ADDISON’S DISEASE
Also called "Hypoadrenocorticism", this condition results from a deficiency of the hormones that enable us to adapt to stress. Signs can be vague or can culminate in a circulatory crisis. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ALLERGIES
It is estimated that at least one in five dogs in the United States suffers from some sort of allergy. That number may be on the rise. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ALOPECIA X
This condition represents a non-inflammatory hormonally related hair loss in the Nordic breeds. At this time, therapy involves step by step trials, usually starting with neutering. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ANAL SACS
Got a pet who is scooting? Smelling a fishy foul odor? Noticing some licking under the tail? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ANOREXIA
Reduced appetite or even total loss of appetite is an important symptom of illness. It may take time to work out the cause of the illness and in that time it is important to nutritionally support the sick pet. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ANTIFREEZE TOXICITY
Dogs and cats commonly become poisoned by antifreeze. Because antifreeze has a sweet taste, animals will often drink it readily. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ARTHRITIS / JOINT DISEASE INFORMATION CENTER
Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is most simply put, inflammation of a joint. It can have several causes including trauma, injury, genetic disorders, anatomical abnormality, and normal aging. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ASTHMA (FELINE)
If your cat needs to open its mouth to breathe or if its abdomen moves excessively as it breathes (and its not purring), then it may be suffering from feline asthma. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

AUTO RELATED ACCIDENTS-HIT BY CAR
Spring and summer are the time of the year when veterinary clinics are bombarded by dogs and cats that have been hit by a car. From mild bruises and scratches to life threatening injuries, automobile accidents can cause a great deal of stress for animal and owner alike. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

BARTONELLA AND CAT SCRATCH DISEASE
Cat Scratch Disease, often called Cat Scratch Fever (thanks to Ted Nugent), is generally a self-limiting infection of people recently scratched by cats, though classically it is actually fleas that carry the infection. Whether cats get sick from this infection or are just carriers is a highly controversial subject. This is a human disease about which all cat caretakers should have some basic knowledge. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

BIRTH OF KITTENS
Birds do it. Bees do it. Even little cats do it. And what should you do when they've done it? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

BIRTH OF PUPPIES
Preparing for the pitter-patter of little paws? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

BLADDER STONES
Struvite, oxalate, urate, silicate, cysteine and combinations thereof. We will soon have an information center up explaining the where’s and what’s of bladder stones in dogs and cats. For now the canine calcium oxalate page is available. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

BLOAT
A serious, life-threatening emergency. Learn to recognize the signs to get your dog to the Vet’s in time to possibly save it’s life. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

BRACHYCEPHALIC BREEDS
“Brachycephalic” means short-faced and short-faced breeds of dogs have their own share of unique problems. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CANINE DISTEMPER
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that is often fatal for dogs. This article will look at the how distemper is spread, the signs of illness, the treatment of the disease, and how you can protect your dog. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CARE OF THE PARALYZED ANIMAL
When a beloved pet becomes paralyzed in the rear legs, quality of life issues come to the forefront. For the dedicated owner, caring for the “downer” pet does not have to be a “downer.” Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CARE OF THE PREGNANT DOG
Puppies on the way? Not sure what to do now? Prenatal care comes first, but what does that entail for dogs? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CATARACTS
Cataracts are an important cause of blindness in the dog. Through special surgery, it may be possible to restore vision. Would you recognize a cataract if you saw one in your cat or dog? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CHOCOLATE TOXICITY
We love our chocolate whether we are drinking it in cocoa, licking it an ice cream cone, or gobbling a chocolate bar. Unfortunately, our pets want to share and it is important to realize that chocolate has toxic properties as well as tasty ones. Keep candy out of your pet's reach no matter how tempting it is to share and Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CHOLANGIOHEPATITIS (FELINE)
Cholangiohepatitis is the second most common cause of liver failure in the cat: the other three most common causes being hepatic lipidosis, lymphoma, and feline infectious peritonitis. If your cat is in liver failure, these are the four conditions to know about. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CHOOSING A PET FOOD
There are thousands of different pet foods available on the market today. If you are like the typical dog or cat owner, you have probably stood in front of a huge wall of pet foods at the store and wondered what one would be the best for your pet. This article, will focus on understanding what information is contained on the pet food label and how it is generally very deceptive when it comes to telling you what is contained inside the food, the roles of several nutrients found in pet foods as well as their recommended levels for cats and dogs. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CHERRY EYE
Has a red lump suddenly appeared in the corner of your pet’s eye? What does it mean and what should you do? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CLEANING EARS
Proper ear cleaning is essential in treating ear infections, maintaining clean ears, and preventing ear infections from reoccurring. Improper ear cleaning can result in injury to the ear and a delay in treating an infection. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the office for an appointment. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

