Defining Dog Health Care

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Health

Roland Jefferson III asked:


It is most important to realize that to be successful in the goal of providing your companion with a happy and contented life style, the form of dog health care that works best for your pet, must include exercise and diet as well as frequent checkups with the vet.

Most people equate dog health care with rabies shots and the other series of immunizations that your vet has persuaded you that your doting animal requires. You, as the funding agent for your dogs health, feel obligated to accept all that your vet says. Given that you are most likely smarter than your dog, any other action would be taking advantage of the situation. Let’s face it, your dog cannot even spell dog care. In fact most, if not all dogs, cannot spell at all. Given that, you alone define the right dog health care for your trusting friend.

Exercising Your Dog

For the human and their companion, exercise is probably one of the most important aspects of health care. Holistic dog care must include an appropriate amount of exercise for your faithful friend. Although you can train your dog to sleep most of the day by your side and be as lazy as you, this is not good dog health care practice. To be happy dogs, dogs need to be active. This exercise does not need to be excessive. If you have a Puggle, it most likely does not need more than a walk around the block. Your average Labrador might need a couple of miles a day to feel contented. You should understand the needs of your dog and makes sure that it gets the exercise it needs. Unfortunately most dogs completely rely on their owners for exercise and it is important for the owners not to let them down.

Caring for Your Dogs Stomach

The final component in providing good dog care that is most often ignored is the provision of the right form of food. Cat owners have this down. Cats regularly regurgitate their food and their owners are normally determined to find food that reduces the frequency of their furry purring friend repeatedly doing this.

Animal throw up of all kinds is pretty disgusting to most human beings and we should all strive to minimize the activity for our own benefit. However, most dog owners do not regard the management of the dogs diet as part of an overall practice of good dog health care. They should. Particularly in Europe, dog foods are incredibly inconsistent in quality and content. You should read the labels carefully.

In Europe horse meat is common, in Australia most likely this is replaced with kangaroo meat. These are both difficult meats for the average dog to assimilate. Most dogs do better on milder foods such as lamb and rice. Dog health care practices should include a solid nutritional program that is customized to the sensitivity of the particular animal.



General Cat Care

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Health

generalcatcare
Karen Corey asked:

Cats make wonderful companions, however they can be somewhat of a mystery. Knowing and understanding your feline companions is the way to keep them happy. Even though cats have the reputation for being independent and aloof, they actually thrive on affection.

If you are getting a cat or kitten for the first time you might want to make sure that no one in your family is allergic to cats. You should take your family to a rescue centre or have them play with a friend’s cat to see if they show any signs of an allergic reaction. Some symptoms to look for are; eye irritations, sneezing, and watery eyes. This way you will know beforehand instead of after you bring home the new cat or kitten and have become attached to them.

When it comes to the nutritional requirements of cats they are clearly different from dogs. Cats are strict carnivores and have to eat meat to remain healthy. Cats need protein in their daily diet to provide amino acids which turn into protein. Proteins are required for tissue growth and repair and to help with metabolism.

Fat and oils contain fatty acids which perform several functions and are a form of energy. If your cat’s diet is lacking fatty acids it could result in a dry coat and dandruff.

Vitamins and minerals are also important to a cat’s diet. There are 4 vitamins and 2 minerals that your cat needs to live a long healthy life. Vitamin A helps stimulate growth in kittens and renewal in adult cats, Vitamin B is important for growth, the nervous system and for the heart. Vitamin D helps in bone development and Vitamin E is for shiny coats. Water is the most important element in a cat’s diet. It transports nutrients, vital to temperature regulation, and essential for digestion. Most active cats will drink around 85ml of water daily.

To make sure your cat stays in good health you need to pay attention to them and notice any changes in their behaviour. At least once a week you should do a “check-up” on your cat. This can be done just by holding and petting your cat while you look for signs of fleas, skin problems, ear mites or for overly long claws. Some signs to watch for are; if their coats start looking rough instead of sleek and shiny and they stop grooming themselves properly. If you notice any of these signs you should take your pet into the vet for a check-up.

Depending on the breed of cat you have will determine how much grooming you will have to do. If you have a long-haired cat, such a Persian they need daily brushing and combing. If you have a short hair they can be groomed occasionally. Most cats will try to keep themselves groomed.

Another thing to remember is to have an out of the way place for their litter box. It is important to make sure you clean it often, especially if you have a multi-cat home. Cats are easy animals to care for. They like to play so make sure you have plenty of things for them to chase and bat around. If you have an inside cat make sure you also provide them with a scratching post of some sort. This way they won’t be using the furniture for that purpose. Cats make great companions and if kept healthy and happy they will give you enjoyment and comfort for a long time.

