Search Results
651 results for “aging dog”
Ataxia Syndrome in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Ataxia syndrome is incoordination of the limbs from disease of the central nervous system, peripheral nerves, or the limbs themselves, often secondary to infection, poisoning, or inflammation. Signs vary by cause - from whole-body illness to local swelling, fracture, or tendon rupture. Treatment targets the underlying disease.
Torticollis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Torticollis is a head tilt or twist from neck-muscle spasm or paralysis, cervical rheumatism, vertebral dislocation or fracture, neuritis, or ligament injury - often after a fall, blow, or tight collar. Ear infection can also cause it. Treatment targets the underlying cause, with rest, pain relief, and, for fractures, cervical stabilization.
Degenerative Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) is non-suppurative wear of joint cartilage from years of uneven load, more common in older pets. It causes pain, stiffness, limited motion, and lameness that worsens with activity and cold weather. Weight control, controlled exercise, pain relief, and surgery in severe cases manage it.
Hypertrophic Osteopathy in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Hypertrophic osteopathy (hypertrophic pulmonary osteopathy) is a secondary bone and joint disorder driven by underlying lung disease, marked by symmetric hard swelling of the distal limbs from periosteal proliferation and lameness. It is seen mainly in older dogs and improves only when the primary chest disease is treated.
Lumbar Sprain in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
A lumbar sprain is injury to the lower-back muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints from sudden over-contraction or trauma, most common in small breeds and pets with rickets or nutritional deficiency. Signs range from a stiff arched back and weak hind limbs to, in severe cases, paralysis and loss of bowel or bladder control. Prompt rest and veterinary care prevent lasting nerve damage.
Tenosynovitis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the synovial sheath around a tendon, most often in the carpal and digital flexor sheaths from overuse, friction, or injury. It causes a warm, painful, fluid-filled swelling and lameness that can progress to cellulitis or sepsis if untreated. Treatment mirrors tendonitis, with drainage for acute fluid build-up.
Tendonitis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, either aseptic (from strain or overuse) or suppurative (from infection), causing sudden lameness, heat, swelling, and pain that worsens on stretching. Chronic cases thicken the tendon and may lead to atrophy; treatment controls inflammation, eases pain, and prevents tendon shrinkage.
Elbow Hygroma in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
An elbow hygroma is a fluid-filled swelling of the bursa over the elbow, caused by repeated pressure and friction on hard surfaces. It starts as a soft, warm lump and can thicken or, if it breaks, drain blood-tinged fluid and become infected. Early cases are managed with rest and cold packs; large or complicated ones need surgery.
Bursitis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion bone and soft tissue, usually from bruising, friction, or pressure over a joint. It causes a warm, fluid-filled swelling that can restrict movement and lameness; open or infected bursae need surgical care.
Periostitis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Periostitis is inflammation of the periosteum, the membrane covering the bone, usually triggered by blunt trauma, repeated friction, or infection from an open fracture. It appears as a painful, hot swelling over a bone and, when septic, can discharge pus; prompt rest and appropriate veterinary care prevent chronic thickening or bone-spur formation.