Hypothyroidism is a common and serious genetic problem in purebred dogs.There is virtually no breed of dog unaffected. The scope of the problem cannot be accurately defined because of a lack of complete statistical information; however, it is certain that veterinarians are seeing and treating a lot of thyroid cases. Because of a degree of …
Revised December 2011. The pup the Smiths bought was a very promising individual with a great pedigree. Here, they hoped, was the foundation of their successful showing and breeding future. But in a matter of a couple of weeks, a previously unnoticed cowhocked condition developed and worsened. They shrugged this off, having heard that dogs …
Revised December 2011. (This is PART 1 of a series on canine digestive-tract disorders in several breeds, including megaesophagus, polyps, pancreatic Insufficiency, and torsion/bloat (volvulus). Megaesophagus (Gastric Dilation) After skin problems, the next most common and next most frustrating set of disorders to the dog owner and the diagnostician are those of the alimentary canal, …
Revised December 2011. Continued from Part 2 OTHER DISORDERS Intussusception — In very young pups (and other animals including humans) the intestine can invaginate (one part slips inside another). The condition, also referred to as “telescoping intestines,” also occurs in adults, but not as frequently. Most common immediate causes include worms and other parasites, and …
Revised December 2011. Continued from PART 1 Torsion Commonly called bloat, sometimes described as gastric dilation/volvulus (GDV), this is a terrifying and usually fatal emergency disorder that German Shepherds and many other deep chested dogs experience. A twisting of the entrance and exit to the stomach traps the food and gas. As the stomach swells, …
IT’S ALL IN THE GENES As dog breeders, we engage in genetic “experiments” each time we plan a mating. The type of mating selected should coincide with your goals. To some breeders, determining which traits will appear in the offspring of a mating is like rolling the dice – a combination of luck and chance. …
Here is a list of symptoms that may mean your dog is hypothyroid (from Dr. Jean Dodds) Alterations in Cellular Metabolism lethargy mental dullness exercise intolerance neurologic signs like polyneuropathy seizures weight gain cold intolerance mood swings hyperexcitability stunted growth chronic infections Neuromuscular Problems (like loss of smooth muscle tone) weakness (esp. hind end) stiffness …
Revised December 2011. Osteochondrosis is a term applied to a number of similar disorders of the joints where bone (osteo) and cartilage (chondro) are involved. If they are inflamed we use the term osteochondritis. It is now a fairly common diagnosis in young limping dogs, the defects being found in one or more of those …
I would like to give you, the reader, the truth about the so called required vaccinations, particularly rabies. There are two basic forms of law. One is the legal Constitutional and Common law that this country was founded on, and the other is “colorable” law passed by Administrative agencies/bureaucrats who have …
Information to assist owners and breeders Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (C.L.) in the Border Collie is a rare disease which affects the nerve cells of the body. It is also known as Storage Disease. It is an inherited disease. It is not contagious. Recent DNA research (November 1995) has identified the …