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Dogs may suffer from a number of eye conditions that cause discomfort, drainage and unsightly appearance. The condition called “cherry eye” is one that results in a bright red protrusion of the third eyelid of the animal. It can be frightening to see. Some breeds are susceptible to this problem, so it's not uncommon for the condition to sometimes occur in both eyes, causing "double cherry eye." Cherry eye conditions may require surgery to return the prolapsed eyelids to their natural position.
Buying toys to entertain your dog can get expensive. Making your own rope dog bones is a smart way to save money; these toys are simple to create, durable and provide your dog with hours of chewing enjoyment. All you need to create your own bone-shaped toy is an old jump rope, which is durable, inexpensive and readily available. A single rope will make multiple toys, and you can easily replace it when it gets worn out. And when your dog gets tired of chewing on the rope, the two of you can play tug-of-war by altering the rope bone…
Display a dog bone craft in your home and tell visitors that you are a dog lover. A wreath with dog bones surrounding a circular piece of foam is an interesting and unusual way to demonstrate how important your pet is to you. Asking your children to help with the project will teach them to value the animals, and they will enjoy being part of the project.
When the winter holidays approach, it is time to get creative and crafty. Many different materials can be used to make holiday craft items, such as reindeers. However, rather than making the traditional reindeer out of paper plates or other common materials, do something different by making reindeers out of dog bones. Dog bones are inexpensive and may already be laying around your house.
Canine osteosarcoma, or dog bone cancer, is the most common type of cancer in dogs, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. Though common, osteosarcoma is currently not a preventable disease. It is also rarely detected in the early stages. In about 95 percent of dogs suffering from osteosarcoma, the cancer has already metastasized or spread to other parts of the body upon being diagnosed. However, with proper, successful treatment, dogs with osteosarcoma may live anywhere from one to four years after receiving treatment.
If you are suffering from prostate cancer, your doctor will likely recommend a healthy diet and exercise, along with your radiation, chemotherapy or other treatment. If you are healthy and trying to avoid prostate cancer, staying away from processed meats that contain nitrates such as hot dogs will reduce your chance of developing the disease.
Canine distemper is known as a paramyxovirus. It closely resembles the same virus that causes measles in people. This disease damages a wide range of the dog's organs, including the eyes and respiratory tract. Those who suspect their dog has distemper should isolate the dog from other canines in the household. The virus cannot be transmitted from a dog to a cat.
Pyloric stenosis is a digestive disorder focused around the pyloric sphincter muscle, which serves to pass food from the lower stomach into the small intestine. When the pyloric sphincter begins contracting or spasming leading to abnormal narrowing, this is called stenosis. Pyloric stenosis can affect humans as well as animals, such as cats and dogs.
If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer and is about to undergo, or has undergone, chemotherapy treatments, your veterinarian may have informed you about the importance of checking the absolute neutrophil count. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is used by your dog's body to fight infections. Monitoring their numbers during chemotherapy helps determine how the dog is responding to treatment and identify potential risks.
Gallbladder problems or disease in canines can have serious consequences, including the eventual death of the dog. Dogs may exhibit multiple symptoms if they have gallbladder problems. If you notice these symptoms, you should take your dog in to a vet to have it examined as soon as possible to repair the damage before it is too late.
Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) is a nasty disease that accounts for 80 percent of malignant bone cancers in dogs, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the University of Georgia. The disease is classified as a rapidly growing and destructive neoplasm, which is a new and abnormal growth of tissue, of the bone. OSA effects dogs more than any other mammal on the planet. OSA of the skull is called axial OSA and is less common.
A cleft palate is a condition where a puppy's mouth does not grow properly in the womb. This results in a hole in the pup's mouth, which can be mild to severe. Sometimes the hole is so severe that the pup has to be euthanized, but some pups have a condition so mild that they need no treatment.
