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Canine
Lick granuloma.
Acral lick granuloma may affect dogs of both
sexes and all breeds; however, males or dogs that are older than
five years are more often affected. Breeds disposed to this
condition include the Great Dane, Doberman pinscher, Labrador
retriever, golden retriever, German shepherd, and Irish setter.
A commonly seen skin disorder of dogs, acral lick
granulomas are skin wounds that are worsened by a dog’s constant
licking of the affected area. Because the repeated licking hinders
resolution of the lesion, dogs must be prevented from licking the
acral granuloma until the wound has healed completely.
Acral lick granulomas have a variety of possible causes. The
disease is often bothersome to owners as well as their dogs. A
veterinarian can implement appropriate medical therapies to treat
the lick granuloma and to prevent recurrence.
Canine
Addison's disease
Female dogs are more likely to develop Addison's
disease. Younger dogs of an average age of four to five years are
more commonly affected than older dogs. Any breed of dog can develop
Addison's disease, although in some studies, the majority of
affected dogs were of mixed breeding. Veterinarians have observed
that Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, and West Highland white
terriers seem to be diagnosed with Addison's disease at a higher
frequency than other breeds.
Clinically known as canine hypoadrenocorticism,
Addison’s disease results from the decreased production of steroid
hormones by the adrenal glands. The common symptoms of Addison’s
disease are not very specific, and can include lethargy, weakness,
gastrointestinal upset, and poor appetite. Often these symptoms
appear intermittently during an extended period of time.
Although some dogs may be diagnosed while in a relatively stable
condition, most are diagnosed when an Addisonian crisis develops—a
severe stage of the disease in which shock and collapse can occur.
If a dog is treated successfully for an Addisonian crisis, however,
the long-term outlook is excellent, as most dogs can be controlled
with oral or injectable medications to replace the deficient
hormones.
Exotic
Cushing’s disease of ferrets
The majority of ferrets develop signs of this
disease in young middle age, when they are between three to four
years old. Most ferrets with adrenal gland disease are neutered
before the age of six weeks, but almost all ferrets in the United
States are neutered by the time the disease presents. Both male and
female ferrets develop this disease.
Adrenal gland disease is a common problem in
middle-aged to older ferrets. The disease results in one or both of
the adrenal glands producing abnormal amounts of the androgens
and/or estrogens, which are the male and female sex hormones. This
disease can cause hair loss, itching, vulvar enlargement in females,
and in rare cases, severe anemia and urinary blockage.
Because adrenal gland disease can be difficult to diagnose
through routine bloodwork, it is often necessary to do specialized
blood tests and ultrasound examination of the abdomen to diagnose
adrenal disease. Physical exam findings and clinical signs often
will lead to a suspicion of adrenal gland disease. Although
clinical signs such as itching and hair loss are not life
threatening, a ferret’s quality of life is impacted and, on rare
occasions, the disease can lead to more serious complications.
Treatment is best accomplished by surgery, although medical
treatment is also possible.
Canine
Impacted anal sacs, infection of the anal
sac, abscessed anal sac
Although any dog can be affected, smaller breeds
such as chihuahuas, dachshunds, and miniature or toy poodles are
more commonly seen by veterinarians for anal gland problems. Cats
suffer from the disease less commonly.
Anal sacs are the reservoirs for the secretions of anal glands
which are located on either side of a dog’s anus, at approximately
four and eight o’clock. These sacs contain liquid secretions from
the anal gland, which, in healthy animals, are normally pale
yellow-brown to grayish in color. The contents are usually emptied
during normal bowel movements, or when a dog is nervous or scared.
In most animals, these sacs empty easily. However, some dogs,
especially small breed dogs, are not able to empty the sacs properly
and become susceptible to anal sac disease.
A dog with anal sac disease may scoot across the ground in an
attempt to relieve the sensation of pressure and irritation around
its rectum. Dogs with this illness will also chase their tails and
bite or lick their rear ends to alleviate the discomfort.
1.
Normal anal sac
2.
Inflamed and ruptured anal sac
There are three
progressive stages of anal sac disease. The three stages include
anal sac impaction, anal sacculitis, and anal sac abscess. Anal sac
impaction occurs when the liquid accumulates and thickens, causing
the anal sacs to become distended and difficult to empty. A
veterinarian can usually relieve the impaction by rectally squeezing
the grape-like sacs individually until the thickened substance is
expressed.
