Dog Illness Symptoms
Simple Diagnosis For Dog Illness Symptoms
If you're pet is healthy, you're happy. Things can be as simple as this to a devoted pet owner. If you are really into taking care of your pet, you know that your dog needs regular grooming, exercise, proper nutrition, and periodic check-ups with the vet. If it is your first time to own a dog, be sure that you give it basic health care to ensure wellness. The vet would know if your pet is sick, that's a given. However, it is always upon you, the pet owner to determine on the first instance if your dog is not feeling well. You should know right away if it is feeling uncomfortable or if it is in pain.
There are many reasons why dogs get sick. It could be because of exposure to extreme weather, emotional distress, contaminated food, genetic weaknesses, accidents, low immune system, exposure to parasites, inadequate exercise - the list is endless.
By careful observation, you will be able to determine whether or not your dog is ill. By doing so, you don't have to wait for the next vet appointment before you unearth your dog's true condition. That time may be too late if you're not careful. Dogs follow certain behavioral patterns. If you feel that the pattern it is disrupted, you better take your pet to the vet for further diagnosis.
The first step to diagnosis dog illness is by knowing your dog's vitals. Determine your dog's posture, shape, and eating habits. Any changes in these aspects call for a red flag. Dogs that are disoriented are very likely to be sick. The same goes for those that don't want to go outside, do some exercises, or suffer certain physical deformities. Behavioral changes such as aggression and depression require your immediate attention as well.
Physical changes in your pet indicate a lot. If you observe any unpleasant scent, color, or discharges on your dog's urine, feces, or body fluids, then that's a sign that there's a problem from within. Your dog may have problems in its intestines, kidneys, or lungs. Or it could be infested with internal parasites like heartworm, tapeworms, and hookworms. Allergies would cause your dog's physical appearance to deteriorate. You'll see changes in its hair, hide, and skin. The same is true for cases of poisoning, gland inflammation, and even cancer. For instance such as these, formal diagnosis and laboratory tests are needed by your pet.
If your dog vomits frequently or has diarrhea, it could mean that is suffering from a much worse disease. Too much retching is a sign that your pet is suffering from something. So if your dog does this, you should be more observant. Retching can be a normal act or a symptom. Know when you have to take your dog to the vet and when to simply give it first aid. As far as your dog's skin, illness may show up as eruptions, scratches, or scaling. Parasites and lice are usually the reasons why your dog's hide is getting worse. You have to take measures to remove them before they do further damage on your pet.
Part 2 - For part two of this article, head on to http://www.guarddogtrainingonline.com where you can also find the shocking truth about dog food allergies and dog treatments.
canine dog illness - symptoms tilted head, dizzy, can't stand, walks in circles?
Get the answers...
dog illnesses symptoms?
My dog was fine the two days ago but when I came home from work yesterday she couldn't walk and her eyes were twitching I took her to the vet right away and he said he thought she was poisoned but I can;t find anything she would have gotten into! She still isn't any better today , the vet kept her and said he thinks she could make it I am worried she may die does anyone know what this could be??????
Abby is only going to be 4 yrs old!
The only signs she had was she couldn't stand up, or walk and her eyes and face were sort of twitching. But she did respond to us by wagging her tail! Her heart beat was fine her temp was fine and her lungs sounded clear when I took her to the vet!!
My abby is coming home tomorrow! She isn't any worse than when I took her to the but but she didn't improve much! She can eat and drink! She can stand still for 10 mins when you help her up but if she trys to move she falls over! She can wag her tail and lift her ears! The vet said he don't think she was poisoned anymore but thinks it could be coonhound paralysis or tick paralysis although she had no ticks on her ! Luckily he said he thinks she should get better with some nursing but he still don't garentee it! Thanks for all the info from all of you!!! It's comforting to know people care!!!!!
Get the answers...
Dog Illness Symptoms-Cause?
We have a 3 year old beagle mix whose medical and other hx is unknown prior to January. He vomits approximately once a week, has had 2 seizures (since April), and had heart worm previously. Ideas of causes? We are thinking GERD, or something brain or heart related? We are going back to the vet soon, but would like some guidance if anyone has had a similar experience.
He is otherwise healthy and happy. Goes for approximately 3-4 walks a day...active and playful...great appetite. Still sensitive and we believe he may have been abused or abandoned.
Get the answers...
HELP! Dog illnesses: symptoms of MMM (Masticatory Muscle Myositis) - the shrunken head muscles.?
I have an 8 year old neutered female Golden Retriever. About two years ago, she began displaying what appeared to be symptoms of MMM (Masticatory Muscle Myositis) - the shrunken head muscles. This actually happened almost overnight following food poisoning (a person gave her a whole apple).
For these two years her head has appeared shrunken, but her jaw opens fine, appetite is good etc.
About a month ago, I took her for her usual blood test to check she was getting correct levels of Thyroxin for her under active thyroid. The vet then discussed the muscle atrophy with us. She thought definitive testing wasn't essential, and suggested we try her on predisone for a month, then come back and evaluate her condition. Her thyroid levels were good by the way.
After 3 weeks of pred, Bella's condition was no better. She lost 2kgs, and atrophy now appeared to have affected her mouth (not jaw) and "shoulder" muscles. The vet was concerned and suggested we immediately begin weaning her off the pred as it wasn't helping.
Two days later, Bella woke up with a lateral nosebleed. We took her for emergency care. Tests seem to suggest:
1) Her clotting capability is fine 2) She has sufficient platelets 3) Bleeding time is normal 4) Her thyroid level was very low (but I hadn't given her meds that day 5) She showed high levels of chemicals associated with liver damage
The vet said we could (next week) do a liver investigation, and CT scan or Xray to diagnose tumours or foreign body in nose. Costly procedures, and we aren't wealthy or covered by insurance.
I have read a bit about predisone online, and have come across anecdotes of dogs not with MMM suffering MMM-like symptoms on pred, and dogs on pred getting nosebleeds.
I fear that the steroid has somehow worsened the muscle atrophy, and compomised Bella's immune system/liver.
My questions (and thank you for bearing with me thus far) are:
1) Can pred be this harmful, even in rare cases, causing atrophy/liver damage/bleeding?
2) What can we do, if anything to help her liver (supplements etc)?
3) Can acupuncture or other methods be used to halt/combat the muscle wastage, as drugs seem to have failed?
Bella is otherwise a happy, active dog, with an appetite for food and fun. Her urine and stools appear fine, and two days ago the otherwise worried vet seemed to think cancer unlikely...
Thank you
Get the answers...
|
Next page: Dog Illnesses
Bookmark/Share This Page:
|
|
||