COCCIDIA
Coccidia are single-celled parasites that commonly infect young animals housed in groups. It causes a bloody diarrhea that can be severe enough to be life threatening for a very small animal. This is a very common infection; we probably diagnose several cases each week. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

COLITIS
“Colitis” means inflammation of the colon and that spells diarrhea, often with fresh blood or mucous, straining and discomfort for the pet as well as a mess to clean up. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

COMPLETE HEALTH EXAM
Many pet owners know the importance and value of annual vaccinations for their pets, however many do not understand the value of a physical exam. Most assume that the vaccinations are the main reason for a trip to the veterinary clinic each year and that the physical exam just goes along with those vaccinations. Some veterinarians don't even perform a physical examination at the time of vaccination. However, the physical examination should be seen as the cornerstone of your pet's annual trip to the vet. The vaccinations should be given because the physical exam is favorable (i.e. the pet is healthy). Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CONSTIPATION AND MEGACOLON
Difficulty in passing stool can mean extra effort (constipation) or complete impossibility (obstipation). Management can be surgical or with medication, depending on severity. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CORNEAL ULCER
A scratch or scrape on the eye is extremely painful, causing squinting, redness and excess tears. What do you need to know about taking care of a pet with this condition? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

COUGHING CANINE
Coughing is a normal mechanism of the body that is used to remove or rid itself of excessive airway secretions or debris. While some coughs are very innocent and non-problematic, some coughs can be caused by diseases or illnesses that are fatal if left untreated. Coughing can vary greatly in sound, intensity, and productiveness. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CHRONIC STEROID USE
There has never been a class of drug that has more application in disease treatment than the glucocorticoid class. Indeed, this group is rivaled only by antibiotics in lives saved. But side effects from the glucocorticoid group are numerous and can be classified into those seen with short-term use and those seen in long-term use. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

CUSHING’S DISEASE INFORMATION CENTER
Excess thirst, excess urination, excess appetite, poor hair coat and a pot-bellied appearance. This is a classical disease for which lots of information is available. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

DEMODECTIC MANGE
This condition is also called “Red Mange.” It is not contagious, but does have a hereditary component. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

DENTAL CARE
If you are like many dog and cat owners, you probably do not pay much attention to your pet's teeth and gums. Perhaps you should, because many of the dogs and cats seen daily at veterinary clinics have a serious amount of dental disease going on in their mouths. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

DEWORMING
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, or parasites of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and colon, are common in all of the domestic species. Without treatment, these GI parasites can cause weight loss, anemia, failure to thrive, intestinal compaction or blockage, diarrhea, or general unthiftiness. In addition, some of these intestinal parasites can be transmitted to humans through the ingestion of parasite eggs. Humans that have become infected with these parasites can have signs ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping, blindness, and organ damage, among others. Thus, GI parasites are of concern for more than just the household pet. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes is a common disorder that can affect animals as well as humans. There are actually different types of diabetes. The type that most commonly causes problems in dogs and cats is diabetes mellitus. In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to the insulin that is present. As a result, the amount of glucose, or sugar, that is in the blood will stay high, because without insulin, the body cannot move glucose into the cells where it is needed for energy. In the remainder of this article, we will discuss the signs, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes mellitus. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

DIARRHEA
Because diarrhea is an obvious sign of a pet�s health status, it is one of the most common reasons animals are presented to the veterinary clinic. Diarrhea can range from mild to severe and from acute to chronic. Animals with diarrhea can act totally normal or be seriously ill. These variations are because diarrhea can result from many different situations, diseases, and conditions. This article will explore some of the more common causes of diarrhea in veterinary patients. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

