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Epilepsy and Pets
Epilepsy in dogs and cats is similar to that in humans. Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy in dogs or cats. There are several types of seizures and following are the most common:
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures are the most prevalent form of seizures experienced by pets. Varieties of generalized seizures include:
1. Absence seizures (petit mal): rarely seen in pets, absence seizures result in a short period of unconsciousness
2. Myoclonic seizures: jerking of the muscle which can include one or more muscles
3. Clonic seizures: characterized by measured, or rhythmic, muscle contractions
4. Tonic seizures: notable increase in muscle tone, stiffening of muscles for brief periods
5. Tonic Clonic seizures (grand mal): this is the most common form of seizures in petsTags: epilepsy in pets, pet care, Pet Health, seizures in cats, seizures in dogs
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Salmonella Infection and Pets
Video Link: Zoonotic Disease in Pets
Salmonella and Our Pets
With the recent Peanut Butter Recall, Salmonella once more has become headline news. Salmonella is a bacterium that can affect both humans and animals and can be passed from human to animal and animal to humans (reverse zoonotic disease). Most infections occur through ingestion of contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infected host.
In the Peanut Butter recall, contaminated peanuts were used as a flavoring or an additive in products including pet food and treats. Luckily, most dogs and cats infrequently develop disease, but handling the infected treats and then handling food or not washing your hands after handling infected products can transmit the bacteria to humans.
Acute Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Babies, the elderly and immune suppressed are more susceptible to infection and can be exposed by contact with pets or humans harboring the bacteria without showing symptoms. Severe illness or death can occur in the most susceptible, babies, the elderly or the immune suppressed. Salmonella is most often found in raw meat, poultry, eggs and sometimes vegetables.
Tags: Peanut Butter, Pet Health, pets, Salmonella
