Diabetes Mellitus

Canine diabetes mellitus is a condition in which your dog’s body is either insensitive to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. Insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating glucose. Symptoms of canine diabetes mellitus include increased urination and thirst, dehydration, and loss of appetite.

The main treatment for this form is a daily or twice a day injection of insulin. You will also need to change your dog’s diet. A diet that is high in protein and fiber is usually best. Your dog will also need less carbohydrates and fats. It is also important that a dog with diabetes mellitus gets plenty of exercise.

Diabetes Insipidus

Canine diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by your dog’s inability to retain water. This rare disease comes in two forms, namely central and nephrogenic. The central form occurs when the pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough of the anti-diuretic hormone called vasopressine. Central canine diabetes insipidus can be caused by congenital defect or disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. It can be treated with desmopressin in the form of nose drops, eye drops, or injections.

The nephrogenic form of diabetes insipidus occurs when the kidneys are insensitive to vasopressine secreted by the pituitary gland. This condition can be caused by medications, kidney disease, kidney trauma, or congenital defect. It’s usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics.

Gestational

The last form of canine diabetes is the gestational variety which only occurs during pregnancy. This condition occurs when the female dog’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use the produced insulin properly. Dogs with this form of canine diabetes display the same symptoms as dogs with diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes can be treat with a proper diet, exercise, and insulin injections. The condition usually goes away after she has given birth to her litter.

Causes

Canine hives can be caused by various things. Some of the most common include sensitivity to insect bites, drugs, vaccinations, or chemicals. Also, something your dog has eaten may cause an allergic reaction.

Treatment

As mentioned earlier, canine hives will go away within 24 hours. However, they may cause your dog to be very itchy. This can be treated with oral antihistamines or steroids. Topical medications can also be used to treat the itchiness caused by canine hives.

Some dogs with canine hives start having trouble breathing due to the allergic reactions. If this happens, then the veterinarian will have to administer epinephrine to help your dog breathe properly. If your dog scratches the affected areas too much, he may develop a secondary skin infection. If this happens, then your dog will need topical or oral antibiotics.

Prevention

Canine hives can be caused by certain vaccinations. To prevent another episode, you should make sure your dog’s history has a note of the allergic reaction to that vaccination. Canine hives can also be caused by certain foods your dog eats. If you switch dog food brands and your dog develops hives, you should go back to the old food.

Most dogs will gain 15-25% of their original body weight during pregnancy, although this does depend on the number of puppies they are carrying and some do not put on noticeable weight until the last week before whelping.

Nutritional intake needs to increase during canine pregnancy and lactation; your dog may even double the amount she eats. During lactation she will need a high protein puppy food, and you may want to gradually introduce this during the last two weeks of her pregnancy, or even earlier. If you are concerned about providing the right pregnancy diet to meet your particular dog’s needs you should consult your veterinarian.

You should try to avoid nutritional supplements during canine pregnancy, even though these may seem like a good idea. Your dog will naturally produce everything her puppies need to thrive during lactation, and supplements may interfere with this process. This is particularly applicable to calcium supplements. If you use a good quality, high protein dog food, supplements will not be necessary.

A lot of canine medication is safe to use during pregnancy. If you give your dog regular preventative medication for heartworm you should continue this throughout pregnancy and lactation. Some medicines to get rid of other types of parasite, such as hookworms or roundworms, can be used but you should consult your veterinarian before administering these. It is important that your dog does get treatment for these conditions as otherwise she can pass them on to her unborn puppies.

Vaccinations should not be given during canine pregnancy. However, if possible, it is a great idea to have your dog vaccinated just before becoming pregnant as this will ensure she has a high level of antibodies to pass onto her puppies during lactation.

About halfway through her pregnancy you should take your dog to the veterinarian for a wellness check and to confirm the pregnancy. The veterinarian will be able to do this by examining the stomach, but a blood test can be done to provide a conclusive result.

You may want to have a radiograph done three weeks prior to the deliver to count the puppies. Knowing how many puppies to expect will help you to prepare for the delivery. Remember that your dog can become pregnant by more than one male during any one heat stage so you may be surprised at the number of puppies she is going to produce.

