What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common hormone disease in older people and it is increasingly being recognized in older dogs and cats aged above 6 years. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism due to absolute (Type I diabetes) or relative (Type II diabetes) lack of insulin. In dogs, Type I diabetes is the most common while Type II diabetes is rare. Insulin is the hormone that keeps blood sugar (glucose) at optimum levels and is produ

Mange (demodicosis) refers to an inflammatory, parasitic skin condition of animals that is caused by increased numbers of microscopic mites that are normally present in low numbers in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin of otherwise healthy animals. The mites cause irritation of the skin, resulting in itching, hair loss, and inflammation and the condition is highly contagious. Though dogs and cats are very susceptible, horses and other domestic animals, as wel

Laboratory tests are importantly used by veterinary doctors to assist in the diagnosis of diseases in sick animals. Progressively, laboratory tests are also becoming part of routine health checks to detect hidden diseases before they develop obvious symptoms. This allows a sick animal to be treated earlier and more effectively. The other essential use of laboratory tests is the testing of patients' kidneys and liver to ascertain that they are working properly before a surgica