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 exact cause of the disease is still unknown. However, as the disease occurs more frequently in some breeds, a hereditary component is suspected. Predisposed breeds include poodles, wire-haired dachshunds, Boston terriers, and Chihuahuas. The disease mainly occurs in dogs over the age of five.
The endothelial layer of the cornea regulates the fluid content of the cornea. Endothelial cells cannot be regenerated by the body. If they are destroyed, the aqueous humor can penetrate the cornea unhindered and cause it to swell. This results in clouding of the cornea, known as corneal edema.
A bluish clouding of the cornea, occurring on one or both sides, is the first sign of the disease that is noticeable to the owner. The clouding may occur in a specific area or be diffuse across the entire cornea. Affected animals may show itching, eye discharge, and increased blinking.
As the disease progresses and fluid accumulates, small blisters may form on the outside of the cornea. When these blisters burst, it is very painful for the animal. This results in corneal defects that can significantly impair vision or lead to complete loss of vision. The pain causes the affected animals to squint and try to scratch their eyes.
After a thorough clinical examination and review of the preliminary report, the attending veterinarian will usually be able to make an initial diagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of corneal opacity, a special examination of the eyes is necessary. This involves using various technical instruments (e.g., slit lamp, endothelium microscope) to examine the different areas of the eye in detail.
Since the destroyed endothelial cells do not regenerate, the disease is considered incurable. However, treatment of the affected eye is essential. Appropriate medication in the form of special eye ointments or drops can prevent the disease from progressing and new blisters from forming. In most cases, however, corneal opacity or corneal defects that have already developed cannot be completely eliminated in this way.
In cases of non-healing defects or persistent pain, the veterinarian will therefore recommend surgical treatment. This involves removing the damaged areas of the cornea and transplanting a thin section of the conjunctiva into the cornea. Although this procedure, known as a Gunderson flap, also restricts vision, the blood supply to the transplanted conjunctiva ensures that fluid is removed from the damaged cornea, allowing it to become clearer again. The operation also relieves pain and prevents the disease from spreading further. In parallel with the operation, animals suffering from endothelial dystrophy must be treated with appropriate eye drops for the rest of their lives.
The disease is incurable. The prognosis regarding the ability to retain vision depends greatly on the extent and severity of the disease. If the disease is treated surgically at an early stage, it is usually possible to preserve a large part of the patient's vision. Complete blindness can be prevented in most cases using the Gunderson flap.
Since it is largely a hereditary and age-related disease, prevention is virtually impossible.
A doping scandal in dressage brought this condition to the attention of riders. An increasing number of horses, particularly competition horses, are now affected by this neuromuscular disorder. The causes remain largely unknown. Shivering is considered incurable and can severely impair the horse in some cases. Large, heavy, and male horses between the ages of four and seven, as well as horses with naturally high muscle tone, are particularly at risk.
This infectious disease caused by the coronavirus affects only cats and occurs worldwide. The disease remains one of the most common causes of death in cats. The name is derived from the most common symptom of this disease, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining).
The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes between birds, but also to humans, horses, and other mammals. For a long time, it only occurred on the African continent. However, since 1999, the West Nile virus has also spread to the US. In 2018, it was detected for the first time in birds and two horses in Germany (Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt). Since then, infections have occurred in the summer and fall months. Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony are particularly affected. However, more and more cases are now also occurring in Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bavaria. West Nile infection is a notifiable animal disease.
Testicular tumors are the second most common type of tumor in male dogs and account for four to seven percent of all tumors in dogs overall. There are different types of tumors, with dogs with one or two undescended testicles (= cryptorchidism) having a significantly increased risk of developing a testicular tumor.
Unfortunately, our pets are not immune to cancer either. Malignant lymphoma is a malignant tumor that originates in cells of the immune system. Since these cells are mainly found in lymph glands, it is also referred to as lymph gland cancer.
Feline asthma, or cat asthma, is a chronic respiratory disease that, like asthma in humans, is triggered by an allergic reaction. Typical signs of feline asthma include severe coughing or wheezing. Young to middle-aged cats are most commonly affected.
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 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 produces antibodies against its own structures, this is referred to as an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the body, thereby damaging certain functions and organs—in some cases leading to their complete destruction. Autoimmune diseases in dogs include various forms of the pemphigus and lupus complexes. The individual diseases are distinguished based on the different target structures in the body.
This brain disorder, which has not yet been fully researched in dogs, causes seizures that can be very frightening for dog owners. Epilepsy can be treated very effectively with medication, but its cause is still not fully understood.
The prostate gland is the most important sex gland in male dogs. It is located behind the bladder and surrounds the beginning of the urethra. The secretion produced by the prostate gland is a component of semen and is ejaculated together with the sperm produced in the testicles. Prostate disorders are usually diagnosed in older, unneutered male dogs. These disorders can cause various changes in the gland.
