Corner Animal Hospital : Online Pet Pharmacy and Veterinary Service

Arthritis literally means inflammation of the joint, but the term is used more generally to describe several different processes. Many people use the term arthritis synonymously with osteoarthritis (OA), a complex, slowly progressive, and degenerative arthritis that is characterized by the gradual development of joint pain, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion.

This is a prevalent disease as pets age, especially the larger breed dogs. The signs can be subtle and easily missed early in the course of the disease. This is especially true in the larger breed dogs that can be stoic and not show overt signs of pain even though the pain is present.

Signs to watch for a slow rising in the rear quarters after resting, slowing down after a period of time on routine walks, limping on any leg, and lethargy after returning from a walk.

Cats get this problem also, commonly manifested as reluctance or inability to jump routinely, and sensitivity when petting the spine along the lower back.

There have been tremendous advances in recent years for the treatment of this painful condition. We use a balanced medical approach in our treatment of arthritis, using the body’s natural healing process with judicious use of medications used to directly decrease pain in increase comfort for your pet.

Signs that your pet may have arthritis include:

• Favoring a limb
• Difficulty sitting or standing
• Sleeping more
• Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
• Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
• Weight gain
• Decreased activity or less interest in play
• Attitude or behavior changes
• Being less alert

Shop for Pet Arthritis Medication at the Corner Animal Hospital’s Online Pet Pharmacy here

Some of our pet arthritis medications include:

• Cosequin DS Chewable Tablets for Dogs
• Cosequin for Cats
• Glyco-Flex (GF 600) for Dogs
• Synovi G3

With Spring soon upon us, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming heartworm season. Heartworm is caused by a parasite called dirofiliaria immitis. It is spread to dogs, and recently cats, by a mosquito. The mosquito is a necessary part of the life cycle.

Traditionally this disease only occurred in hot and humid states that were essential to mosquito breeding. The disease occurs throughout our country now, although heatworm preventive medications have had a significant effect in lowering the incidence of heartworms.

Dogs and cats of any breed can be infected, although we tend to see it more in large male dogs. Since it takes at least 6 months from the time a mosquito injects microfilaria into a dog until these microfilaria become adult heartworms, puppies must be at least 6 months of age before adult heartworms are present. Most dogs are diagnosed at middle age. Many dogs do not have any symptoms until heart failure progresses. This emphasizes the need for yearly testing.

Many products are available to prevent heartworm (some of them also treat intestinal worms so they can be of great value). These products are inexpensive, easy to use, and effective. They should not be used routinely unless your dog has a yearly heartworm test to make sure it is negative.

Heartworm infestation can lead to heart failure. Treatment can be hard on a dog, so it is of utmost importance to plan on preventing the problem with the low cost and readily available medications used for prevention, as opposed to taking a chance and treating only if the problem occurs.

At the Corner Animal Hospital, besides providing tests for heartworms, we also carry a full line of heartworm prevention medicine including:

• Interceptor
• Sentinel
• Heartgard

When it comes to keeping your pets safe from flea and tick infections, Frontline is the name to know. It is the #1 trusted choice for flea and tick control by veterinarians. With just one dose, your dog or cat will be protected from fleas or ticks for at least a month. Frontline will not only kill any currently existing fleas or ticks already on your pet in the first twenty-four hours it’s been applied, but it will keep them off, not only killing full-grown pesticides, but also flea eggs and larvae. It’s also waterproof, allowing your pet to swim and be bathed without losing Frontline’s capabilities. It can be used on kittens and puppies at ages as early as 8 weeks old. For complete flea and tick control, choose Frontline.

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Everyone loves their pets. They’re fun, cuddly, cute and always full of love. Through all the excitement of having a pet, it is important to remember that sometimes pets get sick too. Pets are as prone to disease as humans are and a sick pet can break your heart the same way that a sick child can. Since pet disease is a reality, it is important that you are prepared for your pet if they become sick.There are a few ways that you can be prepared for an ill pet. The first is to purchase pet health insurance. Veterinarian bills and pet medication can be expensive and having insurance will help you cover all the expenses. The second way to be prepared for your pet is to find an online pet pharmacy where you can easily purchase medication. There are a number of reasons why online pet pharmacies are a great resource :

• The most common illnesses with dogs include fleas, gingivitis, cataracts, and dehydration. Other common pet diseases include various skin conditions, joint pain, and ear infections. The range of illness that pets can have is extensive, so the selection of medication supplied in online pharmacies is also extensive.

