Common Dog Diseases
Many people would assume that rabies, canine distemper or parvovirus are some of the most common dog diseases. This isn't the case, however, because those conditions are actually bacterial and viral infections rather than actual diseases. Understanding the difference between an infection and a disease is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.
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Bloat
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Bloat can go by many names such as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV,) stomach torsion or twisted stomach. Bloat is a life-threatening disease that is suspected to be genetic but in some cases can be environmental. When bloat occurs, the stomach fills with air, putting pressure onto the other organs. This makes it extremely difficult for the dog to breath and also the pressure can prevent blood from reaching the heart. Many dogs who develop bloat will die within a few hours. Even with emergency veterinary care, up to 33 percent of all dogs will still fail to recover. (Reference 1.)
Hip Dysplasia
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Hip dysplasia is a common disease in which the hip joints have deteriorated or have grown in abnormally, depending on the dog. For example, older dogs will suffer from deterioration which causes hip dysplasia, while younger dogs may have hip joints that have grown abnormally. Dogs who are suffering from hip dysplasia often have an altered walk or run which will become especially noticeable after exercise. Some dogs will also hop as if they were a bunny. Most dogs develop this condition later in life and owners attribute it to old age and the natural way of life; however, if treated, the dog can return to his normal life without any of the symptoms often associated with growing older. (Reference 2.)
Hypothyroidism
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Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland malfunctions or is destroyed and no longer releases the correct amount of hormones. More than 95 percent of hypothyroidism cases are due to the dog's own immune system attacking the thyroids and essentially slowly killing the organs. Dogs who are suffering from hypothyroidism will often gain weight, lose hair and suffer from a variety of skin problems. Fortunately, with proper medications any dog can return to their normal, healthy self and live a long, happy life. (Reference 3)
Hyperadrenocorticism
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Also known as Cushing's Disease, hyperadrenocorticism occurs when either the adrenal gland malfunctions and begins producing excessive amounts of hormones or when the pituitary gland produces too much of the hormone which stimulates the adrenal gland. This disease often occurs in middle-aged to senior dogs and will display symptoms such as an enlarged abdomen, an increase in appetite, increased urination and water intake, as well as hair loss and thinning of the skin. (Resource 1)
Kidney Disease
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Kidney disease can occur because of age, genetics, cancer, autoimmune diseases, trauma to the kidney or because of viral infections, bacterial infections and fungal infections. Common signs of kidney disease include an increase or decreased amount of urination or a total lack of urination all together, blood in the urine, a lack of appetite accompanied by vomiting and weight loss. Some dogs may also suffer from diarrhea. Depending on the cause of kidney disease, it may be treated through medications to fight infections or inflammations. In some dogs, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. (Resource 2)
Osteoarthritis
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Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage of the joints begin to wear away. This does not cause any pain to the dog. Eventually, the bone wears away. This will cause pain to the dog because the bone marrow contains nerves while the cartilage does not and therefore most dogs will not show any signs until it has progressed into wearing away of the bones. Dogs who have suffered from hip dysplasia or luxating patella (abnormal knee cap movement,) are at an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. This condition can be treated medically or surgically, depending on the severity of the issue as well as the age of the dog. (Resource 3)
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