Dog diseasesThere are various diseases in dogs, which are either clustered in specific breeds or can generally occur in any breed. On the one hand, there are illnesses such as diarrhea, in which case it can be a serious illness or just a gastrointestinal upset. Some diseases can be transmitted from insects to our four-legged friends. So disease-causing parasites or pathogens transferred to them. In turn, there are other diseases that can occur when a dog is born or that break out in old age, such as osteoarthritis or allergies.
The following article provides you with an overview of the most important and common canine diseases.
Diarrhea
With many Gastrointestinal diseases diarrhea is one of the first symptoms. It can be caused by Different factors be triggered. The simplest cause of diarrhea is a viral or bacterial infection. For the diagnosis the animal is carefully examined. The owner is asked for clues as to the cause. In addition Fecal collection with bacteria culture for the exact determination of the bacterial pathogens are carried out. Diarrhea can occur with antibiotics be treated. Also, if the diarrhea is due to viruses, antibiotics are often used to help prevent further infections with bacteria. In addition, a Zero diet, that means that the dog should not eat food but only water for a certain period of time (24-48h). A zero diet is for puppies however not suitable.
In addition, diarrhea can be caused by incorrect food intake be triggered, for example during a change of feed. In this case, it is best to switch back to the old food and try a slow addition of the new food to give the intestine time to adjust.
In addition, diarrhea can be caused by certain intestinal parasites can be triggered, for example by Giardia. These are the most common Diarrhea-causing parasites in veterinary medicine for dogs. Giardia can be detected in fecal samples. If the detection is positive, a therapy with the active ingredient fenbendazole is carried out over several days. In addition, it is important that you thoroughly wash everything in your home and preferably use a steamer to steam off the things that are not washable.
Also due to Stress can cause a dog to develop diarrhea, as many dogs have very be sensitive to their environment. It is therefore useful to deal with the stress triggers. Causes of stress in dogs can include a foreign environment, stranger or loneliness be. Make sure that the dog is better able to cope with the circumstances and does not develop stress in the situations. The visit of a dog school or the help of a dog trainer can be advisable here under certain circumstances.
Furthermore it can be caused by swallowed foreign bodies This can lead to diarrhea, because the body tries to get it out of the body more quickly through liquid feces. To confirm this diagnosis, an x-ray of the abdominal area is taken and an assessment is made as to whether a foreign body is involved. Then, depending on the findings, a decision is made whether the foreign body can leave the intestine on its own or whether surgical intervention is required.
Read more about this topic on our main page: My dog has diarrhea
Arthrosis
Arthrosis is a condition caused by the use of not be curable joint disease, of the cartilage between the joints continues to disintegrate, which eventually leads to Pain Leads.
Animals suffering from osteoarthritis usually walk worse and have problems getting up and lying down. In general, the animal's urge to move decreases. To find out if an animal has the disease, it is thoroughly examined at the veterinarian and a X-ray made.
Dogs suffering from arthrosis can be affected by Pain therapy be treated. In addition, exercise adapted to the disease can help alleviate the symptoms. You should make sure that the animal is not exposed to unnecessary favoring factors. For example permanent climbing of stairs or jumping out of the car be avoided. The use of a Ramp can help to overcome possible obstacles without major Joint load to overcome. Nonetheless, long walks are quite helpful, because with movement the joint produces a fluid that facilitates movement and thus relieves the pain. Being overweight puts additional stress on the animal and its diseased joints.
Read more about osteoarthritis on our main page: My dog has osteoarthritis
Hip dysplasia
A hip dysplasia is called a maldevelopment of the hip joint. As a result of hip dysplasia, the femur may slip out of the acetabulum. The deformity is genetic in some breeds, but can also be caused by injury or, in some cases, excessive stress.
Mainly large dog breeds are often affected by the disease. These include, for example, the German Shepherd, the Labrador, the Golden Retriever, the Rottweiler and the Dalmatian.