During the last three weeks of your dog’s pregnancy you may want to isolate her completely from contact with other dogs. This will ensure she does not pick up the herpes virus. While this is usually harmless in adult dogs, it can trigger a miscarriage in your pregnant dog.

You may find she wants to stay close to you during this time anyway. She may dislike being left alone and will probably become more affectionate, if a little irritable. As the delivery date approaches she will start to look for a safe place to give birth, and you should give some thought to where this will be.

As with human pregnancy, it is important to remember that canine pregnancy is a natural process, and your dog has been blessed with the natural ability to carry it through. With a little extra attention to nutrition, and some protection from common diseases, this should be a stress free time for you and your dog.

Roundworms

Roundworms are one of the most common canine worms. They don’t typically infect adult dogs, but are very common in puppies. These worms can grow to a length of seven inches. Two common symptoms of a roundworm infestation are a pot belly and poor growth. Severe infestations of these canine worms can even lead to an intestinal blockage which can be fatal.

The eggs produced by the females are very hardy. They can survive in the environment for years. Dogs are typically infected when they ingest soil contaminated with roundworm eggs. Pups can also become infected from the mother’s milk.

Hookworms

One of the next common canine worms is the hookworm. Like roundworms, they also affect the intestinal tract and infect your dog when he ingests eggs from contaminated soil. Hookworms attach themselves to the intestinal wall and suck blood. Severe infestations of these canine worms can be fatal to young puppies. If your dog is infected with hookworms, he will display symptoms such as weight loss, anemia, and diarrhea.

Tapeworms

Unlike the two previous canine worms, tapeworms are normally transmitted by fleas. They can also be transmitted to your dog if he eats animals that are infected. Tapeworms look like flat grains of rice. If your dog is infected with these canine worms, you will notice segments in his stool.

Although over-the-counter medications are suitable for hookworms and roundworms, they aren’t effective for dealing with tapeworms. Therefore, you will have to take your dog to the veterinarian for treatment.

Wrong.  Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your dog even has canine cystitis.

Does My Dog Have A Canine Urinary Tract Infection?

As smart as dogs are, they can’t talk and tell us what their problem is.  The only way they can communicate is with their behavior.  If your dog has canine cystitis, she’ll try to tell you by her actions.

If you’ve ever had a bladder infection, you know that the main symptom is pain and burning when you urinate.  Your dog will tell you she’s unhappy, with restless behavior like pacing around the house and whining.  She may want to go out again right away, even though she just came in.

Worse, she may urinate on the floor, your bed, or in other inappropriate areas.  Many dog owners mistakenly think this is a behavior problem.  Before you start looking for a dog trainer, rule out bladder infections in dogs first.

Tests Your Vet Should Do To Diagnose Canine Cystitis

Tests to diagnose a canine urinary tract infection include urinalysis, a dog urine culture, and a sensitivity test. 

A urinalysis should be done to see if bacteria or stones are present in your dog’s urine.  If bacteria are found, a urine culture needs to be done to find out exactly which bacteria they are.  The sensitivity test will tell your vet the correct antibiotic to use.

The problem arises because urine culturing and sensitivity testing increases your vet bill by $25 to $100.  Some dog owners can’t afford the extra money, and others just won’t pay for it even it they can afford it. 

So what happens?  Your vet ends up prescribing an antibiotic that may or may not kill the bacteria causing your dog’s bladder infection. 

Why Using The Wrong Antibiotic Is A Bad Idea

The first reason is that you can spend a lot of time and money treating your dog with an antibiotic that won’t do the job.  Giving a dog an expensive antibiotic for two or three weeks is no picnic, so you don’t want to waste time with the wrong drug.

Secondly, if you skip the sensitivity test, you may be treating your dog with a drug that won’t kill the bacteria causing the infection.  This can lead to a life-threatening bacterial infection that’s very hard to treat. 

An even more important reason to use the right drug is the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Natural Remedies For Pets Can Prevent Bladder Infections In Dogs

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a safe, effective, natural remedy you could give your buddy every day to prevent bladder problems in dogs?  Well, you’ll be happy to know that there is.  This remedy is manufactured specifically for pets, not humans, which is very important.  And it’s made by a company with a great reputation for producing the highest-quality products for pets. 

