Articles
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Vitamin C injectable is a vitamin supplement used as an antioxidant to help treat certain toxicity syndromes or to create a more acidic urine in dogs and cats. It is also used in guinea pigs to treat scurvy. Vitamin C injectable comes as a solution for injection either under the skin or into the muscle. Injections may be given by veterinary personnel or at home by pet owners.
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Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. A common source of vitamin D poisoning is when a dog accidentally ingests rodenticides containing vitamin D. Another source of vitamin D poisoning is the accidental ingestion of certain human medications.
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Vomiting is the forceful evacuation of stomach contents. It is a clinical sign of a disease. Most cases of acute vomiting resolve quickly with simple treatment, without the underlying cause being diagnosed. Any required tests are determined based on physical examination of your pet and the signs your dog has been displaying at home.
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Von Willebrand's disease causes an inability for blood to clot resulting in excessive bleeding. If this disease is suspected, initial screening tests include a complete blood count (CBC), buccal mucosal bleeding time, and a coagulation profile. More advanced diagnostics include assays that assess the quantity and functionality of vWF. DNA testing is available and most commonly used to evaluate animals used in breeding programs.
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Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that results from the lack of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein needed to help platelets clump together and seal broken blood vessels. Affected dogs have varying amounts of vWF. Doberman Pinschers are the most common breed affected but they are mildly affected compared to Scottish terriers and Chesapeake Bay retrievers. Dogs can develop bleeding at any time in their life. Certain drugs that interfere with platelet function should be avoided in affected dogs. Treatment of severely affected dogs requires a blood or plasma transfusion. Screening of breeding animals is recommended to reduce the incidence of the disease.
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Voriconazole is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat fungal infections. Side effects are not well-known but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in cats unless absolutely necessary. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Vulvoplasty, also known as episioplasty, is a surgical procedure that your veterinarian may recommend to correct a conformational issue known as a recessed vulva. Your veterinarian will remove a crescent-shaped piece of tissue from above the vulva, allowing the skin to be pulled upwards into a more normal conformation. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Your pet will be intubated with an endotracheal tube. After surgery, you will need to give pain medications and antibiotics as directed and keep your dog confined/restricted for approximately two weeks. Skin sutures, if used, can typically be removed 10-14 days after surgery.
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Walking is an excellent way for dogs to burn more calories while working toward weight loss. A short leash and head halter or harness are recommended to keep the walk going at a consistent pace. Gradually work up to several 30-minute walks per day.
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Warfarin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat abnormal clotting in dogs and occasionally horses. Give as directed. The most common side effect is abnormal bleeding, and this should be reported to your veterinarian. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, pets with bleeding diseases, active bleeding, aneurysm, acute kidney disease, brain bleeds, blood cell diseases, uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver disease, certain types of carcinoma, pets about to undergo certain surgical procedures, or pets that are pregnant. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
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Pet monitoring systems provide peace of mind for pet owners. While away from home, pet parents can monitor the home and pet. Monitors allow observation as well as interaction that benefits both pet and owner. Numerous options are available to accommodate the individual needs of both pet and pet parent. Do a little research to find the one that best fits your needs.