Definition of Diabetes Diabetes is a general term used to refer to a variety of disorders characterized clinically by excessive water intake and urine output. There are two “big” categories of diabetes in cats, dogs and people: diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Of these, diabetes mellitus is by far the more common in companion animals….
Definition of Dog Adoption In the domestic dog world, the words “adoption” and “rescue” are used interchangeably to refer to acquiring an abused, abandoned, neglected or otherwise unwanted dog. Though animal shelters and rescue organizations can have many dogs in need of rescue, they are not the only option. Dogs can also be in need…
Aggression in Dogs Aggression, defined as an appropriate or inappropriate threat or challenge that is ultimately resolved by combat or submission, is one of the most common behavioral problems in companion dogs. Aggression can occur in any breed, age or gender of dog and can be directed towards people or other animals. It is potentially…
Definition of Diarrhea Diarrhea is defined as the rapid movement of fecal matter through the intestine, resulting in poor absorption of electrolytes, nutrients and water and leading to abnormally frequent and voluminous evacuation of loose, unformed, soft-to-fluid stool. Diarrhea can be acute (come on suddenly) or chronic (lasting more than a week or two). Diarrhea…
Definition of Acne Acne, also called chin pyoderma, puppy dermatitis, muzzle folliculitis, furunculosis or simply “pimples,” is a fairly common inflammatory condition that affects the lips, chins and muzzles of puppies and young adult dogs. Occasionally, acne shows up in the genital region, the area beneath the tail or on the flank. What causes acne…
Definition of Acute Renal Failure Kidney failure, also called renal failure, is the inability of the kidneys to filter waste products out of the blood. Normal kidneys remove nitrogen and other wastes from circulation so that they can be excreted in urine. When the kidneys don’t work properly, toxic wastes build up in the dog’s…