To protect your feline companions you might want to consider buying pet insurance for your cats. Not only will this give you peace of mind; it will help you to afford expensive medical costs if your pet becomes ill or has an accident. Cat insurance can help ease the strain on your budget if you were faced with high veterinary bills.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery Procedure only in Aastha Health Care Hospital, Mumbai

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Health

aasthahealthcare asked:


What is Gall bladder?

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that lies beneath the liver in the right-upper abdomen. The gallbladder is connected to the liver (which produces the bile) by the hepatic duct. Its function is to store bile. When food containing fat reaches the small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin is produced by cells in the intestinal wall and is carried to the gall bladder via the bloodstream. The hormone causes the gall bladder to contract, forcing bile into the common bile duct. A valve, which opens only when food is present in the intestine, allows bile to flow from the common bile duct into the duodenum (upper intestine) where it functions in the process of fat digestion.

What is cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder wall and nearby abdominal lining. Cholecystitis can occur suddenly or gradually over many years. Acute cholecystitis is the sudden onset of inflammation of the gallbladder, resulting in severe, steady upper abdominal pain (biliary colic), which may occur repeatedly. Chronic cholecystitis is long-standing inflammation of the gallbladder characterized by repeated attacks of pain (gallbladder attacks) over a prolonged period.

At least 95% of people with acute cholecystitis have gallstones. Gallstones are stones which are formed in the gallbladder. The Gall Bladder stores and concentrates bile. Sometimes the substances contained in bile crystallize in the gall bladder, forming stones. These small, hard concretions are more common in persons over 40, especially in women and the obese. Rarely, acute cholecystitis occurs in a person without gallstones (acalculous cholecystitis). In these cases the cause can be any major injury, operation or burn, bacterial infection in the bile duct system, tumor of the pancreas or liver.

What are the symptoms of cholecystitis?

A gallbladder attack, whether in acute or chronic cholecystitis, begins as severe, steady abdominal pain (biliary colic). The person typically feels a sharp pain when a doctor presses on the upper right part of the abdomen. The pain may worsen when the person breathes deeply and often extends to the lower part of the right shoulder blade. The pain may become excruciating; and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The pain usually lasts more than 12 hours. Within a few hours, the abdominal muscles on the right side become rigid. Fever occurs in about one third of people but is less likely in older people. The fever tends to be mild at first, and then rises gradually to above 100° F (38° C). Typically, an attack of cholecystitis subsides in 2 to 3 days and completely disappears in a week. If the attack persists, it may signal a serious complication. This disorder initially produces symptoms similar to those of indigestion, especially after a fatty meal is consumed. This may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. But when a stone becomes lodged in the bile duct, it produces severe pain. Many people also remain asymptomatic. The symptoms of cholecystitis may resemble gastric pain but one must always consult their physician for a proper diagnosis.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose cholecystitis, both acute and chronic, based on the person’s symptoms and the results of tests that suggest gallbladder inflammation. The physician will perform a careful abdominal examination to confirm the diagnosis. The enlarged, tender gallbladder may be felt by the physician through the abdominal wall. Pressure in the upper right corner of the abdomen may cause the patient to stop breathing in, due to an increase in pain. This is called Murphy’s sign. Besides this, few diagnostic procedures may be advised. They include:

* Blood tests: Increased levels of white blood cells suggest inflammation or infection or both. There may also be increase in bilirubin levels.

* Ultrasound (Also called sonography.) – A diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs of the abdomen such as the liver spleen, and kidneys and to assess blood flow through various vessels. Ultrasound scans can also show thickening of the gallbladder wall, which is typical of chronic cholecystitis.

* Hepatobiliary scintigraphy – Cholescintigraphy is an imaging technique that is useful when acute cholecystitis is difficult to diagnose. In this test, a radioactive tracer is injected intravenously and its movement from the liver through the biliary tract is followed. Images are taken of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and upper part of the small intestine. If the tracer does not fill the gallbladder, it is presumed that the cystic duct is obstructed by a gallstone.

* Cholangiography – x-ray examination of the bile ducts using an intravenous (IV) dye (contrast).

* Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – a procedure that allows the physician to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. The procedure combines x-ray and the use of an endoscope – a long, flexible, lighted tube. The scope is guided through the patient’s mouth and throat, then through the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The physician can examine the inside of these organs and detect any abnormalities. A tube is then passed through the scope, and a dye is injected which will allow the internal organs to appear on an x-ray.

* Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) – a diagnostic imaging procedure using a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

How is cholecystitis treated?

