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31 Dec
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Posted by martin
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As pet owners, one of the most frequent problems we have to deal with is diarrhea, especially with dogs. While dog diarrhea is not an illness in itself, it’s a symptom of another underlying problem. In many cases, canine diarrhea is not a sign of a serious condition, but in some circumstances diarrhea can indicate the presence of a more severe and dangerous medical problem.
What is Diarrhea?
Typically, healthy adult dogs will defecate once a day if fed once a day or twice a day if fed twice a day. Puppies, on the other hand, tend to defecate more frequently. In either case, normal stools are firm; however, when a dog is suffering from diarrhea, its stools will be loose and soft due to the presence of excess water. Diarrhea also often increases the frequency of defecation as well as urgency. Dog diarrhea may also be accompanied by additional symptoms such as flatulence, a bad odor, abdominal pain, and matted hair beneath the animal’s tail.
Causes
One of the reasons that dog diarrhea is such a common and frequent problem is that it can be caused by numerous different factors and conditions. Canine diarrhea can be triggered by problems originating within the digestive tract or from another part of the dog’s body. For instance, ulcers, cancer, food allergies, toxins, foreign bodies, and worms are examples of problems within the digestive tract that can lead to diarrhea. On the other hand, liver disease, kidney disease, Addison’s disease, and anxiety are problems not related to the digestive tract that can trigger diarrhea. Clearly, the potential causes of dog diarrhea are extremely numerous and also range in severity from relatively minor problems to life-threatening ones.
Puppies versus Adults
The common causes and frequency of canine diarrhea tend to vary somewhat between puppies and adult dogs. First of all, puppies typically experience diarrhea more often than adult dogs do. A major reason for this is related to the difference in common causes of diarrhea in puppies versus those that are common for adults. Puppies are more likely to eat garbage, swallow foreign objects, and experience intussusception, which involves the bowel folding been back upon itself. In contrast, adult dogs are more likely to experience diarrhea as a result of diseases such as liver or kidney disease. Since the latter triggers of diarrhea are less common, puppies tend to suffer from diarrhea more often than adult canines.
Chronic Versus Acute
When your dog is suffering from diarrhea, it’s important to keep in mind that there are two different types of diarrhea — acute and chronic. Acute diarrhea involves sudden onset and resolves quite quickly while chronic dog diarrhea is an ongoing problem that can last for weeks or even months. While most cases of canine diarrhea are acute and non-severe, in some circumstances veterinary care is necessary. With respect to acute diarrhea, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately if the stools contain blood or are accompanied by other troubling symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or abdominal pain. With regards to chronic dog diarrhea, veterinary care should be sought out in all cases.
Diagnosis
Since there are more than a hundred potential causes of dog diarrhea, pinpointing a trigger in a specific case can be quite difficult. However, there are a number of different diagnostic tests that can be conducted in order to narrow down and hopefully identify the underlying cause. These tests include fecal analysis, blood tests, x-rays, and abdominal ultrasounds. While fecal and blood tests can reveal the presence of parasites, infections, or allergic reactions, imaging tools such as x-rays and ultrasound can reveal the presence of foreign bodies or of physical abnormalities suggestive of diseases such as cancer.
Treatment
When an adult dog or puppy is suffering from diarrhea, the necessary treatment will depend upon the underlying cause. More severe cases of canine diarrhea will often require hospitalization and intravenous fluids. Also, more specific treatment steps will be required to deal with the underlying condition or problem. However, for mild cases of dog diarrhea that can be treated at home, certain dietary changes can be very helpful. In some cases, reducing food intake or providing a bland diet for a few days can help relieve diarrhea. Also, it’s important to provide the dog with plenty of fresh water in order to prevent dehydration. There are also several natural supplements and homoeopathic remedies available that can help relieve diarrhea. These natural products are particularly popular with pet owners who prefer a more holistic healthcare approach for their canine companions.
Prevention
Although dog diarrhea is a very common problem, there are ways to lower the chances of your dog suffering from it. To begin with, it’s important to ensure that your dog has a clean living environment and clean water in order to prevent infections. It’s also important to be aware of any food allergies that your dog may have and to prevent your dog or puppy from eating garbage or rancid food as much as possible. Other good prevention techniques include reducing stress and anxiety and promoting your dog’s overall health and strength through the use of natural supplements, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. When your dog is happy and healthy, diarrhea will cause fewer, less frequent problems for your beloved canine companion.
