Educational Articles
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An abscess usually appears suddenly as a painful swelling that may be firm to the touch or compressible like a water balloon. If the abscess is located inside the body (e.g., in the liver), fever is expected, and if the abscess has ruptured internally, there may also be bacteria in the bloodstream. Treatment depends on the location of the abscess and the severity of the infection.
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Canine acne is an inflammatory disorder of the lips and the skin of the muzzle. Dogs with mild cases of acne often have red bumps or pustules on their skin. This can, in more severe cases, lead to generalized swelling of the lips and muzzle, bleeding wounds, or scabs on the face. Commonly affected breeds include Boxers, English Bulldogs, Great Danes, German Shorthaired Pointers, and others. A variety of treatments are available and depend on the underlying cause of the acne.
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Acupuncture is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) that focuses on restoring the energy balance in the body to promote healing. The technique requires the insertion of fine needles into the dog's body at specified points, called acupuncture points, where nerves and blood vessels converge. It is often used to treat dogs with arthritis and joint inflammation and may reduce the amount of medication a dog needs for these conditions. This handout explains how the treatment works and what to expect when your pet sees a veterinary acupuncturist.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI), previously referred to as acute renal failure, is the sudden failure of the kidneys to perform normal filtration duties. AKI leads to accumulation of toxins and other metabolic wastes in the bloodstream, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and disturbances in the acid-base balance of the blood. AKI is potentially reversible if diagnosed early and treated aggressively.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening complication of critical illness in dogs, such as systemic infection, systemic disease, severe trauma, or near-drowning. Treatment involves targeting the underlying cause while supporting the dog's compromised lung.
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Amyloidosis occurs when amyloid proteins are deposited outside cells in various tissues and organs, causing tissue and organ dysfunction. It is uncommon in dogs, except in beagles, Chinese Shar-Peis, collies, treeing walker hounds, and English foxhounds. Signs depend on the organs involved, but kidney involvement is most common. If kidneys are involved, signs include mouth ulcers, weight loss, vomiting, and dehydration. For dogs with liver involvement, signs include weakness, pale gum color, distended abdomen, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, abdominal pain, and collapse.
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Anticoagulant rodenticide is used to kill mice, rats, and other pests. Poisoning occurs when a dog ingests rodenticide accidentally. Anticoagulant rodenticides cause excessive bleeding by interfering with vitamin K1 recycling in the body. Vitamin K1 is needed for the body to make certain clotting factors that enable blood to clot and help control bleeding.
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Aortic stenosis (or a narrowing involving the aortic valve) is a less common heart disease that has a higher incidence in some breeds. Dogs may not show clinical signs if they are mildly affected to more severely affected patients showing signs of heart dysfunction. Diagnostic imaging is needed to determine the severity and prognosis for each individual patient. Medications are the mainstay treatment but for some patients surgical procedures may be considered.
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An aortic thromboembolism (ATE) results when a blood clot is dislodged and travels through the aorta, becoming lodged in a distant location. This clot causes severely reduced blood flow to the tissues receiving blood from that section of the aorta, leading to decreased oxygen in the tissues. Aortic thromboembolism is a rare occurrence in dogs and can be associated with endocarditis, cancer, sepsis, hyperadrenocorticism, and increased protein loss through diseased kidneys. This article outlines clinical signs, treatment, monitoring, and prognosis for dogs with this condition.
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Pet owners can greatly improve the quality of life for their dogs with osteoarthritis through nutrition. Key steps to managing inflammation and joint pain include managing daily calorie intake and increasing fat metabolism through controlled physical rehabilitation.