Anal
Glands A: The "scooting" you describe often is a result of impacted anal glands. The discomfort that your dog feels is temporarily relieved and soothed by licking the area or rubbing it against something -- usually the floor. Anal sacs, or glands, are small pouches located on both sides of the anus of a cat or a dog. These sacs are filled with a brown, watery, foul-smelling secretion that is believed to have been used by wild animals to mark territory. The anal glands have no known useful function in modern domesticated pets. Normally, anal glands are emptied when a dog or cat has a bowel movement. Occasionally the sacs are suddenly expressed when an animal is frightened or stressed. This can be a particularly unpleasant experience because of the obnoxious odor. Medical problems with the anal glands can occur when the glands become full or the ducts inside the sacs be come clogged. The result is an impacted anal gland. This causes the dog or cat a great deal of discomfort, and the pet will scoot or lick itself in an attempt to get some relief. Sometimes an impacted anal gland becomes infected, forming a large, swollen, bloody, pus-filled abscess that should be treated by a veterinarian. Periodic expression of anal glands is important to keep them from becoming infected or abscessed. Most veterinarians recommend routine manual expression of the anal glands. This unpleasant job can be done by a veterinarian, animal health technician, groomer or someone who is trained in doing the procedure. However, improper emptying of the anal glands can force matter deeper into the tissues and cause additional problems. If the anal glands are severely impacted or infected, a veterinarian may find it necessary to anesthetize your pet to thoroughly empty the anal sacs and infuse them with medication. In some chronic cases, the anal glands are surgically removed. Diarrhea A: Nervous pets, just like nervous people, sometimes get upset stomachs or develop other medical problems related to the digestion of their food. Recurring diarrhea is a symptom that should be checked by your veterinarian. One of the most common causes of occasional diarrhea is colitis, an inflammation of the colon, located in the lower part of the digestive tract. Pet owners usually observe their pets straining to have a bowel movement and notice increased frequency of loose stools or diarrhea with blood and mucous. In addition to prescription medication, a diet high in fiber can be very beneficial for dogs and cats with colitis. The fiber allows the intestine to process and absorb food much better and reduces irritation from toxins. The pet's stool becomes more regular, drier and softer. Dietary fiber is a general term for different forms of plant material that don't digest well in the small intestine. Instead, the fiber passes on through the digestive tract, improving water absorption and helping to keep elimination regular. Main sources of fiber include vegetables, wheat, oats and other grains, fruit and legumes. Research indicates that the best diet for your pet should include complex carbohydrates and low fat, in addition to plenty of fiber. This diet not only is beneficial in the treatment of colitis, but is strongly recommended if your pet has diabetes or heart disease. Fiber also can prevent colon cancer. The best way to provide this fiber to your cat and dog is in a high-quality, nutritionally balanced pet food. Since there are many commercial pet foods on the market that don't meet these standards, be sure to ask your veterinarian for a recommendation about which diet to use for your particular pet. Special prescription diets are available. Your veterinarian also will want to test for intestinal parasites, a common cause of diarrhea. Hairballs A: One of the most common causes of occasional gagging or vomiting in an apparently healthy cat is a hairball that accumulates in the stomach from licking and grooming. This is especially prevalent in long-haired breeds. To remedy the problem, use a non-petroleum jelly based hairball remedy. This helps lubricate the cat's digestive tract so the hairball can pass out in the stool. Most hairball remedies available from a pet store or your veterinarian contain petroleum jelly, which is potentially harmful with long term exposure. If your cat continues having problems, consult with your veterinarian. Upset
Stomach A: Your pet sounds like a prime candidate for gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can be caused by eating spoiled garbage which is contaminated with bacteria and mold. Also, non-food items such as bones and plastic in the trash can irritate or tear the lining of the digestive tract. The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs include belching and increased water consumption. Some dogs also eat such odd items as dirt, plants or grass. The diarrhea and vomited material may contain blood that results from increased irritation of the gastrointestinal system. The pet may have an extremely tender abdomen and become dehydrated as a result of vomiting or diarrhea. Young animals tend to have more problems with eating non-food items from garbage cans, possibly because they are generally more curious, and they have a strong urge to chew on things. Common dangers from the trash can include cleaning agents, food wrappers and drugs such as aspirin. other causes of gastroenteritis include hair that accumulates in the stomachs of long-haired cats and dogs, certain types of plants and plant toxins, some bacteria or viruses, and internal parasites such as hookworms and roundworms. Gastroenteritis also can result from diseases of the kidney, liver and pancreas, food allergies, ulcers, cancer or even stress. Diagnosis of gastroenteritis sometimes is difficult because the causes are so varied. In addition to a physical exam, a veterinarian may need to take abdominal X-rays, possibly using a contrast dye to show any abnormalities in the abdomen. A blood sample also can help determine if there are other diseases present. Examination of a stool sample may reveal the presence of intestinal parasites. In some cases, internal examination with an endoscope or perhaps even exploratory surgery to take a biopsy or remove a foreign object may be necessary. Treatment of gastroenteritis varies. if your pet seems happy and continues to be hungry, the problem may be minor. Often a bland diet of boiled chicken and boiled white rice for a few days will be all that is needed to relieve the irritation. In more serious cases, your pet may not be allowed to eat or drink for several days, and medication to suppress vomiting and slow the movement of ingested materials through the gastrointestinal tract may be appropriate. One danger is dehydration, so your veterinarian may recommend that fluids and electrolytes be administered. Solid food usually is introduced gradually over several days in the form of a bland diet, or a hypoallergenic diet may be appropriate if a food allergy has caused the problem. Worms
(intestinal parasites) A: Swollen tummies in puppies or kittens can indicate that they have intestinal parasites. It is important for your veterinarian to do a microscopic fecal examination on a fresh sample of your puppy's stool. Such fecal exams should be done routinely at least once a year throughout your pet's life, starting at about 2 to 3 weeks of age. Roundworms are quite common in puppies. They can be passed from the mother to the pup through the placenta, from licking around the mother's anal area, or through the mother's breast milk. These worms often cause a bloated abdomen and diarrhea. Hookworms and whipworms also can cause dangerous intestinal problems in puppies. All of these parasites should be eliminated with appropriate medication prescribed by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Tapeworms, another common parasite, are typically transmitted by the flea. Pets swallow fleas, which carry the tapeworm larvae, which then develop inside the animals. Little white tapeworm segments that look like rice sometimes can be seen in a pet's stool. An injection or pill medication will dissolve the tapeworms, and a good flea control program can prevent the problem from recurring. If medication is given to kill the tapeworms, but your puppy continues to swallow fleas when she licks herself, the tapeworms will return again and again. Other internal parasites that can cause severe intestinal problems include giardia and coccidia. These protozoans can be seen only under a microscope. Giardia and coccidia usually are passed through contaminated food or water. Puppies with any of these internal parasites may have very few symptoms, or they maybe very sick, depending on the type of parasite and the extent of the infestation. Often puppies with parasites will have the type of swollen abdomen that you describe, and often they develop diarrhea. Other signs might include a poor hair coat and a lack of appetite. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter worming remedies are not effective. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to eliminate the specific parasite and administer it to your puppy in the proper dosage for your pet's age, weight and breed. The Vet Clinic is not intended to be a substitute for visits to your local veterinarian, either for regular physical exams, annual dental checkups or necessary treatments when your pet has health problems. Instead, The Vet Clinic offers the pet owner information written by a veterinarian about animal health care and natural, premium-quality products that can have dramatic results without the use of drugs, chemicals, harsh pesticides, or low-grade ingredients.
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