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  • An agility trial is a competitive canine sporting event where dogs of various breeds navigate obstacles and are judged on speed and accuracy. Agility training can be a fun activity with many benefits for you and your dog.

  • Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint or joints that causes pain and stiffness but the word 'arthritis' is often used to cover a range of conditions, many of which are not true arthritis.

  • This handout discusses aspergillosis in cats, an infection, growth, or allergic response caused by the Aspergillus fungus. If your cat becomes infected, it can be confined to the nasal passages (nasal aspergillosis), or it can spread throughout the body (systemic aspergillosis). The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of both conditions are outlined.

  • Children often have very close relationships with pets, and especially with dogs. Losing a pet dog is inevitable and may be the child's first experience of death, but there are ways for parents and others to help the child cope with it. Start by talking with your child about death truthfully and in an age-appropriate manner. It is important for children to have the chance to say goodbye. Children grieve just as intensely as adults do, but often have different ways of expressing their grief. Each child will grieve their dog in their own unique way and at their own pace. With care and support, your child can grow through the grief and heal.

  • Children often have very close relationships with pets, and especially with cats. Losing a pet cat is inevitable and may be the child's first experience of death, but there are ways for parents and others to help the child cope with it. Start by talking with your child about death truthfully and in an age-appropriate manner. It is important for children to have the chance to say goodbye. Children grieve just as intensely as adults do, but often have different ways of expressing their grief. Each child will grieve their cat in their own unique way and at their own pace. With care and support, your child can grow through the grief and heal.

  • This handout discusses the use of cryosurgery in pets. This technique involves the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissues. A short discussion in included as to how the technique is used, and in what circumstances it may be appropriate to use.

  • Hospitals providing curbside care have restructured their practice to avoid the need for clients to enter the lobby and exam rooms. This is designed to promote physical (social) distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Curbside care offers a number of benefits for you and your pet. By eliminating the need for you to enter the hospital, potential COVID-19 outbreaks are reduced. The veterinary team is protected under a curbside care model, and in turn, so is your pet. Even in curbside care, you will have an opportunity to speak with your veterinarian in order to discuss findings and recommendations. To help the curbside appointment go smoothly, bring a written list of concerns or fill in any forms your practice has sent to you prior to the appointment. Curbside care truly is in the best interests of you and your pet.

  • This handout discusses excessive drooling (hypersalivation) in dogs. There can be many causes for this complaint. Abnormal causes include nausea or gastrointestinal issues, oral pain or irritation, and conformation of the jowls. A short discussion of the more common causes is included. Further diagnostic and treatment options depend on the underlying cause.

  • Just like people, your cat can mourn when there has been a loss in their world, and the symptoms are similar. There are ways that you can help, with some guidance from your veterinarian or a behaviorist if needed.

  • Dreaming is similar in dogs as it is in people and is a normal part of the rest period. Nightmares do not appear to be typical, but you can see different breathing patterns and some movement of the legs while your dog is dreaming.

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