Illustrated Articles
-
Plasma cell tumors develop as a result of dysregulated production of plasma cells and are relatively uncommon in dogs and cats. Some plasma cell tumors are benign and the most common locations for these tumors are the head, feet, lips, mouth, and ears. The treatment of choice for benign plasma cell tumors is surgical removal, with little to no recurrence if completely excised. Conversely, multiple myeloma is a very malignant cancer that is usually treated with chemotherapy.
-
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP is a form of regenerative medicine where the platelet and protein components of blood are retrieved from a patient and then injected back into the patient at the site of inflammation. PRP contains growth factors that appear to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. The procedure is not yet widely available and should only be performed by a veterinarian with specialized equipment and special training in this area.
-
Some cats do not seem to know their strength and do not recognize that they are causing pain to their play partners. Accidental bites and scratches can be painful and cause infection, so it is important to find ways to play safely. With training, you may be able to use a verbal cue to redirect your cat if he becomes overly aroused during play.
-
Mouthing, nipping, and biting are used by all puppies during social play with their littermates. Once they leave their littermates, you can easily teach them a new set of games that are appropriate for social play with people. It is important to provide puppies with outlets for appropriate play from the start. Puppies should never be punished for playing with their teeth, as it can cause them to become permanently fearful of people.
-
Pleural effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the chest cavity. The fluid is not found within the lungs, but instead within the pleural sac, essentially meaning the lungs are floating in a chest that is full of fluid. Several conditions can cause pleural effusion, including chylothorax, heart failure, and tumors in the lungs or chest wall. Immediate treatment often requires oxygen support and the removal of the excess fluid by thoracocentesis, which can also then be tested to diagnose the cause of the pleural effusion. Treatment and prognosis vary depending on the underlying cause of the pleural effusion.
-
Pleural effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the chest cavity. The fluid is not found within the lungs, but instead within the pleural sac, essentially meaning the lungs are floating in a chest that is full of fluid. There are several causes, including chylothorax, heart failure, and lung or chest tumors. Dogs presenting for pleural effusion are often experiencing shortness of breath and decreased oxygen intake; placing them into an oxygen cage provides some degree of immediate relief. Removing the fluid that surrounds the lungs will allow the dog to breathe more readily and this fluid can then be tested to identify the cause of the pleural effusion. The treatment and prognosis vary depending on the underlying cause.
-
Pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
-
Pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
-
Pododermatitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the feet or paws. It can be caused by many disorders including infections, allergies, hormonal disorders, immune-mediated diseases, tumors or cancers. Diagnostic testing is discussed. Effective treatment must be directed toward the underlying cause.
-
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited condition that causes multiple cysts (fluid pockets) in the kidneys. Persian cats and breeds with Persian bloodlines are most commonly affected. The clinical signs, diagnosis, genetic testing, and treatment options are explained in this handout.
