Pyometra is a disease of the uterus most commonly seen in bitches (female dogs), but also seen in queens (female cats), rabbits, ferrets. and guinea pigs. Pyometra is an important disease to be aware of for any dog owner because of the sudden nature of the disease and the deadly consequences if left untreated. It has been compared to acute appendicitis in humans, because both are essentially abscesses within an abdominal organ. read full article…
Pet Health Category
Pseudorabies is a viral disease in swine that is endemic in most parts of the world. It is caused by porcine herpesvirus 1 and is also known as Aujeszky’s disease, and in cattle as mad itch. Pseudorabies is considered to be the most economically important viral disease of swine in areas where hog cholera has been eradicated. The virus is shed in the saliva and nasal secretions of infected swine and is spread through oral or nasal contact. There are many secondary hosts of pseudorabies, including dogs, cats, cattle, rats, and horses. The name pseudorabies comes from the similarity of symptoms to rabies in dogs. Secondary hosts are infected through direct contact with swine, infected pork, and rats that are infected. Diagnosis is made through an ELISA test. A vaccine is available for swine. There are eradication programs in the United States and the United Kingdom. read full article…
Protothecosis is a disease found in dogs, cats, cattle, and humans caused by a type of mutant green algae that lacks chlorophyll. The two most common species are Prototheca wickerhami and Prototheca zopfii. Prototheca is found worldwide in sewage. Infection is rare despite high exposure, and can be related to a defective immune system. In dogs, females and Collies are most commonly affected. read full article…
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetic disease of the retina that occurs bilaterally and is seen in certain breeds of dogs. It causes progressive vision loss culminating in blindness. PRA is actually a group of retinal degenerations with different causes. Nearly all are hereditary. There is no treatment. read full article…
A portosystemic shunt (PSS), also known as a liver shunt, is a bypass of the liver by the body’s circulatory system. It can be either a congenital or acquired condition. Congenital PSS is an uncommon condition in dogs and cats, found mainly in small dog breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, and in cats such as Persians, Himalayans, and mix breeds. Acquired PSS is also uncommon and is found in older dogs with liver disease causing portal hypertension, especially cirrhosis. read full article…
Polyneuropathy in dogs and cats is a collection of peripheral nerve disorders that often are breed-related in these animals. Polyneuropathy indicates that multiple nerves are involved, unlike mononeuropathy. Polyneuropathy usually involves motor nerve dysfunction, also known as lower motor neuron disease. Symptoms include decreased or absent reflexes and muscle tone, weakness, or paralysis. It often occurs in the rear legs and is bilateral. Most are chronic problems with a slow onset of symptoms, but some occur suddenly. read full article…
A piebald is an animal, especially a horse, that has large white and black patches. The colour of the horse’s skin underneath its coat may vary between black (under the black patches of hair) and pink (under the white patches). In the UK, it is typically considered a manifestation of the Tobiano gene, though in the United States the color scheme appears in both Overo and Tobiano individuals. The underlying genetic cause is a condition known as leucism. read full article…
Phycomycosis is an uncommon condition of the gastrointestinal tract and skin most commonly found in dogs. The condition is caused by a variety of molds and fungi, and individual forms include pythiosis, zygomycosis, and lagenidiosis. Pythiosis is the most common type and is caused by Pythium, a type of water mould. Zygomycosis can also be caused by two types of zygomycetes, Entomophthorales (such as Basidiobolus and Conidiobolus) and Mucorales (such as Mucor, Mortierella, Absidia, Rhizopus, Rhizomucor, and Saksenaea). Lagenidiosis is caused by a Lagenidium species, which like Pythium is a water mould. read full article…
Persistent pupillary membrane (PPM) is a condition of the eye involving remnants of a fetal membrane that persist as strands of tissue crossing the pupil. The pupillary membrane in mammals exists in the fetus as a source of blood supply for the lens. It normally atrophies from the time of birth to the age of four to eight weeks. PPM occurs when this atrophy is incomplete. It generally does not cause any symptoms. The strands can connect to the cornea or lens, but most commonly to other parts of the iris. Attachment to the cornea can cause small corneal opacities, while attachment to the lens can cause small cataracts. Using topical atropine to dilate the pupil may help break down PPMs. read full article…
Perineal hernia is a condition seen in dogs characterized by herniation of abdominal contents through the pelvic diaphragm and causing swelling on one side of the anus. The perineum is the area between the anus and the genitals. The pelvic diaphragm is made up of the levator ani muscle, the external anal sphincter, and the internal obturator muscles. The hernial sac may contain fat, intestine or the bladder. Most cases are in older intact (not neutered) male dogs. read full article…