About the author: Tiffany Doggett is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Dog’s Cushing Disease | Dog Diarrhea | Dog Liver Disease
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
| Category: Dog Disease To claim credit or remove article fill this form |
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31 Dec
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Posted by martin
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The canine liver is a vitally important organ, one which is involved in practically all biochemical processes and physiological pathways. As a result, when one of the many possible forms of dog liver disease arises, the consequences can be numerous and severe.
Anatomy of the Liver
Located in the forward part of the abdomen near the diaphragm, the liver is the largest organ in the canine body and consists of six lobes divided into three regions. This organ receives nutrients through the portal vein and through the hepatic artery. Approximately one third of the blood flowing into the liver travels through the hepatic artery while approximately two thirds travels through the portal vein. While the nutrients that travel through the portal vein originate in the digestive tract, the blood entering the liver by the hepatic artery comes from the heart.
Physiology of the Liver
As already alluded to, this complex organ plays a role in nearly all of the body’s biochemical processes. However, some of the most significant functions of the liver include the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Another major function of this organ is that it serves as a detoxification system, breaking down and removing toxic substances from the dog’s body. An interesting characteristic of the liver is its amazing reserve capability, requiring only a small portion of liver cells to work at one time. However, the downside of this characteristic is that liver disease may not be detectable until it reaches an advanced stage. At the same time, liver cells do have the ability to regenerate, allowing for full recovery from dog liver disease in some cases.
Causes
There are numerous different potential causes of dog liver disease, including traumatic events and medical conditions. Examples of trauma that can give rise to liver disease include being hit by a car, heatstroke, or the ingestion of toxins such as pesticides and certain pharmaceuticals. Other potential causes of canine liver disease include various infections and anatomical or physiological defects of the liver that are present at birth. When it comes to other medical conditions that can give rise to dog liver disease, the possibilities are quite numerous. For instance, anemia and heartworms can lead to damaged liver cells, as can heart disease, cancer, and pancreatitis.
Symptoms
Due to the incredible reserve capability of the canine liver, disease of this organ may not become apparent until the problem has advanced quite significantly. Moreover, symptoms and warning signs of dog liver disease tend to be quite subtle and variable in the beginning. However, as the problem progresses, symptoms will become more and more apparent. One of the most classic symptoms of dog liver disease is jaundice, which involves the yellowing of the dog’s skin, gums, and the whites of its eyes. Other classic warning signs include loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst (polydipsia), and increased frequency of urination (polyuria). Lethargy, depression, and a swollen belly are also typical symptoms of canine liver disease. In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting will also occur. In advanced stages of the disease, the afflicted canine may experience confusion, weakness, and even convulsions.
Diagnosis
Since the liver is involved in the functions and biochemical processes of so many other organs, the symptoms of dog liver disease are often indistinguishable from those of other diseases. In addition, problems with the liver could actually be a secondary effect of a disease originating in another part of the body. As a result, thorough procedures are necessary in order to reach a firm and confident diagnosis of dog liver disease and to identify its cause. Typically, diagnostic processes that will be carried out in a case of suspected liver disease include a physical examination and blood tests. In addition, x-rays and ultrasound may also be used in order to allow the veterinarian to examine the liver for physical abnormalities. In some circumstances, exploratory surgery and a biopsy may be necessary as well.
Traditional Treatment
When a dog is suffering from canine liver disease, the necessary treatment will depend upon the cause of the disease. For example, when a bacterial infection has given rise to the disease, antibiotics will likely need to be administered. When an underlying medical problem such as anemia or cancer is at the root of the liver disease, the underlying condition will need to be dealt with. As a result, required treatment methods can vary quite significantly between cases of dog liver disease.
Holistic and Natural Treatment
In addition to the traditional treatment methods required in a particular case of canine liver disease, certain holistic health management strategies can also be very helpful with regards to treatment. Dietary adjustments and natural supplements can optimize nutrition while reducing the stress placed upon the liver. Providing certain nutrients through specific foods, natural supplements, or homoeopathic remedies can also help protect the liver and promote its health. For example, Vitamin E stimulates the production of new liver cells and prevents the build up of toxins. Therefore, in appropriate cases, natural supplements and other holistic health strategies can provide a very beneficial contribution to the treatment process for a dog suffering from canine liver disease.
