Lumps & Diseases in Dogs
Dogs get weird lumps and diseases just like people do. Some of them are virtually identical to human diseases, and others have variations. It's important to keep an eye on your pets and be able to recognize the symptoms and signs of dog lumps and diseases.
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Cancer
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Dogs get cancer, too. Similar to cancer in humans, dog cancer can be treated successfully, but it also can advance so far before it is found that it is untreatable. Symptoms that your dog has cancer could be strange lumps and malformations under the fur, fatigue and loss of appetite. Your dog may act peculiar and seem to be vomiting and sick a lot more than usual. It's important to recognize the signs of cancer in dogs early so it can be treated successfully.
Abscess
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Any of a dog's cuts and wounds that are not properly treated can become abscessed. This a condition where a cut or wound becomes infected and may become swollen and lumpy. The infected area will ooze a liquid that is thick and yellow. The area may also feel warm to the touch and turn red. Infected abscesses must be cleaned by a veterinarian and treated with antibiotics and other medications.
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Allergic Dermatitis
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Dogs can get a variety of skin diseases and irritations. Allergic dermatitis will cause your dog to itch and scratch. This can lead to serious skin lacerations that can become infected. It can be caused by an adverse reaction to things like dust, wood, bugs and shampoos. The most common sign of allergic dermatitis is itching. Dogs do a lot of scratching anyway, but if your dog is scratching more than usual, check for any bleeding scratches or lesions on the dog.
Anal Gland Disease
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Anal gland disease is another common dog ailment. A dog has anal glands on either side of the rectum, and these glands secrete an odor that is released when the muscles surrounding the rectum are tightened, such as during bowel evacuation or when frightened. Sometimes these glands become infected or compacted and cannot secrete the fluids inside. When the anal glands become diseased, you may see signs like the dog scooting its rear along the carpet, constipation or blood in the stool.
Lyme Disease
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Lyme disease can affect dogs as well as humans and other animals. It comes from ticks that carry the disease from the spiral-shaped bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. Once they bite you or your dog, the disease is transferred. Symptoms can be an aversion to eating and movement. Dogs seem to be calmer and not as energetic, even when confronted with favorite toys or activities. This disease usually happens in spring and fall when tick populations are highest.
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