Articles
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Albumin is an important blood protein that helps keep fluid inside blood vessels and supports many normal body functions. When albumin levels become too low, dogs may develop swelling, fluid accumulation, and other complications. This article explains the common causes of low albumin (hypoalbuminemia), diagnosis, and treatment.
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Lumbosacral disease, or cauda equina syndrome, is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal and results in compression of the spinal nerve roots; pressure on the nerves that exit the spine cause the clinical signs. This pressure may be due to a narrowed spinal canal caused by arthritis, intervertebral disc herniation, an infection in the disc, trauma, congenital malformation, or a spinal tumor. Dogs with lumbosacral disease are in pain. If the clinical signs and radiographs suggest lumbosacral disease, advanced imaging such as MRI or CT is recommended to make a diagnosis. Treatment involves either conservative medical treatment or surgical intervention.
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A luxating patella is a kneecap that moves out of its normal location. A luxating patella can be corrected surgically, especially if the patella luxates frequently. If your veterinarian performs surgery before arthritis or another knee injury occurs, the prognosis is excellent.
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Lymphocytic plasmacytic gastroenteritis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. While the exact cause is not known, it is possible that the intestinal bacteria themselves may be involved in stimulating the immune response. Treatment may include nutrition management, immunosuppressive medications, and dietary supplementation of cobalamin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, which are cells involved in the immune system. These cells travel throughout the body, so lymphoma may affect one area or several parts. Lymphoma is relatively common in dogs. There are four main types, and the prognosis varies depending on the type.
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Lysosomal storage diseases are a rare collection of inherited conditions. Many are more prevalent in certain breeds and are seen in the first few months of life. Clinical signs vary, but commonly include failure to thrive, incoordination, vision loss, and seizure. Prognosis is usually poor for long-term survival.
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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition of the small intestine that results in increased numbers of bowel bacteria. The bacteria cause damage to the surface of the bowel so digested food cannot be absorbed, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea and weight loss.
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Mast cell tumors are most common in the skin of dogs and may appear red, ulcerated, or swollen. They can be itchy and can fluctuate in size. Tumors can range from lower-grade, with minimal spread, to higher-grade, with a high risk of local invasion. Treatment usually involves surgical removal and may require supportive treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and therapy to target the mutation that instigated the tumor.
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Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) is an immune system disorder in which the dog's immune system identifies the dog's own muscle tissue as foreign and attacks it. The masticatory muscles are the muscles involved with chewing. MMM causes these muscles to become swollen and painful.
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Mastitis is inflammation of a mammary gland (breast). In most cases, mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Less commonly, mastitis may occur due to the mammary gland, or prolonged periods of milk accumulation without milk removal, leading to inflammation in the gland. This handout discusses causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.