• Online pet pharmacies also tend to offer discounted medication. This will help you save a significant amount of money, especially if your pet suffers from a chronic skin disease or other common problems. If you are spending hundreds of dollars on medication, you should be able to greatly reduce your spending by switching to an online pet pharmacy.

• If your pet comes down with a common problem, such as ticks or fleas, you can quickly and easily visit an online pharmacy to find the correct medication. You can compare prices and make your purchase all from the comfort of your own home. Once you have purchased the medication, it will be delivered right to your doorstep. No more waiting on line or driving to the store!

• Pet owners often complain that it can be difficult to find prescription pet medication. However, these medications can easily be found online at pet pharmacies. You will also be able to find different brands for the same prescription, which will allow you to be able to choose the brand that works best for you.

You never know if or when your pet might become sick. Make sure you are informed on pet disease and what you need to do when a problem arises. The best way to keep your pet from unnecessary suffering is to be familiar with an online pet pharmacy so you can quickly get your pet the medication that it needs.

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a dog skin disorder in which the outer layer of the skin and hair follicles are over productive. The disorder starts on the areas of the dog where the oil glands are the largest – including the scalp, face, and behind the ears. Caused by yeast called pityrosporum ovale, the signs are an inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, and red skin rashes. At first, the symptoms can be similar to that of dandruff, but they will progress gradually to include additional symptoms.

How does a dog get Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic Dermatitis comes in two forms – primary and secondary. Primary Seborrheic Dermatitis is inherited through a recessive trait. A dog with this condition may begin to show signs as young as 10 weeks of age, however they will be very subtle. It is usually between the ages of 12 to 18 months that dogs with primary Seborrheic Dermatitis begin to show clear symptoms.
Secondary Seborrheic Dermatitis is typically seen in older dogs. Secondary infections are either the result of bacteria or yeast. These infections look the same as primary infections but are a reaction to an outside source rather than an inherited trait.

How is it diagnosed?

Many of the symptoms of both primary and secondary Seborrheic Dermatitis are similar to many other common dog skin conditions. If your dog displays any of these signs, it is very important to visit a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will take a small skin biopsy to be sure that your dog has Seborrheic Dermatitis and not a more serious skin condition.

How do I treat it?

Primary Seborrheic Dermatitis requires treatment for the dog’s entire life. There is no cause for the condition, but it can be controlled through the use of shampoos and moisturizers. Malaseb shampoo has proven to be an effective shampoo for the treatment and control of this skin condition. It can be used on dogs as well as on cats and horses. The shampoo should initially be used two or three times a week. As the severity of the condition lessens, then the frequency of use can be lessened. In order for the shampoo to be effective, it is also necessary to make sure that it stays on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes before being rinsed off.

After using the shampoo, use a moisturizer or an after-bath rinse to help retain the moisture and natural oils in your dog’s skin. Even during treatment, be sure to carefully watch your dog’s skin. It is possible for the condition to worsen during treatment. If this occurs, be sure to see your veterinarian right away to determine a better healing method for your dog.

Click here to get Malaseb Shampoo from our online pet pharmacy  http://shop.corneranimal.com/product_p/10137.htm

Heartworms are parasites that attack an animal’s heart and cause congenital heart problems if not detected. They are transmitted from animal to animal, after one is bit by an infected mosquito. Heartworms normally live in the right ventricle of the heart and in the nearby blood vessels.

Adult male and female worms that are living in your pet’s heart produce millions of baby parasites that circulate through your pet’s body. When a mosquito bites an animal with heartworms, it sucks up the baby worms and transmits them to the next animal it bites. Those worms now live in the heart of the newly infected animal, where they become adults and begin to reproduce.

When the baby worms are transmitted into the new animal, it takes approximately 6-7 months for them to become reproducing adult worms. They are only detectable when they are adults, so an animal needs to be infected for at least 6 months before it can be diagnosed through blood tests or X-rays.

Since heartworms can be spread easily from animal to animal, it is important to use preventative measures to protect your pet. Veterinarians recommend heartworm prevention for all dogs and as knowledge on heartworms in cats is increasing, prevention for cats is also becoming common.

In order to protect your pets from heartworm disease:

• Make sure you have your pet tested for heartworms before you begin to give them preventatives- unless they are less than 7 months old. If your pet is over 7 months and is started on preventative heartworm medication without initial testing, they are at risk for serious reactions to the medication.

• Puppies should be given a heartworm preventative by the time they are 8 weeks old.

