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• West Nile Virus in Birds

  The West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito (primarily Culex species) that is infected with the virus. Birds are both susceptible to the virus and can act as a host, though indigenous birds such as owls, hawks, eagles, crows, and jays appear to be most at risk in comparison to pet birds. There is no specific treatment once a bird is infected so prevention is of high importance.

• What is a compounded medication?

  Compounded medications are not approved by federal authorities. They are medications that have been altered to provide more accurate dosing or easier administration. They have not been tested for safety, stability, potency, or efficacy.

• What is Cancer?

  Cancer is the result of genetic damage to cells. While some breeds may be more predisposed to certain forms of cancer, age-related changes and environmental factors are also often at fault. Some tests can be performed to determine the type of cancer present. Treatment options are available but do not necessarily cure cancer.

• What Makes a Diet Palatable?

  Palatability refers to how good a pet food or treat tastes, and it is based on the preferences of a dog or cat. Palatability is a combination of how a product smells, tastes, and feels. Pet food companies spend a lot of time and money studying how to improve the palatability of their products. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about the "how", "what", and "why" of making pet foods as tasty as they can be.

• What You Can Do for a Cat with Misalignment of Teeth (Malocclusion)

  Cats can have misalignment of the teeth much like people. In people, orthodontic care can be used to perfect a pleasing smile or create a functional bite. In cats, the goal is to make the mouth functional and pain free. Often, this involves moving, reducing the height of teeth, or extracting teeth.

• What You Can do for a Dog with Misalignment of Teeth (Malocclusion)

  Dogs can have misalignment of the teeth much like people. In people, orthodontic care can be used to perfect a pleasing smile or create a functional bite. In dogs, the goal is to make the mouth functional and pain free. Often this involves moving teeth, reducing the height of teeth, or extracting teeth.

• What Your Dog's Cute Behaviors Really Mean

  Most dog owners would agree that our canine friends are doggone cute. Some of their expressions and actions simply amplify their “cuteness.” But are they born with the innate “cuteness”, or do they learn how to be cute? This article discusses some of the reasons for these cute expressions and behaviors.

• Wheat Gluten + Monosodium Glutamate Combination

  Wheat gluten + monosodium glutamate (brand name For-Bid) is a food additive commonly used to deter coprophagy (eating stool). Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects have not been reported. Do not use concurrently with steroids. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary clinic.

• Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats

  Cat grass can be one of many cereal grains such as oat, wheat, barley, alfalfa, or rye. The grass is planted and cultivated indoors and presented to the cat as a supplement to the existing diet. Eating grass targets a cat’s natural instinct to forage and provides entertainment as well as nutritional and digestive value.

• Whippet

  Most Whippets are quiet, gentle, and well-behaved inside the house, and love to join their people on the couch (and to keep the couch warm when their people aren't sitting on it!). They're friendly to visitors – no watchdog here – and aren't afraid to show how much they adore their owners.