We all want our pets to stay health but often a trip to the vet is needed for an unforeseen emergency. Do you know the top 10 reasons dogs are taken to the vet? Read some information as supplied by http://www.petinsurance.com/ so you can spot trouble as soon as possible and save you pet pain and suffering.
Skin Allergies: An allergy is in an unpleasant reaction caused by exposure to a food, inhalant, or something in the dog’s environment. What the dog is exposed to is called the allergen. The way in which the dog’s immune system responds to the allergen is the allergic or hypersensitivity reaction.
• Those caused by fleas and other biting insects (flea allergy dermatitis)
• Those caused by inhaled allergens such as dust mites, grasses, molds, and tree and weed pollens (canine atopy)
• Those caused and by foods and drugs (food allergies)• Those caused by irritants that have direct contact with the skin (contact allergies)
Ear Infection: Internal otitis is an inflammation and infection of the inner ear. Most cases are preceded by outer ear infections. Suspect internal otitis if the dog suddenly develops signs of labyrinthitis.
Treatment: This is an emergency. Take your dog to the veterinarian. Treatment is similar to that described for otitis media.
Skin Infection: The majority of dog skin infections are caused by bacterial growth, but fungal growth and invasion by parasites and underlying allergies can also be to blame. In addition, many unrelated skin conditions can lead to dog skin infections since they cause inflammation that produces scratching and open sores. To determine the exact cause of a dog skin infection, consult your veterinarian. Antibiotics, anti-fungicides and anti-parasitic agents can all help treat dog skin infections and keep them from spreading.
Non-cancerous Skin Growth: Basal cells tumors originate from basal cells found in the skin and are fairly common in older dogs. Basal cell tumors occur commonly as solitary nodules that can be broad-based or stalked. These tumors are typically found on the head, neck and shoulder of the dog and oftentimes are pigmented. Because of this pigmentation, basal cell tumors can be mistaken for a melanoma. Accurate diagnosis requires a microscopic examination of biopsied tissues from the tumor. Wide surgical removal is the treatment of choice. Radiation and/or chemotherapy may be needed. Cocker Spaniels and Poodles appear to be at greatest risk.
Upset Stomach/Vomiting: Vomiting and diarrhea are due to symptoms or disturbances from the gut which together represent an upset stomach in dogs. These conditions are signs of a gastrointestinal problem and may be caused by a spectrum of agents, such as metabolic disorders (blood pressure etc), infections, parasitic infestation, poisoning & some physiological reasons too. Sudden onset of these conditions may be self resolving and might become chronic or more chronic if not treated. Treatment is usually dependent upon the severity and cause of the upset. Treatment of the symptoms alone is effective in most cases. Preventing these problems requires a review of a dogs hygiene and nutritional approach.
Arthritis: Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects one or more joints. Most cases occur in dogs with an inherited orthopedic disease such as osteochondrosis or hip dysplasia, or those with a joint injury. Some cases of arthritis are related to an immune-mediated joint disease or a joint infection.
Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea: Grumbling guts, vomiting, and diarrhea are common problems in dogs that have a variety of potential causes ranging from dietary indiscretion to infection to chronic disease, parasite infestation or poison. It can be a simple as an abrupt change in diet or as complex as metabolic disease.
Occasional bouts of upset may be cured by waiting or by use of an over-the-counter medicine such as Imodium or Pepto Bismol, but cases that last more than a day or two or that escalate in severity should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications, and delay in treatment can impede a return to good health or hinder treatment of a serious condition.
Bladder Infection: Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the lining of the bladder. Urethral infections in both males and females often precede bouts of cystitis. Other predisposing causes include increasing age, diabetes mellitus, and being on long-term corticosteroid therapy. In sexually intact males there may be a preexisting prostatitis. Dogs who go long periods of time without eliminating have a greater risk of developing bladder infections.
Periodontitis/Dental Disease: Tartar is formed by a build-up of bacteria on the tooth surface. Since dogs don’t brush their teeth every day, the bacteria multiply and eventually form a hard substance that is known as plaque, and this leads to tartar formation. This tartar begins to infect the gums and they recede. As the gums recede, unprotected areas of the tooth are exposed and infection sets, in causing pain. Although dental disease is not necessarily a heredity issue, some breeds are more susceptible than others.
Bruise or Contusion: Symptoms associated with a contusion to the dog's joint will include sensitiveness in the area of the joint, pain that occurs when the dog is touched in the injured area and the most noticeable symptom is that the dog will carry the leg where the joint with the contusion is located. The dog owner may also notice the joint has swelling that occurs fast and edema, which is the water accumulation in the soft tissues, in the tissues surrounding the joint. The dog may also have a high temperature. If a dog owner notices their dog having these symptoms, then they can treat the contusion, which will often relieve the pain associated with the condition.
Follow all the news about Pets, Education and Child Health by subscribing to my articles. Click on the "Subscribe" button, or here: http://www.examiner.com/user-bmader.
Comments