Pyometra

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone.  It usually occurs during the period called diestrus, following when a dog is in heat.  At this time the uterus is vulnerable to infection with bacteria.  The most common cause is a bacterium called Escherichia coli. Pyometra can affect any female …

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by insufficient thyroid hormone production.  The thyroid gland is located in the neck, on either side of the trachea.  It produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).  Thyroid hormones affect the rate of metabolism in most of the tissues in the body.  Thyroid hormone deficiency leads to illness. Clinical …

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Hyperthyroidism The thyroid is a two-lobed gland located in the lower part of the neck.  It produces a substance called thyroid hormone, which is transported via the blood to the cells in the body.  Thyroid hormone regulates how fast cells function.  Too much thyroid hormone speeds up the metabolism and causes illness.  No matter how much the cat …

Diabetes – Dogs

Diabetes  What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which your pet’s pancreas can no longer produce enough of the hormone insulin and/or for some reason their body has become resistant to the effects of insulin.What does insulin do? Every time your pet eats a meal, glucose is absorbed from the intestines and enters …