EAR INFECTIONS
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons that dogs and cats are presented to veterinary clinics. Issues such as ear infections, excessive wax build up, hematoma formation, masses, and hearing loss are all common complaints for our animal companions. The remainder of this article will discuss these common ear problems in the cat and dog. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

EAR MITES
This annoying parasite is a common source of ear infections, especially in cats and kittens. Where do they come from? How do you get rid of them? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

EHRLICHIA INFECTION (CANINE)
Ehrlichia are intracellular blood parasites spread by ticks. Recent advances in molecular biology have revealed that infection is more widespread than previously believed and canine (and even feline and human disease) is emerging Ticks are responsible for the spread of numerous unpleasant infections; Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

EOSINOPHILIC GRANULOMA COMPLEX
Feline allergic skin disease can take some highly ulcerative forms, especially involving the upper lip. EGC is a hard condition to explain, especially since it has several forms, but we’ll give it a try. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

EUTHANASIA AT OUR HOSPITAL
No one really likes to talk about this subject but eventually most of us have questions about how this is done, how to make this decision, and how to cope. There is actually an extensive body of writing on this subject. Discuss special cremation The Circle of Life. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY
You are what you eat. Well, at least those of us with normal exocrine pancreatic function are, anyway. Those without digestive enzymes only dream of being what they eat. Instead, they are skinny, gassy, and have diarrhea, and 80% are German Shepherds. Fortunately this is a treatable condition. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FALSE PREGNANCY (CANINE)
A heat cycle is a normal phenomenon for an unspayed female dog but false pregnancy is only normal to a point. Some females will "adopt" a stuffed toy, give milk, even go into labor. How does this happen and how do we make it stop? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FELINE DISTEMPER
Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia or infectious feline enteritis, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that can affect cats. The virus is so commonly found in the environment that it is estimated that virtually all cats have been exposed by the time they are one year old. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FELINE INFECTIOUS VIREMIA FIV
Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV for short, is an incurable disease that can
affect cats. The virus that causes this disease is a retrovirus. It is estimated
that 1-12% or more of the cat population carries FIV. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FELINE HEARTWORMS
It is a very well known fact that dogs can get heartworms and that it is a life threatening problem/disease. What is not well known is that cats can also contract heartworms and that heartworms in cats can be just as deadly. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS POSITIVE (FIV+) CAT
The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all outdoor cats be tested annually for this virus. There are plenty of areas where one can get the basics on this virus from its recent discovery in 1986 to the controversial vaccine released Fall of 2002. But what do you need to know when your cat tests positive? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FELINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA (HEMOBARTONELLA FELIS)
Gene sequencing may have led to renaming both this disease and its causative organism but the sickness remains the same by any name. This infection results in parasitism of a cat's red blood cells and subsequent massive destruction of those red blood cells by the cat's own body. Blood sucking parasites such as fleas appear to be important in transmission. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS
Feline leukemia virus, a retrovirus, is a common infection of cats. It is the cause of more cat deaths, directly or indirectly, than any other organism and is widespread in the cat population. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE
“Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease” was formerly known as “FUS” and is actually a set of symptoms that can’t be classified as a real disease. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FLEA ANEMIA
We all know fleas are a nuisance and can lead to itching and dermatitis, but did you know a heavy flea infestation can be life threatening? The owners of most victims were not aware of the problem. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FLEA CONTROL CENTER
If you've ever had a cat or dog, you've probably had fleas. And if you have ever had fleas, then you know how hard it can be to get rid of them. Recent advances have made the war on fleas a lot easier with the help of several new products. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

FOOD ALLERGIES
Have an itchy pet all year round? Maybe there is a food allergy. Just changing to a new diet probably won’t be enough. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

