Companion Animals

Owners must know their dogs well enough to tell when they are ill. They should know what ailment symptoms to look for.

Parasitic diseases of dogs are caused by internal and external parasites. common parasites include tape and round worms. Round worms are commonly found in young naive dogs. The main clinical presentation of infested dogs include dry nose, foul breath, skin conditions, cough, polyuria and vomit. Good hygiene is required to prevent eggs in dog faeces from contaminating the environment including floors, bedding, feeding bowls and the dog itself. External parasites include ticks, mites and fleas. Flea-bite allergic dermatitis cases presented with dermatitis, alopecia, itching and secondary infection. Fleas can also spread tapeworms. they are controlled by sprays, powders and applications applied directly onto the dog’s skin. they can also be sterilised. Mites cause skin mange and can infest dog ears. Affected case present with ear discharge and increased ear wax. Ear mites are managed by washing affected ears and instilling antibiotic ear drops.

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Budzik, M.F., (April 27, 2009). Common Genetic Dog Diseases, http://paintingdogs.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/common-genetic-dog-diseases/

Genetic canine diseases affect many breeds. They include the following:

Golden retrievers and Newfoundlands are prone to aortic stenosis leading to cardiac dysrhythmia and sudden death due to aortic stenosis.

Atropic Dermatitis; common skin disease linked to allergies: Cairn terriers, West Highland white terriers, Shar peis, Scottish terriers, Lhasa apsos, Wire-hared Fox terriers, Dalmatians, Irish setters, Boston terriers, Pugs, Golden retrievers, Boxers, English setters, Labrador retrievers, and Miniature Schnauzer:

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus is common in large deep-chested dog breeds. Bloating of the stomach with gas and fluid causes it to twist along its long axis thus shutting off blood supply to vital organs. This medical emergency is readily lethal if not treated. It is reported in Bloodhounds, Great Danes, Atika, Weimaraner, Standard Poodle, Setters.

Hereditiary cataract formation is suspected in 97 dog breeds including Smooth Fox Terrier, Havanese, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Silky Terrier, Toy Poodle, American Cocker Spaniel, Standard Poodle, and Miniature Schnauzer.

Cherry Eye or tear gland prolapse is susceptible to secondary infection. It is common in Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Bloodhounds.

Deafness is more common in Dalmatians, English setters, bull terriers, and Australian cattle dogs.

Encephalitis is a central nervous system inflammatory diseases which cause seizures. It is reported in Pugs, Maltese, Pekingese and Yorkshire Terrier.

Heatstroke is common in geriatric and brachycephalic dogs like English bulldog, Pekingese, Boston terrier, bull mastiff, Shih Tzu, and Pomeranian. The palates of brachycephalic dog can get sucked into the trachea and obstruct breathing when they pant heavily. Such dogs with breathing difficulties have trouble swimming.

Hypothyroidism reduces the metabolic rate and there is autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland.

Hip Dysplasia is a painful developmental malformation / subluxation of the hip joints that leads to arthritis. It is often seen in German Shepherds and is common in large breed dogs.

Induced-drug toxicity poisoning due to owner-administer drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can cause kidney damage or gastric ulcers in dogs. Dogs are also affected by food poisoning. It affects all dogs.

Neoplastic Genetic Predisposition due to inability to suppress tumour by a defective p53 gene. It has caused 80 % mortality in Flat-coated retrievers.

Progressive Retinal Athrophy or progressive degeneration of the retina in both eyes leads to blindness.

Ruptured Disk disease is a common problem of short-legged Dachshunds.

Von Willebrands Disease is a bleeding disorder of dysfunctional blood platelet function. It affects 59 dog breeds including Doberman Pinscher, French Bulldog, Great Danes, Shih Tzu, Poodle (all sizes), German short haired and wire haired pointers, Scottish terriers, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Rottweilers, and Shetland sheepdog.

Wobbler Syndrome is progressive weakness from the hind legs cranially. It is common in Great Danes and Dobermans.

Low-cal Dog Treat Tip

Resuscitation From Hypovolemic Shock by Elke Rudloff

Significant loss of intravascular volume, or hypovolemia, results in decreased transport of nutrients to the cells and impaired cellular waste removal. Profound hypovolemia can result from trauma, loss of plasma water during vomiting and diarrhea, extreme venodilation from systemic inflammation, and significant hemorrhage. Hypovolemic shock occurs when the natural neuroendocrine compensatory responses fail to restore and maintain tissue perfusion. Once 40% of the intravascular volume is lost, the neuroendocrine responses to hypovolemia become ineffective and irreversible organ failure begins. [MORE]