GENERAL GSD AND CANINE HEALTH PUBLISHED ARTICLES

The German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia has developed a number of schemes to combat conditions, disorders and diseases that adversely affect the German Shepherd Dog as a breed. Integral to that process, it has a Hereditary Diseases Subcommittee to monitor, investigate and recommend remedial action on emerging disorders that may affect breed development. Through these initiatives, the GSDCA and its affiliate members have built up much knowledge and resources on the veterinary aspects of many disorders/conditions. Also over the years, many articles have been published in the GSDCA National Review Magazine to inform GSD enthusiasts of topical veterinary and health matters.

If you wanted raw veterinary data (definitions) or specific published data, you may return to those streams of information by accessing the following links : 
 

This stream of information has articles categorized under group headings to enable a systematic presentation of data.

GENERAL GSD AND CANINE HEALTH PUBLISHED ARTICLES.

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DEFINITIONS

Inherited Disorders - covers genetic disorders that have been inherited from one or both parents. Many of these disorders do not have a well documented means of the exact mode of inheritance. Hopefully over time this situation will improve. As a loose rule of thumb, the more genes involved in an inherited condition, the greater the effect of the environment (weight, diet), the greater the range of symptoms seen and the harder it is to control and/or reduce the incidence within the breed. Where there are exact tests that can positively identify affected and carrier animals for a condition (be it a blood test or DNA marker), then a condition can be readily removed from a breed within 2-3 generations if desired. In the polygenetic conditions, until reliable DNA tests are developed, the policy of removing the worst affected animal from breeding programs and promoting the soundest sires (with the best progeny results) is the only slow but sure long term policy.

Congenital Disorders - Means those present at birth. These conditions can be simple malfunctions during development (can be secondary to environmental insults, chemicals etc) while others can be inherited defects within that breed.

Acquired Disorders - Are those that develop over time and are listed here as conditions seen with some degree of frequency within the GSD breed.

Breed Predispositions - These are conditions where the breed in question, the GSD, shows a higher than average incidence of these diseases or conditions occurring than would be expected in the general population.

Immunological Disorders - Are defined by a diminished ability of the body to mount an effective immune response to a perceived threat.

Cutaneous - Of the skin.

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HEALTH

GENERAL

Owners who observe and handle their healthy dogs have a head start on recognising early signs of illness in their pets.  Those who know what a healthy pet acts, feels, and smells like can spot differences in behaviour and bodies and determine whether a trip to the veterinarian is necessary.

Healthy dogs have a temperature of 101-102º F, a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute.  They have pink mucous membranes (gums, inside of lips, tongue, inside of eyelids) and rapid capillary refill action in these areas.  They have clean-smelling ears and skin, and a full hair coat.  Their skin is pliant, an indication of proper hydration, and their eyes are clear and bright.

If your puppy or dog shows any of the following signs, be prepared to call your veterinarian:

Eyes: swelling, discharge, redness, etc.  Nose: running, crusting, discharge, etc.  Ears: discharge, debris, odour, twitching, scratching, shaking, etc.  Coughing, gagging, sneezing, retching, or vomiting.  Irregular breathing, shortness of breath, prolonged or heavy panting, etc.  Intestinal activity.  Colour and consistency of bowel movement.  Frequency of defecation.  Bloody stool.  Evidence of parasites, etc.  Change in amount of food intake.  Change in body weight.  Change in water intake.  Urine: Colour, Frequency, Amount, Straining.  Dribbling, etc.  Odour.  Mouth?  Skin?  Ears?  Other?  Coat & skin.  Wounds.  Tumours.  Hair loss.  Dander.  Colour change.  Biting.  Scratching.  Bite marks.  Evidence of parasites.  Licking, etc.  Behaviour.  Depression.  Anxiety.  Fatigue.  Lethargy.  Sleepiness.  Trembling.  Stumbling.  Falling, etc.

Noticing signs is half the battle; keeping a record helps the veterinarian make a diagnosis.  Be sure to note where the symptom first appeared, and whether it has been intermittent, continuous, increasing in frequency, getting better, or getting worse before calling the veterinarian.

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BLOOD TESTS

Reprinted from the January 2002 edition of the Newsletter of the MASTIFF Club of Victoria with kind permission of the editor, Jason Colebrook.

It is a rare day that I do not suggest, "blood work" of some sort for a patient. While the history and physical examination of a patient are still the cornerstones of diagnosis, most veterinarians rely more and more on a huge variety of tests and techniques that allow us to look "beneath the fur” to better understand our patient's problems. Because blood testing is safe, readily available, relatively non-invasive, and generally very cost-effective, it is the most frequently used tool in evaluating the sick and the healthy pet. Nowadays, veterinarians can get results for most common blood tests immediately in-house, or overnight, using one of the many specialized veterinary labs that service our profession.

Looking at the requisition form for the lab that our practice uses in addition to our in-house diagnostics, I count approximately 100 different blood tests, that I can request, either singly, or in bundles of related tests, called "profiles". Many of the available offerings are for very specialized cases, and would not be in daily use (i.e. I wouldn't ask for progesterone testing on a male dog who was vomiting). In this article, 1 want to discuss the common serum chemistry tests; what they are and why we do them.

Blood 101

Blood is composed of three basic components; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, and serum. The serum is the stuff that is left over after the blood has clotted and the cells have been removed using a centrifuge. Serum accounts for roughly 60% of the total blood volume, and contains most of the interesting stuff
 Left untreated, whole blood will clot due to the action of the "clotting cascade", activated by exposure to foreign substances, such as air, the barrel of the syringe, or the inside of the blood tube. If clotting is prevented by the addition of an anticoagulant, and the cells removed, the resulting liquid is called plasma. The main difference between serum and plasma is the presence or absence of the main clot protein, fibrin. Most analyses require serum rather than plasma. There are a number of different blood tubes available, usually with colour-coded tops, that contain different anticoagulants or no anticoagulants at all, to allow for correct sample preparation. Serum and plasma can both be frozen for later analysis, but blood cells cannot.

Normal, healthy serum or plasma is clear or a very pale peach colour. Serum or plasma that is milky, red or yellow can be a sign of disease or poor sampling technique, and can interfere with accurate interpretation of results. Serum can look milky due to the presence of large amounts of transit fat in the blood; this can occur if the sample was drawn right after a meal, or in some disease states such as pancreatitis. Red serum usually results from a traumatic blood drawing. Too much suction on the needle can rupture red blood cells; this is called haemolysis. Yellow, or icteric, serum may indicate liver disease or the abnormal destruction of red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia).

Any planned blood testing is usually best done with the animal fasted, using the biggest blood vessel the vet or technician can hit. With the biggest needle, the animal can tolerate! I like the Vacutainer system; special needles and holders that allow blood to be drawn directly from the blood vessel into a sample tube that has a vacuum. Whether a test protocol requires serum or plasma, the blood should be "separated" as soon as possible, as the continued presence of cells may affect the results. This is particularly true of glucose levels, as red cells use glucose for energy, and blood that is not quickly separated may show a false reduction in the glucose reading.

The Shopping List; commonly available blood tests....

It would be silly to test every patient for everything; too expensive, and not enough blood in the teeny dogs and cats! It is generally best to choose specific tests based on a presumptive diagnosis, rather than go on a fishing expedition, hoping to find something. There are times, however, where the fishing expedition is the best choice, such as the well pet check up, where no problems are expected, and one wants a comprehensive overview of organ function. Also, in the very sick animal, where a lot of information is needed in a hurry, a number of tests might be ordered at once. Most labs will offer "Profiles" or "bundles"; a group of tests that you can order quickly, and get a good price on. I will talk about some of the common profiles a little later in this article.

When the lab report comes back, the results of each test are reported as a number, the unit that number is in (there are several systems in use world wide), the reference range for that test, adjusted for species and age (the range of values that includes 95% of the normal population), and often a “Flag" (star or arrows) that quickly tell you if result is outside the reference range: For example G LU 19.3 mmol/L (3.0 7.9 mmol/L) ****HI

In this case, the reading for glucose was 19.3 "units", well above the reference range, and I would worry that this dog is diabetic. One must be careful not to pay too much attention to the flags, as results barely outside the reference range may be normal for that patient.

