Medical Conditions

Prostate Problems in Male Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment
Prostate problems in male dogs are conditions affecting the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small accessory or secondary sex gland. Common prostate problems include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), squamous metaplasia, cystic hyperplasia, prostatitis, paraprostatic cysts, prostatic abscess, atrophy, and cancer. The prostate gland in male dogs depends on testosterone, which is why dog prostatitis and BPH are prevalent in uncastrated dogs.Prostate problems are diagnosed with a rectal exam, imaging techniques like ultrasounds and X-rays, and microscopic analysis of urine and prostate fluid samples. The treatment depends on the prostate issues. A dog prostate infection is... Read more...
Canine Dry Eye (KCS): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Canine dry eye is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the cornea and conjunctiva caused by lack of tear production. The medical term is keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. The primary cause of dry eye in dogs is autoimmune disease. Other causes include breed predispositions, old age, congenital abnormalities, medication side effects, injuries, neurological issues, systemic conditions, and environmental factors. Excessive blinking, eye redness, eye discharge, corneal cloudiness, ulcers, and eye pawing are telltale signs of dog dry eye. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is diagnosed with the Schirmer Tear Test. The test measures the tear production, which is... Read more...
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in dogs is a common depigmenting autoimmune skin disease that scars dogs. DLE is a benign variant of systemic lupus erythematosus. The discoid lupus erythematosus dog variant is the most common type of cutaneous lupus in canines. The condition causes lesions on the dog's nasal planum (nose). Discoid lupus in dog physiology is a disease that affects the skin on the nose and the surrounding structures, such as the lips, eyes, and face. Signs of lupus in dogs include changes in color, crusting, sloughing off, and erosion of the nose and surrounding skin. Discoid... Read more...
Pneumonia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Pneumonia in dogs is a serious respiratory infection that leads to lung inflammation. Pneumonia manifests through various symptoms and requires prompt treatment by a veterinarian who knows how to treat pneumonia in dogs. Pet owners asking, “Can dogs get pneumonia?” must know that dogs develop pneumonia when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade the lungs, compromising their ability to function. Symptoms and signs of pneumonia in dogs include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, fever, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. Pneumonia progresses rapidly, leading to severe respiratory distress and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.Diagnosing the stages... Read more...
Nasal Tumors in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Nasal tumors in dogs are abnormal growths in the nose. Tumors commonly appear in the nasal passages and the paranasal sinuses. Dog nasal tumors are malignant in 80% of cases. The tumors do not metastasize but are locally invasive and cause bone damage. The frequently reported type of nasal cancer is adenocarcinoma. Other types include sarcomas, squamous cell carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, and transmissible venereal tumors (TVT). A complex mixture of genetic and environmental factors, like urban pollution, cigarette smoke, and sun exposure, causes a dog nose tumor to manifest. Bloody nasal discharge, sneezing, nose pawing,... Read more...
Gastroenteritis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Gastroenteritis in dogs is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis, or stomach upset, is prevalent in dogs.The causes of gastroenteritis in dogs include dietary indiscretions, sudden food switches, bacteria, viruses, parasites, food allergies, gastric ulcers, toxins, foreign bodies, GIT obstructions, cancers, endocrine conditions, and problems with the pancreas, liver, or kidneys. Stomach bugs in dogs are not caused by gastrointestinal parasites. Gastroenteritis is not an allergy, but specific allergies in dogs trigger gastroenteritis.Dog vomiting and diarrhea are telltale symptoms of stomach upset. Gastroenteritis symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, reduced... Read more...
Meibomian Gland Tumor Dog: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Meibomian gland tumors in dogs are benign or malignant tumors stemming from the meibomian glands. The meibomian glands are lined on the eyelid and produce the oil part of the tear film. Meibomian gland tumors occur in older dogs over the age of eight. The three most common types are meibomian adenoma, meibomian epithelioma, and meibomian adenocarcinoma.Eyelid lumps, redness, epiphora, tear stains, eye discharge, dry eye, pain or discomfort, eye rubbing, and behavioral changes are typical signs of a meibomian gland adenoma dog tumor. Tumor ulcers and bleeding are prevalent in cancerous meibomian gland... Read more...
Glaucoma in Dogs: Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Glaucoma is a painful eye condition caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is widespread in dogs among certain breeds, culminating in blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma in dogs results from defective genes or eye injuries and diseases. Genetic glaucoma is primary, while acquired glaucoma is secondary. Eye redness, squinting or blinking, cloudy eyes, tearing or eye discharge, visible blood vessels, enlarged pupils, decreased vision, eye bulging, and behavioral changes are common signs of glaucoma in dogs. Glaucoma is diagnosed with special ophthalmic tests such as tonometry, gonioscopy, and ocular ultrasound. Glaucoma is treated via... Read more...
Dog Ulcer: Definition, Signs, Types, Treatments
A dog ulcer is a crater-like sore that develops inside or outside the body. Ulcers form on skin and mucous membranes, frequently affecting the dog’s cornea, skin, mouth, stomach, or intestines. Certain dog breeds, like Collies, Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Corgis, Maltese dogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are at a higher risk of developing ulcers. Ulcers are caused by injuries, infections, and diseases. Loss of function and pain are the two hallmarks of ulcers. The exact clinical manifestation of ulcers depends on their location. A dog ulcer on... Read more...