Print Hypercalcemia in Dogs Behind the thyroid gland in the neck, there lie four parathyroid glands which secrete the hormone the body needs to regulate calcium and phosphorus. Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D interactions work to release calcium from the bones, gut, and kidneys for deposit into the bloodstream. When these interactions are disturbed, [...]
Print Hypopyon and Lipid Flare in Dogs An inflammatory breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier that allows for entry of blood cells into the front (anterior) chamber of the eye, further allowing for an accumulation of white blood cells in this this chamber, is characteristic of a condition known as hypopyon. Chemoattractants, the chemical substances [...]
Print Renal Tubular Acidosis in Dogs Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a rare syndrome, characterized by an excess of acids in the dog’s blood. This is due to the kidney’s inability to excrete sufficient acid through the urine. Dogs with RTA will also have abnormal levels of potassium in the blood. This condition occurs [...]
Print Ethanol Toxicosis in Dogs Ethanol poisoning (toxicosis) occurs from exposure to the chemical ethanol, either orally or through the skin, and results most commonly in a depression of the central nervous system — expressed in the animal as drowsiness, lack of coordination or unconsciousness. Other effects may include damage to body cells, and [...]
Print Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Dogs Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries in a female dog is called an ovariohysterectomy. This type of surgery results in the cessation of subsequent estrus (heat) symptoms in the female. However, sometimes after an ovariohysterectomy, some female dogs continue to exhibit the behavioral and/or physical signs pertaining [...]
Print Megaesophagus in Dogs Megaesophagus is a generalized enlargement of the esophagus — a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach — with a decreased to absent motility. Esophageal motility is required for moving food and liquid down to the stomach. Megaesophagus is seen more often in dogs as compared to cats. [...]
Print Splenomegaly in Dogs Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen. This medical condition can occur in all breeds and genders, but middle-aged dogs and larger breeds tend to be more prone. It is also not usually directly related to the spleen, but rather a symptom of another disease or condition. Treatment options [...]
Print Hepatomegaly in Dogs The term hepatomegaly is used to describe an abnormally enlarged liver. Often occurring due to certain diseases and conditions that can either directly or indirectly affect the functioning of the liver, the liver organ may increase in size, taking on a diseased condition of its own. Symptoms and Types [...]
Print Heart Muscle Disease in Dogs Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle that is characterized by an enlarged heart that does not function properly. With DCM, both the upper and lower chambers of the heart become enlarged, with one side being more severely affected than the other. When the ventricle, [...]
Print Gingival Hyperplasia in Dogs Gingival hyperplasia refers to a medical conditon in which a dog’s gum (gingival) tissue becomes inflamed and enlarged. Enlargement is typically caused by irritation due to dental plaque or other bacterial growth along the gum line. In many cases, this can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits. This [...]