The most commonly requested tests in my practice include the following, presented in alphabetical order for convenience. Normal values and reference ranges are not included, as these will vary from lab to lab.

Albumin (ALB)

Albumin is a low molecular weight protein produced by the liver. Albumin is the main transport form of protein in the body, and is largely responsible for keeping fluid inside blood vessels. Albumin will bind to many drugs and carry them through the blood stream. ALB levels are reduced in starvation, some liver disease, some kidney disease, and some GI mal-absorption syndromes. ALB levels may be elevated in dehydrated patients.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)

Alanine aminotransferase is a protein making enzyme produced almost exclusively inside liver cells. ALT is released into the blood stream as liver cells die. ALT levels may be extremely high in acute liver disease, and nearly normal in chronic liver problems. As with many blood tests, trends over time in ALT levels give the most information. Low ALT levels are not significant. A related enzyme, aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) may also be evaluated. It is less liver-specific (also found in muscles), and has a shorter half-life in the serum than ALT.

Alkaline Phosphatase (AP)

Alkaline phosphatase is produced by many tissues in the body. The most common causes for an elevation in AP are liver disease, bone disease or excess cortisol (from drug therapy, or hyperadrenocorticism). Young animals have high levels of AP. Low levels of AP are not considered a problem.

Amylase (AMY)

Amylase is an enzyme that may originate from the pancreas, liver or small intestine. Amylase helps in the breakdown of sugars. In healthy dogs, most AMY comes from the small intestine. AMY may be elevated in acute pancreatitis, or as a result of corticosteroid administration. Low levels of AMY are not significant.

Bile Acids

Bile acids are synthesised in the liver from cholesterol and excreted into the bile as bile salts, after conjugation with various amino acids. Some of the bile salts are absorbed in the intestine and "recycled" by the liver. Elevations in bile acids, especially after meals, are indicative of defects in hepatic blood flow (either portosystemic shunt, or hepatic microvacular dyspiasia. HMD), or reduced functional hepatic mass.

Bilirubin (BIL)

Bilirubin is a product of the metabolism of "old" red blood cells; it is produced by the liver cells, and excreted into the G1 tract as bile. Bilirubin levels will be elevated in biliary obstructive disease, and will cause a visible jaundice above a certain level. Bilirubin may also be increased in hemolytic disease, where the large amount of red blood cell breakdown products overwhelms the liver’s ability to process and excrete it through the normal pathways.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN, UREA)

Blood urea nitrogen is a waste product of protein metabolism that is made by the liver, and excreted in the urine. A low BUN may indicate starvation, liver insufficiency or over-hydration, and may be normal in late pregnancy. elevated BUN usually signals kidney disease, but can also be caused by dehydration, shock, hypoadrenocorticism, bladder rupture and a high protein diet. In kidney disease, elevations in BUN will only be noted when more then 75% of kidney function is gone. Generally, the higher the BUN, the greater the renal insufficiency.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is an essential mineral for the smooth functioning of many body systems. These include the skeleton, muscles, nerves, and many enzyme reactions. Half the calcium in the blood is bound to protein. Because of the importance of Ca, the levels are tightly regulated, and the normal reference range quite small. High Ca levels are usually associated with cancer (especially lymphosarcoma), chronic renal failure, an over functioning parathyroid gland, and some rodenticides. Low calcium levels may be seen with eclampsia, antifreeze poisoning, and malabsorbtion from the gut.

Cholesterol (CHL)

Cholesterol is a form of fat that is both found in the diet and synthesised in the liver. Cholesterol is an important precursor of many hormones. Elevated CHL may be seen in many endochnopathies (e.g. hypothyroidism). High CHL does not appear to predispose dogs or cats to heart problems as it does in people.

Creatinine (CRE)

Creatinine is produced at a fairly steady rate by muscle tissue, and is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. CRE is elevated in most of the same situations where BUN is high. CRE may also be increased by severe muscular exertion. CRE is not affected by diet or liver function to the extent that BUN is, and is therefore more kidney specific.

Glucose (GLU)

Glucose is the main energy source of the body, and is regulated by the pancreatic hormones insulin and glucagon. GLU levels are elevated by diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, steroid therapy, hyperadrenocorticism, and transiently after eating. Low blood sugar is associated with hepatic insufficiency, insulin secreting tumours, insulin overdose, hypoadrenocorticism and starvation (especially puppies). GLU may be falsely reduced if the bicod sample was allowed to sit for too long before processing.

Lipase (LIP)

Lipase is a fat metabolising enzyme that is quite specific to pancreatic tissue. Elevations in LIP are associated with pancreatitis, some liver disease. and steroid therapy. low levels of LIP are not significant.

Phosphorous (PHOS)

Phosphorous levels are primarily regulated by the kidney. through the influence of the parathyroid gland. Dietary intake can also affect PHOS levels (diets high in animal protein are generally high in PHOS). PHOS levels may be falsely elevated in hemolysed blood samples. PHOS levels are higher in young animals, due to more active bone metabolism. P1108 levels are most commonly elevated in renal disease, and less often in parathyroid hormone imbalances. Any condition that causes an alteration in Ca may      affect PHOS, as these two minerals are tightly co-regulated.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is approximately 97% intracellular and 3% extra cellular, so serum K values do not always accurately reflect whole body K. Both high and low levels of K can cause heart problems. Low K levels can also be associated with muscle weakness. High K levels are found in hypoadrenocorticism, urethral obstruction and oliguric (law urine output) renal failure. Low K levels are associated with diuretic therapy, many causes of increased urine output (including chronic renal failure), vomiting and diarrhea, and anorexia.

Sodium (Na)

Sodium is the "other half' of K; most is extra cellular. Sodium levels are largely controlled by the kidneys. High Na levels may reflect dehydration (usually increased urine loss without replacement), increased intake or corticosteroid use. Low Na is most commonly seen with hypoadrenocorticism.

Total Protein (TP)

Total protein is the sum of ALB (see above) plus the large molecular weight proteins called globulins, Most globulins are immune system products, and are elevated in many cases of infection, inflammation and cancer. TP may also be elevated in dehydrated patients. A related test, called TOTAL SOLIDS, is usually performed on plasma and includes the protein fibrinogen (inactive fibrin).

Putting it all together; the profiles.

Once I have completed my initial examination of a patient and taken a good history, I will have some idea of the likely "rule-outs" that best explain the clinical picture I am seeing. If blood work or other testing is indicated, I need to be sure to order the right tests to answer the questions posed by my exam and history findings. For example, a dog with a history of weight loss and increased thirst might well be diabetic and have an elevated GLU, but it could also have kidney failure, so it makes sense to answer both those questions at once.

There are very few occasions where a single test will tell the whole story. Even when a single test is markedly abnormal, such as the elevated GLU example I used above, there are usually other aspects of the suspected disease process that need to be investigated; i.e. does the dog with the elevated GLU also have pancreatitis or liver disease?

Most of the time, laboratory evaluations of health and disease will involve multiple tests to fully characterise the patient's condition. Below are some of the "profiles" that I use in dealing with my canine patients. In practice, I would most likely also be doing a complete blood count as well.

1. Pre Anesthetic or Well Pet Profile - ALT, BUN, CR, GLU, TP

2. Geriatric Well Pet Profile - add AP, Ca, CHOL, possibly thyroid evaluation.

3. Liver Function Profile - ALB, AP, ALT, AST, BIL, Bile acids, TP

4. Renal Function Profile - ALB, BUN, CR, PHOS,

5. :Ain’t Doing Right" Profile - AP, ALT, AMY, BUN, CA, CR, GLU, PHOS, TP

6. "Really Ain’t Doing Right" Profile - add ALB, K, Na, (chloride), LIP

7. Electrolyte Profile - Na. K, (chloride), PHOS, Ca

Well-timed and well-selected blood tests can add enormously to our success in treating many small animal conditions. I can't tell you how satisfying it is to have a hunch confirmed, and a clear idea of the best course of treatment, all from a bit of blood. Sometimes, though, 1 have to remind myself not to get too upset if all the lab work comes back normal; that is, after all, a "good thing"!

