Category Archives: Diseases of dogs
Whipworm
Whipworms live in the large intestine of dogs and irritate the lining causing watery, bloody diarrhoea and weight loss. Whipworms produce microscopic eggs that pass out in the dog’s faeces. The eggs resist drying and heat, and can infect another … Continue reading
Parvovirus in dogs
Parvovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea and is very contagious. The virus may infect a whole litter of pups from an unvaccinated bitch. Dogs less than one year old are the most vulnerable to the virus. Dogs go off their … Continue reading
Cushing’s disease
In dogs with Cushing’s disease the adrenal glands overproduce some of the body’s regulators, particularly cortisol. What are the signs of Cushing’s disease? The most common signs of Cushing’s disease are marked increases in appetite, water consumption and urination. Lethargy, … Continue reading
Itchy bottom?
Dogs scoot their bottoms along the ground when they have anal gland problems, tapeworms or allergies. If you catch your dog rubbing along on the carpet, worm him with a good quality wormer such as Drontal or Milbemax that covers … Continue reading
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the gut, or gastrointestinal tract. Most affected dogs have a history of recurrent or chronic vomiting and/or diarrhoea. They may lose weight but are otherwise normal. Most eat well or have … Continue reading
Herbal treatment
Pet owners who prefer herbal treatments or have animals with chronic problems will be pleased to hear that animal herbalist Nicki Froescheis, who is a German-trained veterinarian, has moved to Canberra. Nicki has European postgraduate training in herbal treatment for … Continue reading
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolic rate. When it slows down the whole body slows down. Hypothyroidism is a deficiency in production of the thyroid hormone. This deficiency is caused by immune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland, most commonly, … Continue reading
Demodectic mange
Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex mite, Demodex canis, which lives in normal skin and is present in small numbers in all dogs. Humans have their own demodex mites (D. folliculorum, D. brevis) and the dog demodex mite never … Continue reading
Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Dogs affected with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) vomit and pass diarrhoea with blood in it. It develops rapidly and sometimes owners just find their dog collapsed. HGE is more common in small breeds of dogs. A very high red blood cell … Continue reading
Corneal ulcers
The cornea is the transparent front part of the eyeball that admits light to the eye. A corneal ulcer is a hole in the top layer of the cornea. The most common cause of corneal ulcers is trauma. Grass seeds, … Continue reading
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