United States
1-877-Pet-Move (738-6683)
International
Dog Health
"Mad Itch" Pseudorabies Virus Infection in Dogs
Suid Herpesvirus in Dogs The pseudorabies virus infection is an uncommon but highly fatal disease found in dogs, especially those that come into contact with swine. Unfortunately, many dogs with this virus die suddenly, often without characteristic signs. When symptoms do occur, they include excessive salivation, intense itching, and neurologic behavioral changes.
Abdominal Cavity Inflammation in Dogs
Peritonitis in Dogs The abdominal cavity is lined with a thin, watery membrane, called the peritoneum. When the dog's abdominal cavity, also called the peritoneal cavity, is injured, the peritoneum becomes inflamed. The severity of the inflammation depends on the type of injury the peritoneal cavity has undergone. Peritonitis is frequently a painful condition, and the affected dog will respond when it is touched on its abdomen.
Peritonitis can affect both dogs and cats.
Abnormal Diaphragm Opening in Dogs
Diaphragmatic hernias occur in both dogs and cats. It is when the abdominal organ (such as the stomach, liver, intestine, etc.) moves into an abnormal opening in the animal’s diaphragm, the sheet of muscle separating the abdomen from the rib cage area. This can occur because of an acquired injury from a forceful blow, such as a car accident, or because of a defect at birth (congenital).
Symptoms and Types Signs of a diaphragmatic hernia include irregular heartbeat, labored breathing (especially after a forceful blow) and symptoms of shock.
Abnormal Eyelid in Dogs
Entropion Entropion is a genetic condition in which a portion of the eyelid is inverted or folded inward. This can cause an eyelash or hair to irritate and scratch the surface of the eye, leading to corneal ulceration or perforation. It can also cause dark-colored scar tissue to build up over the wound (pigmentary keratitis). These factors may cause a decrease or loss of vision. Entropion is fairly common in dogs and is seen in a wide variety of breeds, including short-nosed breeds, giant breeds, and sporting breeds.
Abnormal Growth of Cells in Dogs
Glucagonoma Glucagonoma refers to a rare neoplasm (an abnormal growth of cells) of alpha-pancreatic islet cells that actively secrete glucagon, a hormone involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Many of these cells also secrete other hormones, such as insulin (a hormone largely involved in metabolism) and gastrin (a hormone that stimulates secretion of gastric acid in the stomach).
Abnormal Growths in the Lower Intestines of Dogs
Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs Rectoanal polyps is characterized by the growth of flap-like protrusions in the anal and rectal walls. The polyps may be directly attached to the intestinal wall (sessile), or attached through a stalk-like cylindrical connection. Most rectoanal polyps are non-cancerous, and are merely extensions of the innermost tissue lining of the intestinal walls. And while most cases of polyps are usually isolated, there are occasions dogs suffer from multiple polyps. The condition described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats.
Abnormal Passageway Between the Mouth and Nasal Cavity in Dogs
Oronasal Fistula in Dogs A fistula is characterized as an abnormal passageway between two openings, hollow organs, or cavities. They occur as a result of injury, infection, or disease. A communicating, vertical passageway between the mouth and nasal cavity is called an oronasal fistula. Dolichocephalic dog breeds are more likely to be affected with this condition, especially the Dachshund. These types of fistulas are caused by the diseased condition of any tooth in the upper jaw.
Abnormality in Shaft which Passes Urine to Urethra in Dogs
Ectopic Ureter
An ectopic (displaced) ureter is a congenital abnormality in which one or both ureters open into the urethra or vagina. Bilateral ectopia affects both ureters, and unilateral ectopia affects one ureter. Dogs affected with ectopic ureter will have the tubular shaft bypass the bladder floor (trigone) and enter through the bladder wall.
Abnormally Large Kidneys in Dogs
Renomegaly in Dogs Renomegaly is a condition in which one or both kidneys are abnormally large, confirmed by abdominal palpation, ultrasounds, or X-rays. All of the body's systems are affected by renomegaly: the respiratory, nervous, hormonal, urinary, and digestive systems. In addition, renomegaly is not exclusive to dogs; cats can suffer from it, too. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
Abscesses in Dogs
Surface wounds are fairly common in pets, but they can become problematic if they become infected and are left untreated. While most irritations can often be treated with ointments and creams, an abscess can form if an irritation worsens or if bacteria invades the skin. An abscess can also occur when an animal becomes infected from a variety of injuries, and can be found on virtually any part of an animal’s body.
