Articles
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Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina or vestibule (the area between the vulva and the vagina). It can can have many causes, and can appear in any female dog, at any age, spayed or intact. Prognosis is generally good, especially if the underlying cause is identified and treated early.
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Valley fever is an infection called Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides immitis. In the US, it is more commonly found in the southwestern states. Dogs are infected by inhaling spores released by disturbance of soil. These spores infect the lungs, forming spherules, and may migrate to different areas of the body, including the bones, joints, eyes, and rarely the brain. Dogs with weakened immune systems can become ill. Most dogs that are treated appropriately will recover from this disease.
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Vestibular disease is a condition that affects the vestibular system, which helps a dog maintain balance and move normally. The vestibular system has components in the brain and the inner ear. Disease or damage in these areas can affect a dog's balance and coordination.
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Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. Common sources of vitamin D poisoning include rodenticides that contain vitamin D3 and certain human medications. The effects of vitamin D poisoning can last many weeks to months.
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Vomiting is a clinical sign that may occur with many diseases and problems. There can be many causes of vomiting. This handout outlines various types of vomiting, as well as potential causes, diagnosis, and treatments for vomiting in your dog.
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Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in humans and dogs. It is caused by a deficiency in a protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF), which is essential for blood clotting. VWD affects at least 30 different breeds, but the Doberman pinscher is the breed with the highest incidence.
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Von Willebrand disease causes an inability for blood to clot resulting in excessive bleeding. If this disease is suspected, initial screening tests include a complete blood count (CBC), buccal mucosal bleeding time, and a coagulation profile. More advanced diagnostics include assays that assess the quantity and functionality of vWF. DNA testing is available and most commonly used to evaluate animals used in breeding programs.
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Vulvoplasty, also called episioplasty, is a surgical procedure used to correct a recessed vulva, in which excess skin folds partially cover the vulva and can lead to irritation or infection. During a vulvoplasty, a small amount of tissue is removed above the vulva to expose the vulva more normally.
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Walking is an excellent way for dogs to burn more calories while working toward weight loss. A short leash and head halter or harness are recommended to keep the walk going at a consistent pace. Gradually work up to several 30-minute walks per day.
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Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. These diseases most often result in an abnormal mass of tissue (tumor). Cancer develops when damaged or abnormal cells survive and continue to divide when they should have died. This handout outlines some factors that can contribute to the development of cancer, as well as signs, tests, and treatments.