Page 49 - Canine-Diseases

adenocarcinoma (ciliary body), lymphoma (retina, choroid, ciliary seen in dogs with this condition.
body), medulloepithelioma (retina, choroid), ganglioglioma
(retina, choroid), osteosarcoma (orbit), mast cell tumor (orbit), Osteoarthritis: Also known as degenerative joint disease,
and optic nerve sheath meningioma. Brachycephalic breeds who is a common condition in dogs characterized by progressive
have had recurring keratoconjunctivitis are susceptible to tumors. deterioration of articular cartilage in the joints of the limbs and the
underlying bone. Biochemically, the disease is characterized by
Ophthalmia neonatorum: Is an infection of the conjunctiva (the reduction in the major proteoglycan, aggrecan content, alteration
thin layer of tissue that lines the eyelids) or cornea (the transparent in collagen fibril size and structure, and increased synthesis and
structure that makes up the front part of the eye) before or just degradation of matrix macromolecules in cartilage. Osteoarthritis
after the separation of the eyelids in the newborn puppy. The affects a quarter of the population. The dog may exhibit a
cause of ophthalmia neonatorum in puppies is bacteria entering decreased level of activity, occasional lameness, and a stiff gait
the eyes prior to, afterwards or during birth. Some of the most that worsens with exercise. These symptoms may increase with
noticeable warning signs are swollen eyelids, red eyes, mucoid exercise, long periods of inactivity, or cold weather. Large breeds,
discharge from the eyelids, outward bulge, mucus discharge inside such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German
the cornea and conjunctival fornix, ulcerated cornea, perforated Shepherds, are more prone to arthritis, and obese dogs are more
cornea, globe collapse, corneal adhesions, and fusing together of likely to develop it than are their fit counterparts. Additionally,
upper eyelids and lower eyelids due to accumulated discharge. older dogs are prone to arthritis because of the years of wear and
tear on their joints.
Optic neuritis: Is the inflammation of the optic nerve. Optic
neuritis may be a primary disease or a secondary disease. The Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): The term osteochondrosis
primary form of optic neuritis is uncommon and usually affects refers is an abnormal development of the cartilage on the end of
only dogs younger than three years of age. The secondary form of a bone in the joint. OCD is a manifestation of osteochondrosis
optic neuritis, however, in which the disease is secondary to another characterized by a focal thickening of joint cartilage and
disease, such as central nervous system dysfunction, is more subsequent dissection of a flap of this thickened cartilage away
common. In dogs this is most commonly caused by granulomatous from the underlying subchondral bone. It most commonly affects
meningoencephalitis or infection. Symptoms of optic neuritis the shoulder joint but the elbow, hip, or knee (stifle) may also be
include acute onset of blindness and partial deficiencies in vision. involved. The symptoms are lameness in the affected limb. The
lameness tends to worsen after periods of exercise and improves
Oral cancer: Includes tumors of the tongue, tonsils, gingiva, and after rest. When it affects the shoulder, a shortened forelimb stride
palate. The most common types are squamous cell carcinomas, may be noted due to reluctance to flex and extend the shoulder
malignant melanomas, fibrosarcomas, and oral osteosarcoma. joint. This disease is more common in dogs receiving too much
According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, energy and calcium in the diet. OCD mainly strikes large-breed
“benign and malignant tumors of the oral cavity account for dogs, and is fairly common in Golden Retrievers, German
6% of all tumors in dogs”. Undifferentiated oral tumors in dogs Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs,
are usually found on the roof of the mouth or around the upper and Saint Bernards.
teeth. They grow very quickly, involving the bone and tissue near
them, and they metastasize quickly and easily to other areas of the Osteosarcoma: Is the most common malignant tumor that typically
body. Symptoms include excessive drooling, halitosis, dysphagia arises in the bones of the limbs, or the appendicular skeleton.
(difficulty swallowing), weight loss, loose teeth, and oral mass. Less commonly, it may occur in the bones of the spine, pelvis,
Canine breeds predisposed to develop oral osteosarcoma include and skull - the axial skeleton. The disease is extremely aggressive
Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, and has a tendency to metastasize. Signs of osteosarcoma can
Irish Setters, Doberman Pinchers, and Labrador Retrievers. While include swelling, lameness, and joint or bone pain. In some
uncommon in smaller breeds, Poodles or Pugs can indeed get this cases, dogs suffering from osteosarcoma will appear tired or have
neoplasm. anorexia. Occasionally, dogs will exhibit a mass growth on their
body or a painful inflammation around the site of the tumor. It is
Orchitis: Is an inflammatory condition of the testicles. It more common in large and giant breed dogs. In addition, dogs
may involve one or both testicles and is often associated with over 80 pounds have been shown to be at least sixty times more
inflammation of the epididymis (testicular tube where sperm is likely to develop an osteosarcoma than dogs weighing less than
stored) since the two structures are so closely related. Acute forms 75 pounds. Dogs like Great Danes, Irish Setters, Doberman
of this condition are most often caused by trauma to the scrotum. Pinschers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers,
Epididymitis and orchitis can also be triggered by infectious Weimeraners, Boxers, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Bernese
organisms, as well as by other conditions, including viral causes Mountain Dogs, Irish Wolfhounds, and Golden Retrievers are
(i.e., distemper), infections associated with inflammation of the at greater risk of contracting osteosarcoma. There seems to be a
prostate (prostatitis) and inflammation of the bladder (cystitis). Bite higher incidence of osteosarcoma in male dogs.
wounds on any area of the body can also lead to the development
of epididymitis or orchitis. Symptoms include swollen testicles, Otitis externa: Is inflammation of the external ear canal distal
licking of the scrotum and scrotal skin irritation (dermatitis), non- to the tympanic membrane; the ear pinna may or may not be
localized symptoms include pain and fever, unwillingness to walk involved. It may be acute or chronic and unilateral or bilateral.
and general lethargy, refusal to eat, and infertility is commonly The major causes of otitis externa are allergy, autoimmune (e.g.

49 Alphavetscience.com