• Puppies should be tested once they are 7 months old even if they are taking preventative medication.

• Dogs should be tested on a regular basis. Testing should be done every 2-3 years if the dog is regularly given the preventative medication, and every year if any doses of the medication were missed.

• In cats, one heartworm can cause sudden death, but it is difficult to test in cats. You can start the preventative medication without an initial test.

• Cats do not display the same symptoms as dogs. The symptoms in cats are similar to those of other common cat diseases. It is important to remember the possibility that such symptoms can be because of heartworm.

It is important to protect your pets from heartworms because it can be a fatal disease. However, if they are detected in your dog, there are curable treatments to use. A series of injections cause the adult heartworms living in the heart to die. The worms then continually break up into smaller pieces until they are small enough for the body to absorb. While this is happening, the dog’s heart is working harder than usual, so it is important that the dog does not do any strenuous exercise for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks, the dog is given a one day treatment to rid its body of the baby worms. Be sure that your dog receives a follow up test 6 months after the treatment to ensure that the heartworms are gone. There are currently no heartworm treatments for cats yet. The best way to treat a cat infected with heartworms is to begin using preventative medications to help alleviate your cat’s symptoms.

Does your pet like to play at the park or in your backyard? If so, your pet may be in contact with ticks! All pets that spend time outdoors can easily pick up a tick! It is very easy for a pet to get a tick and they can pick them up from a number of places. Such places include woods, parks, and even your own backyard. Some ticks cannot be seen because they live in dark, moist environments underneath plants and objects. Other ticks live in plain sight and are able to climb structures, such as fences, trees, or tall grass. A tick can easily attach to any pet close to them, so that being said, it is important to know how to prevent and get rid of them if your pet has one.

How Can I Prevent Ticks?

·         While ticks are usually found in woody, brushy, and tall grass areas, the best way to prevent ticks is to treat your entire yard for them. Treat your yard with an insecticide, focusing on areas where ticks would most commonly be found. Also make sure to mow your lawn regularly and keep your bushes trimmed.

·         You can also prevent ticks by treating your house for them. Ticks can move around a house very easily so it is important to treat the house thoroughly. Make sure you treat all carpets and upholstered furniture, including the sides and backs of the furniture because ticks can climb it. Be sure to treat walls and baseboards. Ticks will hide in baseboards and climb walls. Also make sure to thoroughly treat closets, storage areas, and other places where ticks can hide in your house.

·         You can also get a tick preventative for your pet. Tick preventatives kill ticks that attach to your pet. They are a good way to help protect your pet from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.  A good product to use for your dog is called Preventic. It provides safe and effective control of ticks for up to three months and prevents new ticks from attaching and feeding within 48 hours after application.

What Do I Do If My Pet Gets A Tick?

·         If you have found a tick on your pet, you need to get it out. Pull your pet’s hair away from the tick. Then use tweezers to grab the tick. Try to get as close to the head as possible.  Do not squeeze the tweezers. Instead pull up and away from your pet, pulling the tick out. Do this slowly so you do not break off the head of the tick. Then flush the tick down the toilet.

·         If your pet has brought many ticks into the house and caused the house to be infested, continually treat the house as stated above. Also be sure to use a tick prevention product on your pet and check its skin every day. It may take several weeks to completely rid the house of ticks.

It is very important to be aware of the areas where your pet can pick up a tick and know what to do if your pet does pick up a tick. Ticks can carry many diseases, including Lyme disease, and easily transmit disease to your pet. During the summer season, a quick tick check every day is the best way to protect your pet.

Here are the Corner Animal’s Flea & Tick products availble in our online pet pharmacy : http://shop.corneranimal.com/category_s/77.htm

The liver is vital to your pet’s health. It is the main filtering and clearing house of the body. All blood supply travels through the liver to be detoxified. When functioning properly, it performs crucial processes like the regulation of blood sugar, the production of bile for digestion and the regulation of blood clotting. The liver also works as a filter to remove toxic substances, as well as helping to absorb fats and certain vitamins.

An overload of toxins can cause the liver to fail. Some pets are genetically prone to liver failure, while a lack of food can cause liver malfunction in certain animals, particularly cats. Bacterial or viral infections of the liver can also cause this vital organ to stop working. There are many causes of liver disease- such as genetics, copper storage diseases, drug induce diseases, poisons, pancreatitis, cushing’s disease, malnutrition, parasites, environmental stresses, cancer, trauma, and infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal), just to name a few.

