Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease in which there is a gradual loss of coordination and strength that begins in the hind quarters. Dog breeds prone to this are the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This disease afflicts older dogs, from 8 years old onward, and is not painful.

Symptoms

A dog with Degenerative Myelopathy will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag the feet. The disease may first affect one hind leg and then both. As the disease progresses, the dog will no longer be able to stand. Loss of urinary and fecal continence may also occur. These symptoms are similar to the symptoms of some other diseases, such as herniated intervertebral disks, and these must be ruled out before a diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy is made.

Treatment

There are currently no cures for this disease. Dogs suffering from it can be helped by good nursing care, physical rehabilitation, pressure sore prevention and monitoring for urinary infections. Harnesses and carts can help the dogs walk.

source :thepetwiki.com

Addison’s Disease is caused by the adrenal gland not producing enough cortisol or aldosterone. It usually affects young to middle-age female dogs, but any dog can develop the disease. Addison’s is rare in cats.

Addison’s is difficult to diagnose because sysmptoms mirror so many other diseases – fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting and muscle pain.

The adrenal glands produce hormones to help your dog’s body function properly. Addison’s Disease occurs when something goes wrong with the adrenal glands.

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to medium-large, short-coated dog, with a broad head, small-to-medium drop ears, and an undocked tail set on as a natural extension of the topline. The Catahoula is well muscled and powerful, but not bulky, giving the impression of agility and endurance. The Catahoula is a moderate breed and should not resemble either a sighthound or a bulldog in appearance. The body is just slightly longer than tall and the distance from the elbow to the ground should equal 50-60 percent of the dog’s height from the withers to the ground. Because of the breed’s name, many people assume that all Catahoulas have the so-called “leopard” markings and blue eyes. In fact, the breed is noted for its many and unusual coat colors and patterns, as well as varied eye color. The Catahoula should be evaluated as a multi-purpose working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.

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