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Posts Tagged ‘disease’

The moment we start noticing that our dogs are scratching persistently and they seem to be irritable throughout the day because of an itch, it’s a sign that our dogs are infected with dog fleas!

While nobody wants their dogs to get infected with this dreaded pinhead-sized pest (read more: Dog Flea Size), these pests sometimes do find themselves on poor unsuspecting dogs; and before we know it, our cuddly dogs are cuddly no more because of these fleas.

Before the swarm spreads, we should immediately administer some flea control medication to our dogs.

The Effects of Dog Flea Infection

Let us not be fooled. These pests may only measure about one-eighth of an inch but their effects can cause serious problems to our dogs and even to us!

Dog fleas do not only cause irritation and itchiness to dogs or other pets; these can also cause the same to the pet owners if both are unaware that there is already a small army of fleas living off on our dogs.

The skin of the dog can get so irritated by flea bites that they develop rashes in certain spots; the irritated skin can get swollen; and of course incessant itching will likely occur.

There may well also be obvious hair loss and blood loss if the fleas remain untreated for a continuous period of time. Over time, the injure can be so severe that death may even occur in extreme cases.

Treatment & Prevention

At the first sign of a flea infestation on our dogs, we must immediately take them to the vet as this is the safest and surest way to learn all about treatment and prevention of dog fleas.

An expert on animal care can tell us which products will work best for our dogs as there are other factors that we need to think of before getting any flea control product off the rack.

Our dog’s age, size and sometimes even breed are taken into account in order to get the most effective flea control product for them.

Typically, these flea control products come in the form of spray, powder, collar and pills. There are specific pills and sprays for certain ages of dogs as strong ones can be potent to a small dog.

The thing to remember is that we shouldn’t holdup treatment of the dog flea infestation as this can only get worse as days go by and the trouble could turn into something bigger if left untreated.

related readings:
Dog Pregnancy Length
World’s Smallest Dog

The minute we start noticing that our dogs are scratching continually and they seem to be bad-tempered throughout the day because of itchiness, it’s a sign that our dogs are infested with dog fleas!

While nobody wants their dogs to get infected with this dreaded pinhead-sized pest (read more: Dog Flea Size), these pests sometimes do find themselves on poor unsuspecting dogs; and before we know it, our cuddly dogs are cuddly no more because of these fleas.

Before the infection spreads, we should without more argument administer some flea control medicine to our dogs.

Dog Flea Effects

Let us not be fooled. These pests may only measure about one-eighth of an inch but their effects can cause serious problems to our dogs and even to us!

Dog fleas do not only cause irritation and itchiness to dogs or other pets; these can also cause the same to the pet owners if both are unaware that there is already a small army of fleas living off on our dogs.

The skin of the dog can get so irritated by flea bites that they develop rashes in certain spots; the irritated skin can get swollen; and of course incessant itching will likely occur.

There might also be noticeable hair loss and blood loss if the fleas remain untreated for a long time. Over time, the harm can be so severe that death may even occur in excessive cases.

Treatment & Prevention

At the first sign of a flea infestation on our dogs, we should directly take them to the vet as this is the safest and surest way to learn all about treatment and prevention of dog fleas.

Qualified personnel on animal care can tell us which products will work best for our dogs as there are other factors that we need to consider of before getting any flea control product off the rack.

Our dog’s age, size and sometimes even breed are taken into account in order to get the most effective flea control product for them.

Normally, these flea control products come in the form of spray, powder, collar and tablets. There are specific medicines and sprays for certain ages of dogs as strong ones can be potent to a small dog.

The thing to keep in mind is that we shouldn’t delay treatment of the dog flea infestation as this can only get worse as days go by and the problem could turn into something bigger if left untreated.

related articles:
Dog Pregnancy Length
World’s Smallest Dog

Cushings disease occurs in horses, dogs and even people. However, the symptoms are different, depending on the species. In horses it results in increased hair growth (longer, thicker, curly) whereas in dogs it results in hair loss and even bald spots. The horse version of this illness is called ECD (Equine Cushings Disease).

