Ehrlichiosis, Signs and symptoms and Overview

Dogs get ehrlichiosis from the brown dog tick, which passes an ehrlichia organism into the bloodstream when it bites. It is also possible for dogs to become infected through a blood transfusion from an infected dog. [1] There are three stages of ehrlichiosis, each varying in severity. The acute stage, occurring several weeks after infection and lasting for up to a month, can lead to fever and lowered peripheral blood cell counts due to bone marrow suppression. The second stage, called the subclinical phase, has no outward signs and can last for the remainder of the dog’s life, during which the dog remains infected with the organism. Some dogs are able to successfully eliminate the disease during this time. In some dogs the third and most serious stage of infection, the chronic phase, will commence. Very low blood cell counts (pancytopenia), bleeding, bacterial infection, lameness, neurological and ophthalmic disorders, and kidney disease, can result. Chronic ehrlichiosis can be fatal.
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Anal glands

In dogs, these glands are occasionally referred to as “scent glands”, because they enable the animals to mark their territory and identify other dogs. The anal glands normally empty when the dog defecates. Failure to empty results in discomfort from the full anal gland pushing on the anus. The glands can be emptied by the dog’s owner, or more typically by a groomer or veterinarian, by squeezing the gland so the contents are released through the small openings on either side of the anus. Discomfort is evidenced by the dog scooting its posterior on the ground, licking or biting at the anus, sitting uncomfortably, or chasing its tail.

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How to clip your dog’s nails

You can tell if your dog’s nails are too long by that ‘click click click’ sound when Fido walks across the tiles in the kitchen. You mustn’t put off clipping even if you are scared of hurting your dog, because this is essential for your dog’s health and comfort. And a comfortable dog is a happy dog!

You need to clip your hound once a month minimum. I do Chocolate every 20 days or so as she is still young and growing fast. Scissor or guillotine clippers are both fine. You’d be wise to have a little bottle of canine blood clot power too in case you nick too deep

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Brucellosis in dogs , Treatment and prevention

The causative agent of brucellosis in dogs is Brucella canis. It is transmitted to other dogs through breeding and contact with aborted fetuses. Brucellosis can occur in humans that come in contact with infected aborted tissue or semen. The bacteria in dogs normally infect the genitals and lymphatic system, but can also spread to the eye, kidney, and intervertebral disc (causing discospondylitis). Symptoms of brucellosis in dogs include abortion in bitches and scrotal inflammation and orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) in males. Fever is uncommon. Infection of the eye can cause uveitis, and infection of the intervertebral disc can cause pain or weakness. Blood testing of the dogs prior to breeding can prevent the spread of this disease. It is treated with antibiotics as with humans, but it is difficult to cure

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Mast cell tumor on lip Image

Ulcerated mast cell tumor on the lip of a 13 year old Labrador Retriever

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Canine Hip Dysplasia and Large Breed Dogs

Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic issue that starts to appear from the ages of 4 to 12 months. Not all puppies in a litter will develop it, though if your dog has canine hip dysplasia, she should not be bred.

Larger breed dogs have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia, due to the greater weight these joints will have to bear. But it’s important to realize that small dogs can be affected also. Large breed dogs at risk include rottweilers, german shephards, golden retrievers, dalmations, and blood hounds.

Canine hip dysplasia affects the ball and socket joint of the hip. The head of the large bone in the dog’s leg doesn’t fit snugly into the hip socket. The problem is that the socket itself is not well developed, and it creates a lot of stress on the joint. The muscles don’t develop as quickly as the bone grows, and a situation is created where the weight the joint has to bear is greater than the capacity of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the joint. Thus joint instability develops. This in turn leads to a greater wear and tear than the joint would normally experience.

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Fireworks Are No Fun For Pets

I have seen people taking dogs to firework parties, leaving them in the car whilst they attend a display, leaving animals outside completely unprotected in any way from the noise and bright lights, and even a poor horse left out in a field right next to a firework display. Are we thoughtless or just plain uncaring. I have to believe in the former so, I am going to treat it as that and again list what you can do to help your pet over these (or any other) very noisy occasions.

What are the signs that your pet is scared

Shaking, trembling Excessive drooling Barking, howling Trying to hide or get into and out of the house, fence, or other enclosure Refusing to eat food Some animals may have loose bladder or bowel control or experience temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress

Please be aware though that these are general signs that something is wrong, they can also relate to other ailments, so if in doubt see your vet.

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Dog Pet Bed - Your Dog Needs a Pet Bed

Why is it important to give your favorite four-legged friend a place of his own? Your dog’s bed will benefit your dog’s sleep, comfort, and health for years to come. Many pet owners think that a dog bed is an optional item. However, having a pet bed is an essential item. Dogs spend a good part of every day sound asleep. The comfort and health of your dog depends on a quality sleep. There are many benefits for you and your dog.

Security

Dogs can feel anxious especially when their owner is away. Providing your pet with a special place to call his own will give him a sense of security. It also provides a private area for your dog. Your dog will love the fact that he has a place that is just for him, and in return he might be less likely to curl up on your furniture or bed.

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