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The most common allergy seen in dogs and cats is caused by fleas. Flea-bite dermatitis is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to the fleas saliva, which contains up to 15 allergens! And the worst part is that it only takes one bite from one flea to set off an allergic reaction that will leave your pet feeling itchy and uncomfortable for anywhere between a couple of hours to many days.

Fleas are small insects that live on your pets causing much irritation. Flea bites generally result in the formation of a slightly-*raised swollen itching spot on the skin surface* with a single puncture wound. This may cause intense itching and scratching for the host animal (your pet!). Furthermore, an animal may be allergic to the flea saliva present on the skin leading to a condition known as flea bite dermatitis.

Fur balls are most commonly associated with cats, but may also affect dogs. A cat has an intrinsic instinct to groom its coat helping to get rid of unsightly burs and knots. The cat has a raspy tongue, like sandpaper helping to brush the coat and dislodge small debris. The licking of the coat means that a fair amount of hair is swallowed.

As annoying as it may be, shedding is a natural process that is affected by seasonal and temperature changes, your cats age and diet. There are two things you can do to help prevent and manage your cats hair loss which will go a long way to helping both you and your pet.

More and more dogs and cats develop various types of heart disease each year. These diseases include congestive heart failure, diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), diseases of the heart valve, heart murmur, arrhythmias or congenital defects. In dogs, heart disease may develop as a result of defects in the heart muscle or in the valves.

A heart murmur is described as an abnormal sound or vibration heard when your veterinarian listens to your pets heart. It is a softer, prolonged sound rather than the short, sharp beat of a normal beat. It occurs as a result of abnormal blood flowing through the heart which may be caused when the heart valve is not completely sealed and blood leaks through a narrow opening that should be shut.

Blood pressure is checked in pets if an underlying disease is suspected, if the animal is older than nine years or if eye problems or blindness presents itself. A thorough physical examination which includes checking the heart, nervous system and kidneys together with a complete medical history will be performed.

Equine hoof abscess is the inflammation of the corium (a sensitive structure of the hoof). Hoof problems such as a hoof abscess can occur in both shod as well as unshod horses. Pus is produced as the natural reaction of the horses body to fight off infection.

Hooves refer to the hard outer covering of the horses foot. The outer and inner hoof is made up of bones and sensitive structures. The outer hoof consists of the coronet (the band around the top of the hoof where the hair stops) and hoof wall (horny exterior of the hoof).

Horses, like humans are often susceptible to muscle and joint conditions arthritis. Arthritis in horses, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a degenerative joint disease that causes soreness, inflammation and joint pain.