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WORMS

Introduction

Dogs are victims of several internal parasites frequently referred to as worms.  The most common are the roundworms that infest most puppies at some time in their young lives and tapeworms that can be a big problem when flea infestations are high.

Evidence of roundworms and tapeworms can be seen without the aid of a microscope, but other worms are not so easily diagnosed.  Occasionally adult whipworms can be seen in the stool when the infestation has already caused some debilitation or weight loss in the dog.

Early diagnosis of the presence and species of intestinal parasite is important, for not all worms respond to the same treatment.  Therefore, stool samples should be taken to the veterinarian for microscopic examination if worms are suspected.  Many veterinarians include the stool check as part of the annual health examination.

Most worm infestations cause any or all of these symptoms: diarrhoea, perhaps with blood in the stool; weight loss; dry hair; general poor appearance; and vomiting, perhaps with worms in the vomitus.  However, some infestations cause few or no symptoms; in fact some worm eggs or larvae can be dormant in the dog's body and activated only in times of stress, or in the case of roundworms, until the latter stages of pregnancy, when they activate and infest the soon-to-be-born puppies.

Roundworms

Roundworms are active in the intestines of puppies, often causing a pot-bellied appearance and poor growth.  The worms may be seen in vomit or stool; a severe infestation can cause death by intestinal blockage.

This worm can grow to seven inches in length.  Females can produce 200 thousand eggs in a day, eggs that are protected by a hard shell and can exist in the soil for years.  Dogs become infected by ingesting worm eggs from contaminated soil.  The eggs hatch in the intestine and the resulting larva are carried to the lungs by the bloodstream.

The larva then crawls up the windpipe and gets swallowed, often causing the pup to cough or gag.  Once the larvae return to the intestine, they grow into adults.

Roundworms do not typically infest adults.  However, as mentioned above, the larvae can encyst in body tissue of adult bitches and activate during the last stages of pregnancy to infest puppies.  Worming the bitch has no effect on the encysted larvae and cannot prevent the worms from infecting the puppies.

Although roundworms can be treated with an over-the-counter wormer found in pet stores, a veterinarian is the best source of information and medication to deal with intestinal parasites.  Dewormers are poisonous to the worms and can make the dog sick, especially if not used in proper dosage.

Hookworms

These are small, thin worms that fasten to the wall of the small intestine and suck blood.  Dogs get hookworm if they come in contact with the larvae in contaminated soil.

As with roundworms, the hookworm larvae becomes an adult in the intestine.  The pups can contract hookworms in the uterus and the dam can infest the pups through her milk.

A severe hookworm infestation can kill puppies, but chronic hookworm infection is usually not a problem in the older dog.  When it does occur, the signs include diarrhoea, weight loss, anaemia, and progressive weakness. Diagnosis is made by examining the faeces for eggs under a microscope.

Tapeworms

Another small intestine parasite, the tapeworm is transmitted to dogs who ingest fleas or who hunt and eat wildlife infested with tapeworms or fleas.

The dog sheds segments of the tapeworm containing the eggs in its faeces.  These segments are flat and move about shortly after excretion.  They look like grains of rice when dried and can be found either in the dog's stool or stuck to the hair around his anus.

Tapeworms cannot be killed by the typical over-the-counter wormer.  See the veterinarian for treatment.

Whipworms

Adult whipworms look like pieces of thread with one end enlarged.  They live in the caecum, the first section of the dog's large intestine.  Infestations are usually light, so an examination of faeces may not reveal the presence of eggs.  Several checks may be necessary before a definitive diagnosis can be made.

Prevention

Several worms that infect and reinfect dogs can also infect humans, so treatment and eradication of the worms in the environment are important.  Remove dog faeces from back yards at least weekly, use appropriate vermicides under veterinary super-vision, and have the dog's faeces checked frequently in persistent cases.  Do not mix wormers and do not use any wormer if your dog is currently taking any other medication, including heartworm preventative, without consulting the veterinarian.

When walking the dog in a neighbourhood or park, remove all faeces so that the dog does not contribute to contamination of soil away from home as well.

Dogs that are in generally good condition are not threatened by worm infestations and may not even show symptoms.  However, it's a good idea to keep the dog as worm-free as possible so that if disease or stress do take a toll, you're not fighting worms in a sick pet.

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FLEAS

Fleas :

 Fleas are incredible products of evolutionary magic.

The flea is reported to be able to jump 150 times its own length - that is the equivalent of a man jumping the length of three football pitches.  The acceleration required of 140mg’s is 50 times the acceleration of the space shuttle after lift off.

This pest is not to be underestimated !

The life span of a flea varies from 6 to 12 months as adults - they thrive at temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees and a relative humidity of 75 to 80 percent.

The life cycle from egg-larva-pupa-adult can be completed in less than three weeks.  Females  lay 3 to 18 eggs within 48 hours of feeding and 2 breeding fleas can produce 600 offspring in one month under ideal conditions.  In 2 - 12 days the eggs hatch into maggot-like larvae that eventually spin a white cocoon - this cocoon can survive up to 20 months without feeding. They do not hatch until they find something to feed off.

Little wonder we have problems !

It is interesting that not all dogs have problems with fleas - some can live a peaceful life as a flea bag and appear to be immune to the flea bite - others are constantly plagued with itching and scratching and mutilate themselves beyond belief.

Natural Flea Repellent :

Recipe - One (1) big fat Lemon - slice it paper thin.  Place the slices into a bowl add a tablespoon of crushed rosemary leaves (or a 6 inch sprig of fresh rosemary).  Pour over a quart of boiling water - steep (soak/leave) overnight.  Strain and put into a large spray bottle.  Refrigerate - shake well before applying.

A GSD breeder in the US uses this recipe.  The lemon and rosemary is meant to give the dog’s coat a healthier shiny coat while keeping fleas & bugs away.  A tablespoon of Aloe pulp can be added if the dog has a dry skin or allergies.  You can use the spray twice a week to repel bugs and you can spray it around the house on carpets or around the doors.  During “flea” time you can spray daily on the dog’s belly and feet.  It can even be used on humans !

References :

Compiled from various sources by John Fenner - February 1998 and December 2000

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MANGE

Sarcoptic :

A small circular mite that burrows into the skin.  The dog becomes sensitised that is it does not require a heavy infection to produce extensive pruritus and inflammatory lesions

Predilection sites - outer legs, hocks, elbows, underline muzzle cheeks and ears.  In puppies can be generalised.  Lesions are erythematous, pruritic and papular lesions complicated by self-trauma

Demodectic :

Often transmitted when suckling.  Localised - usually in pups 3-6 months

No breed or sex predilection. Clinical lesions usually mild erythema and a light scale. Common site on face, patches on truck and limbs. Immune depression. Generalised - any age.

Can be widespread from onset with multiple, poorly circumscribed lesions of erythema, alopecia and scale – secondary bacterial infection common and as condition progresses the skin can become severely inflamed, exudative and granulomatous.  N.B. often associated with internal disease, stress, malignant neoplasm or immuno suppressive disease = 25% idiopathic.

References :

Compiled from Lecture Notes by Dr Don Barrett, BVSc. Consulting Veterinarian – February 1998.

Mangy mutt! Is a curse uttered when Fido steals the roast or eats the garage door, or it's a sad lament over the condition of a dog whose skin is a mess.  Kids are cautioned not to touch a mangy dog for fear that the mange will ooze from the hapless pooch to the child and cause his skin to rot and his hair to fall out.  These myths about mange reach gigantic proportions causing fear to strike in the hearts of dog owners.  Mange?  Not my dog.  But it could well be your dog.

Mange comes in three varieties:  Demodectic, Cheyletiellaand and Sarcoptic.  It is caused by different species of mites, tiny eight-legged critters related to spiders.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis, a tiny mite that cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope.  This mange strikes puppies from three to 12 months old.

The demodex mite is commonly present in the pores of puppy skin and usually does not cause symptoms, and it not at all certain what causes them to activate.  The mites can produce a substance that lowers the dog's resistance to them and make use of an opportunity to multiply.

It's also possible that some lines of purebred dogs carry lowered resistance to the mites, and that stress can trigger an active infestation.  In any case, demodectic mange symptoms include thinning of the hair around the eyes and mouth and on the front legs that evolves into patches of hair loss approximately one inch in diameter.

