Educational Articles
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There are lots of ways to find adoptable pets, and large or small, local or national, online resources and shelters have the same goal: match available pets with the most suitable homes. Social media has helped find homes for countless dogs and cats. Well-developed websites that are updated frequently and actively used by rescue groups and humane societies make shopping for a pet online a fruitful experience. Shelters are another great option if you want to see many pets at one time.
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Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed completely in order to sterilize a female cat. Spaying is recommended to reduce the risk of mammary cancer and to prevent ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as pyometra and unwanted pregnancy. No adverse effects occur following spaying; however it is important to remember that metabolism does decrease after the procedure, so diet will need to be adjusted accordingly to prevent inappropriate weight gain.
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Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed completely in order to sterilize a female dog. There are several pros and cons to spaying currently under scientific scrutiny; however, the overall consensus at this time is that spaying will increase the lifespan of a dog. This operation requires a general anesthetic and complications are rare. A rest period of 5-10 days is needed for recovery after surgery.
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There are many health and behavioral benefits associated with spaying your rabbit, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing her risk for reproductive cancers, and minimizing the stress associated with sexual frustration. This handout explains the surgical procedure, post-operative care at home, and, although rare, possible complications that may occur.
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An ovariohysterectomy is often referred to as a spay or spaying. It is a surgical procedure in which the left and right ovary and both left and right horns of the uterus are removed completely, to sterilize or render a female animal infertile. Spaying minimizes the risk of ovarian, uterine, breast, and pituitary gland cancers in rats. Ideally, most rats are spayed between four and six months of age. Complications are rare, but there is a small risk associated with being anesthetized. Most rats will experience no adverse effects and spaying is generally recommended for all healthy, young rats to prevent future health problems.
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Canine grooming is important. Dogs should be kept clean, be brushed often, and get clipped as needed. If you want to do something more unique, like applying nail polish or hair dye, choosing a canine-approved product that is appropriately applied while the dog is monitored is highly recommended.
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Strokes are rare in cats. Some causes include a blood clot such as a thrombus or embolus that lodges in a cerebral blood vessel, cerebral bleeding from trauma, or a blood clotting disorder; however, the cause is often unknown. Signs of a stroke are variable depending on the regions of the brain affected and the degree and duration of blood and oxygen deprivation. Magnetic resonance imaging is the ideal diagnostic test for diagnosing a stroke. Treatment is complex and there is no guarantee of complete success. Your veterinarian will help you assess progress and plan remedial action.
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Many pets initially resist having their claws trimmed. This is partly because their paws are sensitive and partly because they are uncomfortable being restrained for the procedure. By taking the time to do some gentle, systematic training and conditioning, you can teach your pet to relax and accept nail trims as part of their regular health maintenance program.
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Many pets are sensitive to being restrained for grooming. With slow progress and positive rewards, your pet can learn to accept or even enjoy having their teeth cleaned.
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Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) causes blindness in older dogs, most often females. The underlying cause of SARDS is unknown and there is no effective treatment for the condition. This handout explains the clinical signs observed in affected dogs, how the condition is diagnosed, and how to support a dog with SARDS.