Retinal Degeneration in Dogs

 

The retina is the tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye, and is the light sensitive part of the eye that acts as the brain’s camera, transmitting images through the rods and cones that are part of its structure, thus enabling the experience of vision. The retina is part of the central nervous system (CNS) and the only part of the CNS that can be easily imaged and examined. In retinal degeneration, the cells of the retina begin to decline in function, thereby leading to impaired vision or even blindness. There are many causes for retinal degeneration.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

• Night blindness that progresses to blindness in light as well
• Dilated pupils
• Inability to see clearly in bright light
• In some conditions, only central vision may be lost, the animal may still retain peripheral vision
• The pupil (opening of the eye) has abnormal reactions to light
• The retinal structure appears abnormal when a doctor examines it with an ophthalmoscope; cataract may be observed
• The liver may also be affected, obesity may be observed
• Sudden blindness may be due to sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS)

 

Dogs

 

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of disease that worsens over time, and is seen especially in collies, Irish setters, miniature poodles, cocker spaniels, Briards and Labrador retrievers, mastiffs, X-linked in Samoyeds and Siberian huskies
• Central progressive retinal atrophy (eye disease that leads to loss of central vision, but retention of peripheral vision possibly for years) may be seen in Labrador retrievers
• Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (a nervous system disorders with swelling and/or changes in some retinal cells) occurs in most breeds
• Inability to see clearly in bright light (known as hemeralopia) may occur in Alaskan malamutes
• Sudden blindness due to sudden acquired retinal degeneration or SARD is more common in middle-aged and older dogs; 70 percent are female

 

Mean Age and Range

 

• Early progressive retinal atrophy may occur three to four months of age up to two years of age
• Clinical signs of late progressive retinal atrophy are seen dogs older than four to six years of age

 

Causes

 

• Genetic
  • Hereditary degeneration is common
  • This is characterized by the formation and development of a faulty group of cells, which gradually worsen in function over life
• Degenerative
  • Long-term glaucoma, scarring inflammation or separation of the retina due to trauma
• Abnormal structure
  • Abnormal structure at birth or abnormal development of the retina with age
• Metabolic
  • Insufficient or excess amounts of certain enzymes
• Cancer
  • Cancer from other parts of the body that has spread to the retina
• Nutritional
  • Deficiency of Vitamin A or E
• Infectious/Immune
  • Infections of the retina or infections that spread from other parts of the body
• Idiopathic (Unknown Cause)
  • Sudden blindness due to sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS)
• Toxic
  • Adverse Reactions to specific drugs

 

Diagnosis

 

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition, such as trauma or exposure to toxic substances. Your dog’s diet will also be taken into consideration, since this may be a supporting cause.

 

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your dog, taking into consideration your dog’s lineage and whether there might be a genetic link. Standard laboratory tests include a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel and a urinalysis, in order to rule out other causes of disease.

 

 

The physical exam will entail a full ophthalmic exam using a slit lamp microscope. During this exam, the retina at the back of the eye will be closely observed for abnormalities and the electrical activity of the retina will also be measured.

 

Genetic testing may also be done if your dog belongs to a breed that is prone to familial retinal disease. Additionally, hormonal causes may bring about retinal disease, and this will be considered as well. X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used effectively to screen for the effects of hormonal abnormalities.

 

 

With a name like Cinderella, it’s only fitting that this darling senior pug gets nothing short of a fairytale ending.

 

Cinderella’s date with destiny began in September 2016, when dog lover Jessica Aliff came across the blind senior with diabetes in a Facebook group for pug rescuers.

 

Aliff, who already owned three dogs, recalls the sense of urgency she felt in wanting to give Cinderella a good home. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t at least try to get her,” she told petMD.

 

After meeting with Cinderella’s foster family, Aliff adopted her and brought her home to meet her new pug siblings, Poncho, Nikki, and Ollie.

 

Though “life is a bit more hectic” with four dogs in the house, Aliff is able to give them all a happy, healthy, and familiar lifestyle while taking care of Cinderella’s specific needs. “I have to be on a much stricter feeding schedule because of [Cinderella’s] insulin needs, but I always tried to feed them at scheduled times,” she said.  

 

In addition to insulin, which she needs twice daily, Cinderella has to have her blood glucose levels tested and eats prescription foods from her veterinarian. (“Treats are limited, but she does get small treats when she gets her insulin and one each night before bed,” Aliff said.)

 

Even though Cinderella is blind (she had her eyes removed to relieve pain), she still has the energy and personality of any other pug.

