Bukang Liwayway Bark and Meow Pet Clinic

26/06/2026

Canine distemper is a highly contagious, incurable viral disease that attacks a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is spread through airborne droplets or direct contact with infected bodily fluids (e.g., saliva, urine). Because the virus is often fatal, immediate veterinary isolation and supportive care are essential.
KEY SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR; The disease progresses through multiple stages and can affect dogs of all ages, particularly puppies. Look for these distinct signs:Initial Stage: High fever, lethargy, red eyes, and thick discharge from the nose or eyes.Mid-Stage: Coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, often leading to dehydration.
ADVANCED NEUROLOGICAL STAGE: The virus attacks the central nervous system, causing muscle twitches (myoclonus), head tilts, seizures, paralysis, and uncoordinated movements.Hard Pad Disease: Thickening and hardening of the footpads and nose.Treatment and CareThere is no specific medication to kill the virus. Veterinary treatment focuses entirely on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections (such as pneumonia):IV Fluids: To combat dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.Medications: To control seizures, reduce fever, and manage neurological symptoms.Hospitalization: Intensive care is often required to support the dog's immune system while it fights the virus.Note: Even if a dog survives, they may suffer from permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.PreventionThe absolute best defense against canine distemper is routine vaccination.Puppies: Should receive a series of vaccinations starting at 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters every few weeks until they are about 16 weeks of age.Adults: Require regular booster shots to maintain lifelong immunity.If you suspect your dog is showing any of these symptoms, or if you need to schedule a vaccination, contact your local veterinary clinic immediately. To learn more or review care guidelines, consult at the Bark and Meow vet clinic.

23/06/2026

An umbilical hernia is a soft, usually painless bulge near a puppy's belly button that occurs when the abdominal wall fails to close completely after birth. Small hernias (less than 1 cm) containing only fat often close on their own, while larger ones require corrective surgery.Understanding Umbilical HerniasWhat it is: A protrusion of abdominal fat or organs pushing through the umbilical ring.Cause: Primarily congenital (present at birth). It is frequently seen in puppies and is more common in certain breeds due to genetics.Signs: A soft, squishy bulge that may become more prominent when the dog stands, barks, or strains.When to Monitor vs. TreatSmall Hernias: If the opening is smaller than a fingertip and only contains fat, it is generally harmless. Many veterinarians choose to simply monitor the hernia to see if it closes spontaneously by the time the puppy reaches 4 months of age.Routine Surgery: If the hernia does not close, veterinarians usually recommend repairing it surgically during your dog's routine spay or neuter procedure. This eliminates the need for a separate surgery.Emergency Hernias: Large hernias can allow intestines or other organs to slip through. If these organs become trapped or "strangled," it cuts off blood supply, which is a life-threatening. This is Maui, a one year old, 7.3 kg female shi tzu owned by Ms GS of Kaligasa, Kabacan.

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

Red-footed tortoises have a concave, bumpy shell. Their skin is mostly black with shells being typically black, gray or brown. Young tortoises have small distinct areas of yellow or tan coloring surrounding or covering each bump. Bright red marks may appear on the head. The legs and tail often have patches of orange, yellow or red.

Size
Male red-footed tortoises are larger than females and grow up to 13.5 inches (34 centimeters) long. Females average 11.25 inches (28.5 centimeters) long. Adult male tortoises can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms).

Native Habitat
Red-footed tortoises live throughout South America from Panama to Argentina. They are also found on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Barbados. They live in dry and wet forests areas, grasslands and the savanna.

Lifespan
They frequently reach ages of 50 years or more.

Communication
Males and females use head movements as signals to identify each other.

Food/Eating Habits
Red-footed tortoises are primarily herbivorous but will also eat small amounts of animal matter, such as small invertebrates. Most of their food comes from leaves, grasses, fungi, fruits and flowers.

At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they are fed a specially formulated tortoise feed that includes a balance of cellulose, carbohydrates, proteins and minerals such as calcium. They also receive dietary enrichment in the form of browse and occasional fruit.

Reproduction and Development
After mating, females bury five to 15 eggs in nests excavated in leaf litter on the forest floor. Incubation time in the nest varies with local conditions, but typically, eggs hatch after around 150 days.
This is Michael Angelo, a young red legged tortoise, 200 grms, owned by Mr. Jemel C. of Kabacan, Cotabato, anorectic with severe vomition probably suffering from GIT infection who recovered after 5 days of confinement here in Bark n Meow.
Video cortesy of Ms Abigail June.

31/05/2026

A milk goiter (or "milk neck") is a harmless, soft swelling under the throat in young, fast-growing kids. Despite its name, it is not a thyroid issue caused by iodine deficiency; rather, it is an enlarged thymus gland, which is a normal sign of early immune system development.
You can confidently identify a milk goiter by looking for the following traits:
Location: Right in the middle of the throat, where the chin meets the neck (midline).
Texture: Soft, squishy, and non-painful.
Symmetry: Symmetrical (does not bulge to just one side).
Goat’s Health: The kid is energetic, eating well, gaining weight, and shows no signs of distress.
Appearance: Usually starts to appear at about 1 to 3 weeks of age.
Regression: The lumps typically shrink and disappear on their own as the kid is weaned and matures (between 6 to 9 months of age). Here is a week old boer kid owned by a retired police Coronel MP. Kidapawan City.

31/05/2026

Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) is a rare, naturally occurring, and contagious cancer spread directly between dogs. It is commonly transmitted during mating, or through sniffing, licking, or biting infected areas. What it looks like: Raised, cauliflower-like masses that often appear on the external genitalia (pen*s/vulva), but can also occur on the face, nose, or mouth.Prevalent in stray populations and tropical/subtropical regions, including Central/South America, parts of Africa, Asia, and India.Signs to watch for: Lumps, visible bleeding, or swelling around the ge****ls, or unexplained bloody nasal discharges if the tumor is internal. Unlike many cancers, TVT is highly curable and responds remarkably well to medical treatment.
Chemotherapy: The primary treatment is intravenous chemotherapy (most commonly using vincristine). A short series of weekly sessions usually yields a complete recovery rate of over 90%.
Prevention: Spaying and neutering drastically reduce the risk of transmission

31/05/2026

The Philippine Palm Civet (Paradoxurus philippinensis), locally known as the musang, is a small, cat-like mammal endemic to the Philippines. Famous for their nocturnal habits and their role in producing premium kape alamid, they are vital seed dispersers that keep Philippine forests healthy. This one was traumatized and its right eye was permanently damaged and needs tarsoraphy. The is owner Mr. BP from kidapawan

31/05/2026

Struvite crystals (magnesium ammonium phosphate) are mineral deposits that form in the urinary tract. Often called "infection stones," they thrive in alkaline urine and are frequently caused by specific bacteria that break down urea. In the body, they can appear as classic, three-dimensional, prism-like shapes often described as "coffin lids" under a microscope. This male cat is owned by Ms ACs showing frequent trips to littersand. Extracted were bloody urine with lots of mucous like clumps full of struvites.