Dog Diseases

Myelomalacia in Dogs

Myelomalacia, also known as hematomyelia, is a progressive ischemic (local deficiency of blood supply) necrosis of the spinal cord. It is caused by injury to the spinal cord or disc disease. The necrosis begins at the site of the injury and then in time, moves in both directions, up and back. Symptoms include numbness and/or […]

Cat Diseases Dog Diseases

Thrombocytopenia in Dogs and Cats

Thrombocytopenia can affect both dogs and cats. It occurs when the blood platelet count is very low. Platelets are fragments of special cells that work to see that blood clots properly. If the platelet count is too low, bruising and bleeding occur. Thrombocytopenia can have several causes – low platelet production by bone marrow, increased […]

Cat Diseases Dog Diseases

Nuclear Sclerosis in Cats and Dogs

Nuclear Sclerosis, sometimes called Lenticular Sclerosis is similar in appearance to cataracts and glaucoma, as the eye becomes cloudy. One of the differences is that with Nuclear Sclerosis, vision is usually not significantly affected. The parts of the eye concerned with nuclear sclerosis are: the cornea, the transparent tissue in front of the lens that […]

Dog Diseases

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease in which there is a gradual loss of coordination and strength that begins in the hind quarters. About 80% of cases of Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) occur in German Shepherd Dogs, leading researchers to believe there is a genetic component to the disease in this particular breed. DM is usually seen […]

Dog Diseases

White Shaker Syndrome

White Shaker Syndrome, despite its name, can affect dogs of any color. However white dogs, particularly Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, Poodles and Bichons are likely to experience the syndrome. Both males and females can have White Shaker Syndrome. It usually appears in young to middle-aged dogs. White Shaker Syndrome (WSS) causes the dog’s entire […]

Dog Diseases

CCL (ACL) in Dogs

Injury to the Cranial Cruciate Ligament, CCL, also known as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL, is one of the most common problems of dogs. The knee joint becomes painful and can cause lameness and osteoarthritis. The CCL helps to stabilize the knee joint. An active dog puts a lot of stress on the ligament […]

Cat Diseases Dog Diseases

SSR to Assess Heart Health in Pets

SSR or Sleeping Respiratory Rate is a valuable tool in assessing heart health in pets, particularly left side congestive heart failure (CHF). It is important to determine if CHF is present as medications are sometimes initially recommended for other cardiac diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative valve disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Measuring SSR is conducted […]

Cat Diseases Dog Diseases

Glomerulonephritis in Pets

Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that while you may not have heard about it, is common in pets. It can be detected even in its early stages and is treatable. The glomerulus is the part of the kidney that filters waste, water and other chemicals from the blood which are then eliminated through urination. Filtering […]

Dog Diseases

Hypertrophic Osteopathy

Hypertrophic Osteopathy – HO – is the result of an underlying condition such as cancer. It occurs mainly in dogs who have osteosarcoma and have had a limb amputation and so are at higher risk for HO. Dogs whose cancer has metastasized to the lungs or where the lungs are the site of the primary […]

Dog Diseases

Anal Gland Cancer

Anal gland cancer, also known as adenocarcinoma, is an invasive cancer with a poor prognosis. Fortunately it is not one of the more common cancers in dogs and rare in cats. Anal gland cancer is seen as a rectal mass, often found in the lymph nodes as well. The tumor usually affects one anal sac […]