This mange may correct itself within three months or may require treatment.

However, demodectic mange can also begin as a localized infestation and develop into a generalized case with multiple hair-loss sites on the dog's head, legs, and body.  This is a far more serious condition and requires veterinary attention.  The dog's skin is sore, crusty, and oozing; the hair follicles are clogged with mites and debris.  Treatment is extended and requires bathing in medicated shampoo and application of an insecticide to kill the mites.

Cheyletiella Mange

Cheyletiella mange is also known as walking dandruff.  It affects puppies and is caused by a large reddish mite that can be seen under a magnifying glass.  This mange is identified by the dandruff dusting that occurs over the dog's head, neck, and back.

Walking dandruff is highly contagious but short-lived.  It causes mild itching.  The mite that causes the mange dies a short time after leaving the host.

Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by a microscopic mite.  The female mite causes the characteristic intense itching as they burrow under the skin to lay their eggs.  The eggs hatch in a few days, develop into adults, and begin laying their own eggs in less than three weeks.

Dogs with scabies dig and bite at themselves with great ferocity.  Their skin reacts with oozing sores, and secondary infection may set in, requiring treatment with an antibiotic in addition to treatment for the mites.  Unfortunately, the sarcoptic mange mite can be difficult to find in skin scrapings, and unless the veterinarian parts the hair and carefully examines the bare skin for the characteristic pin-point bite marks, diagnosis is difficult.  Furthermore, the presence of a secondary skin infection can hamper the search for the mite bite marks.

Tell tale signs of sarcoptic mange are crusty ear tips, fierce itching, and hair loss, particularly on the ears, elbows, legs, and face in the early stages.  Later on, the hair loss spreads throughout the body.

Sarcoptic mange is contagious to canines and humans. If the dogs share sleeping places or if the infected dog sleeps on beds or furniture, everyone will begin scratching. It is not unheard of for the family dog to infest the kids, the kids to infest their playmates, and the playmates to infest their pets and parents with scabies.  Fortunately, scabies in humans is self-limiting, that is the mite can burrow under the skin and cause itching, but cannot complete its life cycle on humans and dies within a few weeks.

Treatment of dogs has been simplified by the use of Ivermectin in two doses, two weeks apart, to kill the mites. Steroids may be prescribed short-term to relieve the itching until the mites begin to die off and give the dog some relief.  Itching usually begins to subside within a few days of the first dose of Ivermectin.

Canine skin damaged by sarcoptic mange and secondary skin infections can take weeks or months to recover, depending on the scope of the problems.  Frequent medicated baths may be necessary to soothe irritated skin.

Mange damage can mimic that caused by other skin conditions, including autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections secondary to flea allergies, and contact dermatitis, making it impossible for the pet owner to diagnose with any success.  If your dog suffers from irritated, itchy skin, make an appointment with the veterinarian.  Early diagnosis of any of these problems will give you a head start on a cure and will be less uncomfortable for the dog and your wallet.

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COUGHS

A cough is not necessarily a cold.  Dogs cough for a variety of reasons, some of which can be serious in themselves and others that are signs of an underlying problem.  Internal parasites, heartworm disease, distemper, fungus diseases, tuberculosis, allergies, and pollutants such as cigarette smoke can cause Fido to cough.

Coughs are triggered by irritants in the air passages and can be characterised as dry and hacking; moist and bubbly; gagging; wheezy; harsh; or weak.  It can be frequent, chronic, or intermittent, and is often self-perpetuating as it dries the throat and leads to further irritation.

Kennel Cough

High, dry coughs are typical of kennel cough or acute tracheobronchitis.  A dog with kennel cough seems to feel fine otherwise.  Cases usually heal in about two weeks, but the frequent bouts of coughing can be annoying to the owner who lies awake listening to his pet hack away.  Treatment includes isolation to avoid infection of other family or kennel dogs, monitoring of temperature, rest, and if the coughing is severe, use of a children's over-the-counter cough syrup.  A humidifier can help the dog breathe easier and thus reduce coughing and further throat inflammation.

Kennel cough in puppies and toy breeds can be another story, the throat irritation can be accompanied by thick secretions that can cause pneumonia.

Bordetella vaccine protects dogs from several strains of kennel cough.  The intranasal version of the vaccine is more effective than the inoculation. Any dog that is constantly exposed to other dogs away from home should be protected against kennel cough. More on vaccines and vaccination......

Distemper

Many dog owners think that distemper is not a problem because puppies are vaccinated against it.  However, not all puppies and dogs are vaccinated, and the disease remains a serious threat to puppies.

When puppies are born, they get immunity to disease through their mother's antibodies.  These antibodies diminish as the pup grows, and vaccinations may not rebuild that immunity quickly enough to protect the pup from distemper and other diseases.  Many veterinarians recommend that puppies be kept away from strange dogs for at least 12 weeks and preferable for 14-16 weeks to make sure the vaccines have replaced the immunity formerly provided by their mother.

Distemper can be mild in dogs that are in good condition or severe in ill-nourished animals.  It can be fatal, especially in young puppies or debilitated dogs.  Secondary infections can also be a problem.

The dry cough associated with distemper appears in the first stage of the disease, when the dog is listless and has a fever (103-105?) and a thick, yellow discharge from nose and eyes.  Although these symptoms resemble those of a common head cold in humans, dogs do not catch colds.  When they appear, the dog should be taken immediately to the clinic.

Distemper is preventable by vaccination.  Veterinarians vaccinate puppies and give yearly boosters with the annual checkup and some veterinarians run vaccination clinics at reduced rates.  Owners of unvaccinated pets should get to a veterinarian for a preventive program. 

Internal Parasites

Infestation of internal parasites such as roundworms and heartworms can cause coughing.

Roundworms live in the canine intestine.  The dog can become infected by licking or eating soil contaminated with eggs.  The eggs are swallowed and hatch in the intestine; the larval worms travel to the lungs in the bloodstream, crawl up the windpipe, and are swallowed to return to the intestine and mature into adults.  As they migrate up the windpipe, the larva can cause bouts of coughing.

Puppies can be born with roundworms if the mother is infested.  Pregnant bitches can carry encysted roundworm larva in their tissues.  In the last stages of pregnancy, the larva are emitted, enter the bloodstream, and travel to the puppies through the placenta.  Worming the mother before birth is ineffective against encysted larvae.

If a dog is in good condition, a light infestation of roundworms is seldom a problem.  Heartworm infestation is another thing altogether; by the time the infected dog coughs, he is already severely infected with this serious and often fatal disease.

Heartworms are transmitted to dogs by mosquitoes.  The mosquito bites the infected dog, ingests the tiny heartworm microfilaria, provides a host for the next stage of development of the parasite, then transfers the juvenile larvae to the bloodstream of the next dog she feeds on.  The microfilaria swim to the lungs, where they mature and reproduce, sending more microfilariae into the dog's bloodstream to be ingested by a mosquito.

The process of infection takes at least six months.  The cough begins when the dog has enough adult heartworms to interfere with exchange of oxygenated blood between lungs and heart.  A heartworm infested dog becomes debilitated, unable to handle mild exercise without wheezing and coughing.  He may cough from the effort of walking from one side of the room to the other in severe cases.

Treatment of heartworm is extensive, but is successful if the disease is not too far advanced and if the dog is in otherwise good health.

Treatment involves injections of arsenic to kill the heartworms and then further injections to kill the circulating microfilariae.  Initial injections must be followed by several weeks of rest until the dog's system can absorb the dead worms.  The second set of injections is given six weeks after the first.

Prevention of heartworm infestation is easier than cure and kinder than a bout with the parasite.  An annual blood test to determine the presence of microfilariae should be done before beginning the preventive medication.

Most veterinarians now conduct two tests, one to detect microfilariae and one to ascertain if non-reproducing adult worms are already present in the lungs.  If the test is negative, daily and monthly preventive tablets are available, some with agents to handle whipworms and hookworms.

Many dog owners use heartworm preventive all year, especially if they are also fighting infestations of other worms.  Prevention is not cheap, but it is far less expensive than treatment and it is far easier on Fido's system and quality of life.

