Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs. This aggressive tumor develops in the bone, has a high metastasis rate (spread rate), and occurs mainly in large dogs and giant breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Greyhounds are at increased risk of developing osteosarcoma. In these breeds, the tumors mainly occur in the long bones of the limbs. Smaller dog breeds are significantly less affected. Here, the tumors are more likely to be found on the short, flat bones of the trunk.
The exact causes of osteosarcoma are still unknown. Various physical and chemical influences, as well as traumatic and genetic factors, are suspected to be triggering factors.
The disease first manifests itself in the form of lameness and pain in the affected limbs. As the tumor grows rapidly, significant swelling can also be seen. Since osteosarcomas very often metastasize (spread) to the lungs, the onset of breathing difficulties is an indication of existing secondary tumors in the lung tissue. As the pain increases and the metastasis progresses, the dog's general condition also begins to deteriorate. A disturbed carbohydrate and protein metabolism leads to typical tumor cachexia (= emaciation).
The veterinarian will first conduct a thorough clinical examination, which, in conjunction with a detailed preliminary report from the owner, can provide initial indications of the disease. X-rays of the affected limb are essential for further diagnosis. In most cases, the X-ray already shows a pattern that is very characteristic of a primary bone tumor.
However, in order to determine the exact type of bone tumor, a biopsy (tissue sample) followed by laboratory testing is necessary, which is not always easy to perform. Computed tomography can be used to determine the exact extent of the tumor and whether soft tissue is involved. This examination method is also suitable for detecting any metastases that may be present. A blood count should always be performed, as the activity of certain enzymes provides important information for the prognosis of osteosarcoma.
The treatment of osteosarcoma depends greatly on the extent and stage of the tumor. In most cases, metastasis has already occurred at the time of diagnosis, meaning that conservative measures are unlikely to be successful.
The only way to effectively treat the tumor is to surgically remove the affected bone, which usually involves amputating the affected limb. Some specialized surgeons can perform limb-sparing surgery followed by bone grafting if the tumor is in a certain location. Chemotherapy should always be administered in parallel with surgical treatment in order to limit or delay possible metastasis. Unlike humans, dogs tolerate chemotherapy relatively well.
If surgical treatment is no longer possible or desired, radiation of the diseased bone (radiotherapy) can be used to relieve pain and improve lameness. In combination with chemotherapy, this can extend the dog's survival time by three to five months.
Complete cure of osteosarcoma is still not possible. However, with the help of a combination of surgical amputation, pain management, and chemotherapy, the quality of life of the affected dog can be improved and its life expectancy significantly extended. More than half of all dogs treated in this way survive for more than a year, and a third even survive for more than two years. In general, the earlier the tumor is detected and treated, the lower the tendency to metastasize and the better the prognosis.
Many people like dogs or cats, others want a budgie, and still others bring a snake into their home. Perhaps a somewhat unusual choice of pet, but with expertise and a love for this particular species, it can become a special relationship for both human and animal.
Cats can do something we cannot: see clearly, even in the dark. It can be exciting and intimidating to look a cat in the eyes, because they will surely win the "blinking game" and are otherwise superior to us in terms of vision.
Bearded dragons are somewhat reminiscent of miniature dinosaurs – a fascinating species of reptile. These interesting lizards can become very attached to their owners and form close bonds with them.
Stomach ulcers have long been considered an "occupational disease" in racehorses and competition horses. It was thought that early training, the stress of the racetrack, or frequent transport to international competitions caused stomach ulcers. However, we now know that this condition can affect horses of all breeds and performance levels. Even your neighbor's pony, grazing peacefully in the meadow, could be suffering from a stomach ulcer. Although around 90% of all racehorses are still affected by stomach ulcers, the proportion of leisure horses with the condition now stands at 37%.
It's pretty much every cat owner's worst nightmare: your pet has eaten something poisonous! Now you need to act fast – get your cat to the vet immediately.
This herpesvirus specific to dogs (CHV-1) is the main pathogen responsible for kennel cough and is also the main cause of fertility problems with a high mortality rate in dogs. Like the human herpes virus, the canine herpes virus can retreat into the host cell and cause latent (present but not visible) and persistent (ongoing) infections that can be reactivated by stress.
Hematology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood, the blood-forming system, such as anemia or coagulation disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Many eye surgeries that have long been common in humans are now also performed on animals. There are now a number of veterinary specialists in ophthalmology (=ophthalmologists).
Even after centuries of domestication and breeding, the horse remains a flight animal. Some behaviors are undesirable to us humans, but they are not behavioral disorders; rather, they are part of the horse's natural nature. These include, for example, shying, bucking, or bolting. A typical behavioral disorder, on the other hand, is cribbing.
Sebadenitis is a progressive inflammatory change in the sebaceous glands of the skin in dogs and cats, which ultimately leads to their irreversible destruction. The disease was first described in dogs in 1986.
The most common types of horse husbandry are classic stabling, free-range stabling (active stables), paddock trails, seasonal grazing, and open stabling. One thing should be clear to every horse owner. Horses want to run. In the steppe, they sometimes spend up to 16 hours a day searching for food and water. They graze as they roam across the land. Now, our horses have been bred and domesticated for our time together with them; they are no longer steppe ponies. We feed them and care for them. Nevertheless, horses need exercise. We should definitely keep this in mind when choosing how to keep our horses. This also means that keeping horses exclusively in stalls without a sufficiently large paddock for free movement is not species-appropriate. In addition, contact with other horses must always be ensured, as horses are herd animals.
Bitless riding simply means riding without a bit in the horse's mouth. There are many different reasons and just as many ways to ride a horse without a bit. Of course, there are always disadvantages as well as advantages. Think about which bitless bridle suits you, your horse, and your riding style in advance. And finally, practice makes perfect.
