Educational Articles
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Pleural effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the chest cavity. The fluid is not found within the lungs, but instead within the pleural sac, essentially meaning the lungs are floating in a chest that is full of fluid. There are several causes, including chylothorax, heart failure, and lung or chest tumors. Dogs presenting for pleural effusion are often experiencing shortness of breath and decreased oxygen intake; placing them into an oxygen cage provides some degree of immediate relief. Removing the fluid that surrounds the lungs will allow the dog to breathe more readily and this fluid can then be tested to identify the cause of the pleural effusion. The treatment and prognosis vary depending on the underlying cause.
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Pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
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Pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
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Pododermatitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the feet or paws. It can be caused by many disorders including infections, allergies, hormonal disorders, immune-mediated diseases, tumors or cancers. Diagnostic testing is discussed. Effective treatment must be directed toward the underlying cause.
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Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited condition that causes multiple cysts (fluid pockets) in the kidneys. Persian cats and breeds with Persian bloodlines are most commonly affected. The clinical signs, diagnosis, genetic testing, and treatment options are explained in this handout.
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Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited kidney disease that is common in cats, but uncommon in dogs. Dogs with polycystic kidney disease develop multiple fluid-filled cysts within the kidney, with the number and size of these cysts increasing with age. As the kidney cysts displace larger amounts of functioning kidney tissue, the dog begins to show signs of chronic kidney disease. There is no specific treatment for polycystic kidney disease; treatment is centered on alleviating the signs of chronic kidney disease.
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Polycythemia vera is a rare disease of dogs and cats in which too many red blood cells are produced by the bone marrow. The blood becomes thick and has difficulty moving through the small blood vessels. Your pet may feel tired, sluggish, and weak. Polycythemia is a potentially fatal disease, but if discovered early enough, treatment may be possible. If left untreated, polycythemia vera can affect the heart.
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Polyethylene glycol is an off-label laxative used to treat constipation and empty the colon in preparation for procedures such as colonoscopy. The most common side effects are diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal cramping. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with an intestinal blockage/obstruction.
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Polyfolliculosis is a condition where several feathers grow out of one feather follicle. These feathers may be irritating, causing the bird to pick at them or pluck them out. There is no specific treatment for this condition.
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Polymyxin B/miconazole/prednisolone otic (brand name Surolan), is a combination antibacterial (polymyxin B), antifungal (miconazole), and anti-inflammatory steroid (prednisolone) ear drop medication. It is used to treat ear infections in cats and dogs. It is used “off label” or “extra-label” in species other than cats and dogs and to treat conditions other than ear infections. Polymyxin B/miconazole/prednisolone otic comes in an otic suspension form.