The second stage of the
disease is known as anal sacculitis, or inflammation of the anal
sac. In this stage the anal sac material continues to accumulate and
may become infected by bacteria. The third, and final, stage is
abscess formation. This stage is the most severe and the most
painful of the anal sac diseases. It may require surgical
treatment. Sometimes the abscess can rupture through the skin,
leaving an oozing red hole that is visible next to the anus. All
stages of anal sac disease are treatable by a veterinarian.
Canine,Feline
Anemia, low red blood cell count
All animals. Kittens and puppies are at increased
risk of blood loss anemia from severe parasitic infestations.
Anemia, the condition of having lower than normal
numbers of red blood cells called erythrocytes, can have many
clinical manifestations. Affected animals often suffer from
decreased energy levels, pale or yellowed gums, an increased heart
rate, and an intolerance to exercise. Anemia itself is not a primary
disease, but the result of an underlying disease process.
The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to all the
cells of the body. Erythrocytes are crucial to all animals, and a
severe decrease in their number causes the body cells to go through
the trauma of oxygen deprivation. Owners of an anemic animal may
notice that their companion’s gums are pale or white in color
instead of the normal pink or red.
Because the heart must work harder to provide oxygen to the
starving body cells, dogs and cats with anemia have an increased
heart rate. Having deprived the body cells of oxygen, anemia makes
animals feel very tired and sick, and they will often show signs of
depression.
Puppies and kittens can become anemic from blood-sucking pests
such as fleas and intestinal parasites. The disease also is caused
by blood loss from trauma, feline leukemia virus, feline
immunodeficiency virus, and cancer. Treatment involves correcting
the underlying disease or problem, and giving a blood transfusion if
needed.
Feline
Urinary bladder calculi, bladder stones
Dogs and cats. Cats of any age, sex, or breed can
develop bladder stones. Struvites, the most common stone type,
usually are found among younger adult cats. Calcium oxalate stones
occur most often in male cats aged four to nine years old.
Bladder stones are rock-hard collections of minerals, clinically
known as uroliths, which can rub and irritate the bladder wall,
causing it to bleed. As a result of the irritation, the cat may
feel like it needs to urinate frequently, even if it has only a
small amount of urine to release. Bladder stones may also obstruct
urinary flow. A cat that meows or cries while in the litter box may
be experiencing bladder stone-related pain.
A variety of minerals can develop into different stone types.
Cats will get each of the different stone types for different
reasons. The various stones, which are named based on their mineral
components, include the following: struvite, calcium oxalate, urate,
calcium phosphate, xanthine, and cystine. In cats, struvite is the
most frequently encountered stone, accounting for 50 to 65 percent
of the stones analyzed. Calcium oxalate, seen in about 20 percent
of bladder stone cases, is the second most common type of stone.
The other types are uncommon in the cat.
Bladder stones come in many different sizes and shapes. Smaller
stones often pose the greatest health risk because they are more
likely to obstruct a cat’s ability to urinate. Small stones
sometimes can escape from the bladder into the exiting canal called
the urethra, only to get stuck as the urethra becomes narrower. As
a stone becomes wedged, it will block the flow of urine partially or
completely, making it difficult or impossible for the cat to
urinate. This is the most serious problem associated with bladder
stones, because an obstruction of the bladder, if untreated, can
lead to irreversible damage to the kidneys, and in turn, death.
The method of treatment and prevention of bladder stones is based
on the stone type. A stone usually is collected from the cat and
analyzed for its mineral content in order to determine what method
should be followed.
Canine,Equine,Feline
Blasto, Blastomycosis
Dogs, humans, cats, horses, and occasionally
other animals may be affected. Most dogs with the infection are
between one and five years of age. Males have a higher risk than
females, and may be less responsive to treatment. Immunosuppressed
animals are more at risk; animals that become infected may have an
underlying immune-system defect, or may be on immunosuppressive
medications.
Blastomycosis is an infection caused by the
fungal organism Blastomyces dermatidis. The disease usually
results in respiratory infection; however, the organism can cause
disease in many body tissues including the eyes, skin, reproductive
tract, and bones. Blastomycosis is a serious disease that can be
fatal.
Blastomyces dermatidis
is found in the environment predominantly in the Missouri, Ohio,
Tennessee, and Mississippi river valleys. Although all animals in
these regions are exposed to the organism, only some animals will
develop infections. A compromised immune system is the primary risk
factor.
Symptoms depend upon the tissues infected by the organism.
Treatment requires the use of antifungal medications, often for
several weeks to months. In some instances, a cure is not possible
and death may result. However, constant medication may keep the
disease under control.
Canine,Feline
Bronchoscopy, airway scoping
Animals with respiratory tract diseases that
cannot be diagnosed with x-rays or ultrasound, or those that do not
respond to symptomatic treatment for their problems, are potential
candidates for bronchoscopy.
Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure for
patients with respiratory tract disease. It can be used to identify
structural abnormalities, abnormal airway secretions, foreign
bodies, and mass lesions including certain tumors. Additional
procedures combined with bronchoscopy can allow for identification
of inflammation or infection in the respiratory tract. Specialized
equipment and expertise is required for performing bronchoscopy and
for monitoring the patients during the procedure.
Bronchoscopy does not always identify the cause of an individual
animal’s problem, but at least it can rule out many potential
explanations for it.
Feline
Heart disease, Heart muscle failure
Cats.
Cardiomyopathy is a
term that is used to describe diseases of the heart muscle.
There are many types of heart disease, but cats generally develop
three different forms of heart muscle disease: dilated
cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy. Each of these conditions is different, but
ultimately they cause problems because the heart becomes unable to
pump an adequate volume of blood to supply the demands of the body.
Just like humans, cats can have heart disease for a long time
before developing heart failure. A severe, life-threatening
condition, heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to
pump enough blood to supply the tissues with the oxygen they
require. The right side, left side, or both sides of the heart can
fail, causing a number of complications.
1.
Normal feline heart
2.
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
One of the most severe
forms of heart failure occurs when the lungs fill with fluid, a
condition called pulmonary edema. This complication occurs because
the left side of the heart is not pumping blood effectively.
Excessive pressure builds up behind the pump, and fluid leaks into
the air spaces in the lungs. Thus, the cat effectively is drowning
in its own fluids, which inhibits the exchange of oxygen between the
lungs and the blood. The result is that the cells of the body do
not receive enough oxygen and begin to die. If uncorrected,
pulmonary edema leads to multiple organ failure and death.
Another complication of
heart disease in cats is the development of a blood clot, clinically
known as aortic thromboembolism, which usually forms in the heart
and travels through the blood stream. Most commonly, the clot
lodges at the branch of the aorta that feeds the back legs, shutting
down blood flow and causing partial or complete paralysis. This
condition is excruciatingly painful and requires immediate medical
attention. Cats experiencing an aortic thromboembolism will be
unable to move their back legs and may vocalize due to the pain.
Aortic thromboembolism usually indicates significant heart disease;
two thirds of cats that develop this condition will die or be put to
death humanely. In cats that survive aortic thromboembolism,
recurrence is common.
Feline
Cat scratch disease or fever
Humans. Cats carry the bacteria, but typically do
not get sick from it.
Individuals with compromised immune systems who
are thinking about bringing a kitten into their home may want to
first have the animal's blood cultured for Bartonella henselae, the
bacteria that causes cat scratch disease.
Cats can act as carriers, without being ill themselves, and can
pass on the disease when they scratch or bite people. The wound
does not have to be very deep to do its damage—still, washing bites
or scratches immediately with anti-bacterial soap is an important
step in helping prevent the illness from occurring.
Relatively healthy individuals can become sick from Bartonella
henselae; however, their symptoms are usually mild and disappear
within a few weeks or months. As a precautionary measure, it is
recommended that people who have poorly functioning immune systems,
due to disease, other disorders, or chemotherapy, avoid kittens and
young cats—and, if they do get bitten or scratched, they should seek
medical attention as soon as possible.
Canine,Feline
Corneal ulcer
Any animal may develop a corneal ulcer. Recurrent
ulcers and refractory ones that do not heal properly occur more
commonly in middle-aged and older dogs. Cats are susceptible to
herpesvirus infection and secondary ulceration of the cornea.
The cornea is the multi-layered transparent part
of the front of the eye. It plays a vital role in vision. Injury,
bacterial, fungal, and viral infection, diseases of the eye and
eyelid, and a number of other conditions can cause the cornea to
ulcerate. A corneal ulcer can develop serious complications that may
compromise visual acuity and even result in loss of sight if not
promptly treated by a veterinarian.
A corneal ulcer is a defect
or cavity in the two surface layers of the cornea and in a variable
portion of its deeper layers. Virtually all injuries to the cornea
are painful, even mild, superficial scratches or abrasions that only
involve the surface layer. The deeper the ulcer—the more layers that
are missing—the more painful the ulcer will be. Deeper ulcers also
carry a greater risk for serious complications. During the healing
process, blood vessel migration across the ulcer from the outer rim
of the cornea and scar formation within the defect may impair the
cornea’s natural transparency. As a result, the affected animal may
experience loss of visual acuity or even sightedness in the affected
eye.
Treatment depends on the
depth of the ulcer and on any associated complications that may be
present. Minor scratches, abrasions and very superficial ulcers may
be treated with antibiotics to eliminate or prevent infection.