 

“Cinderella does not act any differently than she was before surgery,” Aliff said. “She still charges around the house trying to keep up with me.”

 

While Cinderella does sometimes need assistance with getting up and down stairs, Aliff said she makes her way around the house, and through life, with determination.

“She is very feisty and persistent,” Aliff said of Cinderella. “If one of our other dogs starts roughhousing, she gets right into the action. She has no idea she’s the smallest of the bunch!”

 

Cinderella has changed Aliff’s life in ways big and small over the past year, and she hopes her story inspires others to give senior dogs, especially those with special needs, a chance to thrive.

 

There may be financial obstacles along the way, and you have to surround yourself with a good support team, but taking care of a dog like Cinderella is worth it, Aliff noted. “You may have to give a little more TLC,” she said, but these grateful, wise, and caring dogs will give it all back and then some.

 

 

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome in Dogs

 

Bile serves important functions in the digestion of food and removal of waste materials from the body. Bile is created in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until food has been ingested. It is then released into the small intestine to aid in digestion of food and to emulsify the food so that it can be used appropriately by the body.

 

Bilious vomiting syndrome occurs when bile abnormally enters the stomach from the intestine, causing irritation and vomiting. The presence of bile is indicated by a watery, yellow-green substance in the vomit contents. If vomiting does not occur and the bile remains in the stomach, the irritation to the stomach can lead to gastric reflux.

 

Vomiting is usually seen in the morning or late night just before eating, especially in dogs that are fed once daily. This might be due to prolonged periods between meals, or to related stomach inactivity, which aggravates the bile reflux.

 

This condition is commonly seen in older dogs but can occur at any age. Both genders are equally affected.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

• Chronic intermittent vomiting containing bile
• Usually takes place in the morning or late night
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss

 

Causes

 

• The exact cause is still unknown
• Diseases causing gastritis or inflammation of intestine, modifying gastrointestinal motility
• It is presumed to be caused by stomach and intestinal reflux, which often occurs when a dog’s stomach has remained empty for a long period of time

 

Diagnosis

 

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health, a background history of symptoms, possible incidents that might have led to this condition, and recent activities. As much as you can, you will need to tell your veterinarian when the symptoms began, and how frequently the vomiting occurs.

 

Your veterinarian will then perform a thorough physical exam on your dog, with a complete blood profile, a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis.

 

A history of intermittent vomiting with bile contents is usually enough for a preliminary diagnosis. In the course of diagnosing this disease, laboratory testing is not of much help as the results are usually within normal ranges. Specific radiographic and ultrasound imaging studies of the abdomen may reveal delayed stomach motility. Endoscopic examination often returns normal in these patients.

 

Bone-chilling temperatures have swept across large portions of the nation already this winter, leaving not only humans vulnerable to the dangerous conditions but animals as well. 

 

Tragically, a neglected dog in Hartford, Connecticut, died when his caretakers left him outside in the freezing January weather.  According to local affiliate Fox61, a 3-year-old Pit Bull mix was found dead, chained, and frozen solid when a concerned neighbor called the authorities.

 

The news station reports that, according to police, “the dog’s owner has been behind bars on drug charges for about six months and his family made arrangements for the dog to be cared for.” The dog, who was reportedly living in the basement of the residence, was taken outside after a pipe had burst. 

 

When the dog was discovered by Hartford police he showed signs of hypothermia and the veterinary report stated that the dog, who had been lying in his own fecal matter, “Was underweight for his body size with low body fat and low muscle density. His bones were easily palpable and often visible beneath the skin —his ribs and pelvic bones were prominent.”

 

Police suspect the dog could have been left outside upwards of a month. Animal cruelty charges are expected to be filed in the wake of the dog’s horrific death. 

 

Sadly, neglegent owners leaving pets outside in the brutal cold is a far-too-common issue, and one that doesn’t need to occur. 

 

Dr. Lori Bierbrier, the medical director of the ASPCA Community Medicine Department, tells petMD that pet owners should follow this simple guideline: “If it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold outside for your pet,” she told petMD. “Pet owners should keep their pet’s exposure to the outdoors as minimal as possible.” 

 

In addition to not leaving pets outside (or even in cars) in the cold or inclement weather, pet parents, “should ensure that all pets have access to warm, dry shelter and fresh (not frozen) water, as well as ensuring that all pets wear a collar and ID with up-to-date contact information,” Bierbrier recommended. 