When the liver fails, both dogs and cats experience similar symptoms :

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite,
• Weight loss
• Soft and/or gray stools
• Weakness and lethargy

Often times these symptoms are similar to other conditions and the liver remains untreated until it becomes evident that the animal is experiencing advanced liver disease. As the disease worsens, toxins begin to build up in the body and the signs of liver failure become more evident :

• Jaundice
• Convulsions
• Confusion
• Swollen abdomen from fluid accumulation

While advanced liver disease can be treated effectively, it is always best to identify the signs and begin treatment early. Do your pet a favor – if the above symptoms persist for several days, take your companion to your veterinarian. When diagnosed early, treatment of liver disease can be worthwhile. The liver is remarkable in its ability to regenerate itself and so many animals go on to live normal, healthy lives after experiencing liver failure. Diagnosis includes blood tests, X-rays and ultrasounds.

Denosyl SD4 For Dogs And Cats :

When liver function is compromised, the exact cause can often be difficult to determine. Supporting the liver, regardless of the cause, is essential if function is to be improved. Denosyl has been shown to markedly increase liver glutathione levels in dogs and cats. However, Denosyl’s activities go far beyond just increasing glutathione levels. It has also been shown to protect liver cells from cell death and may help cell repair and healing.

About half of dogs and cats with liver problems have a low hepatic glutathione level. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that protects hepatic cells from toxins and death. Denosyl SD4 has been shown to increase these hepatic glutathione levels.

Click here to get Denosyl SD4 from our online pet pharmacy  http://shop.corneranimal.com/product_p/10375.htm

Osteoarthritis affects over 20 million people in the United States alone. But we’re not the only ones at risk! Our pets can also develop this crippling form of arthritis. Below I will answer a few questions about osteoarthritis and what you can do to help your pet.

So, what exactly is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease in both humans and pets. It’s a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, becomes more and more frequent with age, affecting the hands (or in this case paws), feet, spine, and the large weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. The resulting stiffness, swelling, pain, and loss of mobility can seriously degrade your pet’s quality of life. Treatment is usually given in the form of an anti-inflammatory to help ease the individual’s discomfort.

What causes Osteoarthritis?

Most cases of osteoarthritis have no clear known cause. These cases are referred to as “Primary Osteoarthritis.” In the event that the cause is known, the condition is referred to as “Secondary Osteoarthritis.”

Primary Osteoarthritis is usually related to aging. With age, the protein make up of cartilage degenerates resulting in arthritis. Repetitive use of the joints over years also irritates and inflames the cartilage causing pain and swelling. So those dogs who loved to play fetch for hours when they were younger may very well be paying for it now! As osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage continues to degenerate and in advanced cases, there can be total cartilage loss in the joint. This causes friction between the bones leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility. Cartilage loss occurs only in the most advanced cases; however it usually calls for surgery. While surgery is the less desirable treatment, in the event the condition has become unmanageable, surgery can greatly improve the quality of life.

Secondary Osteoarthritis is caused by another disease or condition. Some of the conditions that lead to Secondary Osteoarthritis include obesity, repeated trauma or surgery to the joint, gout and diabetes. Obesity leads to osteoarthritis by increasing the stress on the cartilage. Next to aging, obesity is the most common and powerful risk factor for osteoarthritis. It’s important to keep your pet lean and fit to help them fight the onset of osteoarthritis! Hormone disturbances such as diabetes and growth hormone disorders are also heavily associated with early cartilage wear; making it another common risk factor for Secondary Osteoarthritis.

This all sounds bad, what can I do for my pet?

Well, it might be time to move your cat’s litter box up from the basement and your dog’s water dish in from the garage. Osteoarthritis can make movement very painful, so be kind to your pet- move their essential items to an area that is easily accessible to them. It may also be time to trade in that door mat they sleep on for a nice comfy pet bed!

Now, outside of a few household changes, your pet will also need treatment to help ease their pain and the progression of the cartilage breakdown. Typically, treatment comes in the form of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, usually referred to NSAID’s for short. NSAID’s are widely used and are proved effective in reducing clinical signs and discomfort from osteoarthritis. A very effective treatment for dogs is Cosequin DS Chewable Tablets. These tablets are well tolerated by dogs and are proven to help with the pain and discomfort from osteoarthritis. Available in a variety of flavored tablets, they provide the nutrients the body uses to replenish cartilage. These pills are all natural and developed for long term use.

We recommend Cosequin :
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