Articles with infections

A Primer On Coccidia Infection: Does My Dog Have Coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is an infection of the intestinal tract in dogs. Coccidia are single-cell parasites—protozoa. At least four different “species” of coccidia can infect dogs. In most cases, the infected dogs show no apparent symptoms. However, if your dog gets sick, they most likely contracted Isospora canis. Coccidia life-cycle Dogs contract the parasite by contact with contaminated poop containing immature forms…

by Dr. John A. Bukowski, DVM, and Dr. Susan E. Aiello, DVM

A Primer On Pyometra: Uterine Infections in Dogs

Pyometra is a bacterial infection in the uterus of dogs. It is a serious and frequently life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment. The risk of pyometra is highest in intact dogs or dogs on any hormone-based therapy. Pyometra is most likely in young to middle-aged dogs, but it is most common in older dogs. It usually develops about 1-2 months after…

by Dr. John A. Bukowski, DVM, and Dr. Susan E. Aiello, DVM

Your Dog And Infections: Alien Invasion

As long as your dog lives in this world, they can sucumb to an infection. Pathogens are always looking out for an opportunity. The critical distinction to make is between the presence of a pathogen—exposure and active infection. The formula for disease consists of two variables: presence of pathogen failure of immune response The world is full of pathogens—they are everywhere.…

by Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

Angry Vet On Leptospirosis: Sandy’s Untimely Death

As a sad reminder of leptospirosis’s reality, we had two cases of acute renal failure in otherwise healthy young dogs. One of the dog’s kidneys completely shut down and would not respond to treatment. Consequently, we had to euthanize her. The other dog has responded and is now home and expected to make a full recovery. I dedicate this post…

by Dr. Robert Foley

Canine Heartworm Infection: Don’t Let Heartworm Become A Heartbreak!

Keeping your dog healthy includes regular preventive health care. Timely administration of heartworm preventive medication is one of the preventive measures that all dog owners should be practicing. What are heartworms? Heartworms are mosquito-borne parasites that live in the heart and blood vessels of an infected dog. These worms cause damage, often significant, to the cardiovascular structures and can lead…

by Dr. Lorie Huston

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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