Atropine, a pupillary dilating medication may be given to relieve
ulcer-associated eye spasm and reduce the tendency for adhesions
between the cornea and the iris to form. Deeper corneal ulcers often
require surgery to treat the ulcer and prevent possible blindness.
Canine
Coronavirus disease, Viral inflammation
of the small intestine
Dogs, cats, humans, cattle, pigs, horses,
chickens, rats, and mice. Different members of the coronavirus
family have a predilection for specific species; thus, a coronavirus
infection in the dog is highly unlikely to be contagious to a person
or other animal.
Usually, when a dog contracts coronavirus, the
worse case scenario is that the animal will suffer from diarrhea and
related symptoms for several days. Puppies that are infected by the
virus, however, can develop severe dehydration from persistent
vomiting and diarrhea caused by the inflammation occurring in the
small intestine. These severely affected puppies will often require
veterinary attention to provide the supportive care necessary to
fight off the infection.
The coronavirus is transmitted when a dog ingests feces from
another dog that has the virus. Because the coronavirus is highly
contagious, animals that live in kennels or participate in dog shows
are at a high risk for contracting it and should be vaccinated.
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, but supportive
care such as fluid therapy and antibiotics is sometimes needed,
especially for young puppies that develop more serious symptoms.
Among adult dogs that get an infection from the coronavirus, the
diarrhea will usually resolve on its own, generally within a week or
two. When compounded by other diseases, the diarrhea can take
longer to resolve.
Canine
Canine
Ruptured cruciate, Ruptured ligament,
Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Torn ACL, Torn ligament
Commonly, dogs and humans; less commonly, cats.
Obese animals are at greater risk for suffering this injury. In
addition, certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible than others to
developing a ruptured cruciate ligament. Most commonly, these breeds
include the rottweiler and cocker spaniel. The Labrador retriever,
German shepherd, mastiff, golden retriever, miniature and toy
poodle, Lhasa apso, and bichon frise are likely to suffer from the
problem as well.
A normal dog’s knee joint works like a hinge,
keeping the animal’s leg stable as it bends. When the knee has a
ruptured cruciate ligament, the “hinge” becomes loose and no longer
functions as effectively. This looseness prevents the knee from
maintaining stability of motion. As a result, the dog suffers pain,
inflammation, and eventually develops arthritis. This is a very
common orthopedic disease in dogs.
When a knee injury occurs suddenly—as it usually does among
humans who suffer from injuries to the cruciate ligament due to a
skiing, football, or other sports-related accident—the ligament will
tear rapidly. But usually with dogs, the tearing is partial and
occurs gradually, resulting in low-level lameness that may improve
initially over time. However, progressive injuries can be quite
damaging; because of the trauma to the ligament, the knee joint
becomes inflamed, leading to arthritis, which only grows worse with
continued weight bearing.
1.
Trochlea of femur
2.
Tibia
3.
Fibula
4.
Cranial cruciate ligament
5.
Caudal cruciate ligament
6.
Lateral meniscus
7.
Medial meniscus
In more severe chronic
cases, the “shock absorbers” of the knee—quarter-moon shaped
sections of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci—tear or
become crushed because of exposure to abnormal stress that occurs
when the knee is loose. Animals with this condition often are
severely lame and may not be able to put any weight on the affected
leg.
Both surgical and
non-surgical methods for treatment are available. Generally, dogs
have a good chance of recovering normal, or almost normal, movement
after surgery, but the arthritis that has occurred already will not
be reversible. Additionally, dogs that have ruptured the cruciate
ligament on one side are more likely to tear the ligament in the
other knee.
Obesity is a major risk
factor for this injury and certain breeds of dogs are more likely
than others to rupture their ligaments.
Canine
Cushing's disease, Cushing's syndrome
Although dogs of almost every age have been
reported to have Cushing's disease, it is most common in middle-aged
and older dogs. Most dogs diagnosed with Cushing's disease are at
least nine to 10 years old. Slightly more female dogs are affected
than male dogs. Large breed dogs tend to be affected more often than
smaller breeds. Several breeds are more commonly diagnosed with PDH
than others, including poodles, terriers, German shepherds,
dachshunds, beagles, and boxers. Many of these same breeds are also
reported to have adrenal gland tumors at a greater frequency.
Cushing’s disease results from excessive
production of cortisol, a hormone normally produced by the adrenal
glands. This excessive cortisol production can result from
abnormalities in the pituitary gland that cause excessive hormone
secretion by the adrenal glands, by tumors within the adrenal glands
themselves, or by a combination of these factors.