Other causes of coughs

Although uncommon, tuberculosis does affect dogs and can cause upper respiratory symptoms. The cough associated with this bacterial infection is moist and productive; dogs may hack up bloody sputum, and suffer from laboured breathing.  Diagnosis is by x-ray of the lungs.  Dogs and humans can infect each other with tuberculosis.

The symptoms of several fungus diseases resemble those of tuberculosis.  Dogs kennelled in or near old chicken or pigeon coops or in the presence of other large accumulations of bird dung can inhale fungus spores that can cause chronic coughs, bouts of pneumonia, weight loss, undulating fever, and breathing difficulties.  Diagnosis is difficult; again, prevention is the best course.

Coccidiosis is a protozoan disease with symptoms that resemble distemper.  It is most common in dirty kennels.  Cleanliness is the best antidote.

Allergies to pollen, house dust, moulds, insect bites, and foods can cause coughing, sneezing, and general itchiness.

Any repeated episodes of coughing should be investigated.  Owners should note any other symptoms that accompany the cough and make a list for the veterinarian.  And those cough-producing diseases that can be prevented with a little effort certainly should be part of the pet-and-owner lifetime contract.

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HERPES

Our most frequent discussions about Herpes in dogs occur because of neonatal puppy death.  Herpes causes puppies to die in the first two to three weeks of life, when body temperature cannot be regulated by the puppy.  After three weeks, the disease no longer causes death. 

We rarely find much in references about this disease in the adult dog.  Where it is mentioned, it is generally in regard to future breeding advisability, or the presence of vesicles (blister like lesions) on the vulva or prepuce.  Recent papers published by Dr. James Everman of Washington State University, have demonstrated that the disease as we know it in dogs is very similar to the disease in horses (Rhino).  This information fills in the remainder of the picture for dogs in a very dramatic fashion. 

Those of us who have owned horses are likely to be familiar with the equivalent Herpes virus infection in horses, a disease called Rhino (Rhino-pneumonitis).  Rhino in horses is characterized by a mild respiratory disease or by abortion.  In the respiratory form of the disease, the horses have a clear nasal discharge, may snort or cough, and have reduced exercise tolerance.  It is a mild condition, and unless the horse is being actively used or campaigned, or is pregnant, it is rarely vaccinated against.  The vaccine, somewhat like the common cold virus, does not give a good duration of immunity, and if protection from Rhino is desired, it has been necessary to vaccinate every 4 months.  Rhino in horses also causes abortion.  On breeding farms, an epidemic of Rhino will cause what is called an "abortion storm" in brood-mares.  The phrase says it all.  Rhino is highly contagious, spread by aerosol or contact with secretions, and devastating to pregnancy. 

The fact that Herpes virus infection in dogs has been given such short change, when its effects might well have anticipated by reproductive experts, serves as an excellent demonstration of the historical lack of interest in canine reproduction by the Veterinary establishment in general. 

The respiratory form of Herpes infection in  adult  dogs  is minimal in its signs.  It is however, extremely important in the transmission of the disease.  It is not necessary for dogs to acquire Herpes as a venereal disease.  A dog may acquire Herpes as an aerosol, or from secretions on your clothing, for instance, and abort or resorb a litter.  I have personally heard of only two cases of adult dogs which were sneezing, in the manner of a human with a cold. Any dog may sneeze once or twice in response to inhaling an irritant.  But sneezing consistently, over a protracted period, is extremely rare.  In one instance of frank sneezing, 6 week old puppies, who were 3 weeks older than another litter in the same household which had Herpes as neonates, showed sneezing and a clear nasal discharge.  The younger puppies, under 3 weeks of age, had suffered a 50% mortality and were confirmed as having Herpes on post mortem examination. 

The older puppies who could regulate their body temperature, were affected only with the sneezing.  Puppies die of Herpes only so long as they are unable to mount a fever response, or have the lower body temperature of neonates.  After 3 weeks of age puppies can raise their body temperature is high enough to resist the overwhelming infection which results in death.  The treatment for Herpes in young puppies with the appropriate signs is elevation of the body temperature.  Check with your veterinarian if you think this may be the problem in your litter under three weeks of age.  As Herpes is a virus, there is no particular reason for administering antibiotics, unless a secondary bacterial infections occurs.  If there is no clear indication as to whether it is Herpes or a neonatal bacterial infection which is causing puppy death, antibiotics are appropriate.  A cervical culture and sensitivity of the bitch prior to whelping to determine the presence of E. coli will provide help in making this decision.

Puppies may acquire Herpes virus as they pass through the vaginal canal at birth (along with E.coli bacteria), in utero prior to birth, or by contact with infective secretions (respiratory aerosols or vaginal discharges) after birth. We expect high levels of mortality among infected puppies over a course of several days.  The best way of preventing newborn puppies from acquiring the disease is to quarantine them and their dam from 3 weeks prior to birth and 3 weeks after whelping. If there are surviving puppies in a Herpes litter , they may or may not have permanent damage to the nervous system, kidney, or lymphoid tissue, much in the way that puppy strangles may damage internal organs and cause problems later in life.  Beside the first three weeks of a puppy's life, the other extremely sensitive time in the dog for Herpes virus infection is during pregnancy.  Thus, it follows that relative quarantine of the bitch for her entire gestation is desired if early resorption and abortions are to be avoided.  Herpes infection of the dam which does not result in abortion may result in low birth weight, weak or stillborn puppies.

Once we have experienced Herpes in a litter of neonates, we are critically interested in whether or not we are likely to experience a repeat occurrence if we breed the dam again.  We are also interested in whether the stud dog must be infected, and what damages may have been suffered by the newborn puppies which will affect their health later on.  Herpes in adult dogs tends to go dormant, as it does in humans, and to resurface and become acute in times of stress.  Consider the stresses in play for the bitch being bred :

1. Hormonal events which temporarily impair the body’s ability to fight infection. 
2. Shipping, boarding, breeding and shipping again, should the bitch travel to the stud dog.  Some one or all of these may affect a given bitch. 
3. Possible concurrent bacterial vaginal or uterine disease. 
4. In appropriate parts of the country, concurrent lyme disease. 
5. Showing. 
6. In the bitch or 5 years or older, decreased thyroid levels. 

This should be an extremely valuable piece of information for breeders, especially those who show regularly, have multiple animals in their kennel, who groom or run boarding kennels, or who give obedience lessons, and so on.  Remember, this disease can literally be carried home on your clothing.

What is the expectation for a bitch which has whelped a known Herpes litter (diagnosed by post mortem exam), or has been shown by titers to have lost a litter due to Herpes?  If she is stressed by some of the factors above, she may be affected again.  If she is bred at home, given a complete pre-breeding medical workup, including thyroid testing, blood count, and cervical culture and sensitivity, and has any detrimental conditions cleared up, she is perfectly likely to have no problem.  This also supposes that she is not travelled around during her gestation and taken to shows, that she is kept apart from those dogs coming into the kennel from outside and those travelling to shows, and so forth.  This includes not going to classes where there are other dogs as well.  In a breed felt to be immunodeficient (Rottweilers, Dobermanns, Boxers and possibly Pugs, Collies, and Shelties) the risk will be greater of a repeat occurrence.  But most bitches have no problem in subsequent breedings.

Nearly all dogs with any doggy contacts at all have been exposed to Herpes.  It is not just or primarily a venereal disease.  It is not usually or necessarily contracted through the breeding.  It is usually contracted through exposure to the respiratory aerosols of other dogs.  The very short-term immunity a new exposure may confer fades quickly, leaving the dog open to repeat infection as well as to dormant infections re-surfacing.  In fact, it would be very hard to say that any repeat of the infection came from a dormant infection instead of a new exposure to high levels of infective particles.  Just going to the stud dog’s premises can be enough to expose the bitch; if there are frequent visiting bitches to the kennel, new infections may be brought with them.  If the stud dog or his kennel mates are showing or training, he may be shedding high levels of particles.  It is simply not possible to avoid this virus in the dog’s environment.  But it is possible to limit that exposure; if going to the stud dog, don’t travel by air, and stay in a motel with the bitch rather than leaving her at the stud’s kennel.  If going to a dog show, completely change clothes and wash before encountering any bred bitches at home.  If training or showing kennel mates, isolate her from them and perform her ‘chores’ before doing theirs, always going from "clean to dirty".

