altitude Sickness?
At our altitude of 5,280 feet above sea level, most Denver residents and visitors don’t experience the debilitating effects of altitude sickness. However, once they venture into the mountains, the situation changes. Nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath associated with altitude sickness. This affects about 20% of people above 8,000 feet. Potentially ruining a day of skiing, hiking, or sightseeing.
Pets are also vulnerable to altitude changes and can experience many of the same symptoms as humans. Left unchecked, altitude sickness in pets can be dangerous. And can lead to a potentially deadly buildup of fluid in the lungs and brain.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the great Colorado outdoors with your pet. However, knowing the signs of altitude sickness in pets and when to seek help is crucial for keeping them safe in the mountains.
Continue…The Heat Is On: Learning to Spot and Prevent Dehydration in Pets
It’s no secret that water is vital to the existence of humans and animals, as well as most other living creatures. Water makes up about 70-80% of a pet’s total body mass and is critical for the proper functioning of each and every cell and system.
Even a small loss of a pet’s fluids can disrupt the body’s delicate balance and result in dehydration. If not corrected, dehydration will impair the body’s functioning and quickly become a medical emergency.
Cat or Lion: Differences Between Wild and Domestic Cats
Although we have been sharing our lives with cats for thousands of years, which may have originated with their rodent control abilities, our modern day house cats are still considered to be semi-domesticated. This characteristic is quite different from dogs, which are considered fully domesticated and probably have been since caveman times.
While we know that the kitty curled up in front of your fireplace is obviously different from a lion stalking the Serengeti, the similarities between the two may actually surprise you.
Your Guide to the Smartest Pet Breeds
We’ve all read and heard stories about intelligent pets: the dog that can figure out how to open the fridge and help himself to a snack, or the cat that seeks out a sick or sad family member to snuggle with and comfort.
It goes without saying that our own pets are blessed with above average intelligence, of course, but have you ever wondered what actually constitutes intelligence in pets, and how the smartest pet breeds are determined?
Deep Connections: The Power of the Human-Animal Bond
Our veterinarians and veterinary support staff share a deep love for animals, and if you’re reading this, we’re guessing that you feel the same. Our pets bring so much love, joy, affection and humor to our lives, it probably comes as no surprise that the human-animal bond may be deeply intertwined with our health, well-being and, possibly, our survival as a species.
What is the Human-Animal Bond?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) the human- animal bond is defined as, “…a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals”. Indeed, humans have benefitted from this unique connection for thousands of years. Animals were so essential to the daily lives of early humans that there is evidence we may not have survived or thrived without them.
