The term polyphagia defines excessive food consumption, which can be physiologic, pathologic, or drug-induced. Food intake is regulated by different factors, such as the central nervous system (CNS), the gastrointestinal tract, and the environment. Within the CNS, food intake regulation is primarily due to the hypothalamic nuclei, which define the feeding center and the satiety center. Gastrointestinal regulation is due to gastric distension, the rate of gastric emptying, gut hormones, and...

Total thyroxine (T4) is commonly measured in dogs as a screening test for hypothyroidism or as part of extended blood tests. Thus, a low T4 concentration is a fairly common finding, and its significance must be carefully assessed. Serum T4 concentration is the sum of both protein-bound and free circulating hormone. It depends on the rate of T4 synthesis by the thyroid glands, the activity of T4-binding proteins, and the conversion rate of free thyroxine (fT4) into the biologically more active...

Anemia is defined as a reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, resulting from a decrease in the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, the red blood cell (RBC) number, and the hematocrit (HCT) value. In the evaluation of an anemic dog or cat, hydration status must be considered. Hematocrit reflects the severity of anemia only when the animal has normal hydration and blood volume. A drop in Hb concentration, in the number of RBCs, or in the HCT value can sometimes be observed without a...

Chronic diarrhea indicates an increase in fecal water content, volume, and/or defecation frequency, associated or not with alteration of the characteristics of the stool (color, consistency, presence of mucus or blood), for almost three weeks. The condition is attributable to chronic enteropathy (CE), while extraintestinal diseases (including eukalemic/eunatremic hypoadrenocorticism, hepatic disease, and pancreatic failure), as well as parasitic, protozoal, neoplastic, and infectious...

Your young clients will be thrilled to colour these festive pages as a gift for their four-legged friend. Simply download and print the prepared content and you're good to go! Use these colouring pages in your clinic to: run a contest or plan a draw; keep kids busy in your waiting room or during consultations; get the conversation going with your clients about potential holiday risks for their animals

Whether for relocation, rescue, breeding, or personal travel, transporting companion animals demands careful planning to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. To support veterinary professionals and caregivers in this process, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and the World Veterinary Association (WVA) have developed a comprehensive new factsheet on Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport. This practical resource offers step-by-step guidance for all stages of the...

Do your clients know how to recognize the signs of heatstroke in their cats? To help you start the conversation with your clients about heat-related risks in cats, we've created a practical, ready-to-share resource. This poster highlights the types of cats most vulnerable to heat, the signs of heatstroke to watch for, and practical tips to help keep cats cool during the warmer months. Help educate your clients about feline wellbeing during the summer! Share this poster on your clinic’s...

The puppy stage can be challenging for new pet owners. This is why they will need all the guidance they can get to help their puppy grow into a happy and well-behaved family member. We’ve prepared these Puppy socialization tools that you can use on your clinic's website and social media pages to explain to pet owners why, when and where it is important to socialize their puppy. Start sharing puppy socialization tips now! You're just three steps away from helping pet owners properly socialize...

We’ve prepared this practical ready-to-share tool to help spark the conversation with your clients and improve their awareness regarding dog safety during summer months. This tool highlights the types of dogs most vulnerable to heat, signs of overheating and practical tips to help keep dogs cool in the summer. Share this poster on your clinic's website and social media pages to inform pet owners on how to notice and prevent heat stroke in their loyal companion.