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Dog health articles

Discolored Teeth (Pulpitis)

Pulpitis by definition is inflammation of the tooth pulp. The pulp is the inner part of the tooth that consists of blood vessels, nerve endings, lymphatics, and connective tissues. In pets the most common reason for pulpitis is traumatic force to a tooth, either from blunt trauma or chewing on items that are too hard.

These teeth often appear discolored (pink, purple-to-gray). Because the pulp is enclosed within a hard rigid chamber, any inflammation can rapidly increase inner pressure and restrict blood flow. Eventually, pulpitis most often progresses to pulp and tooth death.

Full article Apex Dog and Cat Dentistry: Discolored Teeth (Pulpitis)

Filed under: Discolored teeth, Pulpitis

Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter

The petMD Chocolate Toxicity Meter will let you know how much theobromide and caffeine your dog has consumed and how much trouble they’re in.

Source petMD: Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter

Filed under: Chocolate, Poisoning

Restraining a Dog for Medical Treatment

Restraining a dog is a core skill set that all veterinary staff should master. However, it is equally important for pet owners themselves to become familiar with these techniques for a variety of reasons.

With a little bit of practice, anyone can learn how to do so safely and effectively.

Full article Vet Guru: The Safest Way to Restrain a Dog for Medical Treatment

Filed under: Injuries

Primer on NSAIDs

NSAIDs control the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

They work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause inflammation, in the COX pathway. COX stands for cyclooxygenase, which is another enzyme in the pathway that breaks down the arachidonic acid in the cell membranes of the joint into chemicals such as free radicals and various prostaglandins that damage the articular cartilage.

Full article Longlife: NSAIDs Research Article

Filed under: Arthritis, NSAIDs

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, an organism that grows in rotting wood and wet soil.

The infection is seen most often in large breed male dogs, and especially in hunting dogs, sporting breeds, and dogs that spend a lot of time in environments where the Blastomyces organism exists.

Full article Mercola Healthy Pets: Blastomycosis: The Hidden Danger in Your Dog’s Favorite Boggy Play Spaces

Filed under: Blastomycosis

Chemotherapy for Osteosarcoma

Overall, chemotherapy in dogs is well tolerated, with minimal side effects.

Chemotherapy is very effective for dogs with osteosarcoma to delay metastasis. Compared to treating with amputation alone, chemo more than doubles median survival times.

Full article Dog Cancer Blog: Chemotherapy for Osteosarcoma

Filed under: Bone cancer, Cancer, Cancer treatment, Chemotherapy

Skunk Spray Toxicosis

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s toxicology database from November 2001 to May 2011 included cases of 107 patients (102 dogs and five cats) that were exposed to skunk spray and that developed clinical signs.

Full article dvm360: Skunk spray toxicosis: An odiferous tale

Filed under: Skunk spray

Ginger

Ginger may be used to treat nausea and promote digestion.

Beside treating nausea, ginger extract is being studied as a treatment for gastric ulcers.

Another potential use of ginger is to treat anemia.

Full article Dr. Nelson’s Veterinary Blog: Ginger for Animals

Filed under: Gastric ulcers, Ginger, Nausea

Lameness in Juvenile Dogs

Lameness is a common malady in young dogs. Numerous differential diagnoses exist for lameness. The first step in diagnosing any lameness is localization. Common conditions of forelimb in juvenile dogs are:

  • Panosteitis
  • Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Osteochondritis dissecans

Full article dvm360: Evaluating forelimb lameness in juvenile dogs 

Common causes of hindlimb lameness in juvenile dogs are:

  • Osteochondritis dissecans
  • Medial patellar luxation
  • Cranial cruciate injury
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Full article dvm360: Evaluating hindlimb lameness in juvenile dogs

Lameness in juvenile canines can have myriad causes but most commonly can be attributed to the conditions listed above. The key to diagnosis of lameness is localization.

Filed under: Lameness

Coconut Oil

Of all these benefits, the coolest is that coconut oil is scientifically proven to improve brain function in older dogs – findings that have important implications for people and animals.

Full article Dr. Jean Dodds’ Pet Health Resource Blog: Coconut Oil – The Good Saturated Fat

Filed under: Coconut oil, Nutrition

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