GIARDIA
Giardia is a protozoan parasite that can infect both humans and pets. It causes an unpleasant diarrhea and until recently was particularly difficult to detect (a new in-house test kit has made diagnosis much more simple, not to mention faster and less costly). Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HEARTWORM DISEASE
Heartworm is a very serious problem in many areas of the country. Here is a site that attempts to answer all your questions about the disease, its treatment and its prevention. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HEAT STROKE
While people are smart enough to know the risks of hot temperatures and take the
necessary precautions to avoid becoming overheated, we sometimes forget to consider our
animals needs. Heat stroke can be a life threatening condition for anyone--animals
included. This article will focus on the risk factors for heat stoke as well as the
signs, treatment, and prevention of heat stroke in animals. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HEMANGIOSARCOMA
No matter where this tumor is found, it is bad news. Hemangiosarcoma is a blood vessel cancer that is highly malignant and usually a challenge to treat. At least one form is curable with surgery if caught early. Will you know it if you see it? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS
Cats were not designed to ever get fat. Their metabolism was geared towards multiple small prey meals a day. Domestication has changed their lifestyle but not their physiology, and when a cat stops eating, liver failure is not far away. Why? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HERPES VIRAL CONJUCTIVITIS (FELINE)
Herpes is responsible for approximately 50% of feline upper respiratory infections (colds) but, as many of us have heard, Herpes is a permanent infection with stress bringing out flare-ups. This is a common problem, especially for cats with a rescue or shelter history in their kittenhood. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN PETS
High blood pressure is an extremely important concern in human medicine. High stress lifestyle, smoking, and high salt diet all contribute to this potentially dangerous condition and virtually everyone in the U.S. knows how serious it can be. But what about our pets? They don’t smoke or worry about the mortgage and they don’t deposit cholesterol in their blood vessels. They do, however, get high blood pressure, especially in age. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HIP DYSPLASIA
This condition accounts for 30% of all orthopedic cases in veterinary medicine and is an absolute scourge to large breed dogs. Every owner of a large breed dog should know this disease as there is an excellent chance their pet will be affected sooner or later. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HOOKWORMS
Hookworms are one of the top four intestinal parasites of youngdogs (the others being roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms). They can cause a life-threatening blood loss in puppies, plus they are infectious to human beings. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HOUSE SOILING (FELINE)
Does your cat seem to forget where the real litter box is and instead use the litter box in the middle of the living room rug? This could be caused by medical or behavioral problems. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HYPERCALCEMIA
An elevated blood calcium is a damaging metabolic change and usually bodes a serious underlying disease. The testing sequence is complicated and not inexpensive. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

HYPERTHROIDISM
Do you have an older cat with a weight loss problem despite an excellent appetite? Has hyperthyroidism been diagnosed but you have questions about the different treatments? Center for Treatment for Hyperthroidism.com Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

IMMUNOTHERAPY
Most of us know someone who periodically receives "allergy shots" to control allergy symptoms. The good news is that immunotherapy also works for dogs and cats. The catch is that the owner will probably need to give the injections on their own and that results can take many months to be realized. Want to know more? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Does your pet seem to have chronic vomiting or diarrhea? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ITCH RELIEF
A collection of suggestions to relieve a pet’s itchy skin without the use of cortisone derivatives is presented.
Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

KENNEL COUGH
Infectious Tracheobronchitis, commonly known as Kennel Cough, is a complex of infections, rather than infection by a single agent. Find out how infection occurs, how serious it may be, how it is treated and how it is vaccinated against. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

KIDNEY FAILURE
This is an especially common problem among geriatric pets and, as treatment frequently is long term, it is important for owners to understand their options. Topics discussed at this site include: Medications used in treatment, diagnostics/helpful testing and monitoring, and how to get involved with other on-line resource groups. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

LAMENESSS AND LIMPING
One of the most common reasons that animals are presented to veterinary clinics is for evaluation of limping. Limping can be a sign of numerous conditions ranging from mild sprains and strains to severe fractures or even cancers. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

LEPTOSPIROSIS
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a spirochete, an organism similar to bacteria. It can cause illness in many types of animals, including dogs and cats. People that come in contact with an animal that has leptospirosis can also be infected. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

LONG TERM HEART FAILURE THERAPY
Heart failure is obviously an emergency. Once we have revived a pet’s heart, however, what can be done to prevent another episode? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA
There are many types of leukemia (blood cancers) and the lymphocytic leukemias are the most common There are two types of lymphocytic leukemia with two completely different outcomes and treatments. If you want to understand the diagnosis of lymphocytic leukemia, Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

LYMPHOMA
This form of cancer, also called “lymphosarcoma,” is the most common malignancy of dogs, cats and humans. There is a plentitude of information available, information that is necessary in order to make intelligent decisions about an affected pet. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

