posted by Tess on May 15
A mammal’s body is very complex. It involves a series of preset and complicated actions, reactions and reciprocal actions. These processes are carried out between the various body systems that work together to keep the body functioning properly.
Overall health can be maintained only by ensuring a fine balance between the enzymes, hormones, and various other chemical compounds that are responsible for metabolic activity. Though the mammalian body has been designed to maintain this fine balance, some external or internal factors can disturb the balance causing ailments, diseases, and other conditions. These factors include trauma, disease, age, diet, or a change in the internal chemical environment.
Cushings disease in dogs is one such disorder that results in the over production of corticosteroids. It can be caused by an ACTH producing tumor in the pituitary gland or a corticosteroid-producing tumor in the adrenalin glands. In some cases, Cushings disease can also be caused by an over dosage of external synthetic corticosteroids.
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posted by Tess on May 13
Ear mites in dogs is often caused by excessive wax that accumulates in the ears. Since the ear canals in dogs run horizontally and vertically, all the accumulated debris tends to go inwards. Hair growth in the inner ear, long ear flaps and the resulting dampness are also a breeding ground for bacteria.
Dogs normally respond to this condition by itching near the ear. Vigorous itching may even cause a blood vessel near the ear to snap. This results in bleeding in the externally visible portion of the external ear thereby causing localized swelling filled with blood. This aggravated condition is called hemotoma.
Hematoma can also be caused by an injury to the external ear. In a few cases, hematoma may heal on its own. But your dog may be left with a shrunk external ear or a scar, altering the appearance of the dog.
If the cause of the hematoma is related to ear mites, you can treat the condition by using home remedies for dog ear mites.
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posted by Tess on May 11
Yeast infections in dogs can be detected by the presence of scales on skin. These scales give out a fetid greasy smell and can be extremely offending.
The scientific name of the yeast that is usually present in dogs is Malassezia pachydermatis. It can appear in the ear, rectum, vagina or anal sacs. The name pachydermatis comes from the fact that the yeast infected skin is similar to the thick skin that most pachyderms have. And therefore the infected area of the skin resembles the tough skin that elephants, rhinos and hippos have.
The mere presence of yeast usually does not cause any major problem for the dog. But in most cases the yeast infection indicates the presence of another infection. These other infections and allergies can cause abnormal itching in a dog. This makes the dog skin more vulnerable to yeast attacks. To confirm the presence of a yeast infection in your dog, all you need to do is to scrape some skin off the infected area and get it examined under a microscope in a laboratory.
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posted by Tess on May 8
Through time, dogs have proven their usefulness to humans. In the Stone Age and beyond, dogs and their keen sense of smell aided man in hunting. In today’s fast-paced world, dogs help us in relieving stress by providing stress-relieving companionship.
A good owner accepts great responsibility for the relationship he shares with his dog. Taking good care of your canine pal is not always easy. Reality checks happen in the form of diseases, and the solution is not always as simple as giving medication. Many medicines that are administered to dogs come with their own set of complications and side effects.
Prednisone is one drug that is often used for treating autoimmune diseases in dogs. It is a synthetic, inactive corticosteroid that is chemically converted by the liver into prednisolone, an active steroid. The benefits of using the drug for treating a number of conditions in humans and animals have been established over time. Prednisone has varied and diverse uses. Some examples are as follows:
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posted by Tess on May 7
Though canines and humans are very different in physiology, there are some universal truths that apply to both. And one such universal truth lies in the realm of diet and health.
Centuries ago, humans uprooted dogs from their natural habitat and domesticated them to help them in hunting and guarding. They were removed from the basic source that provided all nutrition that was required in terms of food. Human intervention continues to come in the form of comforts, food and safety. And unfortunately not all of it is actually beneficial for the pet.
There are a fair number of diseases that are unique to domestic dogs. These diseases have not been known to occur in wild dogs and therefore, it can be assumed that these are in some way, caused by human intervention.
Cushings disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is one such condition that ails pet dogs.
Cushings disease in dogs refers to a disease that is caused by excessive amounts of cortisone due to an over active adrenal gland. Major characteristics of this disease are thinning of skin, hair loss, excess of urination and thirst and obesity (bloated abdomen).
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posted by Tess on May 5
The symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs are often mistaken for normal signs of canine aging. But in fact, such symptoms may surface due to a hyperactive adrenal gland.
Although this disease cannot be cured completely, timely and adequate treatment can result in a longer and higher quality of life for the suffering dog.
The medical term used for Cushing’s disease is hyperadrenocorticism. Since the symptoms of the disease mimic the symptoms of other common diseases, the condition is often misdiagnosed or ignored.
Symptoms -like an increase in urination with pale, diluted urine, obesity with a pot belly, lethargy and intolerance to exercise, excessive thirst, a thin skin or alopecia (hair loss) - need to be taken seriously and warrant a visit to the veterinarian.
The major cause of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs is an excess of corticosteroids. The production of corticosteroids is controlled by a complex system that involves the pituitary gland.
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posted by Tess on May 2
Hyperadrenocorticism in dogs, commonly known as Cushings disease, is an endocrinal disorder caused by the malfunctioning of either the adrenal glands and/or the pituitary glands. There are natural as well as drug induced causes behind the occurrence of this disease in your pet.
Apart from the harrowing symptoms, there are numerous medical ramifications of Cushings disease in dogs that can potentially affect how long your dog lives
* High blood pressure and heart problems due to a weakening of muscles.
* Pancreas’ problems that are rare but can be fatal.
* Kidney problems that arise due to protein loss due to damage in the filtering system.
* Formation of clots in blood vessels due to malfunctioning kidneys.
* Infections caused due to suppression of autoimmune system by excess cortisol.
* Delayed healing of wounds due to excessive cortisol.
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