Educational Articles
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In veterinary dentistry, tooth repair or restoration that fully covers the tooth is called a crown. Crowns are used after root canal therapy or when enamel is not present due to wear or congenital disease. This article discusses how crowns are made and used in veterinary care. Under normal wear, and with special care, the crown should last for your dog's lifetime.
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The cruciate ligaments are two bands of fibrous tissue located within each stifle joint. They join the femur and tibia together so that the knee works as a stable, hinged joint. The two most common causes of cranial cruciate rupture are trauma and degeneration of the ligaments within the joint. There are various surgical techniques to stabilize the knee joint following cruciate rupture. Regardless of the technique used to stabilize the joint, arthritis is likely to develop in the joint as your dog ages.
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This handout discusses the use of cryosurgery in pets. This technique involves the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissues. A short discussion in included as to how the technique is used, and in what circumstances it may be appropriate to use.
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Cryptosporidium is a species of single-celled parasite that can infect your dog through the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical signs such as diarrhea and weight loss may only be seen in immunosuppressed patients, including puppies. These patients may need supportive care and other treatment to control disease. Certain Cryptosporidium species can be spread between pets and humans, making this parasite zoonotic.
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Hospitals providing curbside care have restructured their practice to avoid the need for clients to enter the lobby and exam rooms. This is designed to promote physical (social) distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Curbside care offers a number of benefits for you and your pet. By eliminating the need for you to enter the hospital, potential COVID-19 outbreaks are reduced. The veterinary team is protected under a curbside care model, and in turn, so is your pet. Even in curbside care, you will have an opportunity to speak with your veterinarian in order to discuss findings and recommendations. To help the curbside appointment go smoothly, bring a written list of concerns or fill in any forms your practice has sent to you prior to the appointment. Curbside care truly is in the best interests of you and your pet.
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Cushing's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones. There are three types of Cushing's disease, each of which has a different cause. The most common cause of Cushing's disease is a pituitary gland tumor. Cushing's disease may also be the result of a benign or malignant tumor of the adrenal gland itself, or may be caused from the excessive administration of an oral or injectable steroid. Clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.
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Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is the overproduction of cortisol hormone by a dog's body. The clinical signs of Cushing's disease are similar, regardless of the underlying cause of the disease. However, it is essential to identify the type of Cushing's disease as the treatment and prognosis differ slightly depending upon the form of the disease.
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Treatment for Cushing’s disease using mitotane involves two phases: initiating phase and maintenance phase. Monitoring your dog’s food and water intake is very important. This handout provides detailed treatment instructions for dogs prescribed mitotane. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and report changes in your dog’s behavior to your veterinarian.
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A cutaneous histiocytoma is a common benign (harmless) tumor of the skin in dogs, typically younger ones. Their development, appearance, diagnosis, and treatment are explained in this handout.
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Cutaneous histiocytosis is an uncommon condition in dogs. It is a non-cancerous increase in the number of reactive cells (histiocytes) caused by an immune system dysfunction. It generally manifests as multiple bumps and nodules confined to the dog's skin. The clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition are explained in this handout.