The signs of a hip dysplasia are very diverse. abnormalities when walking, as well as increased lying and problems when standing up can indicate hip dysplasia. Affected dogs often have no desire for long walks. Since the dogs are in pain when they are strained, they give pain sounds of themselves and often show Behavioral changes. If you notice the above-mentioned signs of hip dysplasia in your dog or generally changed behavior due to pain, a veterinarian should be consulted in any case.
The Diagnosis by the veterinarian takes place through Palpation of the hip region as well as by means of X-rays. Often, as a result, also a Osteoarthritis of the corresponding joint detected.
Treatment of hip dysplasia strongly depends on the degree of the disease. Drug therapy, Exercise therapy and weight reduction in overweight dogs can help. In some cases Operation at the hip or the onset of a Artificial hip joint may be indicated. The choice of therapy is made by the veterinarian on the basis of different criteria.
Read more about this topic on our main page: Hip dysplasia in dogs
Diseases caused by ticks
Everyone knows the little pests, which are mainly caused by early summer to autumn can infect dogs but also humans. Since ticks are blood-sucking arachnids that can transmit various diseases, it goes without saying that we should always protect not only ourselves but also our dog as best as possible against ticks.
A disease transmissible by ticks is the Anaplasmosis, which also occurs here in Germany (
Again, ticks also transmit the so-called Ehrlichiosis (
In the 2. Phase are the symptoms from the 1. phase usually disappears completely. Either the dog's immune system has managed to eliminate the pathogen on its own or it has taken hold in the body and can lead to chronic symptoms. With a severe course can occur in the third phase to Damage to the bone marrow may occur, furthermore autoimmune reactions The disease can be caused by a disease in which the immune system attacks and damages cells of the dog's own body. In case of a mild course it comes only to Fever, aversion to feeding and Partial namelessness. A chronic course of the disease ultimately leads to the death of the animal. Thus, if the above symptoms are observed, in any case a Veterinarian be consulted. This can be determined by means of a Blood test determine whether the dog has ehrlichiosis. The Treatment occurs by means of Antibiotics.
Ticks can also Babesia (Please also read our main article: Canine malaria (babesiosis)). colonize the blood cells of its host. To lead to their destruction. The parasites can be detected by a blood test. If the result is positive, the animal will be treated with a Antiparasitic treated.
The fourth would be the transfer of Lyme disease to mention (
Gastric torsion
With a stomach twist, it concerns, as the name already betrays, a twisting of the stomach in the body. Due to the rotation it comes to blockage of the blood supply and thus to the undersupply of the stomach. Without treatment, this Undersupply of the stomach to Death of the animal.
The symptoms of gastric torsion can vary in severity. A typical symptom is severe bloating of the abdomen, which, however, does not occur in every affected animal. Often the animals are restless, because strong Pain in the abdominal area arise. Eventually, the animals become quieter, listless and succumb to a Circulatory shock.
The Causes of gastric torsion are not clearly understood. As possible causes breed, age, size or weight of the animal up to genetic causes are discussed.
In the case of suspected gastric torsion, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately! This will first examine the animal, then a X-ray carried out, which is quickly assessed. If the suspicion should be confirmed, it comes to a fast OP, because every minute counts. During this operation, the stomach is turned back to its original orientation and sewn to the abdominal wall to prevent the stomach from turning again. Food intake no jerky. Playing movements carried out.
Read more about this topic on our main page: Gastric torsion in dogs
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Abscess
An abscess is a newly formed Hollow, with purulent secretion is filled. An abscess can develop anywhere on the body and can be caused by many different things, such as surgical wounds or after Bite injuries. If the wound closes after a bite injury without cleaning, it can result in a infection come to the production of pus. If the abscess does not open on its own, surgical intervention is required by cutting open and emptying the abscess. An abscess that has not been treated continues to fill with pus, which leads to damage to the surrounding tie. In addition, the existing germs can be further distributed into the blood, which can lead to a life-threatening blood poisoning can lead. Therefore it is important to have the abscess treated by a veterinarian.
In order to recognize an abscess early you should let your animal regularly check for bite wounds, if it has played with other animals. If you have symptoms like Fever and also thickened area discover ticks in the affected areas, you should contact a veterinarian and present your pet to them.
