Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
Masses in the spleen occur primarily in middle-aged to older dogs. Splenic masses often consist of only benign hematomas or fibrous nodules. However, these masses can sometimes be highly malignant forms of cancer, especially vascular cancer known as hemangiosarcoma. The spleen The spleen is a highly vascular organ that sits on the left, in front of the abdomen. It functions…
Does your dog eat poop? Why do they do that? Canines seem to enjoy many smells and tastes that people find offensive. For example, dogs are generally attracted to the odor of feces while investigating their environment. Some dogs, including puppies, will even eat the poop of cats and other animals. The technical term for that is coprophagia. Behavioral reasons…
A dog with a bladder infection is a dog at risk for bladder stones. A dog’s urinary bladder is a sac-like organ for storing urine. It is found within the abdomen in the area between the rear legs. When the muscles in the dog’s bladder wall contract, the urine then flows through the urethra. The urethra is the narrow tube…
Cushing’s disease, named after the first physician who reported it, results from excess cortisol in the body. It is most common in middle-aged to older dogs. The most susceptible breeds include: Introduction Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone that controls metabolism and response to stress. It is produced by the adrenal glands, which are found on top of the upper part…
Cytology is the examination of cells under a microscope. Cytology can help to characterize lumps and masses on the skin and in other organs of your dog. It is also helpful for evaluating: The purpose behind it Cytology often provides diagnostic information about your dog that can be useful in deciding on a treatment plan. Lumps and bumps Your veterinarian…