Health
Found [447] Articles :: Page 18 of 30
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One of the more catastrophic ailments that can affect your large-breed dog is a condition known as Wobbler Syndrome, or clinically as cervical vertebral instability. This syndrome occurs when the spinal cord is compressed in the cervical (neck) area. This compression, or pinching, happens because the vertebra through which the cord passes is malformed or misaligned. The compression injures the part of the spinal cord that's necessary for an animal to stand and/or move normally.What causes these deformities in the vertebrae isn't yet known, but it is believed to be related to both genetics and nutrition. In some young dogs, Wobbler can develop if the animal is fed a diet excessively high in protein, calcium and phosphorus, in an attempt to accelerate the growth process. This is believed to cause the skeletal changes that occur in some affected dogs. [...]
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There are many types of heart disease that can affect your dog, and one of the more serious of these is a condition known as cardiomyopathy. There are several types of this fatal disease, and they are a major cause of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), congestive heart failure and sudden death. The two most common include a condition known as arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) and a second known as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. In many cases, the dog will develop ACM first, and then the condition will develop into DCM.The term cardiomyopathy literally translates to "sick heart muscle." It occurs when the walls of the heart muscle become thin, weak and unable to contract properly. The left side of the heart is normally affected the most, but both sides can become enlarged. [...]
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Despite the rather ominous sounding name, white shaker dog syndrome is not fatal and is very rarely a serious problem for most dogs that develop the condition and are treated. As can be assumed from the name is it most commonly found in white dogs such as the Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodle, and the West Highland White Terrier. It has also been noted in breeds that are not white in color such as the Yorkshire Terrier and the Beagle. Some all white breeds of dogs that are medium to large in size do not exhibit the condition; rather it seems to be more specific to the smaller breeds of dogs.White shaker dog syndrome is usually first noted in a puppy and young dog between the ages of six months and three years. The dogs will usually start with a slight tremor that will either stay mild in nature or become more pronounced for a period of about three to four days. Once it has reached this stage the tremor will typically stay at that intensity unless it is treated. [...]
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It is always an exciting time to get a new puppy or dog, unfortunately many new owners don't consider all the possible health issues that may be associated with different breeds. In some of the medium to large breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Bullmastiff, Rottweiler, Boxer and Newfoundland the condition is considered the leading cause of heart conditions within the breed.Sub-aortic stenosis is a congenital and inherited condition, which means that it is passed on through the parents and is present when the puppy is born. What the condition actually consists of is a narrowing of the opening between the heart's left ventricle and the aorta, the major blood vessel carrying blood that is rich in oxygen to the rest of the body. The narrowing is actually caused by a thickening or the walls or a ring of scar tissue that is formed inside the aorta just at the ventricle, which will decrease the volume of blood that can be carried out of the heart to the body. [...]
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A very painful condition of the skin, spiculosis occurs most commonly in adult Kerry Blue Terriers, and is more generally seen in males but may also be present in females during their adult years. These spicules are very dense and hard strands of hair that are very thick and spiky in both texture and size. Not all Kerry Blue Terriers will develop the condition, it is much more prevalent in some lines than others so be sure to ask about the condition before selecting a kennel or breeding line.The spiculosis condition is also known as rose thorns or bristles and may also be noted in Kerry Blue mixed dogs but is very rarely seen in any other breed. While the most common location for these hard, spiky hairs is on the elbows and the hocks of the legs, they can also be found on the face, neck, body and tail, virtually anywhere on the dog's body. Typically Kerry Blue Terriers with a very stiff coat are more prone to the condition and those that have the breed standard "soft, dense and wavy" coat are less likely to develop the condition. [...]
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Basically what we are talking about here is a very itchy cat. Cats can become itchy from a variety of causes and veterinarians tell us that allergies are the most common problem affecting small animals in general. However, hormonal skin problems are common to dogs but rare in cats.Detection of Hormonal Skin DiseasesPruritus is the medical term for itchiness and is not hard to spot because your cat will scratch and even damage its skin. The causes of Pruritus are said to be from over grooming, but really there can be a host of reasons for causing this hormonal skin disease. In severe causes you cat may actually lose or pull out its own hair in order to get relief.Miliary Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin characterized by crusts that appear all over the body, most of the time it occurs from greasy, oily, or fur that contains dandruff. [...]
