Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

This disease is characterised by poor co-ordination and weakness, particularly in the hindquarters. more commonly seen in large breeds, especially the Great Dane. CAUSE; It is agreed that the narrowing of the canal formed by the vertebrae (bones) in the neck causes damage to the spinal cord, which in turn is responsible for the wobbles [...]

This problem is relatively common in older desexed female dogs. Incontinence occurs when urine dribbles or leaks from the bladder and the dog is unaware of it happening. Causes; * spinal injuries or disease. *hormonal imbalance. *the aftermath of prolonged cystitis. *ectopic ureter-a rare condition where the ureter empties into the vagina rather than into [...]

TREATMENT: Consult your vet immediately. Keep in mind that good nursing is an essential part of any treatment. Keep the dog in a well ventilated, draught-free area. Keep its temperature as even as possible, but not too high. Fresh water and nutritous , palatable food should be available to encourage eating and drinking. Electrolytes in [...]

SIGNS: The signs will vary with the suddenness of onset and the volume of lung tissue involved. Generally, the dog will be off its food and lethargic. breathing is rapid and shallow. Often a cough, nasal discharge and a high temperature are associated with pneumonia. The breath may have a foul odour and if you [...]

This is an infection and/or inflammation of the lung tissue. CAUSES: There are numerous causes of pneumonia, i.e. viruses, bacteria, parasites, or inhalation of foreign material. There are many predisposing causes, e.g. travelling, overcrowding and malnutrition, all of which lower the dog’s resistance to infection. Next time I will write about the signs of pneumonia [...]

Cause: Chronic constipation or an enlarged prostate gland stimulates the dog to strain when urinating or defecating, causing the hernia. SIGNS: A swelling can be seen on one or both sides of the anus. TREATMENT: Surgical repair of the hernia in conjunction with castration to reduce the size of the prostate gland and prevent the [...]

TREATMENT: See your vet. If neccessary, the dog will be given a general anaesthetic and its teeth will be cleaned with an ultrasonic descaler. Any loose or unhealthy teeth will be extracted. Anti-inflammatory agents to reduce the redness and the pain, and antibiotics to clear up any infection may be administed. Encourage the dog to [...]

CAUSES: * Bacterial infections. * Irritant substances licked from a contaminated coat. * Plaque and tartar on the teeth. SIGNS: * Red inflamed gum along the tooth-gum margin, which is usually in the region of the pre-molar and molar teeth, especially of the upper jaw. * There may be evidence of bad breath and saliva [...]

TREATMENT: Early diagnosis is important to prevent blindness and the eye becoming grossly enlarged. The service of a veterinary opthamologist with special equipment are neccessary to detect glaucoma in the early stages. The condition can be controlled by constant treatment for the rest of the dogs life. If the eye is grossly enlarged, painful, and [...]

Glaucoma is a swelling of the eye due to increased pressure from the fluid within the eyeball. CAUSES: In some breeds of dogs, e.g. Beagle, American and English Cocker Spaniel, it is an inherited condition. Other causes are injury or disease. SIGNS: The affected eye is larger than the other eye and may be inflammed [...]