 

Dogs with short hair coats could benefit from wearing coats in the wintertime, Bierbrier added.  “If pet owners do use a dog coat, the most important thing is that it fit correctly,” she said. 

 

“Animals left in extreme temperatures, especially without food and shelter, are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and death,” she warned. “There is no doubt that the animal suffers significantly during this process.” 

 

If you see that an animal, like the dog in Connecticut, is being abused and left out in the cold, call your local law enforcement, Bierbrier advised. “Before calling, note as many details as possible, including the date, time, exact location, and type of animal(s) involved.” 

 

Image via Shutterstock 

 

Read more: How Cold is Too Cold for Your Dog?

Carbon Monoxide Toxicosis in Dogs

 

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, non-irritating gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon fuels. It is potentially toxic for dogs as well as humans. Common sources of carbon monoxide are unventilated kerosene or propane heaters, gasoline engines, automobile exhaust, or fumes from carbon-based fuel heating systems.

 

When inhaled, this gas is readily absorbed into the blood, combining with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery to the body, and thereby leading to decreased utilization of oxygen in the brain and heart. Most cases of carbon monoxide toxicity in dogs occur as a result of human error, such as when a dog has been left in an enclosed area where carbon monoxide is being released. A dog left in an enclosed garage with a running automobile can be exposed to toxic levels of carbon monoxide in about ten minutes. Animals are also exposed to toxic levels of carbon monoxide when they are trapped in a building that is on fire. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide will lead to hypoxemia and eventually death.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

Depending upon the concentration and duration of exposure of carbon monoxide, the symptoms may be acute or chronic in nature.

 

• Sleepiness
• Cherry red skin and mucous membranes (e.g., nostrils, lips, ears, genitals), but this side-effect is usually not visible in most animals
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Difficulty in breathing
• Seizures
• Abortion in pregnant animals especially those in late gestation period
• Depression
• Deafness
• Uncoordinated movements
• Coma
• Death

 

Symptoms with chronic exposure to carbon monoxide include:

 

• Nausea
• Abnormally high levels of acids in blood (acidosis)
• Vomiting
• Cough
• Flu like symptoms
• Loss of exercise stamina
• Disturbances in gait

 

Causes

 

Exposure to any source of carbon monoxide, like:

 

• Incomplete combustion of carbon fuels
• Accidental enclosure of dog in garage with automobile engine turned on
• Poorly ventilated areas with any source of carbon monoxide (e.g., fireplace, oven, barbecue grill)
• Unventilated furnaces
• Gas water heaters
• Gas or kerosene heaters
• House fires

 

Diagnosis

 

The foremost step in carbon monoxide toxicity is to get your dog away from the source of the carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide toxicity is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Your veterinarian will start immediate oxygen therapy to remove the carbon monoxide from the blood and bring your dog’s oxygen levels back to normal. While your dog is receiving oxygen your veterinarian will collect samples of blood for diagnostic testing. A complete blood count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis and other applicable body fluid tests will be performed. Your veterinarian will also collect samples for determination of carboxyhemoglobin levels in the blood. Establishing the levels of carbon monoxide in the blood is the most useful test for basing the initial treatment plan.

 

Carboxyhemoglobin levels rise in acute cases and drop within a few hours once exposure to the source of the carbon monoxide has been removed. Levels of acids in the blood will also be determined during blood testing, as acid concentrations tend to rise in response to this condition and their values will determine the appropriate diagnosis and medical response. Other diagnostic tools your veterinarian may use include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine whether the heart has also been affected.

 

 

Fading Syndrome (Neonatal Mortality) in Puppies

 

Newborn puppies are born with an immature immune system that needs to be built up over time, starting with their mother’s milk. Because of their immature body organs and systems, puppies are prone to various insults, including infections and environmental, nutritional, and metabolic factors. Also, young animals do not yet have strong body temperature regulation, and their body temperature can fluctuate profoundly in response to changing environmental temperatures and humidity. Glucose control may also be poor, and blood glucose levels may fall below normal ranges in cases of nutritional disturbances, leading to a state of hypoglycemia. Neonatal mortality, or fading syndrome, involves the death of puppies from birth to two weeks of age. This syndrome is more common in pedigree puppies.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

• Weakness
• Low birth weight
• Loss of weight
• Failure to gain weight
• Decreased activity
• Poor appetite
• Constant vocalizations and restless in early phase, but puppy may become inactive and quiet in later stages
• Straying away from the dam and rest of the litter
• Diarrhea
• Low body temperature

 

Causes

 

Dam (mother)-related

• Difficult birth or prolonged labor
• Problems with milk letdown
• Injury
• Inadequate nutrition

 

Environmental

• Temperature and humidity extremes
• Poor sanitation

 

Pup related

• Congenital defects
• Infections

 

Diagnosis

 

You will need to give a thorough history of your puppy’s health, including a background history of symptoms and any background information you have regarding your puppy’s parentage. After taking a complete history, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination. Laboratory tests will include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, and urinalysis.

