Endocrinology is the field of medicine that deals with disorders of metabolism and hormones. Hormones are messenger substances that are produced in the ovaries or testicles and by the endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, pancreas, and adrenal glands, and released into the blood. Hormones transmit information and thus control all important bodily functions.
Endocrine disorders can result from reduced or increased hormone production, hormone transport disorders, or hormone resistance in the organs.
Endocrine disorders that frequently occur in dogs and cats include:
Two significant endocrine disorders in horses are:
In order to diagnose endocrine disorders, laboratory tests of blood and urine are carried out in addition to a thorough veterinary examination. Imaging diagnostics (see corresponding article) are also frequently used to make a correct diagnosis.
It's an exciting time! You've made the decision to get a puppy, and most of the preparations are done. Now the question is whether you should enroll in dog training classes. Of course, you could also work with a dog trainer. Or you might feel confident enough to go it alone, because you already have a lot of experience with dogs.
Gerbils are sociable pets that are fun to watch as they go about their business. But they also need attention. Before you know it, these little speedsters can jump out of their enclosure with a high leap.
Horseback riding is a wonderful hobby, especially with your own horse! When humans and animals form a strong team, you develop a completely different connection than when you are "jumping" from one horse to the next at a riding school. But how can you find happiness with a permanent horse partner if you can't afford to buy your own horse? Or if you can't find the time to devote to a horse on your own? A riding partnership could be the best decision for you and your horse.
Malassezia dermatitis is a skin disease caused by yeast fungi, which often manifests itself in dogs as an outer ear infection but can also affect the entire body.
Echocardiography refers to the ultrasound examination of the heart, which is used in the diagnosis of heart disease. This requires a special ultrasound device and a veterinary practice specializing in cardiac ultrasound.
Basically, senior cats are just like people who are getting on in years: not everything works as well as it did when they were young. They have a few aches and pains, and sometimes, unfortunately, serious illnesses. And everything can slow down a little. It happens gradually: age becomes more and more noticeable over the years. Some cats age earlier, while others remain young and fit for longer. In any case, the aging process can be accompanied by good care.
Which horses get osteoarthritis? It very often affects older horses that have already covered many miles in their lifetime or those that have been actively involved in sport for some time. However, horses that have not had regular exercise appropriate to their species can also develop osteoarthritis. Basically, though, there is no general rule. It is also not easy to recognize osteoarthritis in its early stages. Sometimes, horse owners think that their horse is just experiencing a temporary period of overexertion when it has difficulty getting up from the straw. Or they believe that the cold winter is the reason why their horse is a little stiff-legged. After all, who likes to run around at minus 15 degrees Celsius? So where does osteoarthritis start and how can a horse owner best deal with it?
Botulism refers to illnesses caused by metabolic products of bacteria of the genus Clostridium botulinum. Strictly speaking, it is not an infection but rather a form of poisoning, as it is not the bacteria that enter the body but their toxins, which are among the most poisonous biological substances known to man. Many of us are familiar with this toxin only as "Botox" used in cosmetic surgery, where it is administered in very low doses to smooth wrinkles.
Rabbit snuff is a chronic, recurrent infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by various bacterial pathogens. It can be fatal and, due to its high contagiousness, can lead to high losses in large rabbit populations.
Who hasn't dreamed of galloping along the water's edge on horseback? The wind in your hair, a hint of salt on your lips, and the feeling of flying. Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic, but admit it: you'd love to go horseback riding on the beach..
Dermatology is the field of medicine that deals with diseases of the skin and its appendages, such as claws, horns, and hair. Skin diseases are among the most common reasons for veterinary visits—there are even veterinary practices that specialize in dermatology.
Not all birds are the same. Some are large, some are small, some are loud, some are quiet... To find the bird species that suits you best, it's a good idea to ask yourself a few important questions in advance.