Spotted skin is common in all dog breeds, although some dogs are more likely to have pink or black as the main color. If your pet has always had a spotted belly, it is nothing to worry about as long as its skin and coat look healthy. If a dog suddenly starts developing dark spots, however, it could signal health problems. Take your dog to the veterinarian if the animal starts losing fur or if its skin becomes thicker, bumpy, crusty or irritated.
One of the diseases that humans share with other species of the animal kingdom, melanomas are malignant cancers that are named after the skin pigment melatonin. Although melanomas usually occur on the surface of the skin, they can also occur in the eyes and other organs. Malignant melanomas are found in pets, such as dogs, in farm animals, like cows and horses and in even in some wild animals.
There are many forms of benign and malignant skin cancer in dogs. While many are common, there are rare forms that pet owners may not recognize. Most cancers affect older dogs, but there are cases where puppies have developed a cancerous growth. Check your dog's skin regularly for changes. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian. Seeking treatment as early as possible leads to the best odds for a full recovery.
Hair loss, commonly known as alopecia, in canines is rather common though it can be worrisome. If your dog hasn't experienced self-trauma or has not been diagnosed with an infectious disease, the purpose of this article is to aid in clarifying some common conditions that may cause canine hair loss, and will hopefully assist you and your vet in determining a correct diagnosis and effective treatment regimen.
The American foxhound is a breed of dogs developed in the U.S. for fox hunting. George Washington was an early champion of the breed and had several dogs of his own, according to the American Kennel Club. The American foxhound resembles a tall beagle, and stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder. Bred for chasing foxes, they require a lot of exercise to stay fit. A foxhound kept at home as a pet can follow a normal, well-balanced diet recommended by a veterinarian. If your foxhound will be used in field trials or as a hunting dog, you'll need…
It may be hard to resist the adorable, brown-eyed gaze of your golden retriever when it begs for a taste of your meal. Some human food is harmless, or even healthy, for dogs, but remember that their metabolisms are designed to digest and process different nutrients than humans. Some of the things that you eat regularly can be toxic to your dog. Next time you reach for a bite to share with your furry friend, take a closer look to ensure that no dangerous items are on your plate.
The doggy paddle doesn't come naturally to all dogs. In fact, some dogs fear water and could drown from panic if they fall into deep waters. For those dogs that love to swim, dangers still exist. This is why life preservers are as essential to a dog's safety as they are to a human's.
Nodules are lumps found on a dog's skin. Any nodule found on a dog's skin should be examined by a veterinarian to determine exactly what it is, but knowing the different types and what they look like can help you get a better idea of what the lump might be. Lumps found on the skin do not automatically mean a dog has cancer and it's important to know all the facts before assuming the worst. Recognizing and treating potential health problems early is the key to keeping your dog healthy.
Abdominal cramping in dogs may indicate a problem as simple as indigestion, or as serious as kidney disease. Other possible causes include bacterial infections, ulcers, pregnancy complications and pancreatitis. If your dog experiences ongoing abdominal pain, take him to see a veterinarian to discover the exact cause. Before you can determine that your dog suffers from abdominal pain in the first place, you need to understand the physical warning signs.
Dogs with a disorder called pyloric stenosis often suffer chronic intestinal blockage. Obstruction is caused when the pyloric sphincter --- or the muscular valve that separates the stomach and the small intestine --- becomes constricted, preventing the passage of food and causing the animal to vomit meals almost entirely undigested (Reference 3). To receive necessary energy and nutrients, dogs experiencing pyloric blockage must be fed a special diet or, in severe cases, undergo surgery to correct the condition.
If your horse's face swells, he has trouble breathing, and mucus flows from his nose, he may suffer from a nasal or sinus cyst.
Kidney cancer in dogs, although rare, does happen. Surgery is sometimes an option but not always. It depends on if both kidneys are cancerous and how quickly the disease was caught. The symptoms are not easy to spot, which is why it is often too late by the time it is detected. Symptoms include blood in the urine and frequent urination. The result of kidney cancer in a dog is complete kidney failure. Here are some steps to help you keep your beloved pet comfortable.