 

Blood testing may reveal anemia, changes in leukocyte (white blood cells, WBC) counts, including an abnormally low number of platelets (the cells responsible for blood clotting) and an increase in the number of white blood cells, which is what is usually seen in infections. A biochemistry profile may indicate abnormally low levels of glucose (hypoglycemia) along with other changes, depending on which organs are being the most affected. The urinalysis may indicate the presence of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells, in the urine. It may also show bacteria present in the urine, indicating an infection of the urinary tract. More specific testing would include isolating the virus or bacteria from various body fluids. Your veterinarian will also conduct a fecal examination to test for the presence of parasites.

 

 

Osteochondrodysplasia and Achondroplasia in Dogs

 

Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) is a growth and developmental abnormality of the bone and cartilage, which results in lack of normal bone growth and bone deformities. Where osteo refers to the bone, chondro refers to the cartilage, and dysplasia is a general term that is applied to abnormal growth. Dog breeds that tend to be predisposed to this disorder are great Pyrenees, Alaskan malamutes, Samoyeds, Scottish deerhounds, Labrador retrievers, basset hounds, and Norwegian elkhounds.

 

Achondroplasia is a form of osteochondrodysplasia in which the bones do not grow to the normal size, based on what is expected of the breed. This is caused by a mutation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene. The result is abnormally short limbs, a condition called dwarfism. In some breeds this trait is selectively encouraged, such as with the dachshund, Skye terrier, and Welsh corgi. Other breeds that are reported to be affected are bulldogs, German shepherds, basset hounds, Boston terriers, pugs, Pekingese, Japanese spaniels, shih-tzus, beagles, English pointers, cocker Spaniels, and Scottish terriers.

 

These disorders are genetically acquired.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

• Larger than normal head
• Undershot jaw with shorter nose
• Crooked teeth due to shorter jaw
• Abnormal bone shape
• Poor growth or lack of growth
• Bones appear shorter than normal
• Enlarged joints
• Sideways bowing of forelimbs – front legs are more likely affected
• Spinal deviation to either side of the body

 

Causes

 

Osteochondrodysplasia is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, meaning that it can be passed along by either gender and only one parent need carry the gene for an offspring to be potentially affected.

 

Diagnosis

 

You will need to give your veterinarian a detailed medical history, including when you first noticed symptoms of growth abnormality, and any information you have about your dog’s genetic background. Routine laboratory testing will include a complete blood count, biochemistry profile and urinalysis to rule out other causes for the disorder. X-rays of the affected limbs will be taken, which will show abnormalities related to bone growth and structure. X-rays of the spine will also show such abnormalities in patients with spinal deviation. To confirm a diagnosis, your veterinarian will take a sample of tissue from the small bones of the body and send it to a veterinary pathologist for further diagnostic testing.

 

 

Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Dogs

 

Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries in a female dog is called an ovariohysterectomy. This type of surgery results in the cessation of subsequent estrus (heat) symptoms in the female. However, sometimes after an ovariohysterectomy, some female dogs continue to exhibit the behavioral and/or physical signs pertaining to estrus. This is typically found to be the result of ovary tissue being left behind. If such tissue remains functional and continues to secrete hormones, behavioral and/or physical signs of estrus in the female dog are seen. Such symptoms are usually seen within a few days after surgery and are not uncommon after an ovariohysterectomy.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

• Swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal discharge
• Attraction of male dogs
• Passive interaction with male dogs
• May allow sexual intercourse to take place

 

Causes

 

• Failure to remove both ovaries completely during surgery
• Presence of abnormal ovarian tissue
• Supernumerary ovary (excessive number of ovaries – rare)

 

Diagnosis

 

You will need to give a thorough medical history of your dog’s health, onset of symptoms, and when your dog had the ovariohysterectomy. The history will usually include behavioral changes and signs of estrus that have occurred even after a successful surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus had been done. After taking a complete history, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination. Standard laboratory tests will include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. It is not unusual for the results of these tests to return within normal ranges.

