Tips to Prevent an Emergency
Parvovirus
Since this disease is a viral infection, there is no real cure for it. Treatment is focused on curing the symptoms and preventing secondary bacterial infections, preferably in a hospital environment.
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Distemper
Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs tend to be susceptible to this disease.
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Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world. Main symptoms include recurrent lameness due to inflammation of the joints. There may also be a lack of appetite and depression.
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Heartworm Disease
This disease is spread by mosquitoes; therefore areas heavily populated by these insects tend to have a greater incidence of heartworm disease. When a mosquito bites an infected pet, it sucks out blood containing the microfilaria.
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Snake Bites
Most snakes will try to avoid you or your pets. Snakes typically bite only in a last resort situation. While you may wisely decide to simply walk away when you encounter a snake, dogs and cats will often harass the slithering invader-and may get bitten as a result.
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Allergic Reaction
Virtually any environmental or ingested substance can cause anaphylaxis in dogs. Causes may include insect stings, drugs or food. If the animal comes into contact with a severe allergen, their body typically reacts in a severe way to the exposure. The reactions can be localized or throughout the entire body of the animal.
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Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis is a condition in which the muscles that surround the larynx (the voice box) cease to function properly because the nerves that control the muscles malfunction. Laryngeal paralysis is more commonly found in older large dogs.
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Congestive Heart Failure
Right-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump blood at the rate required to meet the basic needs of the body. While it is not curable, there are treatment options that can improve the quality of life for your pet.
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Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis, also known as “feline fatty liver syndrome,” is the most common form of liver disease in cats in North America. This disease is unique to cats; it is not found in other companion animals.
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Urinary Tract Infections
Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection in your pet could be frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, foul smelling urine, urination in inappropriate places, fever and lethargy.
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Bloat (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus)
Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach becomes enlarged (or dilated), and then it twists somewhere between a quarter and a full turn. When an animal has GDV, the openings at the top and the bottom of the stomach twist, blocking all materials from entering or leaving.
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Urethral Obstruction
The urethra is a tube like structure that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Sometimes, mineral crystals or stones form in the urethra and block the path to outside the body.
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Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a potentially fatal condition. Signs of a heatstroke in your pet include panting, anxious expression, warm, dry skin, high fever, rapid heart rate, vomiting, and collapse.
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Toxicities
There are a lot of common household items that are toxic to your pet. There are food items, plants, pesticides and even some commonly used medications that can severely harm your pet.
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What are some of the household items that are harmful to your pet?
Always be aware of household items that may be harmful to your pet such as specific foods, medications and seasonal items.
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Where to Find Us:
VESC Carytown
3312 West Cary Street,
Richmond, VA 23221
(p) 804.353.9000 (f) 804.353.9271
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VESC Midlothian
2460 Colony Crossing Place
Midlothian, VA 23112
(p) 804-744-9800
(f) 804-744-4842
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