The stud dog to an infected bitch may or may not be infected, either as the animal which passed the infection to the bitch or as a recipient of an acute infection she was harbouring when he bred her.  Herpes testing at the time of breeding is meaningless, since almost all individuals in the bitch’s environment may be in various phases of acquiring or recovering from infection.  It bears repeating here, that the respiratory infection is very mild and rarely ever shows actual clinical signs in adult dogs.  Only paired serum samples taken at different times to detect a rising (becoming infected ) titer, or a falling ( recovering from an infection) titer, can tell us anything.

Obviously the information generated in this way will be too late to be of use at the time of breeding.  The usefulness of these paired titers is seen chiefly as a tool to identify if a bitch has lost her litter due to this, after the fact.  We can rule Herpes in or out as one of the several options for causes of litter resorption, or still born or sickly neonates.  The best rule to follow is that a kennel with an active show schedule, a stud dog which is being shown or trained, a boarding kennel, or a kennel where breedings are frequent, so that visiting bitches are frequently on the premises is likely to harbour infective particles.

Certainly fighting a uterine or vaginal infection may be stress a bitch sufficiently to produce an adverse affect on resistance to Herpes.  Certainly any bitch low in thyroid would find it more difficult to resist an infection.  The thyroid levels necessary for the life of a comfortable pet and those necessary for reproduction, especially in the bitch, are not the same.  Nature wants our children (human) to have children as teen agers, not as 40 year olds.  We, of course don’t feel quite the same about children reproducing. Likewise, Nature wants dogs to whelp at 18 months, not 6 years of age.  Thyroid normals represent all breeds, all ages, and all states of health.  It has been said that all dogs over 5 years old show a decrease in their thyroid level - they’re starting to age.  To lump the thyroid samples of 6 to 12 year olds with those of 1 to 5 year olds throws the ‘normal range’ off considerably.  Probably a good statement to make is that to ensure that thyroid doesn’t contribute to infertility, it should be (T4) in the upper one third to one fourth of the normal range.

When looked at in a biologic perspective, when thyroid hormone decreases, naturally the first considerations of the body are to maintain health in the individual.  Only in animals who are young and healthy enough to nurture puppies will Nature encourage reproduction, as a matter of course.  On the other hand, since we have created most of our breeds in the last 100 to 200 years, it is somewhat unrealistic for us, with the kinds of remedies we have at hand, to worry overly much about what Nature wants of one of our dogs.  If a bitch is in good health and over 5, and simply needs supplementation of l-thyroxin to continue to reproduce, it would be silly of us to worry about what Nature wants.  Our dogs don’t live in ‘Nature’ - except perhaps those running the Iditarod.  A given animal’s suitability for breeding should be determined on its thyroid as a young dog, not on its levels in when it’s over 5 years of age.

Other sources of immune suppression are parvo disease, lyme disease, and vaccinations with your regular ‘booster’ vaccine which contains Distemper and Hepatitis (A2) virus, and which because of the combination of these two together causes about a 2 week immunosuppression.  Parvo, like Herpes is endemic in our dog show population, and may be brought home from a show, and cycled by other dogs in the kennel subclinically, later affecting both the bred bitch and the young puppies in a way that it wouldn’t affect the rest of the adults in the kennel.  Drugs (corticosteroids, chemotherapy), emotional family situations, moving, and so on can all produce stress.

One of the chief uses of ‘chilled’ or ‘fresh-extended’ semen is to avoid the stresses of travel to breed a bitch.  All of the common sense cautions we used to be aware of – don’t take your pregnant bitch to shows, and don’t ship her to be bred – are certainly largely explained by the conditions fostering a Herpes infection, resulting in early embryonic loss, resorption, still birth, weak puppies, and neonatal death.

Herpes is one of the very few things that any veterinarian can determine on a quick autopsy of a dead puppy.  There is grossly visible mottling on the kidneys that is totally diagnostic for Herpes.  If you have a puppy die, refrigerate the body (don’t freeze it) and get your vet to look at it ASAP.  Then ask the vet for directions for raising the body temperature of the remaining puppies in the litter.

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ANAL PROBLEMS

General :

Impaction, sacculitis and abscesses are all degrees of the same disease.

Indications :

Scooting, tenesmus, perianal pruritus, tail chasing, perianal discharge, behavioural changes pyotraumatic dermatitis.

Cause :

Unknown.  However, predisposing factors include, chronically soft faeces, recent diarrhoea, excessive glandular secretions and poor muscle tone.  Retained secretions/infection = abscesses.

Treatment :

If your dog is predisposed to this problem, it is wise to ask you vet to squeeze the glands every 6-8 weeks.

References :

Compiled from Lecture Notes by Dr Don Barrett, BVSc. Consulting Veterinarian – February 1998.

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MAMMARY GLAND TUMOURS

Mammary gland ("breast") tumours are the most common type of tumour in the unspeyed female dog. Breeds at risk for developing mammary gland tumours include toy and miniature Poodles, Spaniels, and German Shepherds. The average age of dogs at diagnosis is 10-11 years. There can be a single or several tumours, and they can occur in one or more glands. The last two sets of glands (the 4th and 5th glands) are most commonly affected. The tumours can be firm or soft, well-defined lumps or diffuse swellings. Tumours can be attached to underlying tissues or moveable, skin-covered or ulcerated. They can be different sizes, and they may grow slowly or quite fast.

Most dogs are seen by the veterinarian for signs associated with the primary tumour and are otherwise feeling well. A few dogs are diagnosed with advanced metastasis (tumours that have spread to elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs and lymph nodes) and might be feeling ill from their tumours when they come for treatment. 

The risk for developing mammary gland tumours is closely associated with exposure to the female sex hormone oestrogen in the early years of development. This is a disease of female dogs and is extremely rare in males. Oestrogen is necessary for normal mammary gland development. However, it may also be involved in the initial stages of cancer development that leads to tumours many years later. Estrogens may also provide continued stimulation to tumours & therefore contribute to tumour progression.

Hormonal therapy is a common treatment in women with breast cancer and may also be helpful in the treatment of canine mammary gland tumours. Early spaying (ovariohysterectomy: removal of the ovaries and uterus which removes the source of oestrogen) may significantly decrease the risk for tumour development.

Studies have shown that spaying a dog before her first, second, or third heat cycle can significantly decrease the risk for developing mammary gland tumours later in life. 

Mammary gland tumours can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) and arise from the different types of tissues (epithelial or glandular tissues, and mesenchymal or connective tissues) in the mammary gland. The most common types are tumours from the glandular tissues and include adenoma, carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Half of all mammary gland tumours are benign and can be treated successfully with surgery alone. The other half are malignant and have the potential for metastasis.

The outcome for patients with malignant mammary gland tumours depends on several factors including tumour type, histologic grade (appearance of the tumour cells under the microscope and how similar or dissimilar they are to normal tissues), tumour size, and tumour stage (presence of regional and distant metastasis). 

We recommend that all mammary gland masses are surgically removed and biopsied to determine the tumour type. Dogs with benign tumours usually do not require further treatment, but cases with malignant tumours should be staged (evaluated for metastasis by tests such as chest X-rays and abdominal ultrasound).

Dogs with small (less than about 1 inch diameter) low histologic grade carcinomas and adenocarcinomas with no evidence of metastasis may be treated effectively with surgery alone. Dogs with large or invasive tumours, high histologic grade, sarcomas (tumours of mesenchymal origin), lymph node involvement and/or other sites of spread are at risk for both recurrence of the original tumour and metastasis. 

Hormonal therapy in the form of ovario-hysterectomy may be beneficial in unspeyed dogs with carcinomas or adenocarcinomas.  A recent study at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania showed that dogs spayed either at the same time of their tumour removal or within two years prior to the tumour surgery lived significantly longer than dogs that remained unspeyed after their tumours were removed.

