Page 21 - Canine-Diseases

disease include ataxia (loss of coordination), wobbling when Huskies, Labradors and Golden Retrievers can have darker noses
walking, and mild hind leg weakness. In the intermediate stage, in the summer months and lighter noses in the winter. These same
the limbs become weak where the dog begins to buckle and the breeds plus German Shepherds, Samoyeds, Afghan Hounds and
weakness progresses until the dog is unable to walk in the hind Dobermans (among others) can also experience a gradual or
limbs. Loss of urinary and fecal continence and weakness in waxing and lightening or fading of their nose color over time. This
front limbs are observed in the advanced stage. Although the condition is known as “Dudley Nose”. Contact dermatitis/irritation
disease is common in several breeds, including German Shepherd can cause depigmentation as can certain chemicals in rubber that
Dogs, Corgis, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Rhodesian can affect the production of melanin pigment where the rubber
Ridgebacks, and Standard Poodles, it can occur in other breeds touches the skin. In addition, immune-mediated diseases (discoid
and mixed-breed dogs as well. The typical age of onset is between lupus erythematosus), hormonal disorders (imbalances of thyroid,
8-14 years of age, and both sexes are equally affected. adrenal or sex hormones) can alter pigmentation as can bacterial
and fungal infections and even cancers (neoplasias).
Dementia: Dog dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD),
is an umbrella term for four separate cognitive forms, is an age- Dermal fragility syndrome (Ehlers-Danlos-like syndrome):
related neurobehavioral syndrome leading to a decline in cognitive Related terms include primary connective tissue disease,
function. The 4 forms are involutive depression (depression cutaneous asthenia, dermatosparaxis, collagen dysplasia, fragile
occurring in the dog’s later years), dysthymia (persistent mild skin syndrome, is a group of connective tissue disorders that
depression), hyper-aggression, and confusional syndrome are characterised by fragile, stretchy and loose skin, caused by a
(profound decline in cognitive ability). Symptoms include walking genetic defect in the production of collagen. The clinical signs of
into corners or other tight spaces and staying there (getting “lost”), Ehlers-danlos syndrome are fragile skin and laxity in the joints,
confusion, sleep-wake cycle disturbances, anxiety, low levels of due to the alterations to collagen structure and density. Even the
activity, does not greets family members upon arrival, howling, slightest scratch can damage and tear the skin of affected animals,
barking or whining, pacing, elimination disorders, staring into leading to scarring and subcutaneous hematomas, which are hard
space or walls, and disorientation. masses of blood under the skin surface. The deficiency in collagen
can also affect other tissues of the body, such as the eyes, heart and
Demodex: Demodectic mange, sometimes just called “demodex” blood vessels. The condition affects English Springer Spaniels, but
or “red mange”, is a common skin disease of dogs caused by have also been seen in other breeds, which include Dachshunds,
microscopic mite called Demodex canis which lives in the hair Beagles, Saint Bernard, German Shepherds, Boxers, Welsh Corgis,
follicle and sebaceous glands of the host. Under the microscope, and Manchester Terriers.
this mite is shaped like a cigar with eight legs and the entire life
cycle is spent on the host. Two other Demodex species, a short Dermatophytosis: Is an infection of keratinized tissue (skin,
and long tailed species, rarely cause disease. Demodectic mange hair, and claws) by one of the three genera of fungi collectively
most often occurs when a dog has an immature immune system, called dermatophytes - Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and
allowing the number of skin mites to increase rapidly. If localized, Trichophyton. In dogs it is mainly caused by Microsporum canis
symptoms are usually mild, with lesions occurring in patches, (70% of cases), but also by Microsporum gypseum (20%) and
especially on the face, torso or legs. If generalized, symptoms Trichophyton mentagrophytes (10%). Under most circumstances,
will be more widespread and appear across the body. These dermatophytes grow only in keratinized tissue, and advancing
symptoms include alopecia, a redness of the skin (erythema) and infection stops when reaching living cells or inflamed tissue.
the appearance of scales and lesions. Demodectic mange is not Lesions in dogs are classically alopecic, scaly patches with
contagious and human demodex cases are rather rare but do occur. broken hairs. Dogs may also develop regional or generalized
folliculitis and furunculosis with papules and pustules.
Dental disease: Canine periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the Concurrent overgrowth of Staphylococcus species is common.
mouth, is common in dogs. There are four stages of periodontal Dermatophytosis is commonly called ringworm but there are no
disease, progressing from plaque and mildly inflamed gums to parasitic worms involved. It is obtained via contact with infected
established gingivitis (gum disease), and then on to mild and hair or scale from infected/carrier animals, fomites, or spores in
ultimately severe periodontitis, which may involve bone and/or contaminated soils or indoor environments. The fungal spores
tooth loss. Symptoms include halitosis, swollen gums, yellow or shed from an infected animal can live in the environment for over
brown teeth, loose or missing teeth, trouble chewing bones, loss of 18 months. Dermatophytosis fungus is more common in hot and
appetite, and weight loss. humid climates. It is contagious, infectious, and can be transmitted
to people. Zoonosis is possible with all three species, but most
Depigmentation: A loss of colouration (i.e. melanin) within the often with M. canis.
skin due to toxic or inflammatory damage to pigment creating cells
(melanocytes). Age-associated graying is a result of decreasing Dermoid sinus: Also known as a pilonidal sinus, is a tubular
numbers of melanocytes and occurs most frequently in German skin defect caused by incomplete separation of the skin and the
Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Irish Setters. There nervous system during embryonic development. The sinus can be
are other breeds of dogs that are prone to a seasonal lightening found at any point along the back or neck, but most commonly
of the nasal planum (the hard, tough, hairless end of their nose). affects the neck or upper spine. Breeds known to be affected
Sometimes referred to as “Snow Nose” these dogs such as Siberian include Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks, and Thai

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