Read more about abscess on our main page: Abscess in dogs
Worm infestation
With worms it concerns Parasites, which is the Intestine of the dog affected. Often dog owners do not realize until relatively late that the animal is infected, as symptoms such as diarrhea often fail to appear. They simply continue to live with the parasites just as before. Dogs can get infected very quickly, for example by smelling or licking infected feces.
In order to prevent a worm infestation, it is advisable to regularly administer a Worming cure perform. For a targeted therapy should first be Feces of the animal examined for worms will. For such an examination, feces of the animal must be collected on a total of three days. These samples can be tested either at your pet's veterinarian or at a laboratory specializing in parasites.
Read more about worm infestation and deworming on our main pages: Worms in dogs and Deworming in dogs
anal gland inflammation
The anal glands produce an Secretion, which after each defecation becomes. The emitted secretion serves the Spreading the individual smell, which in turn is responsible for Mutual identification individual dogs as well as the Marking of terretories is used.
The anal glands can become inflamed if an animal uses them not to be emptied properly can be collected and the secretion permanently stagnates in the glands. The cause of the inflammation is the pancreas present in the anal area Germs.
Inflammation of the anal glands is manifested by the animals increasing their anus region lick. In addition, the dogs tend to drag their anus across the floor in order to Anal sac so to voiding. If you observe this behavior in your dog, a visit to a veterinarian is advisable. The vet will empty and clean the anal glands.
In general, care should be taken that your pet's feces are not too soft or too hard, as this can also prevent normal emptying of the anal glands. Therefore, the dog's stool and behavior should be observed regularly to prevent or detect anal gland inflammation in time.
Read more about anal gland inflammation on our main page: Anal gland inflammation in dogs
Pancreatitis
The Pancreatitis comes with dogs very often before. The exact Causes are however not clearly clarified. Meals too high in fat, obesity, diabetes and certain medications are suspected of causing pancreatitis in dogs.
Pancreatitis can be caused by the following factors life-threatening its. By activating the accumulated secretions of the pancreas it comes to the Decomposition of the organ. In addition, damage to the pancreas serves the Production of insulin inhibited. insulin is important for the absorption of sugar from the blood.
In the case of pancreatitis, the animals show severe upper abdominal pain and Diarrhea with vomiting, but these are very unspecific symptoms. A definite diagnosis can only be made by means of further examinations. In a mild course, it is quite possible that the disease is not detected. However, if it is an acute course, the dog must be cared for intensively, otherwise the condition can deteriorate rapidly. With a stationary admission the animal gets for 24 hours a Infusion, so that the diarrhea and vomiting do not cause dehydration. As soon as the symptoms have subsided, the animal is put on a low fat feed converted in order to pancreas to relieve.
Read more about pancreatitis on our main page: Pancreatitis in dogs
Bladder inflammation
Cystitis can be caused by different causes be triggered. Bitches are more likely to be affected than males, which is mainly due to the fact that female animals have a shorter urethra than males. Thus germs like bacteria, Fungus or parasites easier to penetrate.
An inflammation of the bladder usually causes similar symptoms as with us humans. The Urge to urinate is increased, in addition, the urine sedimentation triggers pain from. Even though cystitis is usually accompanied by these symptoms, the disease can also be present without them. This is problematic, because an undetected bladder infection can take hold and lead to problems again and again. In addition, cystitis can lead to the formation of urinary stones.
It is advisable to always observe the urine output of your animal in order to notice possible changes more quickly and to react quickly. Inflammation of the bladder is manifested in the dog by increased urination, blood in the urine, unnatural smell of urine and exhaustion. A veterinary examination of the urine creates certainty. The Treatment a bladder infection with antibiotics and painkillers can be treated by home remedies like Heat pad treatment and avoidance of stress are supported.
Read more about cystitis on our main page: cystitis in dogs
Cushing's syndrome
The so-called Cushing's syndrome is a disease caused by the excessive production of cortisol characterized. triggers for this overproduction can be Changes in the adrenal cortex (a small hormone producing gland on the kidney) as well as a Tumor of the pituitary gland (pituitary gland) and resulting overproduction of the adrenal stimulating hormone corticotropin (ACTH) may be.
