Shar Pei fever, also known as Familial Shar Pei fever, or Swollen Hock Syndrome, is an hereditary disorder of the Shar Pei. Vets believe that the disease occurs due to abnormal immune function. The disease can greatly increase your dog’s chances of developing liver or kidney disease later on. Read on to learn more about this hereditary disorder.

Causes and Risk Factors of Shar Pei Fever

Shar Pei fever occurs in Shar Pei dogs of both genders. Shar Pei mixes can also succumb to this disease. Symptoms appear most often before the age of one and a half years, but they can … read more

Symptoms of thyroid problems are so pronounced that any given condition is not likely to go undetected.

Thyroid problems in dogs might seem like an uncommon thing, but they are quite commonly diagnosed in many breeds. While no breed is immune from thyroid disorders, some breeds are affected more than others. These include mid to large size breeds such as cocker spaniels, dachshunds, greyhounds, Airedale terriers, Irish setters, golden retrievers, and Doberman pinschers. Certain age groups are affected as well, specifically ages four to ten.

Symptoms of Thyroid Problems in Dogs

The thyroid gland regulates the use of body weight, food, heart rate, … read more

Pituitary tumor symptoms often include vision problems, hair loss, skin problems and lethargy. Pituitary tumors in canines are most commonly benign, but these tumors may also be malignant and may metastasize in other areas of the body. Due to the location of the tumor, this will have severe effects on the overall health of the dog, regardless if the tumor is benign or malignant. For this reason, an early detection of the problem is important, so you need to pay attention to your pet’s symptoms.

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is situated under the brain and is an endocrine gland. … read more

Hypothyroidism symptoms in dogs may often be too subtle to recognize, but if you pay attention, you can find a few signs that may indicate that the dog is affected by a thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by the insufficient production of thyroid hormones in the body. The dog needs these hormones for his metabolism and a few other functions. While the symptoms may not be present or may not be specific to hypothyroid disease, a blood test can indicate precisely if the dog has low thyroid hormone levels.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms in Dogs

Hypothyroidism symptoms may be subtle or specific … read more

Hyperthyroid symptoms in dogs occur when hyperthyroidism, a disease of the endocrine system, develops. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland, a small gland in the throat that produces metabolic thyroid hormones, becomes overactive. As a result, it produces too much hormone, which can lead to severe metabolic problems. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and treatment of this endocrine disorder of dogs.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism in Dogs

Hyperthyroidism is a relatively rare canine disorder. Hypothyroidism, a disorder which causes the thyroid gland to produce too little of its hormone, is far more common. Hyperthyroidism in dogs is usually caused by carcinoma … read more

The symptoms of underactive thyroid in dogs should be identified early as this disorder can affect the entire body and result in further health complications. An underactive thyroid gland results in lowered production of hormones by the gland, thus resulting in a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is very common in dogs and leads to a lowered metabolic rate.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an endocrinal disorder that affects the thyroid gland. This in turn leads to the production of insufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone, thyroxin. Hypothyroidism can adversely affect many organs of the body and can cause diverse problems.

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid … read more

Increased drinking and urinating

Q: Dr. Mike,

Wilma, my 7yr. female Dalmatian has gained 10 pounds in two months, drinks a large amount of water and pants. Her vet ran the ACTH test for Cushings. Negative. Urinary infection and diabetes also negative. What are your recommendations?

Bob

A: Bob-

There are more than 20 disorders that can lead to increased drinking and urinating. It can be frustrating to sort through them all but the only thing that you can do is to start somewhere, as you have done, and eliminate the disorders until you find the one that is causing the problem. The list of … read more

Question: First, thanks for answering my first question a few months ago. I’ve been enjoying this service! Anyway, we just got a new dog. Actually, he’s new to us. He was a rescue dog from the pound. The pound said he was anywhere between 6 and 8, while our vet said he’s more like 10. Either way, I have a few concerns. We adopted him because we have a dog already who spends her whole day in the house while we’re at work. We thought having another dog around might be nice for her. Plus, I really love dogs, and … read more

Aural hematoma is a condition that involves the accumulation of blood inside the dog’s ear. It manifests as swollen ear pinna and can be a very painful condition. Dogs with aural hematoma shake their heads without apparent reason and scratch their ears frequently. It is important to proceed with treatment as soon as possible. The pain it causes should be managed as well for the comfort of the dog.

Symptoms of Aural Hematoma in Dogs

Aural hematoma develops as blood and other fluids accumulating in  the lobe or flap … read more

Detached retina in dogs can occur when the retina, or the part of the eye that perceives light, becomes detached from the back of the eye. Detached retina can cause blindness in dogs, if not treated right away. Read on to learn more about this potentially debilitating eye condition.

Types and Causes of Detached Retina in Dogs

There are three types of retinal detachment that can affect dogs. They are:

• Traction detachment, which usually occurs due to some sort of trauma that forcefully detaches the retina from the back of … read more