A dogs digestion plays a crucial role in its health. It is from here that the blood will carry nutrients and oxygen, to every last cell in a dogs body. Human digestion begins in the mouth. A dogs digestion begins in its stomach. All the enzymes in their system are geared toward breaking down raw meat in the stomach. By …
Canine Wobblers Syndrome
Rottweilers, the Weimaraner, German shepherds, Irish wolfhounds, Bernese mountain dogs and Swiss mountain dogs are also known to be affected by wobblers. Wobbler syndrome (cervical vertebral instability – CVI) is a disease of the cervical spine in the area of the neck, in which the spinal cord and its nerve roots are compressed, leading to neck pain and neurological problems. …
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Early treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia may prevent the onset of arthritis as well as help to greatly reduce pain and lack of mobility. A form of arthritis, canine hip dysplasia refers to the abnormal development or growth of the ball and socket joint of the hips in dogs. In a healthy dog, the upper end of the thighbone (which …
Canine Halitosis – that ‘doggie’ breath
When you share your life with a dog, one of the most common complaints is bad breath. Your dog may only have bad breath in certain circumstances, like after they have eaten or just woken up. Halitosis is the medical term used to describe an offensive odor that comes from the mouth, producing bad breath. Bad breath in dogs can …
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH) is a highly contagious viral infection which affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes in dogs. It can be found worldwide, but is uncommon in areas where dogs are routinely vaccinated. It’s severity ranges widely from very mild cases to very serious – often fatal. Young dogs and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk …
Canine Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden onset of pancreatic inflammation and can be a life-threatening condition. The pancreas is a V-shaped organ located behind the stomach and the first section of the small intestine. It has two main functions – it aids in metabolism of sugar in the body through the production of insulin and is necessary for the digestion …
Restraining Dogs in Cars
The Animal Welfare Act 1992 requires that dogs traveling on the back of utility vehicles and trucks be in a secured container or on a lead short enough to prevent their hind legs reaching either side of the truckbed. We all ‘belt-up’ whenever we jump into a vehicle without giving it a second thought. Taking a child anywhere involves the …
Canine Epilepsy
Canine Epilepsy is a sudden, involuntary change in behaviour, muscle control and consciousness. A seizure is often accompanied by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. Canine epilepsy is broadly divided into 2 types of epilespy – idiopathic and symptomatic disorders. Idiopathic (or Primary) epilepsy is where no identifiable cause can be found despite a thorough diagnostic evaluation. It is …