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Health Focus

broken nails in dogs

Broken nails in dogs

In most cases the nail is cracked near where the nail comes out of the flesh. Sometimes the nail is missing altogether. If the nail breaks through the quick (blood vessel/vein) in the nail, there can be a lot of blood – all over the room – don’t panic – your dog won’t bleed out but it can look dramatic. In many cases, when the nail cracks, it is painful and dogs will lick at the nail persistently, sometimes causing a rash or wet eczema from all the licking. Because it is so painful, some dogs will try to pull the paw away, lick at the owner’s hands to stop them touching the foot, and some may bite so it’s important to be safe and use a muzzle if your dog is very sore to get a better look.

Leishmaniasis in dogs

Leishmaniasis in Dogs

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a single celled parasite called Leishmania and is transmitted by a biting sandfly. (1) The disease is common in tropical and subtropical areas where the sandfly is found such as the Mediterranean basin (e.g., Italy, Spain and Portugal), the Balkans, central and southwest Asia, north and northwest China, north and sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Central and South America. (6) The disease has now moved to Northwest Italy and North America. (2) Leishmania infantum is the strain of the parasite found in the old world and Leishmania chagasi in the New World. (6) There is a vaccine available and a blood test in the UK if your pet has travelled to Spain or surrounding areas.

what mange looks like in dogs pets

Mange in Dogs and Cats

MANGE IN DOGS AND CATS Mange in dogs and cats is a disease of the skin that causes hair loss and infections …

pancreatitis in dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs and cats

Pancreatitis in dogs and cats is a disease that has been around for a long time but until recently the only way of diagnosing it was with an ultrasound or surgery and a biopsy. The blood test and the in-house test that can be run at the vets was launched two to three years ago and since then, many more pets are being diagnosed with pancreatitis than ever before.

hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is mainly a problem in medium to large breed dogs. The dog breeds most commonly affected are the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, St. Bernard and Golden Retriever. It is also becoming more prevalent in certain breeds such as the Rottweiler and the Border Collie. Certain kennel clubs and federations have taken great steps with breeding programmes to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in puppies that are registered and tested for the problem. The main problem lies in backyard breeders and people that have a litter at home with their dogs as they may not be aware of, or test for hip dysplasia.

paralysed pug

Spinal disease and Paralysis in Dogs

paralysis in dogs, disc problems in dogs, back pain in dogs, dachshunds and bad spines backs, preventing slipped discs, pugs butterfly vertebrae, fibrocartilagenous emboli

Diseases of dog breeds

Diseases of Dog Breeds

Thinking of getting a puppy or kitten? We thought we would compile a list of the most common problems seen in everyday practice with specific breeds so you can do your research properly. If your breed isn’t here, don’t despair as this list will grow over time. Anyone wishing to add to the list please feel free to e mail us at vet@yourownvet.com

Treating Ear Infections in dogs and cats

Treating ear infections first of all involves diagnosing the cause of the ear infection and treating it. Many pet owners think that if their pet had an ear infection before and the drops they got from their vet worked the last time, if they buy more of the same drops the drops will cure it. But not all ear infections are the same, even if the discharge looks similar to a previous ear infection. Ear drops on the market can either contain a specific antifungal or antibacterial or, be a simple flushing drop with an altered pH (usual over the counter type ear drops), or have a combination of an antifungal, antibiotic and a cortisone (steroid) to treat allergies. They can get quite pricey so its worthwhile getting the ear infection properly diagnosed prior to putting any ear drops in.

Ear infections in dogs and cats

A recurring ear infection in your pet is one of the more expensive and most frustrating animal diseases for pet owners to deal with. There are many causes of ear infections in pets, from simple ear mites to food allergies and cancerous growths down the ear canal. Some are easily fixed, but others require months to years of treatment and sadly, some are never fully controlled and eventually lead to permanent ear damage and loss of hearing.

gingivitis in cats

Gingivitis in Cats

Causes of pain in feline mouths, examining a sore mouth in a cat properly, treating gingivitis in cats, medical and surgical treatment of gingivitis in cats, fcgs in cats, REMOVING teeth in cats, pain in cat mouth, drooling sore cat mouth

lungworm in dogs

Lungworm in dogs

lungworm in dogs, french heartworm in dogs, canine lungworm, pets animals lungworm, treating lungworm, prevention of lungworm, lungworm in the UK, lungworm in the U.K., advocate for lungworm, lungworm in England, snails slugs lungworm, how do dogs get lungworm

bloody to puruent nasal discharge

Nasal discharge in dogs and cats – causes and diagnosis of nasal discharge

Pets with runny noses are a common problem. In many cases, the problem clears up with a simple course of antibiotic, but often, as the antibiotics wear off the nasal discharge simply recurs. This series of articles will discuss the most common causes of nasal discharge, how we diagnose what is wrong with your pet and the treatment options.

In this article we will list the most common causes of discharge in dogs and cats and then each fortnight, one of them will be discussed in depth. Differentiating which condition is affecting your pet relies on a series of simple steps to come to a diagnosis.

dematosparaxis in dogs

Ehlers Danlos syndrome in dogs (Dermatosparaxis,Cutaneous Asthenia)

Ehlers-danlos syndrome in dogs, also known as Dermatosparaxis or cutaneous asthenia is a conditions where the skin is extremely stretchy or elastic and also tears very easily. Over flexible joints as well as eye problems and bleeding under the skin can be seen. The skin can split up the middle of the dog’s body starting at the tail and moving upwards which can lead to dogs being put to sleep as it doesn’t heal well or at all.