SIGNS Your dog is drinking more water and urinating more often. Your pet may be losing weight, specifically loss of muscle mass, as the kidneys lose protein. As kidney failure advances, your pet may become weak due to anemia. He may have a decreased appetite due to a buildup of toxins in the blood stream. In advanced cases, he will be dehydrated and completely off food. In some pets, kidney disease causes elevated blood pressure, which may affect his eyesight.

CAUSES The kidneys filter blood in the body. They remove waste products (urea and creatinine), retain essential nutrients (potassium), maintain hydration by retaining water, produce a hormone to stimulate red blood cell production, and produce urine. Most cases of kidney failure are due to the kidney shutting down for no specific reason (idiopathic). In other cases the cause may be due to genetic disease, infections… Read the rest

Early detection. Early intervention. Peace of mind. We may screen for some of the following conditions in determining your cat’s health status.

TEETH Dental exams uncover abnormalities in teeth and the soft tissue of the mouth. Oral disease may indicate secondary health problems.

THYROID Biochemistry and serum T 4 tests can indicate thyroid disease. HEarT and Lungs Immunoassay tests can detect heartworm infection, which can cause disease in the heart as well as in the lungs.

LIVER Biochemistry tests can indicate:

• Liver disease
  
• Cushing’s syndrome
  
• Certain cancers
• Dehydration
• Obstruction of the bile ducts
  
• Abnormalities resulting from long-term medications

PANCREAS AND INTESTINE Biochemistry tests can indicate:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  
• Diabetes mellitus
  
• Abnormalities resulting from long-term medications
  

Cancer Fecal… Read the rest

Choosing The Best Cat Food To Keep Your Feline Pal In Tip-Top Shape. Your cat depends on you for so many things; but there are few responsibilities more important than choosing the best cat food. Cat food affects your pet’s life, not just during those few moments when she’s eating, but for every hour of every day. Cat food regulates the healthy growth of her fur, the supple movement of her joints, the function of her kidneys and other internal organs—even the length of her lifespan. With so much riding on the choice, how can you be sure you’re choosing the best cat food for your cat? We’re going to help you.

Choosing the Best Cat Food …The Ideal Cat Food

When choosing the best cat food, the ideal cat food is one that is formulated for your cat’s age, health, body-type and activity level. Whether… Read the rest