Library
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Kidney disease is relatively common in birds, especially budgies, and may present as an acute or chronic problem. Some of the clinical signs are very characteristic of kidney disease but many others are non-specific. This handout explains these signs, as well as how kidney disorders in birds can be diagnosed and treated.
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Play is important. All kittens need the opportunity to play with toys as well as social play. While learning about their environment, kittens can damage valuable objects, including furniture and curtains. Toys and treats can be hidden inside empty boxes and kiddie tunnels to satisfy a kitten’s need to explore. Supervise kittens carefully to prevent damage and to keep them safe.
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Knemidocoptes is a type of bird mite that typically effects canaries, cockatiels and parakeets. It is commonly referred to as scaly face and leg disease. Specific antiparasitic drugs will be prescribed by a veterinarian to treat this disease.
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The lacrimal duct is part of the nasolacrimal system, a series of narrow tubes that allow tears to drain from the eye into the nose and mouth. This duct can sometimes become blocked or fail to develop properly, resulting in tears overflowing and potentially staining the face below the eye. The clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for the condition are explained in this handout.
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The lacrimal duct is part of the nasolacrimal system, a series of narrow tubes that allow tears to drain from the eye into the nose and mouth. This duct can sometimes become blocked or fail to develop properly, resulting in tears overflowing and potentially staining the face below the eye. The clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for the condition are explained in this handout.
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Lactated Ringer’s solution (also known as LRS, Ringer’s Lactate) is a fluid and electrolyte (salts) replacement solution used to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances in cats, dogs, birds, pocket pets (small mammals), and other animals. Lactated Ringer’s solution comes in injectable form, usually given subcutaneously for at home administration.
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Lactulose is used off label and is given by mouth to treat high blood ammonia levels and constipation in dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. The most common side effects are diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal cramping. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with intestinal blockage/obstruction.
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Lameness is an inability to properly use one or more limbs due to pain or weakness. The most common causes of sudden lameness in dogs are soft tissue injury (strain or sprain), injury to a joint, bone fracture, or dislocation. Your veterinarian will determine the best course of action based on your pet's condition, a detailed examination, and the results of diagnostic tests. Definitive diagnosis of the cause can be difficult. In some cases, a trial with anti-inflammatory medications and rest may be necessary.
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Laryngeal paralysis is a condition that causes dysfunction of the larynx causing reduced ability to breathe deeply and can obstruct the airway. It can be a congenital condition of young dogs or may be due to a neuromuscular disease in older dogs. Clinical signs include coughing, noisy breathing, and exercise intolerance. A definitive diagnosis is made through an examination of the larynx with an endoscope or laryngoscope. Treatment of mild cases involves environmental management to reduce any stress on the larynx and medications used for flareups. More severe or congenital cases require surgery.
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Laser surgery is a procedure that generates a beam of light energy at a specific wavelength, resulting in the cutting of tissues. There are three major advantages of laser surgery when compared to traditional stainless steel surgical scalpels, which are decreased pain, decreased inflammation, and improved tissue healing. Routine procedures such as ovariohysterectomy and castration are commonly done with laser.