A variety of symptoms can result from excess cortisol, the most
common of which include increased thirst and urination, increased
appetite, panting, and skin changes such as hair loss and thinning
of the skin. Efforts to distinguish which form of the disease is
present are important, as this can influence treatment
recommendations. Blood tests and imaging procedures, including
abdominal ultrasound, may be needed to make this distinction.
Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease is usually treated with
medication. Adrenal gland tumors are best addressed surgically,
although they can also be treated medically in situations in which
surgery is not advised.
Complications due to Cushing’s disease and its treatment are
common, but with careful diagnosis and management, many dogs with
Cushing’s disease can survive for as long as two to three years or
more, depending on a number of factors.
Canine
Bladder inflammation
Dogs, cats, and other mammals
There are many causes of cystitis, which is an
inflammation of the urinary bladder. More common causes include a
bacterial infection of the urinary tract, bladder stones, polyps,
tumors, and an anatomical defect called a diverticulum, which is a
tiny pocket in the bladder wall that retains urine.
Cystitis causes a wide range of problems with urination. Some
dogs may strain to urinate, urinate more frequently, or become
incontinent. Blood also may appear in the urine. Depending on the
cause of the inflammation, the cystitis may be treated through a
variety of methods. Often, dogs will recover from the disease, but
animals that develop cystitis because of a tumor carry a guarded
prognosis.
Canine,Feline
Isospora spp.
Isospora canis
Isospora felis
Coccidia
Dogs and cats.
Coccidiosis is an infection of microscopic
parasites called coccidia that invade the intestines of dogs and
cats. The most common type of coccidia in dogs is Isospora canis,
while cats are most frequently affected by Isospora felis.
Coccidiosis usually is not a great threat to a healthy dog or cat,
but animals that are debilitated or immunocompromised can become
very ill from a coccidia infection. Puppies and kittens also are
much more susceptible to severe coccidiosis.
Animals that are affected by a coccidia infection may experience
intestinal problems such as watery diarrhea that can be severe,
vomiting and dehydration. Death may result in severe cases. However,
antibiotics have been successful at decreasing the presence of the
parasites and restoring the animal’s health.
Canine
Kidney failure, renal insufficiency
Chronic renal failure may affect dogs of any
breed, sex, and age. The mean age for chronic renal failure in dogs
is seven years. Hereditary chronic renal failure is known to occur
in the following breeds: basenji, beagle, bull terrier, Cairn
terrier, chow, cocker spaniel, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd,
Lhasa apso, miniature schnauzer, Norwegian elkhound, rottweiler,
samoyed, Chinese shar pei, Shih tzu, soft-coated wheaten terrier,
and standard poodle.
Chronic renal failure, or CRF, is a serious
disease usually seen in older dogs. The most commonly observed signs
of this disease are polydipsia, or increased water intake, and
polyuria, or frequent urination.
Chronic renal failure usually is caused by the normal aging
process, due to the declining function of the kidneys with time. The
most common signs of chronic renal failure, increased water intake
and frequent urination, are attempts by the body to compensate for a
loss of kidney function by flushing out waste products that have
accumulated in the bloodstream.
Because chronic renal failure is progressive and irreversible,
prognosis for dogs with this disease is poor. While treatment rarely
improves the renal function of dogs with chronic renal failure, it
may alleviate symptoms and make the dog more comfortable. Dogs with
this disease may live for a period ranging from months to years.
Feline
Kidney failure, renal insufficiency,
renal disease
Cats of any breed, sex and age can be affected;
however, older cats most frequently develop the illness. The mean
age of chronic renal failure in the cat is nine years. Some types of
kidney disease can be passed genetically among Abyssinian and
Persian breeds. All animals and people can develop chronic renal
failure.
Because the kidneys are vital, life-sustaining
organs, chronic kidney failure can compromise a cat’s health
greatly. When working properly, the kidneys filter waste products
from the blood stream into the urine. A cat with poorly functioning
kidneys may drink increased amounts of water and urinate more
often—in an attempt to flush out those waste products in its blood
stream that the kidneys are no longer capable of eliminating into
the urine.
1.
Acute renal failure
2.
Normal kidney
3.
Chronic renal failure
Eventually the cat’s
attempts to compensate for the failure of its kidneys will become
insufficient. As the disease gets more severe, many serious
complications may result. Ulcers in the mouth and stomach, anemia,
and urinary tract infections are common occurrences among cats with
chronic kidney failure. High blood pressure—which can lead to
blindness—is one of the more serious complications.
Generally, older cats get chronic kidney failure, and the disease
tends to worsen with age.
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