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"A friend told me about the good work that Second Chance Fund for Animal Welfare does. She told me about your recent decision to focus your resources on prevention – spay/neuter. I agree that this strategy will stop more suffering than any other. I am grateful for your courage and compassion." 
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Pets' Medical Issues
COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS IN CATSThe following links provide thorough descriptions of some common health problems that cats face in terms the average person can understand. Don’t forget that no website can substitute for medical care that a veterinarian can provide in treating your cat. "Hypothyroidism in the Cat" This link to Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine provides a good overall description of feline hyperthyroidism, its signs, and treatment options. "Cat Diabetes for Beginners" Gives information on what feline diabetes is, its signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. "What Is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease?" (.pdf) Provides detailed information about the feline lower urinary tract disease, its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. "Chronic Kidney Disease and Failure (CKD, CRF, CRD)" This link to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine provides a thorough presentation of the cluster of disease states that make up feline Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Chronic Renal Disease (CRD), and Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). "Feline Asthma" Provides a thorough presentation of feline asthma, its symptoms, a radiograph of an asthmatic cat’s lungs, diagnosis, and treatment options, as well as guidance for keep an asthmatic cat more comfortable in your home. "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)" This link to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine provides a good overall description of feline hypertropic cardiomyopathy (HCM), its symptoms, and medications used to treat it. To research additional health problems in cats, the following sites have far more extensive directories:
COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS IN DOGSThe following links provide thorough descriptions of some common health problems that dogs face in terms the average person can understand. Don’t forget that no website can substitute for medical care that a veterinarian can provide in treating your dog. "Dog Arthritis" This link discusses a wide range of treatment options for canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. "Dog Bone Hip Dysplasia" Discusses symptoms and treatments for hip dysplasia, a developmental problem usually found in larger dogs and working and sporting dogs. "Dog Diabetes Mellitus" Discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for (canine) diabetes. "What Is Kennel Cough?" Defines kennel cough, gives its three main causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options, including some natural remedies. "External Parasites" Covers the basics on external parasites on the skin of dogs and cats, including details about both Sarcoptic and Demodectic mange mites. "Dog Demodectic Parasites (Mange)" Describes the effects of over-productive Demodectic parasites on an immune-compromised dog’s skin, and the symptoms and treatment for mange. To research additional health problems in dogs, the following sites have far more extensive directories: FLEAS, MITES, TICKS, MOSQUITOSAt some point during their lifetime, many pets are affected by external parasites, including fleas, ticks, mosquitos, or mites, on their skin or in their ears. Aside from the irritation and discomfort, such parasites can cause serious skin problems and even carry disease. Your veterinarian can advise you on the various treatments available today that make management and control of such parasites much easier and effective than in the past. Here are some links to websites that discuss the various parasites, their basic attributes, and the symptoms and treatment options for your pet. "External Parasites" This link gives a comprehensive discussion of the common external parasites your pet may encounter. "Flea & Tick Topical and Oral Medication Comparison Chart" Gives a helpful flea and tick topical and oral medication comparison chart. "3 Keys to Cat Flea Control" Provides three keys to cat flea control. "Heartworm Disease" Provides information on how mosquito-borne heartworm disease is transmitted, what it causes, geographic considerations, testing, treatment, and prevention. "Lyme Disease and Pets" A discussion of Lyme Disease and how it affects pets, as well as cattle and horses, and how you can protect your pet against this tick-borne disease. INTESTINAL PARASITESMost internal parasites are worm and single-cell organisms that can exist in the intestines of dogs and cats (and humans). The most common ones are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. The most common single-cell organisms are Giardia and Coccidia. Here's a link that will arm you with what you'll need to know to protect your pet (and yourself). "Internal Parasites in Cats and Dogs" Covers the basics of all internal parasites and single-cell organisms, discussing what each is and how they are spread, and gives treatment and prevention options, as well as the health risks to both you and your pet. VACCINATIONS: What, When and WhyPets, like people, can be protected from some disease by vaccination. The following links provide detailed information about the various viruses, the diseases they cause, and how you can prevent your pet from succumbing to them. "Pet Vaccines FAQ" This link provides a broad and comprehensive discussion of vaccinations for pets in a convenient FAQ format, including information about why we vaccinate baby animals, what the risks of vaccination are, why human vaccination protocols are different from those for pets, etc. "Vaccination" Shield Against Canine Diseases" Provides a broad discussion of canine vaccinations, how they work, what reactions may occur, the risks and benefits, and details about the various vaccines available for your dog. "Feline Leukemia Virus" Provides detailed information about the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and how you can protect your cat. "What Are Vaccines?" Provides valuable information on vaccines, what they are and their importance, the risks and protective attributes, and more. "What Is Rabies?" Provides valuable information on the rabies virus, which animals can get rabies, what the signs and symptoms are, the risk to humans, how to control rabies, and what to do when you or your pet are bitten or your pet bites someone. "What You Should Know About Feline Panleukopenia" Provides valuable information on the feline Panleukopenia virus (distemper), its signs and symptoms, how cats become infected, treatment, and prevention. "Feline Upper Respiratory Infection" Provides valuable information on feline upper respiratory infections (URIs), their symptoms, risk factors, the course of infection, treatments, and vaccine preventative measures. "Canine Vaccination Guidelines" Provides interesting information and discussion about vaccinations, their efficacy, and consideration that pets may be overvaccinated. ALLERGIESAllergies—whether they are a human reaction to a pet or a reaction of your pet to other stimuli—can be quite disruptive in households. The links below provide insight and guidance for both sides of the allergy issue. "Allergies to Pets" This link provides valuable information for humans suffering from allergies to their pets and how to reduce the symptoms. "Pet Allergies and Your Child" Provides vital information about this important topic, potential causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis methods, treatment and prevention, and questions you might ask your doctor. "Coping With Cat Allergies" (.pdf) This is a hope-filled article for those with cat allergies, and what you can do to alleviate the symptoms. "Skin and Allergy Problems in Dogs" Provides a broad discussion of skin and allergy problems in dogs, types of allergies, and diagnostic and treatment options. "Pets with Allergies: Identification and Treatment" Provides helpful insight into dog and cat allergic reactions and how to treat them. SPAYING AND NEUTERING YOUR PETIn recent years, the debate about spaying and neutering pets has become less about whether it is the right thing to do and more about whether it should be done earlier in an animal’s life and how to reach more animals to prevent overpopulation, disease, and suffering. Read on to learn the latest. "What You Should Know About Spaying and Neutering" This link provides fundamental insight into the pet population problem, the impact of reproduction on a pet’s behavior, benefits of spaying and neutering your pet, risks, the appropriate age, and more. "Early Spaying and Neutering of Kittens" Provides information about the safety of early spaying and neutering of kittens. "Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering" Provides a thorough presentation, in Q&A format, for spaying and neutering your pet, dispelling common myths. "Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet" Provides a short, interesting discussion on community benefits of spay/neuter, the safety of the procedure, financial assistance that might be available, and the value of spaying and neutering rabbits. "Pet Overpopulation" Provides a short but cogent discussion on overpopulation of dogs and cats and how you can help. Medical emergencies for your pet can catch you off guard and totally unprepared for the expense. Here are some tips for handling the unexpected. "Having Trouble Affording Your Pet?" This link provides valuable information on what you can do if you are having trouble affording veterinary care, including starting a savings plan, getting pet insurance, working out a payment plan with your veterinarian, seeking discount services, and more. |