As a horse ages, there is an increasing tendency for the pituitary gland to develop tumors or to grow too large, resulting in it producing more hormones. This in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce additional steroids and when the level of steroids becomes excessive it results in cushings. Since these changes are age related, ECD is most often found in horses over 15 years but has been found in horses as young as seven.

Cushings was first identified in explained in’21, by Dr. Cushing, after whom the disease is name. ECD is the equine variation of the disease first identified in humans by Dr. Cushing.

Different horses show different symptoms of Equine Cushings Disease. The most common symptom is coat changes (longer, thicker, curly, failure to shed in Spring, becoming lighter in color). The heavier coat results in increased sweating as a secondary symptom, due to over-heating, especially in summer. The horse tends to lose muscle in its neck and back, despite increased appetite and eating more, while developing a pendulous abdomen. Diabetes often develops, with an associated increase in water consumption and urination. Laminitis always develops eventually. The horse becomes more prone to infections and slower to heal from external injuries due to a depressed immune system. The natural depressions above the eyes tend to fill in with fat.

Any of these symptoms can be caused by a variety of illnesses other than ECD. Consequently, blood and urine tests are normally used to confirm that the cause is ECD (e.g. by measuring hormone levels and hormone response levels) and to rule out other possible diseases. Studies have shown that many horses with ECD are either not diagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed (the symptoms are incorrectly attributed to a different disease), with the result that they do not receive appropriate treatment.

ECD cannot be cured. However, the hormone levels can be reduced to more normal levels through medication, slowing the progress of the disease. As some of the medications can have serious side effects (e.g. liver disease), one needs to monitor for any such side effects and change the medication accordingly.

One also needs to watch for symptoms of secondary diseases, such as laminitis or diabetes, which are more common in horses with ECD. These need to be treated promptly to prevent them from further damaging the horse’s health.

Finally, one should make the horse more comfortable by treating the individual symptoms. If the horse is over-heating due to a heavier coat, one should clip the coat to make the horse more comfortable.

When your dog eats, particles of food can become lodged between his teeth and the gumline. Plaque will develop if bacteria is left to accumulate from food particles allowed to remain in the teeth. Plaque can be removed relatively easily. However, if you don’t take steps to do so, it can turn into tartar, which is far more difficult to remove.

Unlike plaque, tartar will irritate your pooch’s gums. If it is not removed, it will cause gingivitis, which will result in inflamed or bleeding gums, and bad breath. But, the problem can become much worse. Given enough time, the amount of tartar beneath the gums can grow, forming pockets that collect bacteria. This marks the onset of periodontal disease (PD) and can eventually cause your dog to lose his teeth or suffer infection as the bacteria enters his bloodstream.

Below, we’ll describe some of the leading causes of periodontal disease in canines. We’ll also explain how veterinarians treat the problem.

What Causes The Problem?

There are several factors that play a role in the development of PD. For example, how old your dog is can have a significant influence. Because periodontal disease takes time to develop, it is most prevalent in older canines, though it also occurs in younger dogs. Their food's texture also has a surprising impact. Harder foods are more effective for rubbing plaque off the teeth than soft, canned foods.

Smaller breeds are generally more vulnerable. Their teeth are usually positioned close together making it more difficult for the plaque to be rubbed off by harder foods or removed through brushing. Also, if owners neglect to brush their dogs' teeth, there is a greater likelihood of the formation of tartar.

Canines that suffer from periodontal disease will often paw at their gums, drool, or show a heightened sensitivity around their mouths. One of the most obvious signs of PD is also the most often overlooked: bad breath. Take your dog to your veterinarian if you notice him or her showing any of these signs.

Forms Of Treatment

Periodontal disease in canines is diagnosed in four grades from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. The treatment prescribed by a veterinarian will depend on the grade. Grades 1 and 2 will normally be treated by a thorough dental cleaning whereby any existing tartar will be removed with scalers. The last two grades call for more intensive treatments. A veterinarian might perform root planing, subgingival curettage, and even extraction of one or more teeth.

Owners should consider their dog’s oral health a priority. A minor issue such as bad breath might signal the onset of gingivitis. If it is not fixed within a reasonable amount of time, it will develop into periodontal disease. However, with a regular routine of brushing and periodic dental exams, owners can help keep their canines’ teeth problems at bay.

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