Skip to main content

Library

Content Library

  • Pyridostigmine bromide is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat symptoms related to myasthenia gravis. Give as directed. Dose-related side effects include drooling, diarrhea, increased urination, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, and increased tear production. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other bromides, or in pets that have urinary or gastrointestinal tract obstructions or blockages. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Pyrimethamine is an antiprotozoal tablet given by mouth and used off-label to treat certain parasitic infections. Common side effects include vomiting, low appetite, tiredness, and low blood cell counts. Cats are more likely to have more severe side effects. Pregnant women should handle this medication carefully.

  • Pythiosis is a waterborne infection that can infect the GI tract or skin of dogs. It can cause extreme weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea or skin lesions such as ulcerating nodules and draining tracts. This disease is more common in southern regions. Treatment involves surgical removal of all affected material if possible, including limb amputation if indicated. Different antifungal therapies have shown some efficacy and need to be continued long-term. Prognosis for resolution of pythiosis is guarded to poor.

  • Quaker parrots are small- to medium-sized birds. They are green with a grey chest and neck. They make great pets if hand-tamed. Quaker parrots can be excellent talkers and tend to bond closely to one or two household members.

  • Quality of life is a way to refer to and discuss the day-to-day life and lifestyle of a cat reaching the end of its life. Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist, has developed a quality-of-life scale for cats that provides guidelines that help owners and veterinarians work together to maintain a healthy human-animal bond. The scale looks at seven different categories including hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, more good days than bad. The scale can also help you clarify the decision for euthanasia, hopefully relieving anxiety and regret about your beloved cat's end of life.

  • Quality of life is a way to refer to and discuss the day-to-day life and lifestyle of a dog reaching the end of its life. Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist, has developed a quality-of-life scale for dogs that provides guidelines that help owners and veterinarians work together to maintain a healthy human-animal bond. The scale looks at seven different categories including hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, more good days than bad. The scale can also help you clarify the decision for euthanasia, hopefully relieving anxiety and regret about your beloved dog's end of life.

  • Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a fatal calicivirus that affects only rabbits. It can be transmitted by direct contact with a diseased rabbit or from feces, urine, or hair from a diseased or dead rabbit. There is no known treatment, but an American-made vaccine is available in the US. Europe has had a vaccine available for years.

  • Rabbit syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a spirochete organism called Treponema cuniculi. Infected rabbits will develop sores that are confined to the mucocutaneous junctions, such as the external genitals, anus, lips, nostrils, and eyelids. Treatment involves two to three weekly penicillin injections. Humans cannot contract this disease from rabbits.

  • Rabbits can make wonderful pets for those willing to understand their unique characteristics and needs. They are very intelligent and always adorable, but require special handling and more supervision than some other pet species. As it is with all pets, though, rabbits require a healthy diet, lots of activity, social interaction, and routine veterinary care to live happy and healthy lives.

  • Fly strike is basically a condition where flies are attracted to the fur or exposed skin on a rabbit, whereby they lay eggs that hatch into maggots that subsequently cause extensive skin and deep tissue damage. The attraction to flies comes from urine or fecal soiled hair or skin that has been damaged by fight wounds, fleas or skin mites. Treatment requires veterinary attention and potential hospitalization. Prevention is attained by keeping your rabbit INDOORS and clean.