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Meniscus tear

Meniscus injury in dogs and cats

Meniscal tears are a highly relevant finding in small animal orthopedics, occurring far more frequently in veterinary practice than many pet owners initially realize. When people hear the term "meniscal lesion," they often think first of human medicine. However, the meniscus also plays a crucial role in the health of the knee joint in dogs and cats. A meniscal tear can cause severe pain, significantly restrict mobility, and contribute to the long-term development of osteoarthritis. Therefore, from a veterinary perspective, it is essential that owners understand the significance of a meniscal tear and can recognize typical warning signs early on.

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New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve with animals

New Year's Eve is a happy occasion for many people, but for animals it is often one of the most stressful nights of the year. As a vet, I have seen countless dogs and cats through New Year's Eve over the years, treating emergencies, creating personalised plans and training owners. The key is early, structured preparation and thoughtful management on 31 December. This guide provides you with an evidence-based, tried and tested plan to ensure that New Year's Eve is as calm, safe and healthy as possible for your dog or cat.

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Paraoesophageal abscess

Paraoesophageal abscess

As a veterinarian, I am frequently confronted with complex chest diseases where a thorough diagnosis and prompt treatment determine the prognosis. A typical example is a paraesophageal abscess – a collection of pus in the tissue adjacent to the esophagus. A paraesophageal abscess usually develops as a result of a small perforation of the esophagus, often caused by swallowed foreign bodies (e.g., bones, sticks, fishhooks) or by secondary infections in the mediastinum. Even wood splinters that migrate easily from the throat or tongue can travel caudally along tissue fascia and cause a paraesophageal abscess near the esophagus. We see the interplay of a foreign body, local inflammation, bacterial colonization, and an encapsulated pus-filled cavity relatively frequently in dogs, whereas it is less common in cats.

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Home remedies in veterinary medicine

Home remedies in veterinary medicine

As a veterinarian, I am frequently asked whether home remedies can be a sensible alternative or supplement to conventional veterinary treatment. The short answer is: it depends—on the animal, the diagnosis, the timing, the dosage, and above all, whether the supposed home remedy is actually proven effective and safe. In practice, I experience both: situations where carefully selected home remedies are a useful, gentle support in veterinary medicine, and cases where well-intentioned experiments have led to serious complications. This is precisely why a sober, evidence-based perspective is worthwhile.

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reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery

On Friday, I had the opportunity to participate in the continuing education course "Reconstructive Surgery for Veterinarians"—an intensive day that inspired me both professionally and personally. Above all, it offers real benefits for your pet. Reconstructive surgery in dogs and cats isn't some abstract, cutting-edge medical procedure, but rather the practical art of repositioning, shifting, or replacing skin and tissue after tumor operations, accidents, or chronic wounds, enabling your pet to heal faster, more safely, and with less pain. We explored precisely these topics in theory and case studies—using numerous techniques that I can now apply even more effectively in our practice.

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Resistance profiles of Escherichia in dogs

Understanding the resistance profiles of Escherichia coli in dogs is crucial for veterinarians and dedicated pet owners to effectively treat infections and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. This comprehensive article provides essential information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and current research findings of this important topic. We also offer practical tips for long-term management and prognosis in affected dogs.

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Leptospirosis Husky

Leptospirosis Husky

Leptospirosis is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease that can also occur in Huskies. For dedicated pet owners and veterinary students, it is essential to understand the specific characteristics of this disease in Huskies. This comprehensive article provides all the essential information about leptospirosis in Huskies: from its causes and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and current research findings. This will ensure you are well-informed to protect and care for your pet in the best possible way.

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fully digital dental x-ray

Fully digital dental X-ray

Modern veterinary medicine is developing rapidly – particularly in the field of imaging. A key element of this development is fully digital dental radiography, which is increasingly establishing itself as an indispensable diagnostic tool in the treatment of small animals and companion animals. Precise assessment of dental health is crucial, especially in dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other companion animals. Fully digital dental radiography provides detailed insights into tooth and jaw structures – quickly, safely, and with minimal radiation exposure.

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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common chronic conditions in older dogs. It is characterized by the progressive breakdown of articular cartilage, inflammation of the synovial membrane, remodeling processes in the subchondral bone, and the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs). These structural changes lead to joint stiffness, pain, and ultimately, restricted movement.

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Blood sugar monitoring

Blood sugar monitoring

For every patient with diabetes mellitus (DM), a long-term monitoring strategy should be developed that is medically sound, practical, and effective. A close relationship between the veterinarian and pet owner is crucial for success, as the owner provides daily care and performs most routine monitoring. Pet owners should be able to recognize early signs of problems in DM management and share their observations with the practice team. Regular clinical examinations and laboratory tests are also essential and provide a good opportunity to discuss progress, analyze problems, and assess quality of life. Restoring and maintaining the patient's quality of life is of paramount importance to most owners¹ ² and should be a central goal of any monitoring strategy.

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Travel sickness in dogs and cats

Travel sickness in dogs and cats

For many pet owners, the holiday season is a time for anticipation – sun, beach, relaxation. But it's not uncommon for beloved pets to return with more than just pleasant memories. Travel to the Mediterranean region, in particular, carries the risk of infectious diseases, known as travel-related illnesses. These diseases primarily affect dogs, and occasionally cats, and are usually transmitted by parasites such as ticks, mosquitoes, or sandflies.

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Acute thoracolumbar disc extrusion

Acute thoracolumbar disc extrusion

A dog's spine consists of many individual vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and allow for movement. In thoracolumbar disc extrusion, the inner, gel-like material of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer membrane and presses on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, paralysis, and, in severe cases, loss of the ability to walk.

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Brachyuria

Brachyuria

Brachyury, also known as a bobtail, is a genetic trait found in some dog breeds. This shortening or lack of tail development can occur naturally or through selective breeding. Below, we examine the biological background, the affected dog breeds, the genetic inheritance, and the diagnostic process.

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