A malignant melanoma is a tumor in the cells producing skin pigment. Tumors most frequently occur in the mouth and on the toes and skin. Symptom development and treatment depends on the location of the tumor.
Zeolite powder is a powder that people can use to remove toxins from their bodies. The powder is also safe to use on animals since the product is nontoxic. A naturally occurring mineral, zeolite is safe for internal and external applications.
Dachshunds are a breed of dog unique for their short legs and long bodies. They were bred to flush out burrowing animals. Due to their unique breeding, dachshunds are susceptible to a variety of breathing issues.
If your dog is over 8 years old and not neutered he has a more than 80 percent chance of developing prostate disease. Your dog may experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. A veterinarian may discover the condition during a routine check-up. Prostate enlargement can be caused by a number of factors including infection or a normal change in hormone levels associated with aging. Prostate cancer is rare in dogs.
Tumors can grow in the glands and lymph nodes of a dog's colon, resulting in colon cancer. There are two main types of canine colon cancer. The first is adenocarcinoma, or cancer of the apocrine glands, and the second is lymphoma, which is cancer of the lymph nodes. Though colon cancer can be treated to help a dog live a more comfortable life, the disease is fatal. Early detection is the best way to help your dog receive successful treatment, so it's important to monitor any symptoms that appear. Take your dog to the vet if any of these symptoms…
The canine cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls coordination and is closely related to the vestibular system of the brain, which controls balance and posture. Most often, brain tumors and brain disorders are a common cause of seizures in dogs over the age of five. A seizure is a disorientation that the dog will experience and may cause loss of consciousness and control of bodily functions.
Canine cancer occurs when damaged or altered cells grow uncontrollably, becoming a cancerous tumor. Typically, cancer in dogs is treated with radiation and chemotherapy, but it is also possible to use natural remedies as a supplement or even an alternative to these traditional treatments. Many pet owners believe in the ability of various natural remedies to either cure a dog's cancer or at least to improve the pet's quality of life while undergoing conventional cancer treatments.
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that is run on the large bowel of a dog to investigate serious and possible life-threatening symptoms. The colonoscope is a flexible, lighted, tubular instrument that lets the veterinarian see inside the colon. Anesthesia keeps the dog calm and safely immobile.
Recent research breakthroughs show promising results in treating canine cancers. In 2009, Dr. Joseph Bauer of the Cleveland Clinic successfully treated several cases by using vitamin B-12 to deliver nitric oxide, a deadly chemotherapy agent, into cancer cells.
No one knows what causes bone cancer in dogs, but veterinarians identify at least four types of bone tumors. These are osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common type of bone cancer found in dogs. More than 85 percent of all canine bone cancer cases are OSA. Bone cancer affects large dogs more than small breeds, and dogs that are either very young (1 to 2 years) or older (7 to 8 years). Treatments include conventional medications and radiation therapy along with holistic treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure or chiropractic therapy.
When a canine suffers from cancer, it may need to undergo chemotherapy treatment. These treatments can change a dog's eating habits. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. However, good nutrition is vital if your dog is to recover. It is important to check with your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet or giving it supplements.
Veterinary oncologists prescribe lomustine--trade name CeeNU--for the chemical treatment of lymphosarcoma and mast cell tumors in dogs. Approved by the United States Drug Administration for the treatment of brain tumors in humans, veterinarians legally use lomustine as an "extra-label" drug, reports Dr. Dawn Ruben of PetPlace.com. Lomustine destroys rapidly multiplying cancer cells by bonding with the cells' DNA but also influences other cells in the dog's body, resulting in side effects that can be dangerous.
