Health
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is not among the unhealthiest of breeds, but it does unfortunately suffer from some serious genetic conditions; some of these conditions were not recognized to affect the breed in a serious manner until recently. For example, more and more reports have been coming in of American Staffordshire Terriers (also called Amstaffs) suffering from a variety of problems classified under heart disease, specifically congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease, or CHD, is a heart condition that is present when the pup is born; it is different from Acquired Heart disease, which is a heart condition that develops later in a dog's life. CHD is rare, but it can result in serious heart failure. [...]
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Arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is somewhat misleading because arthritis is much more than joint inflammation and cats do contract many forms of arthritis depending upon the breed and external factors. The particular forms of arthritis that cats suffer from are: Traumatic Arthritis (sprain) and Osteoarethritis, from there, there are several diseases that belong to one group or the other.Traumatic Arthritis as the name implies occurs when there is some sort of a trauma, (sprain) injury. In cats that could be the result of being hit by a moving vehicle, a cat fight, or bad fall. If the trauma is a result of a simple sprain chances are the pain will go away in no time and is really not that serious. However, if the traumatic arthritis is more serious, resulting from being hit by a car or other serious accident, a fracture may occur in the joint and your cat may require surgery to repair the damage. [...]
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As we know, the bone structure that is needed in the process of chewing food is the jaw. The entire vault of the mouth is referred to as the jaw. There is an upper and lower jaw. The Maxilla is the upper jaw and the mandible is the lower jaw.Certain dogs or cats have problems with the alignment of the jaws. If the upper jaw protrudes it is called an overshot in dental terms or an overbite in layman terms. If the lower jaw protrudes it is called and undershot or under bite.Persian cats are subject to teeth and jaw problems. Since Exotic Shorthairs have much of the same genotype as the Persian and Himalayan Cat, they too will suffer from same teeth and jaw problems. These cats can have crocked teeth, sometimes the baby teeth are crooked but the adult teeth will grow in normal which is straight. [...]
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As mentioned previously, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a relatively healthy breed, though it is affected by some unpleasant disorders. One of the most serious disorders from which this breed suffers is called Hereditary Ataxia or Cerebellar Ataxia. This is a neurological disorder of a serious nature and as of yet there is no cure; it seems as if the gene governing the disorder is quite widespread in the breed and often avoiding the breeding of affected dogs is difficult due to the late onset of symptoms. Research to find out the exact mode of inheritance and to find some kind of treatment is ongoing and owners of dogs with the disease are encouraged to allow their dogs to participate in trials and studies. [...]
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Ataxia is a disease where a feline's gait, which is the way it moves, walks, runs, jumps and so on, is severely uncoordinated and the animal appears to stumble, is clumsy, wobbly, and rather odd looking. The reasons for ataxia depend upon the disease it may have contracted. It is primary a neurological disorder resulting from problems in the brain or inner ear. But can have non neurological causes as well.Causes[h/]Some causes of ataxia are genetic and run in families, while others could be brought on because of a feline virus or infection, or simply by the cat's general life style.WeaknessA feral cat that is found starving and dehydrated or is severely anemic can become very weak and this would be a cause of ataxia. [...]
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The medical term for bladder infection is cystitis and refers to the inflammation of the urinary bladder. Bladder infection is also known as Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) and it comes under the rubric of a group of urinary problems known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FUTD). Bladder infections occur in both male and female cats.CausesBladder infections can be a result of bacterial or viral infections such as Feline Herpes virus.Feline Urologic Syndrome (Fus) occurs in the bladder where tiny crystals form, irritate the area, and causes bloody urine. The crystals generate because of a heavy mineral content in the urine. Normally these minerals dissolve on their own but when they cannot they crystallize. The tiny crystals can enlarge into bladder stones. [...]
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The number one problem in cats over the age of five are dental related. Many of these problems can be avoided with proper dental care. Like humans, cats have baby teeth first and then adult teeth afterward. They usually get their first set of teeth around two to four weeks of age. The mother cat will start to wean her kittens once they start biting which is roughly around four weeks of age. The adult set of teeth usually comes in around four to six months. A cat has thirty teeth in a full set of adult teeth, which include: pre-molars and molars, canines and incisors. [...]
