Spondylitis (Diskospondylitis)
December 28, 2008 by admin
Filed under Dog Diseases / illnesses Symptoms
A dog’s spine is made up of numerous small bones called vertebrae. These extend from the base of the skull all the way to the end of the tail. The vertebrae are interconnected by flexible discs of cartilage - the intervertebral discs. These discs provide cushioning between each bone and permit the neck, spine, and tail to bend, allowing changes in position and posture. Above the discs and running through the bony vertebrae is the spinal cord, which is made up of a mass of nerve fibers that run back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body.
Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome)
December 28, 2008 by admin
Filed under Dog Diseases / illnesses Symptoms
Wobbler syndrome is caused by a malformation of the vertebrae within the neck. The spinal canal is the tunnel within the vertebrae in which the spinal cord lies. In affected dogs, this opening is smaller than normal, causing pressure on the spinal cord. This prevents neural impulses from passing through the spinal cord. Additionally, as the animal matures, the space within the vertebrae continues to shrink in relation to the size of the spinal cord. Instability between the individual neck vertebrae is generally noted in addition to the narrowing of the spinal canal. While any breed can be affected, over 80 percent of all cases reported are in Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. Genetics definitely play a role.
Sporotrichosis (Fungal Infection)
December 28, 2008 by admin
Filed under Dog Diseases / illnesses Symptoms
Sporotrichosis (Fungal Infection)
Sporotrichosis is a rare but potentially serious fungal infection that can infect dogs, cats, or people. Because of the risk of people contracting this disease from infected cats, the seriousness of this disease should never be underestimated. Because this disease is not very common, veterinarians or owners may often overlook sporotrichosis as a potential cause of the symptoms.
Staph Hypersensitivity
December 26, 2008 by admin
Filed under Dog Diseases / illnesses Symptoms
Bacterial hypersensitivity is a rare disease in dogs and occurs when a dog’s immune system overreacts to Staphylococcus (Staph) bacteria on its skin. When this occurs, the skin reacts dramatically to the presence of Staph.
Staphylococcal Pyoderma
December 26, 2008 by admin
Filed under Dog Diseases / illnesses Symptoms
Staphylococcal bacterial infections are usually referred to as staph infections. Staph bacteria are widespread and cause mild to severe skin infections in dogs of all ages.
Stenotic Nares
December 24, 2008 by admin
Filed under Dog Diseases / illnesses Symptoms
Stenotic nares is a congenital disorder most likely to affect puppies with normally short or flattened muzzles. Breeds with normally short muzzles are called brachycephalic breeds; these include Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, and similar breeds. These types of breeds have a normally restrictive upper airway system and are prone to inheriting abnormally or severely narrow airways. In the case of stenotic nares, the nostrils are malformed with narrow openings, thus restricting the puppy’s ability to intake air.
Strabismus
December 24, 2008 by admin
Filed under Dog Diseases / illnesses Symptoms
Strabismus is misdirection of the eye. Instead of pointing forward in a direction parallel to the nose, the eye is turned either inward towards the nose (esotropia) or outward away from the nose (exotropia). Strabismus may be caused by an abnormality in the muscles behind the eye, or in the nerves that control those muscles. With strabismus, only the direction of the eye is changed, the position of the eye within the orbit (eye socket) is usually normal.