For Referring Veterinarians

Approximately 15% of allergic dogs and cats develop allergies to foods. Almost always, the allergy is to the protein in the diet. An animal can develop an allergy to any protein. It is not the amount, but the type of protein that is important. Dogs commonly develop allergies to beef, chicken, corn, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat, while cats often develop allergies to fish, dairy, and beef. Dyes, preservatives, and chemicals are rarely responsible…

Feline hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is a rare condition in cats. Spontaneous HAC is associated with increased production of endogenous steroid hormone (cortisol) by the adrenal cortex. 75-80% of cases are pituitary dependent (functional pituitary adenoma) and 25% are caused by an adrenal tumor (carcinoma or microadenoma). Feline HAC may also be iatrogenic from exogenous use of steroids such as prednisolone. Signs Clinical signs may include polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia, depression, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, muscle weakness,…

“Atypical” mycobacteria, also called “opportunistic” or “nontuberculous” mycobacteria, are a subset of bacteria belonging to the genus Mycobacteria. These organisms are free living, located throughout the world and are found in damp soil and water. Skin infections in dogs and cats are rare and typically occur when a bite wound or scratch gets contaminated with soil or water containing these bacteria. The disease is more common in cats then dogs and typically starts as a…