Bling's Blog - Pet Health
Endocrinology: Canine Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs What Is Diabetes Mellitus? Diabetes mellitus is an illness that arises due to the body’s inability to either make or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced and released by specialised cells in the pancreas. Insulin allows the body’s cells to uptake su
Endocrinology: Feline Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus in Cats: A Guide to Treatment at Home What is Diabetes Mellitus? Diabetes mellitus is caused by a decreased ability by the body to provide enough insulin, a hormone that is made by the pancreas. Insulin moves glucose (sugar) fro
Endocrinology: Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism in Cats What are the thyroid glands? The thyroid glands are located in the neck and play a vital role in regulating the body's metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder characterised by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in the pet's metabolism. This is a commonly-diagnosed condition in older cats. Although the thyroid gland enlar
End-of-Life Care: Explaining to Children About Pet Euthanasia
Explaining to Children about Euthanasia of a Pet Use age-appropriate terms and avoid euphemisms The finality of death is a difficult concept, especially for children under the age of 5 or so. It is best to talk in honest terms, at an appropriate level of detail for the child's age. Very small children need to know that this is final - the pet isn't going to
End-of-Life Care: When to Consider Euthanasia
When to Consider Euthanasia What is Euthanasia? Euthanasia is the humane termination of life. There are times where veterinary science has exhausted all of its capabilities and euthanasia is the only way to alleviate an animal from suffering. The decision regarding when to euthanise is fraught with medical, financial, ethical, religious, moral and sometimes