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301 results for “Breed genetics”
Canine and Feline Atopic (Allergic) Dermatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Atopic dermatitis, also called allergic dermatitis, is an IgE-mediated skin hypersensitivity in dogs and cats, marked by intense itching, redness, and hair loss that often begins around the eyes, toes, and groin. Mild cases may resolve once the allergen is removed, while persistent cases need veterinary-directed anti-inflammatory therapy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, immune-mediated, erosive polyarthritis, often in small and toy breeds between 8 months and 9 years. It causes recurring lameness, stiff swollen joints, fever, and poor appetite, and can end in joint deformity. Treatment relieves pain, controls inflammation, and protects joint tissue.
Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Intervertebral disc disease occurs when a degenerating disc bulges or ruptures and presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, and movement loss. It favors the thoracolumbar (about 85%) and cervical (about 15%) spine in small or chondrodystrophic dogs. Conservative rest and anti-inflammatories help mild cases; severe ones need decompressive surgery.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary developmental disorder of the hip joint influenced by genetics and environment, common in large breeds such as shepherds and setters. Progressive laxity and deformity cause lameness, reluctance to rise, and a characteristic 'bunny-hopping' gait; management is conservative with weight control and pain relief, and surgery is considered case by case.
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Elbow dysplasia is a group of inherited developmental elbow joint diseases - ununited anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, and osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle - driven by genetics and rapid growth. It causes forelimb lameness, a reluctance to walk, and sometimes a crackling joint sound. Weight control, pain relief, and surgery in severe cases are the mainstays.
Osteochondrosis and Osteochondritis Dissecans in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Osteochondrosis is a disturbance of cartilage-to-bone conversion in the growing ends of long bones, and when cartilage separates it forms osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). It affects fast-growing large breeds, causing gradually worsening lameness and joint pain, and can lead to degenerative joint disease if untreated. Early surgery gives the best outcome.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (metaphyseal osteopathy) is a bone-growth disorder of the active growing ends of long bones in young, rapidly growing large-breed dogs. It causes symmetric swelling, heat, and pain over the metaphyses with lameness, fever, and lethargy, and is managed with pain control, infection prevention, and nutrition.
Bichon Frise: Health and Care Considerations Before You Adopt
The Bichon Frise is a gentle, low-shedding companion dog, but prospective owners should know its common care needs: pronounced tear staining from shallow tear ducts, a coat that mats and pulls the skin, separation anxiety, a sensitive stomach, and dental issues. Meeting these needs keeps the dog healthy.
Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats
Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats is a disorder of insulin deficiency or resistance that causes persistently high blood sugar. Classic signs are excessive drinking, eating, and urinating with weight loss, and treatment centers on diet, insulin or other glucose-lowering medication, and monitoring.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs and Cats
Intervertebral disc disease occurs when a degenerate disc bulges or herniates and compresses the spinal cord, causing pain, incoordination, and paralysis. It is most common in small or older chondrodystrophic dogs and rarely resolves without treatment.