Chemotherapy may also be indicated in dogs with aggressive tumours. Chemotherapy has been shown to be effective in individual dogs with metastatic adenocarcinomas, but there are no large studies that prove the benefit of chemotherapy in dogs suspected of being at risk for metastasis. 

Owners can play an important role in their dog's health. The protective effect of early ovario-hysterectomy is substantial, and dogs that are not intended for breeding should be spayed before their first or second heat. Obesity and a high fat diet in the first year may also increase the risk for tumour development, so not overfeeding young growing dogs could be beneficial. Owners should examine their dogs at regular intervals for any lumps, bumps, or swellings and take them for yearly veterinary checkups. All lumps should be surgically removed and biopsied.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a good outcome. 

Canine mammary tumours have many similarities to breast cancer in women. In both, it is a disease that affects the middle-age to older patient, and the most common tumour types are the same. The treatments are similar, and patients with small tumours and early, localized disease can be cured. However, for patients with tumours that have spread elsewhere in the body, the prognosis is not good. Canine mammary gland tumours are excellent models for breast cancer in women, and clinical research studying mammary gland tumours in dogs has the potential to benefit both dogs and women. 

Footnote :

In the vet magazine, Vetzine, there was an article on mammary tumours and a study has shown that dogs fed on homemade diets (such as BARF) are more likely to develop mammary tumours than those fed on commercial diets.  The website address is :- www.egroups.com/messages/vetzine .

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CANINE GENERAL

DIET AND GROWTH

Growth and Feeding of Puppies

Dr Karen Hedberg, BVSc. Consulting Veterinarian – August 2007.
 

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Nutrition in Dogs

Dr Karen Hedberg, BVSc. Consulting Veterinarian – August 2007.
 

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DIET WARNINGS

We tend to associate poisoning in domestic pets with artificial chemicals such as snail baits, rat poisons, insecticides and agricultural chemicals.  Although these substances cause the vast majority of cases of poisonings seen in small animal practice, we shouldn’t forget that there are a number of food hazards which are toxic to dogs and cats.

Onions - Raw onions, soup and even discarded pizzas containing cooked onions have all been reported to cause poisoning in dogs, and more rarely in cats.  In dogs, ingestion of as little as 30g per days of raw onions for 3 days can produce haemolytic anaemia.  Oxidising agents in onions are thought to be to blame, which cause damage to erythrocytes, resulting in the production of Heinz bodies and methaemoglobinaemia.

Mushrooms - Although not a usual part of the diet, mushrooms occasionally pop up in our gardens and dog walking areas, especially in autumn.  Poisoning has been reported in both dogs and cats after eating or simply playing with toxic mushrooms.  Highly toxic varieties can cause paralysis, coma and death.

Garbage/compost - Dogs in particular are renowned for their scavenging habits, greed, and apparent lack of discrimination when choosing what they will eat.  However, their ability to vomit readily and efficient mechanisms to deal with ingested toxins protect them to a large degree from food poisoning.  Despite this, garbage poisoning is a common problem, often caused by the ingestion of pre-formed staphylococcal enterotoxins.

Chocolate contains a xanthine compound, theobromine, that is toxic in sufficient quantities.  Examples of other xanthine compounds are caffeine and theophylline.  The toxicity from all of these compounds is similar.  It takes a fairly large amount of chocolate to cause problems.  In "The Handbook of Small Animal Practice" by Dr. Rhea Morgan, the following data is given:  The toxic dose of theobromine is about 100 to 150mg/kg.  Milk chocolate contains 6mg of theobromine per ounce.  Semi-sweet chocolate contains about 22mg/oz. and baking chocolate about 350 to 400mg/oz.

From this it is pretty easy to see that milk chocolate poses only a minor threat while the other forms of chocolate can be a bigger problem.  Xanthenes affect primarily the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves.  There is a diuretic effect as well.  So the sign seen with toxicity include hyperexcitability, hyper irritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, increased urination, vomiting and muscular tremors or tenseness.  Under some circumstances these signs can lead to secondary problems like hyperthermia.  In severe cases, seizures or cardiac arrest can occur.  Death can result from severe intoxication.

There is no specific antidote for this poisoning.  Inducing vomiting can help if the ingestion is known and has occurred within one to two hours.  Administration of activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin from the digestive tract. It may be necessary to use medications to control the effects of the poisoning, especially seizure control medications, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medications to control the effects on the heart.  With ingestion of milk chocolate, diarrhoea is a common secondary problem.  This may require therapy and often occurs 12 to 24 hours after eating the chocolate.  If you suspect chocolate poisoning and your dog or cat is showing clinical signs of the problem, it is important to contact your vet.

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REPRODUCTION

Genital System of the Female Dog
 

Genital System of the Female Dog

Stages of the Oestrus Cycle

Pro-Oestrus:

• First stage of the oestrus cycle.
• Usually lasts 7-10 days.
• Vulva swells, bloody discharge.
• Follicles in ovaries undergoing development and maturation.
• Bitch is attractive to male dogs, but doesn't permit mating.
• Pre-mating swab normally done at this stage.  Wait 3-4 days to allow the cervix to relax.
• Good time to check that vaccination and worming are up to date.

• Second stage of oestrus cycle.
• Usually lasts 4-7 days
• Discharge normally changes to straw coloured and the bitch will start to accept the male.
• Vulva displays maximal swelling and softening.
• When the ovarian follicles are mature they secrete sufficient oestrogen to cause a surge release of luteinising hormone from the pituitary gland.
This stimulates progesterone secretion from the follicles and ovulation 24-48 hours later.  Corpora lutea from the ruptured follicles and continue to secrete progesterone for the next 6O days.
• Serum progesterone can be measured and used to determine the time of ovulation.  It should rise to above 16nmol/L on the day of ovulation.

• 3rd stage of ovulation.
• Lasts 4-7 days.
• Finished when vulval swelling and discharge disappear.
• Always begins 6 days after ovulation

Vaginal Smears

The cells lining the wall of the vagina will change during the oestrus cycle and smears taken to detect these changes can be useful in determining which stage of the cycle a particular bitch is in.  The changes in the cells is mainly influenced by oestrogen.

Serial smears taken every 2-3 days are required to detect oestrus and it is not possible to predict the time of ovulation with vaginal smears.  It is however possible to determine when oestrus has finished and di-oestrus has begun and to retrospectively calculate the day of ovulation (6 days prior).

Breeding Management

In practice, matings are usually restricted to one or two matings on the ninth, eleventh or thirteenth day counting from the first observed day of bloody discharge.  This method can be inaccurate.

Studies have shown that maximum litter size occurs when mating takes place two days after ovulation.  Therefore ideal breeding management should involve either:

1. Detect first day of receptivity by the bitch (coincides with surge of luteinising hormone), and mate every second or third day until the bitch refuses further matings.
2. Determining the correct ovulation day and breed 48 hours after ovulation.

• Rise in serum progesterone levels - mate 2 days after a rise in serum progesterone above 16nmol/L.
• Use data from previous cycle.  Can calculate exact day of ovulation retrospectively with vaginal smears.  Need to take a smear each day during oestrus and at the first appearance of di-oestrus count back six days.  The day of ovulation will remain fairly constant from one cycle to the next.
• Use data from previous litters.  Interval from ovulation to whelping is a constant 63 days.  If good records are kept noting date of onset of oestrus and day of whelping then you can count back 63 days to determine on which day of the oestrus cycle ovulation took place.

The normal cycling bitch secretes progesterone for approximately 60 days following the onset of oestrus, whether or not she is pregnant.  Prolonged or repeated progesterone influence causes cystic endometrial hyperplasia which is a thickening of the endometrium (inner lining) of the uterus.

The glands in the endometrium also become enlarged and secrete fluid which accumulates in the uterus.  This can lead to problems with infertility and infection.

Chronic Endometritis

This is a low grade infection of the endometrium which can interfere with fertility by causing failure to support pregnancy and prevent implantation of the fertilised egg.

It is difficult to diagnose as affected dogs will appear outwardly healthy.  Thickening of the uterine wall may be detected by x-ray or ultrasound.  The only accurate way to diagnose this condition is by a surgically examining the uterus and taking a biopsy.

