Articles
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A portosystemic shunt causes a bypass of blood from the gastrointestinal tract directly into the systemic circulation, avoiding the normal detoxifying process that happens in the liver and reducing nutrient input into the liver. Liver shunts can be congenital or acquired. Signs, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.
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When your dog comes home after an operation, you must take special care to ensure he remains indoors with restricted activity and cannot lick or chew at his incision site. Monitor your dog for abnormal signs and contact your veterinarian if you see any.
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Prostatic disease can be uncomfortable for a dog, particularly if it causes compression of the urethra or colon. Because there are many diseases of the prostate, it is necessary to perform several tests to determine the exact cause of a patient's condition. This handout provides explanations of the seven most common conditions affecting the prostate and the corresponding approaches to treatment.
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Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening bacterial infection in the uterus that must be treated quickly and aggressively. It develops due to normal hormonal changes after a female dog's heat cycle. The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries.
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A recessed vulva, also called a juvenile or hypoplastic vulva, is an anatomical condition in which a female dog's vulva is partially hidden by surrounding skin folds. It is more common in medium to large breed dogs, especially if overweight. The prognosis for this condition depends on its severity and which treatment option is attempted.
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Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Risks of retained testicles include testicular cancer, spermatic cord torsion, and the development of undesirable male characteristics, so neutering is strongly recommended.
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Round cell tumors are among the most common skin tumors in dogs, and they typically form just under the skin, although they may change the surface of the skin above them. If detected early, most round cell tumors can be easily removed.
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Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor of the cells that make up the contact or upper layer of the skin. UV light exposure has been described as a developmental factor in people, though it is still in question as to the role for dogs. Tumors can develop anywhere that skin cells are present, including the nail bed, paw pads, abdomen, back, ears, or nose, including the nasal planum (top edge of the nose).
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Struvite bladder stones are one of the more common bladder stones found in dogs. Struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection caused by bacteria, and if the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated and acidic. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are blood in the urine (hematuria) and straining to urinate (dysuria). There are three primary treatment strategies for struvite bladder stones: 1) feeding a special diet to dissolve the stone(s), 2) non-surgical removal by urohydropropulsion (flushing out the stones) and 3) surgical removal. Dogs that have experienced struvite bladder stones will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life.
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Home care after surgery mainly involves the restriction of physical activity. Excessive physical activity often leads to injury or serious complications. Monitor the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or excessive licking, and never apply anything to the incision unless instructed to do so. To keep your dog from licking, your veterinarian can provide you with a protective collar or recovery suit. Your dog should gradually improve each day.