The approach taken to treat cholecystitis depends upon:

* Extent of the disease

* Age, overall health, and medical history of the patient

* Tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies

* Expectations for the course of the disease

* Patient’s opinion or preference

For acute cholecystitis, initial treatment includes bowel rest, intravenous hydration, intravenous antibiotics and pain management. Whether it is acute or chronic cholecystitis, the physician then takes a step to identify the cause. If the cause is gallstones, then he may suggest the conventional solution in which the gall bladder itself is removed. And if the physician feels that it is best to remove the gall bladder, he may advice the patient to undergo Cholecystectomy after the acute phase subsides. Cholecystectomy merely means removal of the gallbladder. In acalculous cholecystitis, immediate surgery is necessary to remove the diseased gallbladder. Cholecystectomy again can be done by conventional method (also called open method) or by the laparoscopic method. We wish to provide our patients with complete information about the available treatments. So we are discussing (below) both the conventional and new methods.

The conventional method

The conventional method, also called open method was initially the only standard treatment. This was the common treatment offered both for gallstone removal or gallbladder removal. This procedure required a 3 to 7 day stay in the hospital and a 3 to 7 inch incision and scar on the abdomen. The surgeon makes an abdominal incision under the right side of the rib cage, which cuts through the skin and muscle. The gallbladder is then located and removed.

For more information, kindly visit :

http://www.aasthahealthcare.com/Laparoscopic-Cholecystectomy-Surgical-Treatment.htm

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Cat Eye Care – Diagnosing Cataracts As Part Of Your Cat Eye Care Program

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Health

Kate Rieger asked:

A solid cat eye care program includes understanding the impact of some cat eye disorders on your cat’s eyesight. Cataract problems are relatively rare in cats and are usually related to complications from diabetes. Some breeds inherit a tendency for developing cataracts: Birmans, Himalayans, Persians and British Shorthairs. The incidence is low and the cataract tends to remain small, often small enough to be ignored.

Of those cataracts that do cause or threaten blindness, many are treated with surgery. If blindness does result from an inoperable cataract, your feline should live a safe life if she is kept indoors. The cataract itself is not painful.

Recognizing Problems

It pays to catch the problem early. A long-term cataract is denser and harder to remove with longer surgeries tending to involve more complications. A cat owner should suspect a problem and seek veterinary attention whenever the eye appears different than it usually does.

Don’t just think your cat’s eyes are getting older when you notice a distinct disparity in eye clarity, increased opacity, cloudiness or a change in pupil size. These changes indicate a real problem.

Causes

Diabetes is the most common cause of cataracts in cats. The second most common cause is an inflammatory disease, like uveitis. You can readily recognize the signs of uveitis: the eye color changes, the surface of the eye is roughened and the pupil becomes smaller. This condition is painful to your cat. He may squint, have watery eyes, and eyelid spasms.

The most common causes of uveitis are the feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, or feline immunodeficiency virus. Early treatment of the cause can prevent a cataract or minimize the effect of one that has already formed.

Another cause of cataracts is an eye trauma. If your cat’s eye is punctured in a cat fight or other incident and the outer layer of the lens is damaged, your veterinarian may talk with you about removing the lens. This is because damaged lenses tend to develop cancer in cats. Removing the lens negates the chance of cancer.

Treatment

Cataracts that go untreated can lead to glaucoma, which is a painful disease. If your cat’s eyes look cloudy, watery, squinty or just don’t look normal, it’s time for a visit to your veterinarian. If uveitis is suspected, your veterinarian might run tests for the underlying causes and prescribe a medicated eye drop to bring the inflammation under control. If a cataract is formed or there has been eye trauma, you will probably be referred to an eye specialist, a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Surgery

Just because a cataract is present, it does not necessarily mean surgery. The size and location of the cataract are factors in treatment. If the cataract is large or very dense, then complications can be controlled with medications.

It is completely reasonable to expect your cat to have a good life even if he becomes blind. Keeping him indoors helps protect him as well as keeping things in the same place so he can learn the paths to his toys, litter box, food and favorite areas. Keep the lights dim helps him see better with what eyesight he has left.

A puncture to the eye lens or larger congenital cataracts are more likely candidates for surgery. Some cat owners forgo cataract surgery that is caused by uveitis. Uveitis already causes inflammation to the eye, so surgery can just lead to more inflammation, complications and pain.

Other Considerations

The pre-op analysis, surgery and post-surgery checkups run from $1,500 to $3,000. Then there is the post-op medication. Opting for a small monthly cat health care insurance program helps with the financial burden. It certainly reduces the necessity of a cat eye care decision based upon limited financial resources.

Cataracts in cats are rare. As part of your cat eye care program, take a few minutes to check out your felines eyes. If you notice cloudiness, watery eyes, squinting or a significant change in your cat’s eyes or navigation, look to your veterinarian for cat eye care guidance. Not all cataracts warrant surgery. A blind cat can lead a normal, happy life indoors and with proper eye medications.

