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• Cystine Bladder Stones in Dogs

  Cystine bladder stones appear to be the result of a genetic abnormality that prevents a dog from reabsorbing cystine from the kidneys. While bladder stones in general are somewhat common in dogs, cystine bladder stones are rare. Your veterinarian may be able to palpate the stones or may need to perform imaging studies such as a bladder ultrasound or a contrast radiographic study. There are two primary treatment strategies for treating cystine bladder stones in dogs: dietary therapy to dissolve the stones, or physical removal of the stones. Cystine stones have a high rate of recurrence, despite careful attention to diet and lifestyle.

• Degenerative Disc Disease in Dogs

  This handout describes and illustrates this condition, and discusses the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for degenerative disc disease in dogs. Surgical intervention is specifically outlined and rule-outs for other conditions causing similar signs are also discussed.

• Diaphragmatic Hernias in Dogs

  The diaphragm is the muscular partition that separates the abdomen and the chest. Tearing or disruption of this thin muscle is called a diaphragmatic hernia or diaphragmatic rupture. The most common cause of diaphragmatic hernia is blunt force trauma.

• Diseases in Ferrets

  Common conditions of pet ferrets include diarrhea, intestinal foreign bodies, parasites, heart disease, and various tumors. This handout outlines the causes, clinical signs, and treatment options for each of these conditions. Any variation from normal should be a cause for concern and should be immediately evaluated by your veterinarian.

• Diseases in Rodents

  Common conditions of pet rodents include respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal problems, dental problems, and cancer. Diseases of the skin may cause itching, hair loss or flaky skin in rodents. All rodents have teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. Occasionally, these teeth grow too long and cut into the gums, causing pain when eating. Cancer is often seen in pet rodents, especially mammary (breast) tumors in rats and mice. Rodents with signs of respiratory or GI disease or evidence of a tumor should be seen by a veterinarian who can properly diagnose and treat the underlying condition.

• Distichia or Distichiasis in Dogs

  Distichiae can be an irritating eye problem for many dogs. The abnormally growing extra eyelashes can cause chronic discomfort to the eye and potential vision problems. A thorough eye examination is necessary to assess the extent of any accompanying corneal injury and to rule out other causes of the dog's clinical signs. Various treatment options are available. The prognosis is excellent for dogs that do not show any clinical signs associated with their distichiae. For dogs with mild clinical signs, the likelihood that the condition can be managed with conservative treatment is good.

• Ear Canal Tumors

  Ear canal tumors are abnormal growths that can develop from any part of the ear canal (the skin, the glands of the skin that produce earwax and oil, and the underlying connective tissues, muscles, and bones). Initially, these tumors may appear as one or more pink, white, or purple nodular masses in the ear canal. If benign, they may grow to a certain size and may or may not be problematic. If malignant, they may grow, ulcerate (break open) and bleed, and nearly always become infected, causing recurrent or chronic ear infections. The treatment of choice for ear canal tumors is surgical excision.

• Ectopic Cilia or Eyelash Problems in Dogs

  Ectopic cilia can be an irritating eye problem for many dogs. Growing abnormally through the conjunctiva (the pink part of the eye), they come into contact with the cornea and can cause chronic discomfort to the eye and corneal ulceration. Surgery is necessary to help to correct the problem and help dogs live a more comfortable life. The prognosis for surgical correction of this condition is generally good.

• Enfermedad Degenerativa Articular

  Degenerative Joint Disease in Dogs

  Se trata de un término más apropiado para describir la artritis crónica (osteoartritis) que consiste en un deterioro gradual del cartílago articular.

• Enfermedad Degenerativa Del Disco en Perros - Perros

  Degenerative Disc Disease in Dogs

  La médula espinal es uno de los órganos más importantes y sensibles del cuerpo. Si sufre una lesión, las células nerviosas no se regeneran y serán reemplazadas por tejido fibroso o cicatricial. Las lesiones de la médula espinal normalmente resultan en un daño permanente e irreversible. Para protegerse de cualquier lesión, la médula espinal discurre a través de un canal óseo, de forma que está protegido por hueso en todo su recorrido excepto en aquellos puntos donde se unan las vértebras. Estas uniones están rellenas de una especie de cojines de goma llamados discos intervertebrales. La disposición de las vértebras de forma individual y los discos intervertebrales van a permitir los movimientos de la espalda sin que los huesos entren en contacto con la médula espinal. Esta protección extrema de la médula espinal refleja su importancia y su fragilidad.