Now that you have this information, you can use natural remedies for pets to protect your dog from the pain and stress of canine urinary tract infections.

There are certain breeds that seem to have a predisposition towards epilepsy. Some of the breeds that seem to have a higher risk are Collies, Poodles and German Shepherds. However, it can occur in any breed and mixed breeds as well. The first seizure can happen at any age, but it is usually young to middle aged dogs who acquire this condition.

An epileptic seizure or fit is commonly described as an uncontrolled release of electrical discharge in the brain. It causes the animal to shake, tremble and salivate. Sometimes uncontrolled urination and defecation occurs. After a few episodes an owner will begin to understand and learn certain trigger factors that apply to their pet.

In most cases the episode doesn’t last very long, usually it is over before you can take action. There are a variety of medications on the market today which can help to make the seizures less frequent and less severe.

Here are some suggestions on things a person can do for their dog if they have canine epilepsy.

Educate Yourself

A person should learn all they can about canine epilepsy. There are many good and helpful books on this subject. You can search the internet for sites relating to this condition in dogs. There are web support groups and there may be local support groups in your area. These things will help a pet owner to understand the disease and also to give them a support system to lean on.

Record Everything

Keep a journal or diary on your dog’s seizures or any episode that you thought was a seizure. Make sure to record the date, time started and ended. Write down the symptoms and any factors that you think may have triggered the episode. These factors could include change in the dog’s diet, any loud noises and if the canine seemed stressed. If the dog had been ill or had a recent injury be sure to include that in your journal as well. Try to include as many details as possible because your records may hold clues to enable you to be prepared next time.

Pay particular attention to the dog’s behaviour prior to the seizure. Write down things like if the animal started pacing, was sleeping excessively or seemed to be more needy than usual. If you have other animals in the household make sure you pay attention to their reactions to the episode. Pets are often a lot smarter than we give them credit for, and some animals may be able to signal to you when a seizure is about to start.

Be Prepared

Set up a routine to follow when a seizure occurs. A person has to be prepared to have to make an emergency clinic visit in the middle of the night. Make sure there is always fuel in the car and have supplies handy such as towels or blankets. Keep the phone numbers of your vet and emergency animal hospital close at hand at all times. If your pet is having a seizure be sure to keep other pets away and remove any objects that could injure your dog.

Medications

Make sure you keep a supply of daily medication and any emergency medicine the veterinarian supplies. Ensure you have plenty on hand and give the dog its medication at set times every day. It is a good idea to keep on top of the latest research or treatments that become available for dogs with canine epilepsy. Before changing your dog’s medication or trying a new kind of treatment it is wise to discuss this with the vet first.

Establishing a pattern is the key to successful management of canine epilepsy. Discuss with your vet the different options available that pertain to your dog. Medications used for controlling seizures in dogs include Phenobarbitone, Mysoline, Epanutin and Potassium Bromide. Your vet will have you closely monitor your dog and will adjust the amount of medication needed to control seizures in your dog. Once you have started a course of treatment it is imperative that you don’t run out of medication; this is a well known trigger to restarting seizures.

Canine epilepsy can’t be cured but it can be controlled. Even a dog that has its epilepsy under control may have an occasional seizure. This condition can be controlled by medication that is given daily by mouth.

With proper medication a dog with epilepsy can still live a normal life. Dogs with canine epilepsy can live a happy and full life. They can go for walks, play in the park and do almost anything a healthy dog can.

If you are consistent with giving the required daily medication and have your dog seen regularly by your vet you will have many years ahead of you to enjoy your canine companion. You might want to consider getting pet insurance on your dog in case there will be any unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. This will give your family peace of mind knowing that you will be able to provide medical attention when needed.

Faster? Stronger? Keener sense of smell? More muscles? Shorter? Thicker coat? The list could go on. But is this playing God, with dogs? We have already seen animals being cloned. Genes determine who we are as humans. They also determine what the animal will become too. But, what if we could create our Own special dog? Create pets that are designed for individual families? Is this possible?

