Claw disorders are relatively rare in dogs. However, injuries, excessive licking or poor grooming can cause the claw bed to become inflamed due to the penetration of bacteria or fungi. Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is the most common form of claw bed inflammation in dogs. This rare but extremely painful disease of the claw bed mainly affects large dogs (Great Danes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shepherds) and can be triggered by various factors.
The first signs of this disease are usually increased licking of the affected paws and more or less severe acute lameness in otherwise apparently healthy dogs. Starting on one paw, the inflammation spreads to at least two, often all four paws. The affected claws begin to deform, split, and crack until they eventually fall out completely. After a few months, the regrown claws also fall out, suggesting that this is a claw growth disorder. If you notice any changes in your dog's claws, please consult a veterinarian immediately.
The exact causes of the disease remain unclear. In many cases, it is assumed to be an autoimmune disease. However, a bacterial infection, an underactive thyroid, or a food allergy can also trigger this inflammation of the claw bed. Various veterinary universities are currently conducting studies to investigate the hereditary component of the disease in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
The clinical picture, the preliminary report, and the general examination provide the veterinarian with important clues about the clinical picture of SLO. However, since bacterial or fungal infections can cause similar symptoms, a definitive diagnosis can only be made with the help of a biopsy (tissue sample) of the claw bed. This involves amputating a claw (often a dewclaw) under short general anesthesia.
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and any underlying diseases. Depending on the case, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, circulation-promoting agents, essential fatty acids, and vitamins may be used. Please discuss the individual treatment plan for your dog with your veterinarian.
Due to the different causes of SLO, very different courses of the disease can be observed. In some cases, treatment must be continued for life, while in others, medication can be discontinued after a certain period of time if there is a significant improvement in symptoms. However, relapses must be expected at any time with this disease.
This eye disease, also known as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), is a hereditary condition affecting Collies, Shelties, and some related breeds. It is a congenital developmental disorder of the back of both eyes that can lead to visual impairment or even blindness.
When the body develops antibodies against its own structures, this is referred to as an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the body, damaging certain functions and organs and even destroying them completely. Autoimmune diseases in dogs include individual forms of pemphigus and lupus, which will be explained in more detail below. The individual diseases are distinguished based on the different target structures in the body.
Some dogs have long hair, others short, others trimmed... Dog groomers are becoming increasingly popular. And even dogs that don't really need a haircut can relax during a wash, cut, and blow-dry.
A hernia is a bulge in the abdominal wall through which the peritoneum and intestines can protrude. Perianal hernia, also known as perineal hernia, is a condition that occurs in 90% of older, unneutered male dogs, in which fat and abdominal organs protrude under the skin in the perineal area (the area between the anus and the external genitalia).
This disease, also known as endothelial dystrophy, is a change in the cornea of the eye and is similar to Fuchs' dystrophy in humans. This disease causes damage to the endothelial cells that form the innermost layer of the cornea.
The word distichiasis comes from Greek and means "two rows." In this condition, an extra row of eyelash-like hairs (distichia) grows out of the sebaceous gland openings at the edge of the eyelid. Since these misplaced, hard hairs grow toward the eyeball, they cause permanent irritation and damage to the cornea. Another form of distichiasis is ectopic cilia. These are scattered hair follicles that grow out of the inside of the eyelid as individual bristly hairs or as a whole tuft of hair, standing perpendicular to the cornea and causing permanent irritation to the eye. Ectopic cilia are most commonly found on the upper eyelid in dogs and very rarely in cats.
Behind this complicated name lies an aggressive form of cancer in dogs, also known as malignant histiocytosis, which mainly affects Bernese Mountain Dogs, Retrievers and Rottweilers and is one of the most common causes of death in these breeds as a hereditary disease. It primarily affects male dogs between the ages of two and eight. The disease is relatively rare in other dog breeds.
The soft palate is a muscle extension approximately 10 cm long that separates the nasal cavity from the throat. As the name suggests, dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) describes a change in position in which the soft palate temporarily or permanently covers the epiglottis, leading to coughing, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems.
There are all kinds of dangers lurking for cats, not only outside but also in the home. Young, playful, and curious kittens are particularly at risk. Therefore, take the necessary safety precautions before a cat moves in with you. With the right knowledge, you will be on the safe side.
Entropion is also colloquially referred to as a rolled eyelid and describes the inward rolling of the upper or lower eyelid. It can affect the entire eyelid or just part of it.
Cats communicate through various channels. Their behavior, body language, vocalizations, and scent markings, which are largely invisible to humans, speak volumes. But how can "cat language" be translated into "human language"?
Have you ever wondered whether your dog can see the magnificent colors that nature sometimes presents us with? Have you ever thought about how your dog sees you and how it perceives its environment with its eyes?
