Cotati Small Animal Hospital

The hearts of dogs and cats are almost identical to humans, except for a few differences in valves and the coronary, or blood vessels, that supply the heart with nutrients and blood.

What is Vasculitis? It is a term used to describe a variety of skin diseases that are caused by the inflammation of blood vessels. In dogs and cats, vasculitis is treated with medications.

Do you know that cats have better memories than dogs? Studies conducted by the University of Michigan have found that while a dog's memory lasts just 5 minutes, a cat's memory can last as long as 16 hours.

Cats and dogs don’t typically have heart attacks from clogged arteries. This is because they are very good at digesting fats. They carry more of good cholesterol i.e. HDL (high-density lipoprotein), so saturated fats aren’t a problem.

Do you know that since bulldogs have extremely short muzzles, they spend most of their life fighting suffocation? Some other dog breeds such as Boston terrier and pugs are also susceptible to heavier breathing due to the same reason.

Omega-3 fatty acids, for example from fish oil, may help reduce inflammation in the animals’ body. They have also been shown to help manage abnormal heart rhythms and to prevent muscle loss in animals.

What are the common signs of a heart attack in a dog? Heart attack in dogs can cause sudden collapse, blue gums, coma and loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, irregular or racing heartbeat, and even death.

Great Danes are known for their large size. Do you know that male Great Danes can attain an impressive height of 30 to 34 inches and weigh as much as 120 to 200 pounds?

Some of the common causes of diarrhea in cats are spoiled food, intestinal parasites, allergies, liver disease, infection, cancer, and more. See a vet immediately if you notice dark, or bloody stools, vomiting, lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite.

What is Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV)? FelV is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely weaken a cat’s immune system. First discovered in the 1960s, it is one of the most common causes of disease and death in cats.