Talking about cremation can be uncomfortable or considered taboo, but this process is an important part of healing for many. At Paws into Grace, we offer two cremation options — traditional fire cremation and a water-based cremation called Aquamation, also known as Alkaline Hydrolysis. What is Alkaline Hydrolysis? Alkaline Hydrolysis is an accelerated process of […]
Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
What is Diabetes Mellitus? Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a condition in which there is a deficiency of, or insensitivity to insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is normally responsible for controlling appropriate levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose is needed for energy and insulin works by moving glucose into the body’s […]
Lymphoma in Cats
What is Feline Lymphoma? Lymphoma is a common type of cancer in cats. It is caused by the proliferation of malignant lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that often occurs in the chest, kidneys, nose, skin, spine, and gastrointestinal tract. There are several classification systems for lymphoma based on whether or not it is […]
Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats
What is Heart Disease? Heart disease in animals is either congenital (they are born with it) or acquired (developed due to an underlying cause). The congenital disease is usually seen in younger animals, affecting many smaller breeds, whereas acquired heart disease is generally seen in older dogs and cats. Small breed dogs often develop leaky […]
Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
What is Hemangiosarcoma (HAS)? Hemangiosarcoma (HAS) is an aggressive, malignant cancer of blood vessels that often grows as a mass in the spleen, liver or heart, but can also be found growing in other places in the body. Animals usually present to their veterinarian for sudden collapse due to internal bleeding from the mass. In […]
Liver Disease in Dogs and Cats
What is Liver Disease? The liver plays many roles within the body including protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, detoxification, bile metabolism, synthesis of blood coagulation factors, vitamin storage, blood filtration, and metabolism of drugs. Liver disease is a generic term and can be caused by many underlying causes including chronic active hepatitis, infections, cancer, toxins, […]
Nasal Tumors in Dogs and Cats
What Are Nasal Tumors? Nasal tumors are usually locally aggressive, malignant tumors that affect both dogs and cats. The most common tumor originating in the nasal cavity in dogs is adenocarcinoma, while lymphoma is the most common nasal tumor in cats. Animals usually present to their veterinarian for difficulty breathing through the nose, noisy breathing, […]
Oral Tumors in Dogs and Cats
What are Oral Tumors? Oral tumors are usually locally aggressive, malignant tumors that affect both dogs and cats. The most common tumor originating in the mouth cavity are malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, and acanthomatous ameloblastoma. The most common oral tumors in cats are squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma. Several other malignant oral tumors […]
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
What is Feline Hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is most often caused by a benign growth of the thyroid gland that overproduces the thyroid hormones. There is no known cause of this disease. It has been speculated that common household chemicals may play a role, that indoor cats are at greater risk, and that certain breeds may have […]
Osteoarthritis in Pets
What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as a degenerative joint disease is one of the most common causes of lameness in pets. It is caused by a deterioration of joint cartilage, followed by pain and loss of range of motion of the joint. Cartilage is a smooth resilient tissue that lines the joints, allowing […]
