Luxating Patella in Dogs
What is a luxating patella? The patella, or knee cap, should be located in the center of the knee joint. The term "luxating" means out of place or dislocated. Therefore, a luxating patella is a knee cap that moves out of its normal location.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation / Volvulus) in Dogs
What is meant by the term "Canine Bloat"? This is a term that is synonymous with the more scientific term "Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus." It is often called GDV.
Parvovirus (Parvo) in Dogs
What is Canine Parvo? Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a relatively new disease that struck the canine population in 1978. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, CPV has aroused a great deal of public interest.
Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs
What is meant by the term “Chronic Kidney Failure”? Presumably, the term "chronic kidney failure" suggests that the kidneys have quit working and are, therefore, not making urine.
Ringworm in Dogs
What is ringworm and what causes it in dogs? Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus (plural: fungi). Because the lesions are often circular, it was once thought to be caused by a worm curling up in the tissue.
Corneal Ulcers in Dogs
What is a corneal ulcer? The cornea is the clear, shiny membrane, which makes up the surface of the eyeball. It is much like a clear window. To understand a corneal ulcer, you must first understand how the cornea is constructed.
Tapeworm Infection in Dogs
Tapeworms and pinworms look very similar. However, contrary to popular belief, pinworms do not infect dogs or cats. Any worm segments seen associated with dogs are due to tapeworms. Children who get pinworms do not get them from dogs or cats. Are feline tapeworms infectious to people?
Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure in Dogs
Briefly, how does the heart work? The heart has four chambers. The upper chambers are called atria (singular: atrium), and the lower chambers are called ventricles. In addition to the upper and lower chambers, the heart is also considered to have a right and a left side.
Distemper in Dogs
What is distemper? Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic dogs. Some other species, including ferrets, skunks, and raccoons, are also affected by this disease.
Food Allergies in Dogs
What are allergies, and how do they affect dogs? One of the most common conditions affecting dogs is allergy. In the allergic state, the dog's immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed.