Articles
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Cyproheptadine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat allergic skin conditions, certain toxicities, and to stimulate appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, increased appetite, and dry mouth. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or pets undergoing skin allergy testing within the next two weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Cystine bladder stones appear to be the result of a genetic abnormality that prevents a dog from reabsorbing cystine from the kidneys. While bladder stones in general are somewhat common in dogs, cystine bladder stones are rare. Your veterinarian may be able to palpate the stones or may need to perform imaging studies such as a bladder ultrasound or a contrast radiographic study. There are two primary treatment strategies for treating cystine bladder stones in dogs: dietary therapy to dissolve the stones, or physical removal of the stones. Cystine stones have a high rate of recurrence, despite careful attention to diet and lifestyle.
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Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder. The most common cause of cystitis in dogs is bacterial infection. Other common causes include bladder stones, tumors or polyps in the bladder, and abnormal anatomy. The most common clinical sign is blood in the urine (hematuria). The first group of tests performed includes urinalysis, urine culture, and bladder palpation. Further diagnostics may include bladder radiographs, ultrasound, and contrast X-rays. Blood tests to look for systemic problems are also sometimes required. Treatment is based on the cause.
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Cysts are hollow spaces within tissues that contain either a liquid or a solidified material. Some breeds have a tendency to develop certain types of cysts. Accurate diagnosis relies upon microscopic examination of a piece of tissue. The most common treatment for cysts is surgical removal. It is important to prevent your pet from rubbing, scratching, or otherwise bothering the cysts or the surgical site.
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Cytarabine is a chemotherapy medication commonly used off label to treat blood cancers and brain inflammation. It is an injectable solution usually given in the vein by a veterinary professional. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and low blood cell counts. This medication should not be used or used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease, those that have an allergy to this medication, and pregnant/lactating pets. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Cytology is a useful tool to often diagnose abnormal lumps on your pet's body as well as evaluation of fluid samples and tissue surfaces. It is relatively simple and inexpensive but can provide a lot of information. Depending on results, further tests may be indicated to best help your pet.
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Cytology is the microscopic examination of cells that have been collected from the body. Lesions on the surface of the skin or from moist body cavities can be sampled very simply by scraping, swabbing, flushing, or making impressions of the tissue. The collected cells get looked at under a microscope and in many cases a diagnosis can be made to determine the best form of treatment.
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Collecting tissue samples for cytology or histopathology allow a pathologist to often give a diagnosis of the type of mass or tumor your pet has. Samples can be obtained by fine needle aspirate or biopsy, where a piece of the mass is cut out. Based on what the mass appears like under the microscope, the pathologist can often give a prognosis of how the tumor will behave.
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This handout discusses excessive drooling (hypersalivation) in dogs. There can be many causes for this complaint. Abnormal causes include nausea or gastrointestinal issues, oral pain or irritation, and conformation of the jowls. A short discussion of the more common causes is included. Further diagnostic and treatment options depend on the underlying cause.
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Dog food labels can certainly be confusing to interpret. In the United States, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed model laws and regulations that states use for animal feeds. In Canada, pet food labeling guidelines are regulated by the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act administered by Industry Canada. The Canadian government's Competition Bureau also has an extensive working group that upholds a voluntary code of conduct for the labeling and advertising of pet food. The most important information when comparing one dog food to another is the guaranteed analysis. Ingredient lists are somewhat useful when evaluating a particular dog food, but it is important to recognize the limitations. Talk to you veterinarian about the ingredient list and nutrient profile to help choose the diet that is right for your dog.