Located in Ithaca, NY, the Baker Institute is a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. Today, the Institute serves society through discoveries that will have both an immediate affect and long term implications. Along with their historical strength in the study of infectious disease and immunology, the Institute’s medical geneticists have gained prominence in recent years through the development of practical tests for detecting carriers of defective genes and strategies for control of genetic diseases. These researchers also investigate a variety of diseases affecting both animals and humans, including osteoarthritis, diseases of the eye, and reproductive disorders. In 2006, the Baker Institute Mapped out the canine rod cone dysplasia type 2 (rcd2) to a region of dog chromosome 7. Their achievements are numerous where the canine is concerned. But who will be the first in achieving a true Designer dog? A dog that is simply created by mixing a variety of specific genes to give someone seeking such a dog, something unique…only to them? Do you think this could become a reality?

Canine geneticists have come a very long way, especially since our modern technology is getting better and better. Our environment being what it is, may be the driving force for those seeking “designer” dogs. When I think of a “designer dog”…this is essentially the reality of what comes to mind. A dog that has been put together by a canine geneticist according to my desires and wishes. Dogs created to specifics. Yes. Now we are talking about “playing God”. We already have hybrid dogs that have become wildly much more popular than the purebred, which angers many purebred breeders. But, it is what it is. A new fact of life. Man’s best friend, the dog, is proving that it has, yet again, figured out a way to lend a helping paw. The identification of canine genes is not only improving the health of dogs, but is also helping researchers identify genes controlling human diseases and develop treatments. Yes, as much as I hate to say it, dogs are used greatly in many experiments and tests. Some agree it is for the betterment of human kind…some disagree completely.

Dr. Dennis O’Brien, a professor of neurology at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine and an expert on neurodegenerative diseases, says he is thrilled about the recent identification of genes that cause two types of rare epilepsy in dogs and humans. “It’s very exciting. I think it shows the power of canine genomics to (be able) to start answering some of these questions,” Dr. O’Brien said. Berge Minassian, MD, and other scientists at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, turned to the dog in their hunt for genes that cause Lafora disease in humans. With Lafora, seizures begin in the teenage years and increase in frequency until they cause death, usually within five years after the onset of the first symptoms. The researchers had identified one gene in humans but knew there was at least a second gene, because some families couldn’t be linked to the first gene. “I knew that Lafora is, relatively, frequently reported in dogs,” Dr. Minassian said. “I thought perhaps if we found families of dogs (that) have this disease, it may help us find the gene and, from there, the human gene.”

While dogs and cats are used for testing and experiments, they are also man’s best friend. Dog and cat alike. Goldendoodles are called, by some, designer dogs but I beg to differ. Goldendoodles have not been created from test tubes or by Canine geneticists. They are selectively created by designer breeders. The dog itself is not a designer dog, but I do consider the breeder who only creates hybrids, a designer breeder. That’s not a bad thing. I myself am a “designer” breeder.

Sometime in our future, REAL designer dogs will occur. We will be able to select and design our family pets in a very real specific way. As time goes by and scientists collect more and more DNA of family pets and varying breeds, they will soon have an entire collection to choose from. They can mix and match and perhaps, you’ll even be able to check off a list what it is you desire in your own personal, designer dog. ALready breeders can know before their litters are born, what colors to expect through DNA testing. Canine DNA holds more keys than we realize, to knowing what to expect with offspring. Mark my words! Canine DNA is going to go to places they’ve never known before!

Now day’s dog owners believe more in acupuncture as it cures problems soon and effectively. Most of the people accept the therapeutic benefits of canine acupuncture for dog health. In the canine acupuncture treatments, small needles placed under the skin of dogs at the strategic points. This will help to improve the canine’s health. Acupuncture is beneficial to the dogs in various ways who suffer from inability of being able to stay or sit for several minutes. Veterinary acupuncturist have shown that time required in the canine treatment is very less. This can be done in very short duration of time that may be from few second to hardly some minutes.

Canine acupuncture is helpful in healing small problems to any severe problem. Some of the particular treatments are given to the dogs who are suffering from weight control, depression, and gastrointestinal complications. These can be controlled in a single session. After completion of the acupuncture treatment, effect of the relaxation may last for several days of relaxation in the dogs. This is the first response to the treatment subsequent to this dog will give further responses. This will improve the activity level in the dogs within a few days.