The disease causes hair loss (alopecia) that slowly spreads over the entire body. In addition, the musculature gradually develops back and a pot belly. Most animals get sick from the age of 6. Year of life and show different symptoms, as the disease progresses slowly. Besides hair and skin changes, Muscle weakness and hanging belly are increased urination, exhaustion and Craving for food as typical symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. In addition, the animals show a susceptibility to infectious diseases.
The diagnosis is made by the veterinarian through a special test. If the diagnosis is confirmed, a therapy can be initiated. It is a lifelong therapy, which, however, shows good results, so that the dog has a largely normal life can lead to. However, a dog suffering from Cushing's syndrome must have strictly monitored by a veterinarian to guarantee an optimal therapy and to avoid the development of secondary diseases.
Read more about Cushing's syndrome on our main page: Cushing's syndrome in dogs
Dog depression
term canine depression describes a depressive mood in dogs, which, however, cannot be compared with the clinical clinical picture of depression in humans. Affected dogs usually show behavioral changes like apathy and unwillingness. Also undesirable behavior such as aggression, destruction of objects and deliberate uncleanliness can be symptoms.
The causes of a dog depression can be very versatile. Depressive moods in dogs are thought to be caused by psychological stress such as stress, traumatic events or excessive demands are triggered. Also diseases that permanent painn can trigger a dog depression. For this reason, it is important to have the dog examined by a veterinarian if such persistent behavioral changes occur, in order to rule out disease-related causes for the depressed mood.
If the veterinarian cannot determine any physical causes for the behavioral changes, it is important to analyze the triggers for the dog depression. The help of a behavioral therapists or Dog psychologist may be advisable for this.
Read more about this topic on our main page: Dog depression
diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus, like in humans, is a disturbance of the sugar metabolism. This means that the body is no longer able to transport sugar from the blood to the required regions. Thus, sugar accumulates in the blood of the dog, which can lead to a number of secondary diseases.
Also in veterinary medicine we speak of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. At type 1 diabetes it is a congenital disease. The body recognizes its own insulin-producing cells than foreign, which leads to the fact that these destroyed by the immune system are. The dog can then no longer produce enough insulin. Accordingly, sugar can no longer be absorbed from the blood. In contrast, insulin production is reduced during type 2 diabetes initially unaffected, but the corresponding body cells show a resistance to insulin, which also leads to hyperglycemia of the blood leads. The body then tries to produce more insulin, which eventually leads to the fatigue of insulin-producing cells and causes the same problems as type 1 diabetes.
Typical symptoms of diabetes mellitus in dogs are increased urge to urinate as well as increased thirst. In addition, the animals increased hunger and show nevertheless a weight loss. Often the eyes of the affected dog also appear milky and cloudy. This is a sign of cataract, a typical secondary disease of diabetes mellitus, which if left untreated eventually leads to blindness of the dog. In addition to emaciation and dehydration often occur also abdominal pain and symptoms of weakness to.
The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is made by the veterinarian by means of Blood and urine tests. If the tests show a positive result, an immediate therapy with insulin is initiated. At female animals a castration carried out, since these are difficult to treat in the hormonal cycle. In addition change of nutrition will be carried out and a strict diet will be followed. care is taken to ensure that the energy of the feed remains low and that the animal remains in the optimal weight condition located.
Read more about diabetes mellitus on our main page: Diabetes mellitus in dogs
epilepsy
Epilepsy occurs when spontaneous discharges of the nerve celln to strong reactions in the body, so seizures leads. However, epilepsy must be divided into two different categories. On the one hand it can be organic disease acting, the trigger of which is not known. On the other hand, in the case of acquired epilepsy in the brain changes detectable.
The first symptoms of an affected animal usually occur in the first years of life to. To make a definite diagnosis, a computed tomography (CT) scan is usually performed, as well as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. In order to be able to treat an animal, it is important to find out what type of epilepsy it is. In the primary form, unfortunately, only the existing symptoms can be treated, in a secondary epilepsy, however, the cause can be treated to stop the seizures. This is then done with special drugs.
