Wobblers Syndrome (also known as cervical spondylomyopathy) is a spinal disease that affects the necks (cervical spine) of large breed dogs (including Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Basset Hounds). The term “wobbler’s syndrome” references the way a dog moves when he/she has this condition. The condition is painful for the dog and is the result …
Reviewed by: Paula Simons, DVM Bringing a new puppy home is very exciting! The first thing you want to do is introduce him or her to your friends and family. Who doesn’t want to hold and play with a puppy? There’s nothing wrong with showing off the new addition to your family. However, until your …
The Bordetella vaccine for dogs isn’t considered to be part of the core vaccine schedule. It’s important to remember, however, the dogs can pick up viruses and bacteria at a variety of places including doggie daycare centers, boarding kennels, training classes, and from professional groomers. This post will cover the dangers of bacteria and viruses, …
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord. It affects older dogs and is similar to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in humans. In dogs, it starts as a limp or a wobble in the hind before progressing to eventual paralysis. The paralysis is caused by the gradual deterioration of white matter from the spinal …
What is the life expectancy of a dog with dilated cardiomyopathy? While the overall prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), also known as an enlarged heart, isn’t good, a dog’s ultimate lifespan will depend on how advanced the disease is, how early it was caught, and having a good treatment plan. If your dog was recently …
Hyperkeratosis in dogs is a condition that causes an overproduction of Keratin in the body. Keratin is the structural protein that makes up your hair, skin and nails. Normally, Keratin provides a protective barrier to the skin. However, when there’s too much of it, it builds up and causes problems. In dogs, the buildup of …
As pet parents, we understand that as our dogs age, they will naturally develop white hair on their bodies, especially around their faces. Depigmentation that occurs in younger dogs is usually caused by vitiligo. Vitiligo in dogs is a condition that causes a loss of pigment in the skin. This rare condition is considered harmless. …
This post was reviewed by Sara Ochoa, DVM on September 12, 2022 Von Willebrand Disease in dogs is a blood clotting disorder that falls under the broader term of hemophilia. It was first discovered in 1926 (nearly a hundred years ago) by Erik von Willebrand. Von Willebrand disease in dogs is caused by a blood …
If you have a new puppy, you’ve probably heard about parvovirus. You may even know someone who’s dog contracted the highly contagious disease. If so, you already have a good understanding of how dangerous the virus can be. No matter what your thoughts are on vaccinations, it’s vital that you get your dog vaccinated against …
Histiocytoma in dogs are benign tumors, meaning they are non-cancerous. They usually occur in dogs under 2 years of age and affect certain breeds including Bull Terriers, Boston Terriers, and Boxers, to name a few. Unlike its cousin the mast cell tumor, histiocytomas are more of a nuisance than a danger. You’ll most likely find …
