Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the nervous system that occurs in dogs and (rarely) cats. Myasthenia gravis in dogs can be present at birth (i.e., congenital) but usually develops in adult dogs. The most susceptible breeds include German Shepherd dogs and Retrievers. The most common cause of myasthenia gravis in dogs is an autoimmune condition. The dog’s antibodies in…
The diaphragm is a muscular partition that separates the abdomen and the chest. A tear in this thin muscle is called a diaphragmatic hernia or rupture. What causes it? The most common cause of diaphragmatic hernia is blunt trauma, such as being hit by a car or falling from a high place. Puppies can develop a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that…
Dogs have two tonsils in the back of the throat, acting much like lymph nodes to combat throat infections. When the tonsils become inflamed, the condition is called tonsillitis. It is most common in small breeds of dogs. Causes of tonsillitis in dogs Tonsillitis can be caused by an infection or irritation of the mouth that allows bacteria to multiply…
Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease that people can contract from animals. Rabies in wild animals is most common in bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Because dogs can come in contact with these animals when outdoors, they form a “bridge” between rabid animals in the wild and people. Little can be done once signs of rabies develop. Therefore all…
Despite its name, ringworm (also known as dermatophytosis) is caused by a fungus, not by worms. Fungi, known as dermatophytes, can infect your dog’s hair and dead skin, leading to bald, scaly areas with broken hairs. These areas can show up simply as patches or as rings. What does it look like Ringworm most often appears on the feet, face,…