Page 43 - Canine-Diseases

include pain, dyspnea (shortness of breath), tachypnea (rapid Lyme disease: Also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a clinical
breathing), low energy level and lethargy, poor appetite, gradual disorder caused by a microscopic organism Borrelia burgdorferi.
weight loss, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), lameness, in cases This bacterium lives in the gut of the eastern black-legged tick,
with metastasis to bones, muscle wasting, fever, and ascites (an previously referred to as the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the
accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen). Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus), and can be transmitted
Any breed can be affected by this type of cancer, but Boxers have when an infected tick feeds on a dog, person, or other mammal. A
been found to be more at risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the tick can transmit the disease once it has been attached to a dog for
lungs than other breeds. 24 to 48 hours. The dominant clinical feature is recurrent lameness
due to inflammation of the joints. There may also be a lack of
Lungworms: Are a parasitic worm (nematode) that settles in the appetite and depression. More serious complications include
lungs and trachea, causing severe respiratory problems. Dogs damage to the kidneys, and rarely, heart or nervous system disease.
that spend a lot of time roaming in the woods and/or on fields Lyme can affect dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
are at higher risk of developing this type of parasitic infections.
Infection typically occurs from exposure to the hosts that carry the Lymphadenopathy: Enlargement of the lymph nodes.
parasite. Dogs get lungworm by eating larvae found in infected Lymphadenopathy may be either localised (in proximity to site of
snails, slugs or frogs. They can also accidentally eat infected tiny infection or disease) or generalised indicating systemic disease.
slugs if they are on a toy or their fur. Lungworm infections in dogs Enlargement may indicate reactive lymph nodes (active immune
are usually caused by the tracheal worm Oslerus osleri. However, response) or lesions within the lymphatic system (e.g. neoplasia).
some nematodes that inhabit the right ventricle of the heart, such Swelling can be felt in the area beneath the jaw (submandibular),
as Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) or around the shoulder. Swelling in one of the legs is also possible
may be associated with lung disease. Symptoms include coughing, as a result of swollen lymph nodes at the back of the leg (popliteal),
dyspnea (shortness of breath), bronchitis, emphysema, fluid build- or near the joint of the leg (axillary-correlating with the armpit).
up in the lungs, reluctance to exercise, and abnormal blood clotting. Swollen nodes in the area near the groin (inguinal) may make
defecation difficult for the dog. Other symptoms include fever,
Lupus erythematosus: A group of uncommon and complex anorexia, weight loss, weakness, distended abdomen, coughing,
autoimmune diseases. There are two forms: systemic lupus dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), polydipsia (excessive thirst),
erythematosus (SLE) that can affect multiple systems within the polyuria (excessive urination), vomiting, and diarrhea.
body, and a milder form that is limited to the skin, discoid (or
cutaneous) lupus erythematosus (DLE). The cause is unknown Lymphangiectasia: Is a pathologic dilation of lymph vessels.
and thought to be multifactorial. There does appear to be a genetic When it occurs in the intestines of dogs, it causes a disease known
predisposition. Symptoms include lethargy, decreased appetite as “intestinal lymphangiectasia”. This disease is characterized
lameness that appears to move from limb to limb, skin signs by lymphatic vessel dilation, chronic diarrhea and loss of
that may include redness, thinning, localized ulceration, loss of proteins such as serum albumin and globulin. Symptoms include
pigment, and thinning or loss of hair, fever, ulcers at mucocutaneous anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, hypocholesterolemia,
junctions (e.g. lips), enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, hypocalcemia, dehydration, abdominal pain, peripheral edema,
enlarged liver, muscle pain, muscle atrophy, and issues with the ascites, abdominal swelling, vomiting, and cough. It is considered
nervous system. Dog breeds predisposed to lupus erythematosus to be a chronic form of protein-losing enteropathy. Breeds
include Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Siberian commonly affected include the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers,
Huskies, Malamutes, Afghan hounds, Beagles and Chow Chows. Norwegian Lundehunds, Basenjis, Maltese, Shar Peis, Rottweliers,
and Yorkshire Terriers.
Luxating patella: Is a medial or lateral displacement of the patella,
or kneecap. The term luxating means “out of place” or “dislocated”. Lymphedema: Is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich lymph
It is strongly suspected to be inherited, but can also result from fluid into tissue spaces caused by obstruction of flow in lymphatic
trauma. Signs range from mild to severe, and include temporary or vessels or through lymph nodes. Hereditary and congenital forms
occasional lameness possibly accompanied by a ‘hopping’ motion. of lymphedema are caused by malformations of the lymphatic
Eventually the dog may hold the leg permanently off the ground. system, such as aplasia, valvular incompetence, and lymph node
If both legs are affected, the dog may adopt a crouched gait and fibrosis. Other potential causes include heart disease, trauma
posture, appear bow legged and may even walk on the forelegs to the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes, and heat or radiation
with the hind legs completely off the ground. Luxating patella is exposure. Symptoms include swelling of legs or anywhere in the
more common in smaller breeds of dogs. The following breeds are body, pain, weakness, change in skin color, refusing to walk or eat,
predisposed to this condition include Affenpinschers, American and abnormal behavior. Dog breeds predisposed to lymphedema
Cocker Spaniels, Australian Silky Terriers, Basset Hounds, Bichon include Borzoi, Rottweilers, Bulldog, Poodles, German Shepherds,
Frise, Border Terriers, Boston Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Tervurens, Labrador Retrievers, English Bulldogs, Old English
Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, English Springer Sheepdogs, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Great Danes.
Spaniels, Griffon Bruxellois, Lhasa Apsos, Maltese, Papillon,
Pomeranians, Poodle (Miniature), Poodle (Toy), Pugs, Shar Peis, Lymphocyte mediated allergy: Refer to type IV hypersensitivity.
and Yorkshire Terriers. Patellar luxation is one of the most common
orthopedic conditions in dogs, diagnosed in 7% of puppies. Lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis: Is one disease in a group

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