 

More specific tests for measuring your dog’s hormones may show estrogen and progesterone levels that are higher than should be expected in a post-surgery dog. A cytological examination of samples taken from the vagina will also help in determining the status of estrus in your dog. In addition, ultrasound can be used to determine whether any ovarian tissue residues are present. However, in some cases abdominal surgery may be required to confirm the presence of ovarian tissue. If this is found to be the case, removal of these residual tissues can take place at that time.

 

 

Osteomyelitis in Dogs

 

Inflammation of the bone or bone marrow most commonly occurs due to bacterial infections, but also shows up rarely as a fungal infections. This type of infection is referred to as osteomyelitis. The inflammation may be due to an acute (sudden) infection, or to a chronic infection. Infections from other areas of body may reach the bones or bone marrow through the bloodstream, or the infection may come from another infection that is close in proximity to the bone. Another common cause of such infections is road-side accidents or injuries involving the bone and soft tissues. Patients that have undergone surgical implants or other bone surgeries may also acquire a subsequent infection.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

• Episodic lameness
• Persistent ulcers
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Limb pain
• Wasting of muscles
• Limb swelling

 

Causes

 

• Trauma
• Fractures
• Post-surgery
• Prosthetic joint implantation
• Gunshot wound
• Bite and claw wounds
• Systemic infections reaching bones

 

Diagnosis

 

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. The history you provide may give your veterinarian an idea of whether this condition is acute or chronic. If the infection has gone undiagnosed for any length of time, the presence of new bone growth over the site of the infected bone will be an indication of its duration.

 

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your dog, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count (CBC), and a urinalysis. The results of this lab work will usually reveal an underlying infection and level of immune system response to existing infection. If a fungal infection is suspected, special testing may be required to isolate and identify the causative fungal organism. X-rays of the affected bones may show evidence of chronic infections, with changes in bone structure. Changes may present as bone resorption, widening of the fracture gap, and other such abnormalities.

 

Ultrasound imaging will give your veterinarian a better view of the bones, which may show accumulations of pus in the bone. The doctor will then be able to utilize the ultrasound in order to take a sample of fluid and pus from the infection site for further laboratory analysis and culturing. Once the culture has isolated the specific organism that is causing the infection, your doctor will know the course to take in eradicating the bacteria.

 

In some cases surgical biopsy of the bone may be conducted for further confirmation. In case of systemic infections, your veterinarian will collect a blood sample and grow the causative organism within the sample in order to find the most suitable antibiotic drugs for treatment.

 

 

Chondrosarcoma of the Bone in Dogs

 

Chondrosarcoma (CSA) of the bone is a fast spreading and malignant form of cancer, which, if not diagnosed and treated early, can be life threatening. Chondrosarcoma arises from the cartilage of the body, the connective tissue that is found between the bones and joints, often metastasizing to other parts of the body, including the ribs. This is the most common rib tumor found in dogs, and the second most common primary tumor in dogs, representing 5 to 10 percent of all primary bone tumors.

 

The majority of CSAs involves flat bones, with about 30 percent occurring in the nasal cavity and about 20 percent involving the ribs. This form of cancer also affects the limbs, with a resulting weakening in the structure of the bone due to the invasive tumor. Fractures of the bone are common.

 

Large dog breeds are at higher risk, as well as older dogs. Chondrosarcoma most commonly affects dogs around eight years of age, but it has been found in dogs of almost all ages.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

• If tumor is affecting leg, lameness will be observed
• Pain in affected area, e.g. limb
• Swelling at tumor site
• Sneezing and difficult breathing if tumor involves nasal cavity
• Nasal discharge and/or nose bleed if tumor involves nasal cavity
• Fracture in the bone of the affected limb
• Other signs will depend upon the metastatic site(s)

 

Causes

 

Although an exact cause has not been identified, multiple cartilaginous growths or protuberance may lead to this form of cancer.

 

Diagnosis

 

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health and onset of symptoms. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your dog, including a complete blood count (CBC), a biochemistry profile, and a urinalysis. The results of these tests are usually within normal ranges. Tissue samples from the local lymph nodes will also be taken for analysis of cancer cells and evidence of immune system response.

 

Radiographic studies of the affected areas may show the extent of the tumor’s invasion. X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, nuclear bone scans, and radiographic scans will usually be helpful in diagnosing the stage and type of the tumor. Bone scans may show involvement of soft tissue and adjacent bones. The most conclusive and direct method for making a diagnosis is normally by taking a biopsy of the growth for microscopic laboratory analysis.