MAST CELL TUMORS
The mast cell is an important inflammatory cell involved in the symptoms of allergy. When the mast cell goes tumerous the inflammation may go body-wide, yet they are not rare by any means (in dogs nearly 20% of all skin tumors are mast cell tumors). Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

MASTICATORY MYOSITIS
Imagine not being able to open your mouth. Food must be lapped gingerly. Muscles of the face atrophy. This condition is immune-mediated but luckily treatable. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

MEGAESOPHAGUS
Do you know the difference between vomiting and regurgitation? If your pet has megaesophagus you probably know all too well. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

NICOTINE (CIGARETTE) POISONING IN PETS
A cigarette butt may seem like a fun toy to a puppy or kitten but that small amount of remaining tobacco actually contains 25% of the nicotine contained in the entire original cigarette. Cigarettes don't have to be smoked to be hazardous. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

NOSE BLEEDS (EPISTAXIS)
Epistaxis comes from the Greek word "stazo" meaning "falling in drops." What it means in English is a bloody nose. In younger pets, it is usually caused by a trauma or foreign body but in older pets tumors are common. A step by step diagnostic process is needed to sort the possible causes out. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120.

ORPHAN PUPPY & KITTEN CARE
Just in time for Spring and kitten season. If you have some unexpected additions to your family and are not sure what to do, Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

OSTEOSARCOMA (CANINE)
Osteosarcoma is by far the most common bone tumor of the dog. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

PANCREATITIS
Many people have heard of the pancreas but are not sure what it does, where it is, or what a disaster it can be when it gets inflamed. In the dog, pancreatitis is a frequently life-threatening classical disease. Pancreatitis in the cat was hardly described in even the most complete textbooks ten years ago as we did not have adequate technology to evaluate the pancreas in the cat. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

PARASITES
The importance of parasites and parasite control may or may not be obvious to many people. Parasites can cause a variety of problems in animals ranging from mild to severe. In some instances, parasites can even cause death. In addition to the illness that they cause, parasites can transmit other diseases to the animals that they infect. For example, ticks can transmit Lyme disease or Erlichia. However, one of the biggest concerns of parasitism in animals is the potential for spread to humans. Many of the parasites that infect animals can cause disease or illness in people as well. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

PARVOVIRUS
Parvovirus is a very common viral infection that can cause a severe gastroenteritis in puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs. It was first discovered in the 1970s and is a highly contagious and can be life threatening if not treated quickly and aggressively. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND DENTAL HOME CARE
Periodontal disease affects approximately 80% of dogs and cats by age 3 years. We all see commercials for mouthwashes and special toothpastes for ourselves, so we have some idea about plaque and gingivitis. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

PLASMA CELL STOMATITUS (FELINE)
Plasma Cell Stomatitis (also called "lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis or LPS" is a chronic, very painful oral disease of of the cat. The mouth bleeds, stinks from infection, and/or grows plainful proliferations from the gums. In many cases medical management is adequate but in many cases surgical intervention is needed. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

RAT POISON (ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES)
Mankind has been battling rodents for thousands of years and the anticoagulant rodenticides are currently among the more commonly used methods of rodent pest control. But what happens when the family dog or cat eats a poisoned rat or eats the poison for rabbits directly? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

RABIES
Rabies is a very serious disease, but fortunately it can also be easily prevented in dogs and cats by proper vaccination. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

RATTLESNAKE BITES IN CALIFORNIA
How many poisonous snakes call California their homes? It turns out they are all rattlesnakes, and there are eight types. Dogs encounter snakes during play or work and often end up with venomous bite as a result. What do you need to know about this situation? We have rattle snake vaccine available. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

RINGWORM
Not a worm at all but really a fungal infection of the skin. Contagious to humans, too. Got questions? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ROUNDWORMS
This common parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs, and some pet owners become very concerned when their pet expels a worm up to seven inches in length! Roundworms are also one of the few dog or cat parasites that can be dangerous when transmitted to humans. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

SARCOPTIC MANGE
Also called “scabies,” this mite infection is extremely itchy and contagious. While difficult to diagnose, this condition is usually easy to treat. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

