Canine hip dysplasia (CHD):
is a skeletal problem, an abnormal development of the hip joint where the head of
the femur does not fit snugly into the pelvic socket. It is characterized by a shallow acetabulum (the "cup" of the hip joint)
and changes in the shape of the femoral head (the "ball" of the hip joint). These changes may occur due to excessive looseness
in the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. When dogs exhibit symptoms of hip dysplasia they
usually are in pain and lame on one or both rear legs. Severe arthritis can develop as a result of the malformation of the
hip joint and this results in pain as the disease progresses.
Effective arthritis treatment More canine hip dysplasia information. See the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
OFA See the
University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program
PennHIP You don't have to wait until your dog exhibits symptoms. You can take steps now to minimize the chances your dog will
suffer arthritic pain due to hip dysplasia.
Treating your pet's impending or existing arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia (ununited anconeal process):
Due perhaps to improper development (different growth rates) of
the three bones making up the elbow, the joint is lax or loose and in mildly affected dogs leads to painful arthritis. Whereas
in severly affected dogs, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), fragmented medial coronoid processes and united anconeal processes
can result from the stress in the joint.
More elbow dysplasia information. Treatments involve surgical correction if possible, or medical
management using asprin and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
See effective Osteoarthritis treatment.
Cataracts:
As with humans, dogs can get cataracts, but the presence of cataracts in young dogs, called juvenile
cataracts, have a hereditary foundation. Cataracts are diagnosed by means of an ophthalmoscopic exam. If the dog is in good
health, cataracts can be surgically removed with usually good results.
More cataract information.
Entropion
is an inversion of the eyelids so that they roll inward often irritating the eye. Surgery is often required
and is usually successful.
More entropion information.
Distchiasis
is an eyelash problem caused by an abnormal origin of eyelashes along the lid margin, often resulting
in irritation to the eye. If left untreated, it can cause great pain to the dog and may lead to corneal ulcers. Surgery is
recommended by a specialist.
More Distchiasis information.
Trichiasis
is another eyelash problem caused by normal origin of eyelashes but misdirected into the eye causing irritation.
More Trichiasis information.
Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)
is a heart problem, an abnormally narrow connection between the left ventricle (out-flow)
and the aorta, which eventually leads to heart failure. Characteristics of aortic stenosis include fainting and sudden death.
It is detected by a Veterinarian listening to the heart and by ultrasound.
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD):
is a degeneration of bone underlying the cartilage layer of joints. It is a
condition often seen in young fast growing dogs of the larger breeds. X-rays of suspected joints are often inconclusive. OCD
usually appears during the growth phase of a young dog, usually six to nine months of age. OCD can affect the shoulder, ankle
or elbow joint. It is painful and the dog limps. Physical impacts, like jumping off high objects and being overweight are
contributing factors.
Complete rest and limited playful activities for several weeks, often difficult with a young puppy,
is effective treatment, or surgical removal of torn away cartilage pieces, is probably the fastest treatment. Controlling
diet is important in fast growing breeds.
More Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) information.
Allergies:
in dogs usually involves the skin but can also involve the ears, nose and other parts of the body
too. The reasons can be many and it is difficult to pinpoint the underlying causes. Often it is a question of a reaction to
some food or additive to the food formulation. Flea bites are a major problem with many dogs. When confronted with skin allergies,
first, check for flea bites. Dogs are very sensitive to them and often mutilate their bodies by chewing the area, trying to
get some relief. The best allergy test is intradermal skin testing, which is usually done by a veterinary dermatologist. It
is possible to test for inhalant allergies using blood testing, but this is not yet considered to be as accurate as skin testing.
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD):
is a blood disorder, a deficiency in clotting factor VIII antigen (von Willebrand
factor). Dogs affected by the disease do not effectively utilize their platelets for blood clotting and therefore are more
likely to have bleeding episodes associated with trauma or surgery.
More von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) information.
Cardiomyopathy:
is a general term meaning "disease of the heart muscle". There are various types of cardiomyopathy,
one being "Dilated Cardiomyopathy" (DCM), opposed to "Hypertrophic" Cardiomyopathy" (where the heart walls thicken instead
of becoming thin). Cardiomyopathy is a serious problem in many breeds but especially in the Doberman Pinscher breed.
More Cardiomyopathy information.
Gastric Torsion - or Bloat (Gastric dilatation volvulus GDV):
This condition is caused by a twisting of the
stomach and thus trapping the stomach contents and gases resulting in a rapid swelling of the abdomen accompanied by pain
and eventual death if untreated. It is a
top priority emergency
with immediate veterinarian action required. This is a predicament most common in large deep
chested breeds. Anyone owning a deep chested breed, susceptible to bloat should be prepared by recording and
posting the exact emergency procedures
for the veterinary hospital they go to - who to call after hours, how to get
to emergency clinics or alternative facilities and what payment arrangements those facilities will require.
More Gastric Torsion - Bloat information.
Epilepsy:
is a brain disorder (of neural origin in the cerebral cortex) resulting in periodic seizures, convulsions.
The severity and frequency of the seizures predicates what medication is administered, (usually a anticonvulsant called AED
Anti-epileptic drug), if any, and when begun.
More Epilepsy information. Another Epilepsy information site.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):
is a family of diseases all involving the gradual deterioration of the retina.
It is diagnosed by a retinoscopic exam or by means of an electroretinogram (ERG). Early in the disease, affected dogs become
nightblind and lack the ability to see in dim light; later on daytime vision also fails. As their vision deteriorates, affected
dogs adapt to their handicap very well, as long as their environment remains constant. Certain breeds are affected early in
life, whereas in other breeds, PRA develops much later in onset. http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/pra.htm" rel="nofollow"
rel="nofollow" target="_blank">More PRA information.
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