Educational Articles
-
At first glance he may look like a short-legged Cocker Spaniel, and it is true, the Sussex Spaniel is one of the more unusual spaniel breeds. He is also one of the rarest of all AKC breeds, perhaps because he tends to be, shall we say... talkative, especially if left out of the fun. Otherwise, this mild-mannered spaniel makes a great pal and an easygoing, often overlooked family pet.
-
Skin gland, hair follicle, and sebaceous gland tumors are often benign. Matrical carcinoma and sebaceous gland adenocarcinoma are rare and more aggressive forms of the disease. Regardless of the type (sweat, hair, or sebaceous) diagnosis is made by fine needle aspiration, biopsy, and/or surgical removal and histopathology. Further treatment is reviewed.
-
The Swedish Vallhund is an alert, active, playful dog, always ready to join in whatever adventure you have in mind. He's devoted to family, especially good with children, and friendly to strangers.
-
Syncope (or fainting) is defined as a temporary loss of consciousness that occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Most dogs who experience syncope spontaneously recover once appropriate levels of oxygen reach the brain.
-
This handout explains syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation in dogs, in which fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord develop, leading to an abnormal sensation in affected dogs. The clinical signs of the condition, along with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are described.
-
Systemic hypertension describes high blood pressure throughout the entire body. Hypertension in dogs is often due to an underlying disease (secondary hypertension). When there is no underlying disease, it is called primary hypertension. There are several signs of hypertension including sudden blindness, bleeding inside the globe of the eye, persistently dilated pupils, head tilt, seizures, disorientation, ataxia, circling, weakness or partial paralysis, nystagmus, increased drinking and urinating with the progression of chronic kidney disease, hematuria, and epistaxis. The treatment of dogs with hypertension depends upon the underlying cause. Medications commonly used to manage hypertension in dogs include angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), beta blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers. The course of hypertension in dogs depends on the underlying cause.
-
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune-mediated disease in which a dog's immune system begins to attack her own tissues.
-
Following certain steps and offering rewards and praise instead of reprimands will put a positive spin on a dreaded task. This will help make nail trimming a more pleasant experience for both you and your dog. If all else fails, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further help.
-
Normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 101 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C). Pets with temperatures above 104°F (40.0°C) or falls below 99°F (37.2°C) need immediate veterinary care. Temperature can be taken rectally or aurally. If taking your pet’s temperature is too difficult, take your pet to your veterinarian. If your pet’s temperature remains high or low, take him to your veterinarian.
-
Tapeworms are parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, other animals, and humans. Several types of tapeworms are known to infect pets, but the most common species observed in dogs is Dipylidium caninum, which is transmitted through fleas. Risk factors, clinical signs, treatment, and prevention are explained in this handout. Other, less common types of tapeworms that affect dogs and humans are also covered.