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Your hope is that your Skye Terrier will be with you and your family for many years. In order to achieve this goal there are certain steps that can be taken to insure that your Skye is as healthy as possible for as long as possible. For best results, begin your care for your Skye before you select your Skye and bring her home.It's All in the GenesGenetics are often an excellent indicator of life expectancy, susceptibility and predispositions for certain breed traits, and other indicators of overall health and well-being. Make sure the breeder you are working with has and provides a full history of heritage for your Skye as well as any medical issues that might affect your Skye. Prevention is the best cure but diligent care and concern for certain conditions can lead to early discovery and treatment if there is a history within the bloodline. [...]
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Curly Coated Retrievers are well known for their distinctive, tightly curled coats. But sometimes Curlies can suffer from hair loss, for a variety of reasons. While some bitches might experience some hair loss just before and after whelping, others can suffer from pattern baldness, which can be temporary or permanent. In this article, we'll take a look at hair loss and the Curly Coated Retriever, what it means and what can be done. [...]
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Curly Coated Retrievers are well known for their distinctive, tightly curled coats. But sometimes Curlies can suffer from hair loss, for a variety of reasons. While some bitches might experience some hair loss just before and after whelping, others can suffer from pattern baldness, which can be temporary or permanent. In this article, we’ll take a look at hair loss and the Curly Coated Retriever, what it means and what can be done. [...]
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A greyhound isn't prone to hereditary skin problems, but the natural structure of its coat can make it sensitive to different chemicals and environments. A greyhound has a very shorthaired coat and they don't really shed. The skin itself doesn't produce oil, like other dogs, and so the greyhound doesn't suffer from doggie smelliness either. This makes them a low maintenance dog, but sometimes overzealous owners who are not aware of their low care guidelines may bathe them too frequently and irritate the skin that way too. [...]
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Like all large dogs, greyhounds are also susceptible to bloat. This condition is fatal if not treated quickly enough. Bloating can occur without notice and might even be mistaken for indigestion. It can sometimes have the appearance of a bloated belly, which is where the name comes from, and you may even see the stomach twisting and turning. However, you can't be sure that it will be that noticeable. Once the stomach starts to twist and turn it can torsion, which can be fatal. It cuts off the circulation in the stomach and blood gets pushed into the main organs while the stomach dies. [...]
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Immune medicated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is the new name for Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) a condition where the feline autoimmune system attacks red blood cells. The Immune System treats the red blood cells as foreign bodies; sending out antibodies which coat the red blood cells with a protein substance to single them out of the blood circulation pool for destruction. This process is called extravascular hemolysis. At the same time, the bilirubin (iron) that is extracted from these marked blood cells are sent to the liver. When this process occurs, the liver and spleen begin having problems. The spleen is overworked by having to process damaged red blood cells and enlarges as result. The liver is overloaded with bilirubin causing jaundice. [...]
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Feline Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle. There are three forms of Cardiomyopathy.In Restrictive cardiomyopathy the heart fails to adequately pump blood due to scar tissue found on the heart muscle.In Hypertonic cardiomyopathy the hearts does not pump blood properly due to a thickening of the heart walls.In Dilated cardiomyopathy the walls of the heart swell to such an extent that the heart becomes enlarged and changes shape; it takes on a rounded shape, while the walls of the heart are severely are weakened because of it.In all three forms, cats will suffer from improper oxygen distribution and eventually this disease will lead to death by heart attack. [...]
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Endocardial fibroelastosis is a congenital heart disease. The disease is inherited and many kittens die shortly after birth.The heart has three layers of protective covering; the endocardium or outer most covering, myocardium or middle covering, and the pericardium or inner most (deepest) layer of the heart. The endocardium is a smooth layer which allows blood to flow effortlessly and is comprised of epithelial cells. This layer is a protective sac for the heart chambers and valves. The function of this protective layering also includes releasing an endocrine hormone (endocardin) to assist in other heart functions particular to the myocardium.Endocardial fibroelastosis refers to the presence of a fibrous elastic type of abnormal thickening of the endocardium layer of the heart. Endocardial fibroelastosis a common heart disease in cats and is particularly prominent in Burmese and Siamese cats. It is also a disease that is under diagnosed. [...]
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The Lakeland terrier is a very healthy dog and not subject to any serious health problems. However, some of the Lakeland terriers do develop Legge Perthes disease. Legge Perthes disease is also referred to as Legg Perthes Disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease or PCPD. [...]
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