Otitis media
A ruptured eardrum is an important sign of otitis media. This condition can be caused by a foreign object, or it can be a result of long-term inflammation. Otitis media can be difficult to diagnose, with a 70 percent failure rate, but it is present in more than half of dogs with recurrent inflammation. Diagnostic tests include computerized tomography, x-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging.
In some cases, the eardrum is completely intact, but it may begin to change color due to inflammation. It may also bulge out into the external ear. A yellow fluid may be present behind the eardrum. In more severe cases, early polyps and tumors may be visible through the eardrum.
Surgical treatment for otitis media requires the use of general anesthesia. In severe cases, an endotracheal tube may be required. The patient may be in severe pain, which can be treated by administering strong pain relievers. Otitis media can also be a complication of another medical condition, such as pneumonia.
Otitis media can be treated with antibiotics. However, the best treatment for this condition is a multi-step process that involves addressing all of the factors that contribute to the infection. The initial treatment for secondary infections will generally involve using ear rinsing solutions and appropriate ear drops. The next step is to identify any underlying causes, which may be causing otitis in the first place.
Skin infections
There are many common health issues affecting the skin of dogs, and they can be incredibly irritating for your pet. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for most of these conditions. In most cases, these conditions can be treated with topical creams or medications. However, they may require medical intervention if you suspect that your pet has an underlying condition. For example, yeast infections can cause your dog to develop discolored or irritated skin on their paws or ears. In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend a medicated bath or an oral medication.
A thorough history is crucial when it comes to diagnosing skin issues in dogs. Oftentimes, these conditions are caused by an underlying illness, and will not go away until the underlying issue is treated. A dog’s skin is the largest organ in its body, and it protects the rest of the body from the external environment. This includes exposure to sunlight, heat, water, and mechanical damage. Moreover, a dog’s skin is a barrier against harmful bacteria and fungi that invade it.
Bacterial skin infections are difficult to treat and can be hard to isolate from a dog’s body. In some cases, food allergies may trigger a secondary infection. If left untreated, these conditions may cause chronic, debilitating disease.
Cataracts
Cataracts are hereditary, but they can occur in any dog, regardless of breed. The condition is accompanied by pain and may require surgery. Treatment options are limited, but effective. If the disease is detected early, disease management can be achieved with prescription eye drops.
The most common symptom of cataracts in dogs is lens cloudiness. The dog may exhibit reduced vision, clumsiness, or difficulty navigating. The condition can also lead to blindness in diabetic dogs. In fact, 75 percent of diabetic dogs develop cataracts within a year of being diagnosed with diabetes. Other symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and weight loss.
Cataracts can be classified into two categories: immature and mature. The former involve fifteen to ninety percent of the lens, and often involve several layers. The visual deficit is minor, but some pets will show reluctance to go on walks or climb onto the car. Cataracts can also cause eye pain. This discomfort may lead to excess tears or even rubbing at the affected eye.
The most common treatment for cataracts is surgery. The procedure involves removing the cataract. This is usually successful, although the cost is often high. Moreover, dogs with cataracts often require a sedative and may take several hours to recover from the procedure.
Endocrine disorders
Dogs can be affected by various endocrine disorders, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Often, these disorders are the result of an overproduction or deficiency of a hormone. Treatment may be surgical or involve medication. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy is given to treat diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
The most common endocrine disorders include diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism. Other disorders include hypoadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism. Endocrine disorders can also be related to each other, so it’s important to monitor your pet’s overall health.
Hypothyroidism can cause chronic ear infections, altered sebum production, and altered cutaneous immunity. In addition, it can cause hyperadrenocorticism, which can cause excessive thirst and increased urination. Although these problems can affect any dog, some are more likely in purebred dogs than in mixed-breeds.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a rare congenital or acquired condition affecting the pancreas. This condition affects primarily young adult dogs. The primary cause is the loss of pancreatic acinar tissue, but the condition can also occur as a secondary complication of other diseases.
Adrenal hyperactivity is another endocrine disorder. The adrenal glands produce a range of hormones that control body temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism. The pituitary gland in the brain coordinates this production. In certain conditions, the adrenal glands may produce too much of these hormones, resulting in excessive thirst, hair coat changes, and increased blood pressure. Hypoadrenocorticism, on the other hand, can result in more severe signs. Other symptoms include poor appetite, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities.
Benign tumors
Benign tumors are common health problems for dogs, but they are not harmless. Dogs that are suffering from this type of tumor need to be treated immediately. While they may not cause any symptoms, these cancers require proper medical care and a balanced diet to ensure their long-term survival.
Surgical removal of the tumor is a common treatment. It removes the tumor without damaging surrounding tissue. Other treatments include medication or radiation therapy. Treatment is determined after testing and consultation with the owner. For smaller benign tumors, surgery may not be needed at all. However, larger tumors may need to be removed surgically.
Dogs suffering from this condition may display symptoms such as a lack of appetite or weight loss. Some of the most common symptoms include bleeding and urinary obstruction. If these symptoms are present, the doctor may recommend further testing. An MRI or fine needle aspiration may be needed.
Benign tumors are not dangerous, but can interfere with a dog’s normal behavior. They can be hairless or button-like, but larger tumors may cause discomfort. Dogs with large tumors may need to be examined by a veterinarian, as it might be indicative of more serious disease.
Another common health issue is mast cell tumor. Mast cell tumors look like a pimple or a cyst. In fact, they are often mistaken for benign tumors. Dogs with mast cell tumors are highly susceptible to allergic reactions. These tumors release histamine, which causes irritation, itching, and shock. This tumor is usually found in older dogs, but can also occur in puppies or kittens. Most of these tumors are located in the chest, lower legs, and abdomen.
Arthritis
Although dogs of all breeds can develop arthritis, some breeds are more prone to it. These dogs typically have larger bodies and put more stress on their joints. Dogs with poor conformation are also more likely to develop arthritis. Older dogs and large breeds are also at higher risk.
When a dog is diagnosed with arthritis, a veterinarian will do a physical exam to evaluate the cause of the condition and prescribe a treatment plan. In some cases, the veterinarian will recommend surgery or NSAID medications to manage the pain. A veterinarian may also recommend routine lab tests to monitor the effect of the medication. Dog owners should follow their veterinarian’s advice closely. If their dog’s condition worsens, they should call their veterinarian immediately.
Arthritis in dogs is caused by damage to cartilage in the joints. This results in painful and stiff joints and can make everyday activities difficult. Dogs with arthritis may also exhibit changes in their behavior. Arthritis symptoms can be difficult to notice in the early stages.
In order to diagnose osteoarthritis, veterinarians will conduct a physical exam and perform X-rays to rule out other problems. An x-ray will show the level of damage to the joint. This information is used to guide the appropriate treatment plan.