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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is also known as Feline Aids, it affects 11 percent all domestic cats worldwide. It is also affects wild cats though they do not appear to show any symptoms. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a lentivirus, (characterized by having a slow incubation period) and is also part of the retrovirus family, which includes Feline Leukemia.CausesFeline Immunodeficiency Virus evades the cat's immune system where it attacks several cell types of lymphocytes which are white blood cells responsible for aiding the immune system; CD4+ and CD8, T lymphocytes and B lympthocytes which produces antigens to ward off foreign bodies. It also attacks microphages, (cells that seek and destroy foreign toxins). Thus this virus destroys the very cells that protect the animal against foreign bodies and renders it susceptible to several kinds of invading viruses and bacteria from the environment. [...]
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No one likes to think about their pets getting sick, but it's important that pet owners be aware of potential health problems that their animals might face so that they can deal with them in an effective manner should they occur. Boxer owners need to keep a close eye on their pets, as boxers tend to have a higher chance than some other breeds of developing potentially severe health problems such as certain types of cancer. Early detection of cancers can lead to effective treatment, which will result in your boxer being around for many years to come. [...]
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Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a cornavirus affecting the upper respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. The most well known of these virus types, is the widely spread SARS virus which has attracted worldwide critical acclaim; since the disease has transferred over from animal to human.There are many cornavirus that affect cats and most are not that harmful. These virus strains all grow and attack the white blood cells after which the virus can travel through the entire body. [...]
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The cartilage is an elastic type whitish yellowish connecting tissue that forms in several parts of the body including the larynx, the outer ear, and the joints. When cartilage hardens it becomes bone. Healthy cartilage requires:Water to keep the cartilage lubricated and nourishedProteoglycans which is a type of glycoprotein (sugar protein) to attract and hold waterCollagen which is the main protein responsible for healthy connective tissue to hold these glycoproteins in placeChondrocytes which are the cells of the cartilage. They maintain cartilage by cleaning away old proteoglycans and collagen and producing new ones [...]
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Hip Dysplasia refers to a deformity of the hip joint, which leads to arthritis if left untreated. This condition is very painful. Up until recently it was only large breeds of dogs that were diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Veterinarians are now realizing that all breeds of cats can have the disease as well. The Devon Rex has been reported to have a 40% likelihood of contracting the disease. The prevalence in the Main Coon Cat, Persian, and Himalayan drops down to about 20 percent and domestic housecats less than 5 percent.CausesIt is believed that larger breeds of cats will more often suffer from dysplasia than smaller cats. The reason for this is that the larger the bones the less protective cushioning of muscle and sinuous tissue surrounding them. Less protective cushioning leads to greater risk for hip displacement. [...]
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Exotic shorthair is the breed of cats most associated with Keratosis Sequestrum. An exotic shorthair actually looks like a Persian with one big difference, it has short hair. An exotic shorthair has beautiful plush, thick, dense hair that gives that it a teddy bear look. They are bred to have all the features of a Persian but are much easier to groom. The Persian, Himalayan, Burmese and Siamese cat also contracts Keratosis Sequestrum.CausesThe word Keratosis refers to the inflammation of the cornea. The cornea is the surface of the eye. It is a transparent protective covering for the iris, pupil, and outer chambers of the eye. The cornea can be considered the window in which a human or animal sees through. The cornea is a very powerful visual apparatus and is filled with many nerve cells. Thus when the cornea is inflamed, it will be very painful and vision will be impaired. The cornea in a feline is made up of four layers. [...]
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Welsh Terriers are relatively healthy dogs, though they may be prone to allergic reactions; actually dogs in general tend to be highly susceptible to a variety of allergic reactions. And while people often get runny noses and watery eyes when suffering from allergies, dogs will develop skin problems. A dog suffering from allergies may display an unhealthy looking coat, either in texture or in length, he may obsessively scratch and chew at his itchy skin, or he may develop things called hot spots. [...]
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The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a relatively healthy breed, though as usual the breed is not without its typical health issues. These dogs suffer from a series of eye problems that, though not frequently recorded in the breed, do show up from time to time and can cause serious, lasting damage, depending on the severity of the condition. The Cardigan is prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), like many dogs, as well as lens luxation and retinal dysplasia. If you suspect any of these conditions, you should immediately take your dog to the veterinarian, who may suggest you see a veterinarian ophthalmologist. [...]
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