Library
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Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by the body that regulates mood, sleep, body temperature, pain perception, blood vessel constriction, gastrointestinal function, and even blood clotting. An animal with serotonin syndrome experiences excessive effects of serotonin. This handout reviews the causes, diagnosis and treatment.
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Sertraline is given by mouth and is used off label to treat behavior disorders in dogs and cats. Common side effects include tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, anxiety, irritability, sleeplessness, shaking, tremors, itchy skin, or panting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other SSRIs, or pets that are using MAOIs, flea/tick collars, or cisapride. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced in the brain and regulates the production of cortisol. When blood cortisol levels are low, it is secreted to stimulate more production, and when blood cortisol levels are high (like from an adrenal tumor), ACTH production is suppressed. ACTH testing alone cannot be used to diagnose Cushing's disease but can help determine what type of Cushing's disease the patient has.
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Serum biochemistry measures the amount of enzymes, proteins, sugar, electrolytes, minerals, and hormones found in the liquid portion of the blood. Testing for these substances provides information about the body’s organs and tissues, as well as the metabolic state of the animal. This article provides general information on the most routinely measured factors in serum and common reasons for abnormal readings.
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Electrolytes are the salts and metallic components that are dissolved within the blood serum (serum is the liquid portion of blood). The electrolytes of greatest clinical importance are sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, phosphorus, and calcium. It is important to detect changes in electrolyte concentrations so that these changes can be treated before the situation becomes severe or life-threatening.
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Serum iron tests are indicated when the results from a complete blood count (CBC) indicate that your pet is anemic (meaning they have decreased red blood cell numbers and/or decreased hemoglobin) and that the red blood cells are microcytic (smaller than usual) and hypochromic (contain less hemoglobin than usual). Tests to assess iron deficiency require a single blood sample that is sent to a veterinary referral laboratory.
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Serum contains many proteins that perform diverse functions, which include providing cellular nutrition, defending against infections, playing a role in inflammation, and acting as hormones or enzymes. Protein electrophoresis is a specialized test that analyzes specific groups of proteins in the blood serum and measures how much of each group of protein is present. The results of the analysis help diagnose specific diseases, such as infection and some types of cancer.
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Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.
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At certain times of the year, birds are under the powerful influence of sex hormones and will behave instinctively in distinct ways that you may not have witnessed before. Humans may cause frustration or confusion in their birds with what may be our inappropriate responses to their sexual behaviors. This handout describes several of these behaviors in birds and how to prevent or manage them.
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Shaker syndrome is a condition involving generalized head and body tremors in dogs. The condition is often seen in small-breed, white dogs, although dogs of any size and color may be affected. The cause is unknown but thought to be autoimmune due to its response to treatment with steroids.