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats.
Accumulation of Air Between Chest and Lungs in Dogs
Pneumothorax in Dogs Pneumothorax is the medical term for an accumulation of air in the pleural space, the area between the chest wall and the lungs. It may be categorized as traumatic or spontaneous, and closed or open. Both dogs and cats are susceptible to pneumothorax.
Acid Reflux in Dogs
Gastroesophageal Reflux Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition characterized by the uncontrollable reverse flow of gastric or intestinal fluids into the tube connecting the throat and the stomach (esophagus). This may be due to a brief relaxation of the muscular opening at the base of the esophagus (referred to as the sphincter), as well as chronic vomiting. Gastroesophageal reflux is fairly common in dogs, and may occur at any age, although younger dogs are at greater risk.
Acute Liver Failure in Dogs
Acute Hepatic Failure Acute hepatic failure is a condition characterized by the sudden loss of 70 percent or more of the liver's function due to sudden, massive, hepatic necrosis (tissue death in the liver).
Acute Vomiting in Dogs
It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to vomit from time to time. They might have eaten something that upset their stomachs, or just have sensitive digestive systems. However, it becomes acute when the vomiting does not stop and when there is nothing left in the stomach to throw up except bile (a yellow fluid). It is important you take your pet to a veterinarian in these types of cases.
While vomiting may have a simple, straightforward cause, it may be an indicator of something far more serious.
Aggression in Dogs Toward Familiar People
While some consider aggression to be normal behavior in dogs, it can be impulsive, unpredictable, and even dangerous. Aggressive behavior includes growling, lip lifting, barking, snapping, lunging, and biting. With aggression directed towards family members or other people familiar to the dog, treatment is currently aimed at controlling the issue, as there is no known cure. Symptoms and Types It can be challenging to determine whether a dog is demonstrating abnormal aggression.
An Enlarged Spleen in Dogs
Splenomegaly
Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen. This medical condition can occur in all breeds and genders, but middle-aged dogs and larger breeds tend to be more prone. It is also not usually directly related to the spleen, but rather a symptom of another disease or condition.
Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs
Adenocarcinoma, Anal Sac/Perianal While anal gland/sac cancer (adenocarcinoma) is not common, it is an invasive disease that does not generally have a positive outlook. Usually seen as a rectal growth (mass) on the animal, it also is common to find the disease in the lymph nodes. Due to the type of disease, it is typically malignant and can spread quickly into other areas of the animal's body. There are treatment options available, normally surgical, that can help to improve the animal's chances of survival.
Anemia (Methemoglobinemia) in Dogs
Methemoglobinemia The purpose of hemoglobin in the blood is to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Methemoglobin is the result of iron oxygenation, and while it is a form of hemoglobin, it does not carry oxygen. Under normal conditions, methemoglobin is converted back to hemoglobin, and a balance is maintained. But when there is too much methemoglobin in the blood, inadequate oxygenation of bodily tissues ensues. A visible sign of methemoglobinemia is when the blood becomes brownish in color, instead of the normal oxygen rich red color.
Anemia Caused by Enlarged Blood Cell in Dogs
Anemia, Megaloblastic In this disease, red blood cells fail to divide and become abnormally large. These cells are also deficient in necessary DNA material. These giant cells with underdeveloped nuclei are called megaloblasts, or “big cells.” Red blood cells are mainly affected, but white blood cells and platelets can also go through changes. Giant schnauzers seem to have an inherited tendency to have this kind of anemia. In dogs, it is generally mild, and left treated. The seriousness of the anemia can range from mild to severe.
Anemia Where Bone Marrow Does Not Replace Lost Cells in Dogs
Anemia, Non-regenerative A decrease in red blood cells is called anemia. Typically, bone marrow will respond to this decrease by increasing red blood cell production. However, in non-regenerative anemia, the bone marrow response is inadequate when compared to the increased need. For this reason, dogs who suffer from anemia caused by lead poisoning are put in a very dangerous situation. Also, dogs that become anemic over a period of time will fare better than those who have a sudden onset of anemia.
