Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart disease that occurs primarily in dogs, and less frequently in cats. This progressive disease leads to an enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle – particularly the left ventricle – thus impairing the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) Read More »
Dietary management of chronic kidney disease in cats is a crucial component in improving the quality of life and extending the lifespan of affected animals. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is among the most common causes of death in middle-aged and older cats. Targeted nutritional therapy supports kidney function, reduces complications, and sustainably slows the progression of the disease. This article provides dedicated pet owners and students with comprehensive information on how to optimally manage the dietary treatment of chronic kidney disease in cats – from causes and symptoms to diagnosis and therapy, as well as prevention, follow-up care, and current research findings.
Dietary treatment of chronic kidney disease Read More »
Gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits is a common and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in domestic rabbits and other rodents. This comprehensive article provides dedicated pet owners and students with all the essential information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease. Our goal is to provide you with sound knowledge and practical advice to best support your rabbit's health.
Gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits Read More »
Veterinary care plays a vital role in animal welfare, public health, and food safety. However, the costs associated with veterinary services often cause concern for livestock owners, farmers, and policymakers. Unlike human medicine, veterinary care is primarily privately funded, meaning that livestock owners must bear the costs of treatment without support from government health systems.
Costs of veterinary healthcare Read More »
Babesia canis infections now occur year-round in Germany – even in dogs that have not traveled abroad. Thanks to systematic tick surveillance, the meadow tick Dermacentor reticulatus is now established in almost all German states. Early diagnosis (capillary blood smear + PCR) and consistent treatment with high-dose imidocarb dipropionate ensure a good prognosis. High antibody titers appear to protect against severe cases, while seronegative animals have a significantly higher risk of acute complications.
Babesia canis infections in dogs Read More »
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.
Fully digital dental X-ray Read More »
In a world where we can access information anytime, anywhere, it's only logical to explore new avenues in animal health as well. That's precisely why we invented DocSusi – your digital assistant for veterinary questions.
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.
Blood sugar monitoring Read More »
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.
Travel sickness in dogs and cats Read More »
Stress can negatively affect the behavior and well-being of dogs, and factors related to the pet owner can influence the stress levels of dogs in the veterinary clinic.
Stress in the pet owner Read More »
Anesthesia or sedation is sometimes unavoidable – whether for surgery, dental work, or more complex examinations. This can be unsettling, especially when you hear about the risks associated with anesthesia. The good news is that thanks to modern veterinary medicine and careful monitoring, many of these risks can now be very well managed.
Safe anesthesia for dogs Read More »
Easter is just around the corner – a time that reminds us not only of the beginning of spring, colorful eggs, and bunnies, but also brings with it deeper values and thoughts. As a small animal veterinary group, we experience every day how important compassion, care, and new life are – and that's precisely what makes Easter so special for us.
Veterinarians face emotional challenges every day: from medical emergencies to compassionate conversations with pet owners in difficult situations. In a profession based on care, they are often under considerable psychological pressure. A growing body of research shows that mindfulness and self-compassion are effective tools for strengthening emotional well-being and preventing burnout.
Mindfulness in veterinary medicine Read More »
Heart disease is not uncommon in dogs, and tachyarrhythmias – rapid, irregular heart rhythms – can be particularly life-threatening for our four-legged friends. Two commonly used medications for treating these arrhythmias are amiodarone and sotalol. But which of these medications is more effective and safer for dogs?
In this article, we take a detailed look at current research findings, explain the advantages and disadvantages of both therapies, and answer frequently asked questions that concern dog owners.
Tachyarrhythmias in dogs Read More »
Cats are obligate carnivores and require a protein-rich diet with essential amino acids for their energy metabolism. Even a short period of loss of appetite or hyporexia can lead to metabolic disturbances.1,2 In a negative energy balance, lipase activity in peripheral adipose tissue is stimulated to release fatty acids into the bloodstream. These are taken up by the liver, oxidized, and either incorporated into VLDL (very-low-density lipoproteins) or stored intracellularly as triglycerides.1 In anorexic cats, most triglycerides are stored in liver vacuoles due to limited oxidative capacity and VLDL redistribution.
Hepatic lipidosis in cats Read More »