Thyroid glands are located in the neck and produce hormones that effect body function and growth through the entire dog, according to Washington State Universities College of Veterinary Medicine. Though rare, tumors sometimes arise from the thyroid gland. Fetchdog.com defines benign, nonspreading cancers as adenomas, and malignant, spreading cancers are called carcinomas. Carcinomas are unfortunately more rare in dogs than adenomas and are usually discovered after noticing a swelling in the dog's neck.
As a dog ages, it will have different wants, needs and requirements when it comes to health care and general well-being. However, the term "geriatric" varies from dog to dog, as different breeds age at different rates. Smaller breeds may not be considered geriatric until they are a ripe old 13 years of age; whereas a giant breed of dog is already geriatric by the time he is 7 years old. Therefore, it's important for dog owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of aging, so they know when their canine companion has entered its golden years.
Fibrosis is a medical term that indicates an excessive growth of connective tissue made from fibers in muscles and organs. Three types of connective fiber tissues exist: bone marrow, collagen fibers (a type of protein) and elastic fibers (also a type of protein). Liver fibrosis is a symptom that occurs with, and contributes to, liver disease and liver failure. Liver fibrosis is also known as cirrhosis of the liver. Advanced liver fibrosis is the most progressive and serious form of the disorder.
If your dog has cancer, it will likely show a few signs related to the disease. However, because of the stoic nature of canines, your dog will likely try to hide any indication that it doesn't feel well. Dogs often experience the same symptoms of cancer that humans do and knowing what to look for could potentially save your four-legged friend's life.
Lymphoma is the most common cancer in dogs, but luckily it is treatable. The most common symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph glands in the neck, but many dogs that have lymphoma never show any signs or have any symptoms. Some dog breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are more susceptible to lymphoma than other breeds. Lymphoma is also more common in younger dogs. Once a diagnosis of lymphoma has been established, a treatment plan should be the next step.
Typical treatments for canine lymphoma includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments may slow cancer growth and prolong the dog's life--perhaps even up to 18 months. According to veterinarian R.M. Clemmons, associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at University of Florida Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, herbal medications have been shown to lead to spontaneous remissions of cancer in dogs. If your dog is also undergoing conventional treatment for advanced lymphoma, ask your vet before treating your dog with herbs as some of them may conflict with chemotherapy.
Appetite loss in a dog that is typically a reliable eater is a legitimate reason to contact your veterinarian for a physical examination. An examination in conjunction with diagnostic tests such as blood work, urine or stool analysis may be necessary to determine the cause. It is far more difficult to notice a loss of appetite in dogs that are picky eaters or are free fed than voracious eaters fed on a schedule.
Skin cancer is common among dogs. There are many types of skin cancer, but approximately 20 to 30 percent of skin cancers in dogs are malignant, according to the Canine Cancer website. Dark-coated dogs such as the black Labrador retriever are at a higher risk.
Liver cancer typically affects older dogs ages 10 years and up. The job of the liver is to remove toxins from the body, which is greatly affected by cancer. Livers of affected dogs develop a distinctive "honeycomb" pattern.
According to The Nation Canine Cancer Foundation, more than one in four dogs develops some type of cancer. While hearing your pet's cancer diagnosis is always difficult, the increased number of treatment methods makes coping and recovering from this disease more manageable than ever.
Bone cancer is a heartbreaking diagnosis. The nonprofit organization Bone Cancer Dogs says osteosarcoma--the most common form of the disease--is "aggressive and ruthless." There is no known cure, but fortunately there are treatment options to extend the dog's life and keep him comfortable and active for some time.
Cancer in dogs, like humans, can develop directly in the eye itself or from a malignancy in another part of the body that spreads to the eye. Some cancers in a dog's eye appear as color changes, while others develop as visible growths. Knowing how to spot canine uveal cancer symptoms so you can get them biopsied can help you save your dog's eyes and possibly even its life.
Having a dog with cancer brings stress about its health, treatment options and costs. Determining the cost requires contacting local veterinarians, veterinary hospitals and special veterinary oncology clinics because costs often vary for the same treatment even locally.