Read more about epilepsy on our main page: Epilepsy in dogs
allergy
Allergy is a condition in which the immune system hypersensitivity reaction of the body to certain triggers. This can lead to various symptoms, such as Skin changes or also Gastrointestinal problems. To determine an allergy it is necessary to find out what causes it. For this, it is best to consult a specialized veterinarian, who can give you advice and help you develop a concrete approach to the problem.
Read more about this topic on our main page: My dog has allergy
gastritis
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) is relatively common in dogs. It occurs when the stomach itself is affected by Stomach acid damaged. This can happen when the dog spoiled food or Water contaminated by bacteria ingests. Other possible causes are Ingestion of foreign bodies or Feed intolerances and allergies. As in humans, stress also seems to be a trigger of gastritis.
Symptoms of gastritis in dogs are Vomiting (especially morning fasting vomiting), Refusal to feed, Increased craving for water, constant licking of objects and the dog's own body, apathy and weight loss.
If you notice the above symptoms in your dog, you should immediately consult a veterinarian. The therapy of the gastritis depends on the cause and can be done medicinally.
Read more about gastritis on our main page: gastritis in dogs
Hairbugs
Hair lice are parasites, infest the hair and skin of the dogs. They are visible to the naked eye and are now very rare. Hair lice are not transmissible to humans, as they are adapted to their host dog. In addition, they stick their eggs to the hair of the dogs. Can survive outside the dog only a few hours.
The typical symptoms of an infestation with hair lice are severe itching and skin lesions, which are caused by the scratching. Hair lice are treated with Antiparasitic treated, which you can buy from your vet.
Read more about hair lice on our main page: Hair lice in dogs
Mange
In the case of mange Parasites of the skin namely mite species. They are introduced to our domestic dogs by foxes. Can thus spread massively. The small parasites burrow deep into the skin and lay their eggs there, from which the small larvae hatch and feed on the dog's skin particles. It is a disease that is transmissible to humans.
The infestation manifests itself through severe itching in the abdomen and groin area of the animals. In addition, usually severe hair loss to be observed in the affected areas. If the infestation is very severe, it can extend over the entire body of the animal.
In order to make a reliable diagnosis, skin samples are taken from the skin. The treating veterinarian scratches off the uppermost skin areas in order to detect mange mites and show them under the microscope. If a positive result is obtained, the animal is treated with a Antiparasitic treats. Pet owners should keep in the house wash everything thoroughly, what has been in contact with the affected animal, so that it does not become infected again.
Read more about mange on our main page: Mange – A mite disease
Distemper
Canine distemper is a disease caused by a virus virus triggered disease. It is highly contagious and can be either Acute or chronic run. Animals become infected with this disease by ingesting the virus from other infected animals.
How the disease manifests itself depends on the Age and Immune status of the infected animal itself. It can lead to Fever, Diarrhea and Malnutrition come. However, this does not necessarily have to be noticeable. If the body of the infected animal manages to defeat the virus, no subsequent damage occurs. However, if the immune system does not manage it, the virus colonizes the organs, which in turn can lead to general disorders associated with emaciation, eye inflammation and rhinitis. if the animal gets infected with another virus during the infestation, it can lead to deaths.
To make the diagnosis, a Blood test carried out which shows a reduction of immune cells in the blood. So far there are no safe method for a healing of a diseased animal. Therefore it is very important to protect your animal against this disease by vaccinating it regularly vaccinate leaves.
Read more about canine distemper on our main page: Canine distemper
Rabies
In the case of rabies, the disease is a fatal viral disease, which is notifiable in Germany, however, at the same time here quasi no more occurs. Animals can infect themselves over the saliva of already infected animals and spread the virus further in such a way. In addition, humans can also be infected with this virus, it is also deadly in our country.
In the first phase of the disease there are Behavioral abnormalities of infected animals, as the virus spreads rapidly in the nervous system. They become aggressive and fearful at the same time, as well as very restless. The second phase manifests itself with increased symptoms from the first phase. In addition, the animals begin strongly to salivate and bite things. In the third and last phase it comes to the exhaustion of the animal as well as always further advanced paralysis the body until it eventually falls into a coma and dies.
