posted by Tess on Jun 9
The large size of the liver stands testimony to the multifunctional roles that it plays in the health of a dog. Its importance can be gauged from the fact that 25% of the blood pumped out with each heartbeat goes into the liver alone.
Another significant aspect of the liver lies in the fact that it stores its capacity for emergencies and uses only a small amount of its potential at any given time. This inherent property actually works against your pet as the symptoms of liver disease in dogs remain hidden for a long time. The liver has an advantage that is matched by very few organs in the body. Liver cells can regenerate themselves allowing a disease struck liver to resume normal functions in many cases.
The liver is also involved in practically all that goes on in the body. It is involved in growth, supply of nutrients, providing energy and filtering toxins. It also aids other organs in their functions. Understanding liver disease in dogs is a complex process. The causes behind liver malfunction, however, can be tabulated for easy understanding.
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posted by Tess on Jun 6
Cancer is a malignant, cellular growth (tumor). Benign tumors are harmless and only an abnormal increase in size of a specific tissue. Cancer can affect any organ in a cat’s body but cancer of the lymphatic tissue, skin and mammary glands are the three most common types of neoplasia (the pathological process that results in formation and growth of tumors) in cats.
Extensive research in human cancer diagnosis and treatment has changed the entire scene of cancer management. The good part is that the same protocols reflect in treating feline cancer and cancer in dogs and other pets. There has also been a concomitant awareness of the role played by nutrition and alternative therapies in developing resistance to cancer and recovery.
Treatment for tumors is basically a matter of removal, killing or curbing the process of multiplication of cancer cells. There are various treatment options that one can consider.
Medical treatment
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posted by Tess on Jun 5
Over time dogs have learnt to live with humans. Most of the times, they are docile and lend themselves to petting. They also obey commands, if trained well. There are instances where dogs have served well as companions to senior citizens and handicapped individuals.
A well-trained dog can even run errands for you. At the same time, dogs can be unpredictable too. Although dog aggression is considered as one of the abnormal behaviors in domesticated dogs, an animal is after all an animal. Dogs evolved from wolves and retain some of their aggressive traits.
They are bound to respond to their genes and behave in accordance to them at times. However, the aggressive trait is manageable in most cases and if proper care is taken you can totally eliminate the possibility of aggression in your dog.
Aggressive dog behavior is mostly caused by the following factors:
* A medical condition.
* Genetic predisposition towards dominating the pack.
* A fear factor.
* Maternal fears for safety of the litter.
* Redirected aggression.
* Inter-male rivalry and territorial aggression.
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posted by Tess on Jun 4
Lymphoma, one of the four major types of cancer, is a neoplasm (an abnormal growth that serves no purpose) of the lymph tissue. It is commonly known as lymph cancer and is almost always malignant. Lymph cancer usually occurs in middle aged dogs and one of the major indications is the prevalence of one or more lumps just under the skin. Physical examination would normally reveal that the peripheral lymph nodes are enlarged and firm.
While there is no evidence of a link between the leukemia virus and canine lymphoma, feline cancer of the lymphatic system is normally associated with the leukemia virus. The fact that lymphoma is more prevalent in certain breeds is indicative of a genetic predisposition for this type of cancer. Besides this, like all other types of cancers, there is no known cause for lymph cancer in dogs.
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posted by Tess on Jun 2
Understanding dog behavior is important before arriving at any conclusions about the reasons behind certain types of behavior. Much as humans feel offended at certain things and resort to aggression, dogs too respond similarly. Just as certain foods do not suit humans, there are many foods that should not be fed to dogs.
If you continue to feed your dog with a diet that disturbs his system, he is liable to show his irritation in his behavior. Persistent feeding of unsuitable diet ultimately leads to aggressive dog behavior .
Dogs are not obligate carnivores and can be often seen hunting for roots and fruits. Dogs evolved from wolves. In the wild if you see wolves and dogs eating an herbivore prey that they have killed, you may notice they first go for the stomach area of the carcass. That is where they will find roots and leaves and berries. Many times you can also see dogs eating grass.
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