Jenifer

Eclampsia in dogs is a fatal condition characterized by a decrease in calcium levels in the blood. In certain cases, this disease develops in breastfeeding dogs within weeks after birth. Most often, eclampsia develops one to five weeks after birth, when the mother absorbs the most milk. While rare, it may also occur in pregnant dogs or during pregnancy. Eclampsia: What Are The Causes? The cause of eclampsia is not often identified, but it could be due to: • excessive loss of calcium from mother to developing fetal skeletons • supplementation of calcium during pregnancy • the production of milk after birth • not receiving a healthy premium growth and development diet while pregnant and breastfeeding, or hormonal issues with the parathyroid gland. Females who are particularly attentive to their puppies, appear to be more likely to get eclampsia. Breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Miniature Pincher, Shih Tzu and other small breeds are at higher risk. Eclampsia: What Are The Signs? Signs in a female dog are a direct consequence of hypocalcaemia and may occur during pregnancy or in the postpartum period during lactation. Panting and restlessness are early signs that need to be looked for. Some female dogs have mild tremors, twitching and muscle spasms, with apparent stiffness in their gestures. Whining, excessive salivation, pacing and dizziness are also generally reported. Hypocalcaemia can slow down the progression of labour during pregnancy. Low calcium levels in a dog cause weakness, dystocia and ineffective delivery of puppies. Eclampsia: Are There Any Diagnostic Tests Available? The diagnosis of eclampsia is suspected on the basis of a history or physical evidence that the dog is lactating and the occurrence of normal clinical symptoms. Other evidence might include the presence of a large litter and the size of the dog. To measure calcium levels, a blood test may be prescribed. Low calcium levels or a positive response to calcium intake confirms the diagnosis. Eclampsia: What Is The Treatment? Treatment includes rapid intravenous doses with calcium and other medicines. Intravenous calcium should be handled very carefully and steadily. Some dogs will need anti-seizure medications to control seizures and tetanus. Oral calcium supplements and weaning of puppies as soon as possible are normally needed for follow-up treatment. Usually, recovery from eclampsia is swift and complete if diagnosed and treated appropriately. Eclampsia: How Can I Prevent It? The best way to prevent eclampsia is to avoid calcium supplements during pregnancy and to feed the pregnant dog a well-balanced, high-quality food. Calcium supplementation of the dog may be beneficial until the puppies are born and are starting to nurse. Supplemental feeding of puppies may also be helpful, especially for large pups.

Mesothelioma is a rare disease in dogs. Usually found in older dogs, mesothelioma is more widespread in males than females; however, it may occur in juveniles and females. Some dogs are at higher risk of contracting mesothelioma, the highest being the German Shepherd. It is an unusual tumor that occurs from the lining cells of the peritoneal, pleural, and pericardial cavities or the vaginal tunic of the testis. Tumors are typically solid and pink. Mesothelioma is most common in older dogs and has an estimated lifespan of 8 years. Types and Symptoms of Canine Mesothelioma There are many distinct kinds of mesothelioma which can be diagnosed in dogs. Pleural Mesothelioma attacks the pleura or lining of the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma attacks the mesothelioma lining of the abdomen, recognized as the peritoneum. Pericardial mesothelioma attacks the outer lining of the heart. Testicular Mesothelioma attacks the lining of the testes. In most cases, signs will not start showing up until the late stages of the disease, but they manifest in various ways. The most common signs are: Respiratory distress: intense, uncomfortable breathing, abnormally quick breathing or shortness of breath. Trouble in travelling or resistance to exercise. Stomach discomfort. Sleep disorders or lethargy. Muffled heart, lung and abdominal echo. Enlarged scrotum.         Diagnosing Canine Mesothelioma Your veterinarian will perform veterinary tests on your dog, taking into account background clinical records, onset of symptoms, and potential events that may have precipitated this disorder. A full blood profile will be performed, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. X-rays of the chest and abdominal cavities may be the most important medical assistance for mesothelioma diagnosis. Radiograph and ultrasound scans can also be used to display effusion or masses in the body's cavities and in the lining around the heart. Your veterinarian will also take a sample of blood for a microscopic examination of the fluid. Exploratory or abdominal surgery can be done to extract mesothelial masses for cellular analysis in the laboratory. Recommended: laboratory test kits for dog Treating Canine Mesothelioma  In certain cases, fluid accumulation caused by mesothelioma may be so extreme in vital organs (such as the heart) that the needle or catheter drainage of fluid is a mandatory emergency treatment. For less extreme situations, the fluid is removed as an elective treatment. Surgery can be of some use in some cases of mesothelioma. However, relief, even if it lasts for months to 1 year or longer, is not a permanent solution but will bring a decent quality of life to the dog's normal life cycle.

An immunization (or vaccination) is a great procedure to develop your pet's natural immunity from diseases before they get infected. This prevents them from catching the disease and spreading it. Vaccines prevent infectious, harmful, and deadly diseases from spreading. These include Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), Lyme disease, Leptospira, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (a component factor in causation of kennel cough). If a vaccinated pet comes into contact with these diseases, their immune system is able to respond more efficiently, preventing the disease from spreading or substantially reducing its severity. Vaccines will help keep your pet healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccinations throughout your pet’s life to protect against many infections. When you skip vaccines, you leave your pet endangered to diseases such as Ehrlichia, Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), Lyme disease, Leptospira, Parvovirus and Anaplasmosis. Vaccines would not give your pet a disease they are made to prevent. Your pet cannot catch the disease from the vaccine. Some vaccines contain virus particles, bacteria, or other pathogens that have been grown in culture and then lose disease producing capacity, and it is impossible to get the disease from them. Others have live, but weakened, viruses designed to ensure that your pet cannot catch the disease. Vaccination is very safe and reliable. Vaccines are only given to pets after careful review veterinarians and healthcare professionals. Their side effects are mostly always mild, such as swelling or redness at the area of the injection, but this is nominal compared to the pain, discomfort, and risk of injury and death from diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as extreme allergic reactions, are very rare. The prophylaxis advantages of being immunized are much greater than the potential after-effects for nearly all pets. When your pet gets sick, other pets and family members are at risk, too. A vaccine-preventable disease that could make your pet unhealthy for a week or two could prove harmful to other pets and family members if it spreads to them. When your pet is vaccinated, you protect them and others as well. Cat Scratch Disease, for example, is one of the most common skin diseases in felines that are contagious and harmful to humans. Vaccines are as important to your pet’s overall health as diet and exercise. Like eating nutritious food, exercising, and having routine check-ups, vaccines play a crucial role in keeping your pet healthy. Vaccines are one of the most convenient and secure preventive methods available.