About the author: Tiffany Doggett is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Dog’s Cushing Disease | Dog Diarrhea | Dog Liver Disease
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
| Category: Dog Disease To claim credit or remove article fill this form |
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31 Dec
|
Posted by martin
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Unfortunately, as dog’s age, their risk of developing health problems increases. There are several different medical conditions and diseases which affect middle aged and elderly dog far more than young dogs, one of which is dog Cushing’s disease. While signs and symptoms of this disorder may be vague at first, as the disease progresses it can have serious detrimental effects on the dog’s health and well-being. For this reason, it’s important to catch the disease as early as possible so that a treatment plan can be implemented, restoring the canine patient’s comfort and happiness.
What is Dog Cushing’s disease?
Dog Cushing’s disease Syndrome, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder involving the overproduction of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone released during times of stress and, in a healthy dog; the levels of this hormone in the blood are maintained with only minimal fluctuations. However, when a dog is suffering from canine Cushing’s disease, its adrenal glands chronically overproduce cortisol.
Why is Dog Cushing’s disease Dangerous?
When cortisol levels are chronically high, a dog’s system essentially becomes poisoned and its entire body feels the effects. The canine’s blood pressure will rise and the animal will experience detrimental effects to the health of its skin and hair. Muscle weakness also typically occurs, making it difficult or impossible for the animal to participate in regular daily activities. One of the most dangerous consequences of dog Cushing’s Disease is the fact that this endocrine disorder weakens the dog’s immune system, making the animal less able to defend itself against other illnesses and diseases.
Causes
The causes of dog Cushing’s disease Syndrome typically fall into three main categories. First of all, this disorder can be caused by long-term administration of steroid medications such as those used to treat allergies or inflammation. When canine hyperadrenocorticism is caused by medical treatment, the disease is referred to as iatrogenic Cushing’s disease. Occasionally, this endocrine disorder will be caused by a problem with the adrenal glands, typically in the form of an adrenal gland tumor. However, most cases of dog Cushing’s Disease are triggered by the presence of a tumor on the pituitary gland, which results in the over stimulation of the adrenal glands and, in turn, the continued overproduction of cortisol which is characteristic of this disease.
Who is at risk?
Dog Cushing’s disease is most common among middle aged and old canines. There are also certain breeds that are more predisposed to developing this disease than others. Some of these breeds include poodles, terriers, and dachshunds. Since this disorder more commonly affects older dogs, the early symptoms of canine Cushing’s disease are often mistaken for normal signs of ageing.
Symptoms
The tendency to mistake the early symptoms of this disorder for signs of ageing also occurs due to the fact that warning signs are typically vague in the beginning. However, the symptoms will grow increasingly more severe and noticeable with time. Some of the most common warning signs of Cushing’s disease, exhibited by the majority of dogs suffering from this disorder, include a ravenous appetite, increased thirst, and increased frequency of urination. A sagging belly and elevated blood sugar are also characteristic of this disease. Other common symptoms of Cushing’s disease include loss of fur resulting in bald patches on the dog’s trunk, darkening of the skin, and skin infections which may lead to scabs and areas of irritation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing canine Cushing’s disease can be a complex process, and numerous tests may need to be conducted over several days. Tests that will possibly be carried out include blood tests, urinalysis, and thyroid tests. Imaging tools such as x-rays and ultrasound may also be used. However, in many cases, more specific tests will also be necessary. In such cases, an ACTH Stimulation Test will be conducted and, if necessary, a low dose dexamethasone (LDD) test will be carried out as well.
Treatment
Once dog Cushing’s disease Syndrome has been diagnosed, the necessary treatment will depend upon the cause of the disorder. For iatrogenic Cushing’s disease, the disorder can often be reversed by ceasing the administration of steroid medications. When a pituitary gland or adrenal gland tumor is the cause, medication, surgery, or chemotherapy may be viable options. For those interested in a holistic health approach to treatment, natural supplements and homoeopathic remedies have proven to be quite beneficial for dogs suffering from this disorder, especially when the disease is caught in its early stages. However, in all cases of dog Cushing’s disease, treatment and care should be carried out under the supervision of a veterinary doctor.
About the author: Tiffany Doggett is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Dog’s Cushing Disease | Dog Diarrhea | Dog Liver Disease
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
| Category: Dog Disease To claim credit or remove article fill this form |
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