In Germany, an already infected animal may no longer be treated, so that the only option is to Euthanization gives. In addition, detected animals may not be removed from the location where rabies was diagnosed until the official veterinarian has taken further action.
To avoid infection, it is advisable to treat your pet's vaccinate against rabies to let. From the age of three months, then again at twelve months and every three years thereafter.
Read more about rabies on our main pages: Rabies in dogs and Rabies vaccination in dogs
Parvovirosis
Parvovirosis is a disease of the canine body Virus disease, which mostly occurs acutely and highly contagious is. It causes diarrhea, emaciation up to systemic inflammatory reaction in the body. Infection occurs through food contaminated by feces or the virus itself adhering to the dog's coat. The first signs are relatively unspecific. The viruses can multiply most rapidly among existing diseases. lead to problems of the affected animal. Problems occur mainly due to the dehydration of the animal caused by the diarrhea.
The mortality rate in unvaccinated kittens is very high up to the age of six months.
To confirm the diagnosis the veterinarian can perform a rapid test. Infected animals require intensive monitoring with intravenous fluid therapy. However, to protect your animal from this disease, there is a vaccination repeated annually.
Read more about parvovirosis on our main page: Parvovirosis in dogs
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is an acute or chronic disease caused by parasites is caused and transmitted via Mosquitoes is transmitted to the dog. It initially causes Skin lesions through the bite of the mosquito, but these are easily and often overlooked. Later develops a skin inflammation especially at the ear tips and noses of the infected animals. Subsequently, there is an infestation of the organs, which can be treated with pale mucous membranes, Fever and General disorder accompanies. In addition, it causes inflammations in the claw bed of the animals, which is why they can get cracks in the pads as well as bent claws. In addition, the parasites affect the kidney so that the skin can no longer fulfill its function. This eventually results in kidney failure.
To confirm the diagnosis, the vet takes a sample from existing skin lesions and performs a special test. Affected animals can never completely cured and must remain constantly under control of the veterinary surgeon, who adjusts the animal to certain medicines. If the animal remains untreated, however, the survival period is only a few years. However, one should be aware of the fact that the therapy is very complex and very expensive, although the animal can never be cured again. Therefore, you should always protect your animal when they go to areas where leishmaniasis is widespread. For this, let your veterinarian advise you which measures are most sensible. In a false pregnancy, certain physical. Psychological factors play a role. An impairment often occurs within the first three weeks after a dog is in heat on. In most cases it comes to the swelling of the milk groins and to a mild lactation. In addition it can lead to a kind of Nest building come, because the animals prepare themselves for an imminent birth, which does not occur however. In addition, aggressive defense of certain objects may occur.
The best thing to do, if the symptoms are mild, is to try to distract from these shoots, so that they remain limited and do not worsen. In addition, they should pay attention with swollen milk groins to the fact that it does not come with a milk production to an inflammation of these. For this, they should regularly palpate the milk groins to be able to act quickly if changes occur. In addition, they should prevent the bitch from constantly sucking on her milk groins, so as not to stimulate milk production unnecessarily.
In severe cases, however, it is advisable to have the bitch castrate.
Read more about false pregnancy on our main page: My dog is false pregnant
cataract
In the case of a cataract it is a matter of Opacity of the lens in the eye. It is also called cataract in technical language.. The lens has the task to refract light in the eye, so that the animal receives a sharp image to see.
The cataract can be caused by different causes can be triggered. The most common cause is old age. In this process the lens becomes thicker and thicker and hardens, so that a change in color or. opacity develops in the lens, which can be seen visually. However, this will not cause the animal to go blind. Again, the cataract can occur by heredity or by an injury. In most cases, the cataract is only recognized when the animal sees less and less and can hardly find its way in its environment. In this case it is always advisable to consult an eye specialist who will examine the dog.
Should it now come to a confirmed diagnosis, there are no medication or ointments for a cure. The only measure that can be taken is a removal of the affected lens.