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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.
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.
Rheumatism in Dogs and Cats
Rheumatism is a non-suppurative inflammation of connective tissue in muscles, heart, and joints, often triggered by cold, damp, or strep infection. It causes shifting pain, stiffness, and lameness that eases with movement. Anti-inflammatory care and a dry, warm environment help.
Idiopathic Polymyositis in Dogs and Cats
Idiopathic polymyositis is a diffuse inflammation of skeletal muscle, likely autoimmune, causing weakness, fever, stiffness, and lameness. Cats may lose the ability to jump. Catching it early and using immune-suppressing therapy helps prevent wasting.
Osteomyelitis in Dogs and Cats
Osteomyelitis is infection and inflammation of bone and marrow, usually from bacteria entering through an open fracture, wound, or the bloodstream. It causes fever, pain, and lameness, and can lead to sepsis if untreated. Long-term antimicrobials and, sometimes, surgery are needed.
Fractures in Dogs and Cats
A fracture is a break in bone or cartilage from force such as a car hit or fall, and often damages nearby soft tissue. Signs include deformity, pain, and lameness; severe cases can paralyze. Veterinary resetting and fixation, plus rest, are the mainstays of healing.
Sepsis in Dogs and Cats
Sepsis is a whole-body infection that arises when bacteria and their toxins spread from a local source such as a wound, burn, or urinary infection. It causes high fever, collapse, and organ damage, and is life-threatening without prompt care.
Abscesses in Dogs and Cats
An abscess is a pocket of pus walled off in any tissue or organ, usually from a bacterial infection. Shallow abscesses break and heal readily; deep ones can infect other organs. Draining and veterinary antimicrobials are the main treatments.
Cellulitis in Dogs and Cats
Cellulitis is a rapidly spreading infection of the soft tissue under the skin, usually from pus-forming bacteria. It causes hot, painful swelling and fever, and can progress to abscess or sepsis if untreated. Combined local and whole-body care stops spread.
When Your Dog Pants After a Short Walk: A Heart-Health Warning
Panting after brief exercise can be normal, but a formerly active dog that tires after a few steps, pants without exertion, coughs at night, or shows blue gums may have heart disease. Veterinary heart assessment and early care greatly slow progression.