Category — dog health advice

Abnormally High levels of Parathyroid Hormone due to Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs

Parathyroid glands are the small endocrine glands that produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). The major function of the parathyroid gland is to control concentrations of calcium in the blood and within the bones. This is not to be confused with the thyroid gland, which has a different function.

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Idiopathic and Genetic Epilepsy in Dogs

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes the dog to have sudden, uncontrolled, recurring physical attacks, with or without loss of consciousness. This may sometimes occur for unknown reasons (idiopathic) or due to genetic abnormalities. However, idiopathic epilepsy is often characterized by structural brain lesions and is more likely seen in male dogs. If left untreated, the seizures may become more severe and frequent.

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Separation anxiety in dogs usually are destructive or otherwise inappropriate when an owner leaves the pet or is not in close proximity. Behaviors that may be seen include vocalization, destroying objects, digging or even depression. However, these behaviors may also be due to other conditions or environmental cues. Therefore, it is important for the behaviorist or veterinarian to obtain the history of the dog before attributing separation anxiety as the primary or sole cause of the behavior.

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Retinal Detachment in Dogs

The retina is the innermost lining of the eyeball. Retinal detachment refers to its separation from the back of the eyeball. This can be caused by a variety of genetic and non-genetic factors, and in some cases is a result of a more serious underlying medical condition. There are some forms of treatment, although retinal detachment may lead to permanent blindness.

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Shock Caused by Bacterial Infection in Dogs

Shock associated with generalized bacterial infection of the body is medically referred to as sepsis, a physical condition known as septic shock. It develops as a complication of an overwhelming generalized systemic infection. Septic shock is associated with low blood flow (hypoperfusion) or low blood pressure (hypotension), which may or may not respond to fluids or medical treatment given to maintain arterial blood pressure. Dogs that are very young or very old are at increased risk due to their undeveloped or lowered immune responses,

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Generalized Tremor Syndrome in Dogs

Shaker syndrome is a disorder which causes a dog’s entire body to shake. It is also known as idiopathic cerebellitis, which describes inflammation of the cerebellum (the part of the brain that is responsible for the coordination and regulation of voluntary muscular movement) for unknown reasons.

While dogs of any coat color can be affected, those with a white hair coat are over-represented in the medical literature. For example, Maltese and West Highland white terriers appear to be predisposed. In addition, both genders are affected by shaker syndrome, especially young to middle-aged dogs.

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Pain (Acute, Chronic and Postoperative) in Dogs

One of the biggest challenges in animal care is determining your dog’s source of pain. This is partly due to their limited ability to convey the pain. Dogs vary greatly in their specific responses to pain; the animal’s age, species, experience, and current environment will all affect their response levels.

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Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

Ehrlichiosis in dogs is a rickettsia infection caused by the organisms Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia lewinii. These bacteria are spread by the brown dog tick and the Lone Star tick, respectively. Rickettsiae are a type of bacteria that inhabit a cell, in this case, the body’s white blood cells, which are destroyed in the process.

While there are a number of species in the genus Ehrlichia, the E. canis and E. lewinii are the two that are of main concern for dogs, with E. canis being the more diagnosed form (note that these bacteria can infect other animals as well, including humans). This disease is seen throughout the year and throughout the continental U.S., but is more common on the Gulf Coast, eastern seaboard, Southwest and California, geographical areas that tend to have an abundance of warm days. Chronic and severe forms of this disease are more representative in Doberman pinschers and German shepherds.

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Salmon poisoning disease (SPD) is an often fatal condition, occurring when a dog eats raw salmon that is infected with the Neorickettsia helminthoeca parasite. This disease typically begins in the tissues of the small intestine, where it causes hemorrhaging. It gradually becomes systemic, invading the entire body.

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Salmonellosis in Dogs

Salmonellosis is an infection found in dogs caused by the Salmonella bacteria. It often leads to disorders, including gastroenteritis, spontaneous abortions, and septicemia. This bacterial disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans.

Salmonellosis affects both dogs cats. If you would like to learn how this disease affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

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