Dogs suffering with illnesses like either physical or emotional need to be treated more than once or this treatment should always be on a weekly basis for about two to three months. Acupuncture is best treatment for problems like paralysis, various allergies and pains. Along with these treatments, acupuncture gives nice response to the musculoskeletal problems, respiratory problems, and skin problems. Acupuncture is also beneficial in reproductive and hormonal problems.

Therefore, today it is being used either by itself or in conjunction with other treatments. Acupuncture treatment helps to balance the essential energies of our bodies. When the needles are pricked inside, they stimulate the nerves and increase the blood circulation in the body.

While treating the dogs, they become little uncomfortable when needles are placed however, once inserted it is quite painless. During the treatment many of the canines becomes relaxed and may become drowsy. Number of needles and needling techniques are changed according to the patient’s case history. Along with this, duration of the treatment also varies a lot. The minimum duration is of few seconds and maximum time needed is about thirty minutes. According to the treatment given to resolve the problem, number of sessions and timing varies. In most of the cases, six treatments are given in variation of fixed time intervals. Many of the cases may cure the canine within two sessions as well.

Canine yeast infection occurs when the dog has been on antibiotics to treat a certain ailments or condition. Just like in humans, the drugs will get rid of the good bacteria and the body of a canine is left without any protection. Infection by yeast in dogs is called malessezia dermatitis and there are several ways you can conduct a diagnosis. The methods include impression smear, scotch tape sampling, skin scraping with blade, cotton swab and skin biopsy. All these tests will ensure that you know what condition your dog has. When you have established this, you can then administer the necessary medication.

Canine yeast infection comes with several symptoms that you can look out for in your dog. Yeast infections are usually smelly. You will notice a certain odor in your dog that is unusual and you can be sure that the odor is quite unpleasant. If you notice this, together with constant itching, you will be most sure that you have a yeast infection puzzle. The next thing you need to look out for is a lesion on the skin and they might affect the whole body. The skin might resemble that of an elephant skin. Therefore, with all these symptoms, it is hard to miss the condition in your dog.

For more tests to be conducted, you need to seek medical help for your canine. The health professional will even give you future tips that can follow to ensure you protect your dog. Some of the tips that will ensure that your dog stays healthy include feeding the dog well with essential nutrients that will be laid out by the professional, the other thing you must ensure is good hygiene which will not only help your canine friend stay yeast free but will also ensure they stay comfortable. You can also see how you can use anti fungal medication if the dog is undergoing antibiotic treatment.

Canine yeast infections are easy to eradicate and with the medications available, you do not have to let your dog suffer. Make sure you keep the dog dry when possible and you can also get to read more about this on the internet. There is no doubt that your dog will even be happier and you will only be pleased to enjoy happy times with your dog. Make sure you follow through with every treatment plan that you are given. If you find that a particular medication is not working, inform your pet physician for a better prescription.

Transmission

Canine brucellosis is caused by a bacteria called Bruccella canis. This bacteria is commonly spread during mating when the dog comes into contact with semen or vaginal fluid. The bacteria that causes canine brucellosis can also be transmitted by contact with aborted puppies. This bacteria can also be transmitted to humans which will result in flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms

Many dogs with canine brucellosis don’t show any symptoms. If there are any symptoms present, they will include swollen lymph nodes and lethargy. Females will usually abort their litter up to two months after breeding. Some of the puppies will die immediately after birth while other will be born dead.

In males, canine brucellosis causes symptoms such as infertility and inflammation of the sexual organs. The dog may also be hesitant to breed due to the pain. In some cases, canine brucellosis can cause damage to your dog’s nervous system and kidneys.

Treatment

Unfortunately, canine brucellosis can prove difficult to treat effectively. Treatment includes medications such as Tetracycline, Streptomycin, and Minocycline. Even if your dog is treated successfully, he will likely be a lifelong carrier of the disease. This means that he can transmit it to other dogs if you try to breed him.

Prevention

There is no vaccine to protect your dog from canine brucellosis. The best way to prevent your dog from contracting the disease is to have all dogs tested before breeding. As mentioned earlier, the bacteria that causes canine brucellosis can also be transmitted to humans. Therefore, you should always wear gloves when handling infected dogs, especially aborted puppies. You also need to be careful when handling the dog’s bodily fluids.