Educational Articles
-
Visceral vascular tumors are tumors which arise from blood vessels. The main tumor types are hemangiosarcomas (cancerous) and hemangiomas (benign). The clinical signs vary depending on the location of the tumor. Surgery is the recommended treatment option. Given the highly metastatic nature of hemangiosarcoma, chemotherapy is also recommended.
-
Too much vitamin A can lead to poisoning. While somewhat uncommon in North America, vitamin A toxicity is sometimes diagnosed in cats that are fed primarily table scraps. There seems to be considerable variability in how susceptible individual cats are to this problem. It takes a long time for the clinical signs associated with vitamin A toxicity to develop; symptoms do not usually appear until the cat is at least middle-aged.
-
Vitamin B complex injectable is a solution containing multiple forms of Vitamin B, which are used together to prevent or treat Vitamin B deficiencies. These vitamins promote good overall health for your pet and regulate certain processes in the body. Vitamin B complex injectable comes as a solution for injection either under the skin or into the muscle.
-
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.
-
Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. A common source of vitamin D poisoning is when a cat accidentally ingests rodenticides containing vitamin D. The initial clinical signs of poisoning occur anywhere from 8 to 48 hours after ingestion and include depression, weakness, and appetite loss. Vomiting, increased drinking and urination, constipation, and dehydration typically follow these signs.
-
Vomiting may be caused by disorders of the stomach, but is a clinical sign that can occur with many diseases and problems. Different types of vomiting are reviewed. Any required tests are determined based on physical examination of your cat and questions regarding how your cat has been acting and feeling at home.
-
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.
-
Von Willebrand's disease is an inherited bleeding disorder. Cats with von Willebrand's disease lack von Willebrand's factor, a blood protein that helps platelets adhere to sites of blood vessel injury. Although affected cats have normal platelets, they experience clotting difficulties because their platelets do not properly adhere to injury sites.
-
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.
-
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.