An effective treatment has not been found, but a few options are available:

1. Surgical curettage of the endometrium has been performed, but has not been that successful
2. Medical treatment with either prostaglandins or testosterone can be tried.  Prognosis for return to fertility is poor.

This is a severe bacterial inflammation of the uterus which can develop rapidly into a very toxic condition.  Toxaemia occurs through the absorption of toxins from increasing amounts of pus being produced by the bacterial infection.

Incidence is higher in bitches with shortened inter-oestrus intervals.  False pregnancy, irregular cycles or lack of previous pregnancy do not increase risk of pyometra.  Mismating shots (oestrogens) do increase risk of pyometra.

Symptoms:

Usually occurs 1-12 weeks after onset of oestrus. Lethargic, not eating, excessive drinking, may have vomiting and diarrhoea and abdominal distension. If the cervix is open (called an open pyometra) there will be a copious discharge, but if the cervix is closed (closed pyometra) there will be little or no discharge.  When this occurs large quantities of pus will build up within the uterus and release toxins which will make the bitch very sick and can cause death if not treated quickly.

Treatment:

This depends on the state of the bitch and her value as a future breeding possibility.  If the cervix is closed then the only treatment option is ovariohysterectomy after stabilization with fluids and antibiotics. If the cervix is open and the bitch not too debilitated then medical treatment as an alternative to surgery can be tried. This involves the use of prostaglandin (Lutalyse) injections to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pus.

This drug is not officially approved for use in the dog (normally used in cattle), but it has been used successfully.  It is given as a course of injections over 5-7 days and the bitches usually need hospitalisation during the course due to side-effects caused.  These include restlessness, panting, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea and increased heart rate.  These effects usually last up to one hour and will lessen with subsequent injections.

Along with the prostaglandin injections a drug called millophylline can be given to dilate the cervix further.  Antibiotics are also required and a six week course is advised.

This treatment works in 80-100% of dogs.  Some dogs need two courses of injections and this is indicated if discharge is still present 2 weeks after treatment or the uterine size has not decreased.

It is strongly recommended to breed at the next season to try and get the hormones "back to normal".  Timing of the next season can be unpredictable as it can be early or late.  Conception rate at the next oestrus has been reported as 40-80%.  It is advisable to swab before mating.

Any bitch that has been treated for pyometra in this way should be spayed as soon as her breeding life has ended.

Vaginitis

Puppy Vaginitis:

This can occur in dogs prior to their first season.  Vaginal discharge is usually scant and clear to bloody in colour.  Puppies may show increased licking of vulva and increased frequency of urination.

Treatment depends on the severity of the vaginitis.  Most cases will resolve on their own at or after the first oestrus so if the discharge is mild treatment may not be necessary.  If the discharge is pussy or the dog displays discomfort, then a 4 week course of antibiotics is indicated.  A swab should be taken to determine the best choice of antibiotic.

Adult Vaginitis:

This occurs in bitches after their first season.  They show a vaginal discharge which can attract males, increased licking at vulva and sometimes increased frequency of urination.  To differentiate between vaginitis and the more serious pyometra other signs are taken into account (eg appetite and general condition) along with abdominal palpation.

Treatment involves a 4 week course of antibiotics, again after a swab is taken.

The bitch should also be checked for any predisposing causes such as strictures in the vagina, infolding of the vulva and grass seeds.

False Pregnancy

The symptoms of false pregnancy are due to the effects of the hormone prolactin.  This is released when there is an abrupt drop in serum progesterone, which will occur normally at birth in the pregnant bitch, but may also occur in the non-pregnant bitch after 60 days when the corpus luteum stops producing it.

Symptoms include:

• mammary gland development and secretion
• behavioural changes - mothering, can be snappy
• uterus may be slightly enlarged
• may have a clear vaginal discharge
• may be lethargic and inappetant

A medication called Contralac can be used if absolutely necessary.  It stops symptoms of false pregnancy by stopping the production of prolactin.

Use of Hormones

A number of synthetic hormones have been produced for a number of different purposes.  There are two that are widely available, but should be avoided.  These are the progestogens (Ovarid, MPA) and oestrogens.

Progestagens:

These are used to prevent or suppress oestrus.  They are known to be a causative agent of cystic endometrial hyperplasia so it is imperative that they be avoided at all times in breeding bitches.

Oestrogens:

These are used for mismating injections.  They can induce pyometra and occasionally will cause bone marrow damage, affected the bitches blood and immune system.

Foetal Resorption

A question was asked about resorption of foetuses during pregnancy.  This can occur as a result of either endometrial disease, failure of the corpora Iutea to produce progesterone, infectious disease, foetal defects, or other hormonal defects of the bitch (eg hypothyroidism).  Progesterone levels can be measured in di-oestrus to determine if low progesterone is the cause of the resorption and this can be treated by supplementing the bitch with progesterone.

References

Hedberg K H,  THE NEW DOG OWNER'S MANUAL (1996),  The Watermark Press, Sydney, Australia.

Zammit R, Mills J, Wyburn B,  SMALL ANIMAL REPRODUCTION (1990),  Murdoch University Foundation for Continuing Veterinary Education, Murdoch, WA.

Johnston S D, Stefano E,  CANINE REPRODUCTION (1991),  The Veterinary Clinics of North America Vol 21, No. 3.

REPRODUCTION COMPANION ANIMALS (1988),  Post Graduate Committee in Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Proceedings 108.

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REPRODUCTION PROBLEMS IN THE BITCH

Reproduction Problems in the Bitch

Dr Karen Hedberg, BVSc. Consulting Veterinarian – August 2007.
 

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INFERTILITY IN THE MALE DOG

Infertility in the Male Dog

Dr Karen Hedberg, BVSc. Consulting Veterinarian – August 2007.
 

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CRYPTORCHIDISM

This article will help you better understand the developmental abnormality of cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles in male puppies.  If your pet is showing any symptoms or signs of disease, please contact your veterinarian.  We want you and your pet to be happy and healthy.

At birth, the testicles of a puppy are still within its abdomen.  As the animal develops, the testicles slowly "descend" into the scrotum.  In mammals, sperm development does not occur correctly at the high temperatures found within the body.  The testicles are therefore held outside of the abdomen and within the scrotum to provide a cooler environment.  The production of testosterone is usually not influenced by temperature.

Frequently, owners notice that the puppy they just purchased only has one or possibly no testicles within the scrotum.  Although different dates are listed in some of the veterinary literature, both testicles are usually within the scrotum by the time the animal is six weeks of age and they should definitely be there by the time the puppy is eight to ten weeks of age.  If one or both testicles are not present at that location by twelve weeks of age, they probably never will be and the animal is said to be suffering from cryptorchidism or "retained testicles”.  This is a disorder that may be passed from generation to generation.

What are the symptoms ?

These animals rarely show any abnormalities because of this condition.  They have normal activity levels, growth and behaviour.  Although fertility may be affected, they will usually show normal breeding behaviour and frequently impregnate females, especially when one of the testicles has descended into the scrotum.

What are the risks ?

Some researchers believe that dogs with cryptorchidism may have a higher incidence of other testicular diseases.  Specifically, these would be cancer and torsion.

What is the management ?

Cryptorchid dogs should never be allowed to breed.  This is a well-documented genetic trait, passed on to future generations.  In addition, because of the potential for an increased incidence of torsion or cancer within the retained testicle, it is strongly recommended that all of these individuals be neutered.

The surgery to remove a retained testicle is more involved than a routine neuter.  The veterinarian must literally hunt for the testicle which may be located anywhere from the area around the kidney in the abdomen to the muscle near the groin.

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SNAKE BITE

General:

Toxicity depends on various factors.  Rarely encountered from May through to August.

Tiger Snake:

Coagulant or thrombose (a coagulant component) effect often asymptomatic, but may cause mesenteric thrombosis with abdominal pain and passage of whole blood. There may be pulmonary thrombosis with respiratory embarrassment.
 

 Signs:

Salivation, vomiting, dilated pupils, absence or slugginess of pupillary light response. Ataxia of the hind limbs increased respiration = within one hour of bite.

Clinical Signs - there are three stages:

1. Early intoxication - Trembling, dullness and severe depression, vomiting, haematemesis, salivation and defecation = GOOD
2. Progressing to - Ataxia a