Why You Should Be Concerned with Your Cat Health Care

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Health

cathealthcare
Gail Metcalf asked:

The more fully you educate yourself about the ins and outs of cat care, the more able you will be to create an ideal care regimen for your pet. The better your cat care, the longer your cat will live, and the higher the quality of life it will have. In case that isn’t reason enough for you to invest a bit of time and energy in learning to offer your feline pet the best possible cat care, here is a quick breakdown of a few of the many benefits to outstanding cat care.

Great cat care means that when your cat needs medical treatment, you will recognize the signs early, possibly even long before invasive or costly procedures or drugs are necessary. Conscientious cat care will help you notice any health problems as soon as they manifest in even minor symptoms. This can help you catch issues early, when they are at their most easily treatable. By providing great cat care, you are helping to stop diseases and other health problems in their tracks by getting your cat the medical attention he or she needs as early as possible.

Regular, excellent cat care means that you will be able to be more efficient and save time in your cat care regimen. If you take a bit of time each day to complete a few simple cat care tasks, you will be sure that nothing builds up until it gets out of hand. In fact, you can spend less time overall by making efficient cat care a part of every day. Habitual and thorough cat care can actually be less work than taking care of a cat who you have ignored even a little bit. After all, grooming a slightly scruffy cat once every week is easier overall than grooming an utterly filthy cat once a month.

When you fully understand the different aspects of cat care, you can be sure that you aren’t neglecting any part of the cat care equation. Cat care is a multifaceted process that includes everything from stern training to playful snuggling, and an inexperienced or uneducated cat owner may not be aware of all of these different sides to having a cat. When a cat doesn’t have all of its needs fulfilled, it can develop behavior or health problems that could have been avoided through simple, responsible care on the part of the owner.

Last but not least, one great reason to improve your cat care is simply that there is no good reason not to. Learning how to care for your cat more fully and completely is easy, so you might as well give it a try. Even if you think that you already know everything under the sun about cat care, it never hurts to double check. Take some time to skim a book or a few websites on the subject, and you just may discover your own reasons to improve the way you care for your pet.

US Equine Market – Feed, Health Care and Services for Horses

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Health

Bharat Book Bureau asked:


The U.S. Equine Market Report ( www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research-Reports/The-US-Equine-Market-Feed-Health-Care-and-Services-for-Horses.html ) In this one-of-a-kind report, we examine:



The Horses: The life of a horse (and the amount of money spent on it) is dramatically different based upon its function. Unlike the majority of dogs and cats, only 7 million of the nation’s 10.5 million horses are considered “pets” or companion animals. This report is the first to dissect the horse population by function, and examine each segment individually.

 



The People: This report scrutinizes horse owners by riding discipline, so that readers can make informed decisions about advertising and marketing based upon the specific demographics of horse owners. However, in many cases the owner is not the person making feeding and care decision, rather it is the trainer or boarding facility manager. This report explains how marketers can understand and influence these key decision makers.



Secondary research included information- and data-gathering from relevant consumer business and trade publications including: The Horse, Horse-Journal.com, Feedstuffs, Tack ‘n Togs, EQUUS, Practical Horseman, Horse & Rider, Horse Illustrated, Western Horseman, Natural Horse, Equine Wellness, Stable Management, Hay and Forage Grower, GrainNet, Feed Management, AllAboutFeed.net, Veterinary Practice News, DVM News, Journal of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Forum, and JAVMA. New product announcements and advertising were of exceptional interest, and readership poll data from online subscribers to The Horse proved to be invaluable as an up-to-the-minute barometer on equine caregivers’ opinions and practices.



Current and future trends are analyzed, with an eye on the current economic situation. With each horse costing upwards of $2,000 per year, on average, to maintain, The U.S. Equine Market: Feed, Health Care and Services for Horses addresses what impact the sagging economy will have upon the equine market, and what strategies marketers can employ to retain, if not expand, their market shares.

Report Methodology

The information contained in this report was obtained from primary and secondary research spanning nine months. Primary research entailed interviews with market participants and knowledgeable observers in the various segments, as well as interviews with the major (and minor) breed associations and over a dozen rider associations. We also visited feed stores and went to equine events sponsored by healthcare and feed companies. We interviewed equine veterinarians, farriers, dentists, and massage therapists. We even interviewed a couple of horse transporters. We spoke to clinicians, barn managers, trainers, agriculture inspectors, the USDA and agricultural departments on the state level. We even interviewed plant managers at feed mills. In total, almost 100 telephone and in-person interviews were conducted.

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