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Dogs

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Hookworm in dogs

What are hookworms?

Hookworms are parasites that get their name from the hook-like mouthparts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. They are only about 1/8" (3 mm) long and so small that it is very difficult to see them with the naked eye. Despite their small size, they ingest large amounts of blood from the tiny vessels in the intestinal wall. A large number of hookworms can cause anemia. This problem is most common in puppies, but can occur in adult dogs.

Horner's Syndrome

What is Horner’s syndrome?

Horner’s syndrome is a common neurological disorder of the eye and facial muscles. The condition usually occurs suddenly. The most common clinical signs are:
 
1) Drooping of the eyelids on the affected side (ptosis) 
2)  The pupil of the affected eye will be constricted (miosis)
3)  The affected eye often appears sunken (enophthalmos)
4)  The third eyelid of the affected eye may appear red and raised (prolapse of the third eyelid, conjunctival hyperemia)

Hot Spots

What are “hot spots”?

Acute moist dermatitis or “hot spots” are a common skin disorder in dogs. ”Hot spots” can appear suddenly and become large red, irritated lesions in a short time.

House Soiling (Dogs)

There are numerous reasons that a dog might soil the house with urine and/or stools. Determining the specific reason is essential for developing a treatment program. 

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

What is the thyroid gland and what does it do?

The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body. It is located in the neck near the trachea (windpipe) and has two lobes, one on each side of the trachea. This gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain.
 
The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolic rate. If the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) the body’s metabolism is elevated. If it is underactive (hypothyroidism), the metabolism slows down.

Icterus

What is icterus?

Icterus is also known as jaundice or yellow jaundice. It means that a yellow pigment is found in the blood and tissues. It is most easily seen in the gingivae (gums), the sclerae (white part of the eyes), and the pinnae (ear flaps). However, if these tissues normally have a dark color, icterus will be difficult to see.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the intestinal tract. Occasionally, the stomach may be involved. Most dogs with IBD have a history of recurrent or chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea. During periods of vomiting or diarrhea, the dog may lose weight but is normal otherwise.

Internal Parasites and Your Dog



This handout is designed to give you an overview of some of the internal parasites that can infect your dog. We have separate information sheets on roundworms, tapeworms and heartworms that will provide you with more details.

Introducing an Infant to a Resident Dog

One of the most common questions asked by an expectant parent (or grandparent) to a veterinarian is how to introduce a new infant to the family dog, particularly if the dog has not been exposed to infants before. Most dogs readily accept infants after a period of curiosity. However, there have been unfortunate incidents where infants have been injured by family dogs. It is because of these incidents that the following information is provided.

Itching and Scratcing (Pruritis)

What is pruritus?

Pruritus is the medical term for itching. It is common in many types of skin disorders. Itching and scratching are commonly associated with flea allergy dermatitis and other allergic skin diseases.