This term refers to a deforming disease of the spine. It occurs mainly in large dogs and involves spur-like or bridge-shaped bony growths on the underside, side, or, in rare cases, the top of the vertebral body.
The disease occurs more frequently than average in German boxers, but can affect any breed of dog. The spine and its ligaments are constantly exposed to tensile, compressive, and shear forces. It is believed that spondylosis is caused by this strain and the slow development of wear and tear on the bones and ligaments. If the ligaments of the small vertebral joints also become ossified, this is referred to as spondylarthrosis, which can also be accompanied by more pronounced symptoms.
If the changes are located in the lower part of the spine, there are hardly any noticeable symptoms, as the spinal cord is not constricted by the ossification. The affected dog's physical performance is not impaired at all or only slightly. A certain stiffness may be observed.
Growths in the upper part of the vertebral body can gradually constrict the nerves emerging from the vertebral foramina, which can lead to pain and paralysis. Spondylosis located at the transition from the lumbar to the caudal spine causes the most problems for dogs, as it leads to instability of the sacrum.
Most cases of spondylosis are incidental findings that are noticed during an X-ray examination performed for another reason. The X-ray image allows the veterinarian to precisely locate the typical changes and determine the extent of the formation.
The ossification occurring in the spine cannot be stopped. Treatment is therefore aimed exclusively at alleviating the symptoms. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used for severe pain. Fractures of the bony bridges cause severe pain and are virtually untreatable. If neurological deficits have already occurred, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerves.
As this is a wear-related condition, prevention is only possible to a limited extent. However, certain factors that contribute to the condition should be avoided. These include putting young dogs under too much stress too early and obesity. You can use the petsXL health passport to clearly record and monitor your dog's weight. Breeding associations for affected breeds should reduce the risk of the disease through breeding hygiene measures.
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects cats but can also be transmitted to humans, which is why it is classified as a zoonosis. Humans are considered intermediate hosts, although clinical symptoms do not usually occur. It only becomes truly dangerous when pregnant women come into contact with toxoplasma for the first time and the pathogen infects the unborn child.
Just like in humans, the lung tissue of dogs can become inflamed. Medically referred to as pneumonia, this condition is also a serious illness in dogs and can lead to death if left untreated.
Heatstroke occurs when the internal body temperature rises above 41 degrees Celsius, which can cause life-threatening physical damage. Sunstroke, on the other hand, refers to heat accumulation in the area of the meninges caused by intense sunlight on the animal's head, which can also lead to the death of the patient in severe cases. The body temperature does not necessarily have to be elevated in sunstroke.
The air sacs of horses are part of the upper respiratory tract. They develop in foals as a mucous membrane protrusion on both sides of the Eustachian tube (the connection between the middle ear and the nasopharyngeal cavity), each with a capacity of approximately 300 ml. Air sacs are found exclusively in equines and some other odd-toed ungulates, making them a unique feature. There are various theories about the function of the air sacs. The most likely is that they serve to cool the brain. There is a connection between the horse's throat and the air sacs, which is why infections of the upper respiratory tract can also spread to the air sacs. The most important diseases of the air sacs are described below.
Neoplasms of the mammary gland account for more than half of all cancers in female dogs. These benign or malignant tumors occur primarily in older, unspayed female dogs and initially appear as small, nodular changes along the entire mammary gland, which can later become very large. Different types of mammary tumors can occur.
Most horse owners are now familiar with Cushing's syndrome and its symptoms in horses. A disease with very similar symptoms is equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). In its early stages, it is therefore often confused with equine Cushing's syndrome. But what is the difference?
The topic of deworming is a recurring discussion among horse owners. For anyone wondering whether it is necessary to deworm their horse, the answer is yes. Anyone who has ever seen how vast numbers of worms can completely block parts of the small or large intestine during colic surgery will no longer ask this question. Without treatment, worm infestation can become life-threatening for horses. Initially, a noticeable increase in tail rubbing may be an indication of this. As the infestation progresses, internal organs can be damaged and colic can occur. The horse loses weight despite being fed adequately. The parasites weaken the horse more and more. Regular deworming is necessary to reduce the infestation to a level that is tolerable for the horse's organism. It is almost impossible to completely rid the horse of worms, as new infections will always occur through the environment. There are two methods of deworming: strategic and selective deworming. You should avoid alternative deworming methods.
Endoscopy is an imaging, minimally invasive procedure in which body cavities and hollow organs can be viewed and examined using an endoscope. Endoscopes are either rigid or flexible and have a light source and a camera at the front that transmits the image directly to a screen.
Imaging diagnostics refers to all diagnostic procedures that use diagnostic devices to generate two- or even three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. These images can be used to detect disease-related changes, among other things.
Having a horse as a partner is something very special. There are many different types of equestrian sports, so everyone can find something that fulfills them and that both humans and horses enjoy. We have listed some of the most well-known disciplines and terms for you below.
Many riders get it at some point: tournament fever—the desire to compete and measure themselves against others who share the same passion. However, it's not quite as simple as just jumping in. In competitive sports, you have to meet a few requirements before you can embark on your adventure as a rider-horse team. Depending on the type of riding or driving, there are various rules and regulations that must be observed. Below you will find the most important information for classic English riding.
The question of finding the right horse is certainly on the minds of many seekers. It is difficult to say right away whether you, as a buyer, will develop a deep connection with a horse you have tried out. Friendship and love grow over time. However, giving it some thought beforehand will certainly help you find your perfect horse in the end.
