11
12, 2020
Lick Granuloma
A very frustrating skin disease found mostly in dogs is called acral lick dermatitis (ALD), commonly know as a lick granuloma. Dogs with this disease lick incessantly, causing chronic skin lesions of the limbs. Many aspects of ALD are similar to allergic dermatitis in general. This page will give you an opportunity to link to the aspects of the allergic dermatitis page that also apply to ALD. Pathophysiology Constant licking leads to hair loss and irritation of the skin. As the problem progresses the skin becomes ulcerated and infected. As the ulceration progresses nerves become inflamed and the area becomes pruritic
10
10, 2020
Dog and Cat Allergic Dermatitis
Allergies are a common cause of skin conditions in dogs and cats, along with other species. This type of allergy goes by several names; the most common are atopy, allergic skin disease, or allergic inhalant dermatitis (AID). The main difference between us and dog and cats is that allergies in pets tend to cause skin conditions and ear problems, as opposed to the runny eyes, runny noses, and sneezing we encounter in people. Symptoms typically include scratching and itching, although many other skin conditions can cause itching. This itching is called pruritus. Allergies can be hard to control and
25
04, 2020
Hypothyroidism
The most common hormone problem encountered in dogs is hypothyroidism. It results when the thyroid gland does not secrete an adequate quantity of thyroid hormone called thyroxine. Many internal organs are affected, and the resulting problem depends on which organs are most affected. Cats do not get this problem, but get an opposite problem called hyperthyroidism. Their problem involves excess thyroxine and its effect on the internal organs. Anatomy The thyroid gland is a small gland located at the throat, near what might be termed in people the "adam's apple". It has two lobes, and can be felt with careful palpation.
18
04, 2020
Demodex Mange in Dogs
Demodectic mange (Demodecosis) is caused by an external parasite that is also present in low numbers on healthy animals and pets, including people. Whether or not a pet shows symptoms of this disease depends primarily on their immune status. Since there is no easy test to determine immune status, it is impossible to predict which dog will get this disease, or how well a dog will heal if it shows symptoms of Demodex. It is important to note that the diagnosis of this skin condition, like most skin conditions, cannot be made just by looking at a pet. Diagnostic tests
12
04, 2020
Dog and Cat Cushing’s (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushing's Disease (also known as hyperadrenocorticism- (Cushing's is easier to pronounce, so stick with that word) results when the adrenal glands secrete an excess amount of cortisone. It is named Cushing's because that is the name of the doctor that discovered this disease. It is the most common endocrinopathy (hormone disease) encountered in older canines. This disease is the exact opposite of another endocrine problem in canines called Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism). This is a complex hormonal disease that does not lend itself to a simple explanation or an easy diagnosis. Some pets have the symptoms, yet the tests for Cushing's