SEIZURES / EPILEPSY
A seizure is the result of an increased amount of electrical activity in the brain. During a seizure, an animal may shake or jerk, become rigid and unresponsive, urinate, defecate, or salivate. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

SEPARATION ANXIETY
Sometimes pets love too much. The hyper-attached dog not only follows its owner from room to room, but becomes vocal, anxious and even destructive when left alone. Complicating the situation are other behavior problems that cause destructive behavior. Where to start? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

SNAIL BAIT POISONING
Many gardens have snail problems in the Springtime and many gardens have pets. Snail Bait poisoning is the most common intoxication in California for dogs, largely because snail bait is commonly pelleted and flavored. Our hospital strongly discourages the use of metaldehyde based snail control products as they have tremendous potential to do damage. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
The oral squamous cell carcinoma does not spread as one normally thinks of a cancer spreading but it is so locally invasive that its presence carries a poor prognosis. The only hope of good survival comes from early detection. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

SUBCUTANEOUS FLUID ADMINISTRATION AT HOME
Lots of animals require extra fluids, either temporarily or indefinitely, to insure that they receive adequate hydration. The technique is simple, but sometimes daunting to the beginner. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

TAILS THAT ARE BROKEN (FELINE)
Sacrocaudal fractures are dislocations in the tail near where the tail joins the body. One might expect pain and external injury to be the main concern but instead the problems are neurologic. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

TAPEWORM
Noticing “grains of rice” that move? Something that looks like sesame seeds in your pet’s bedding? Where do tapeworms come from and why do they come back? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

TETANUS IN PETS
We have all heard of about getting tetanus shots and being careful about rusty nails, but most people do not really know much about tetanus (also called "lock-jaw"). In fact, pets are fairly resistant to infection (which is why tetanus shots are not included in the standard vaccine series). So what should a dog owner know about tetanus? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

TOY BREED HYPOGLYCEMIA
It doesn't get much cuter than a puppy. It seems like the smaller, the cuter. But there are aspects of being that small that aren't so cute, like difficulty in keeping blood sugar in the normal range. Many adopters are captivated by the adorable toy breed puppy but are unprepared for its special needs. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

TOXIC PLANTS
Visit TOXIC PLANTS TABLE. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

TOXOPLASMOSIS & PREGNANCY
Got questions? We have answers Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA
Bloody urine, straining, and discomfort usually means something simple like a bladder infection but sometimes the worst case scenario comes to pass and cancer is present. The Transitional Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of bladder cancer. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

URINARY INCONTINENCE
The urine leaking dog or cat is a very big household problem, yet most people do not realize this is often a simple problem to cure. Some testing is best to rule out infections but most cases are dried up with simple medications. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

URINARY TRACT INFECTION
The urinary tract infection is one of the most common issues in small animal practice, yet many pet owners are confused. Some common questions we hear are: Are bladder infections contagious? Why do I have to use the entire course of antibiotics if my pet is obviously better after a couple of doses? What is the difference between doing a urinalysis and urine culture? Why should both be done? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

VASCULAR ACCIDENT IN THE BRAIN
Most people have heard of "strokes" and know that it has to do with some kind of nerve damage. Pets get strokes as well, though not as often as people do. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

VESTIBULAR DISEASE
Most people think their pet has had a stroke, but in fact a problem with the vestibular apparatus is to blame. What does this mean? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

VON WILLEBRAND’S DISEASE
Everyone has heard of Hemophilia and knows it is an inherited blood clotting problem. Not everyone has heard of von Willebrand's disease, which is the most common inherited blood clotting disorder of the dog. Is your breed at risk? Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

WHIPWORMS
The "big four" intestinal parasites of the dog are: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. We complete our series with the addition of the whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) to our library. This common parasite is particularly hard to detect and causes a bloody, mucous diarrhea in dogs. Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

YEAST INFECTION OF THE SKIN
Technically known as Malessezia Dermatitis, this is one of the stinkiest and itchiest conditions treated in veterinary dermatology, and it is one of the chief reasons a previously well-controlled allergic dog might suddenly increase itching. What to do? Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120

ZINC POISONING
Now that pennies are made of zinc instead of copper, swallowing them can be harmful to your pet.
Contact: Phone: 760 - 728- 8358 Fax: 760 - 728 - 0120