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Tag: hip dysplasia

  • Communicating Behavioral Issues with Your Veterinarian

    During a routine checkup, does your veterinarian ask about behavioral issues your animal may be having? If they don’t ask, you should tell.

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    This is one of our Poppy's worried looks. She tends to be a bit of a nervous Nellie and this is always a topic of conversation with her vet.

    Some things that we, as animal guardians, may think of as behavioral issues can be symptoms of a physical problem. Other concerns may be ones that your veterinarian may be ready, able, and willing to help you correct with expert guidance or, in some cases, medications.

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    Poppy has just had a checkup with a clean bill of health so we know her anxious looks are not from pain or illness.

    Symptomatic Behaviors

    Just as you may be a bit grumpy if you are in pain, your dog or cat may misbehave because something is hurting. Since some animals try to hide signs of weakness, such as pain, this can be an important lead that you should investigate.

    Any sudden change in behavior is worth noting and if it continues, see a professional. Jumpiness in an animal could be a sign they are losing eyesight or hearing and that your approach is startling them.

    Other medical causes of unusual behavior are arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, sore teeth, thyroid problems, epilepsy/seizures, ear infections, digestive issues, skin or environmental allergies, yeast infections, and cancer. Kidney or liver disease can result in toxins in the bloodstream. And, sadly, the aging process sometimes results in cognitive decline which can change your animal’s personality.

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    We keep log books on all aspects of Poppy's life.

    Your Report

    Your description of the behavior should be comprehensive. Keep a log before you speak with the medical team. Note what the animal is doing, how often, any possible changes in your home that might be impacting the dog or cat, and what you have tried to do to correct the behavior.

    Once any medical causes are ruled out and any medical treatment is completed, you may still have to address some residual issues. Ask for options starting with the simplest changes before moving on to more serious remedies. Whenever possible, begin with training that you can try at home.

    Should the veterinarian suggest medication, ask for the mildest option first. Finally, before you resort to stronger methods, ask for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. This would be either a veterinarian with advanced training who is diplomate certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) or a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA.)

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino adapted for BostonZest from one of her City Paws newspaper columns
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Dog Breed Health Issues with a Link to a Comprehensive List by Breed

    Just as human genetics put us at higher risk for various health issues, the health challenges that you might face with different breeds of dogs can be somewhat predicted, monitored, and perhaps avoided.

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    Healthiest Breeds

    If you wanted to choose a dog based on the probability of good health, you might be best to adopt a mixed breed or a working dog that is still used for its original purpose like a Foxhound or Australian Cattle Dog.

    In a post on the 10 Healthiest Dog Breeds, Jennifer Coates, DVM veterinary advisor to petMD.com had an explanation for those choices. “A recent study showed that mix breed dogs were significantly less likely to develop ten genetically based diseases, including some types of heart disease, musculoskeletal problems, allergic skin disease, and hyperthyroidism.”

    As for those working dogs she said, “When breeders focus on function instead of just good looks, they naturally weed out the dogs that develop debilitating illnesses or injuries.”

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    Examples of Health Issues by Breed

    Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and other breeds with what appear to be pushed in faces can have brachycephalic syndrome that can lead to severe respiratory distress.

    Breeds with bulging eyes, like Pugs and Boston Terriers, are at risk for eye problems. Have your vet brief you on what to do if an accident causes your dog’s eye to dislocate from the socket.

    Large breeds, such as German Shepherds and Labs, can have hip dysplasia. This can also happen in Golden Retrievers who may also suffer from allergy, eye, and heart problems.

    Giant Breeds, like the Great Dane, do have shorter life spans and must be fed carefully to prevent bloat and rapid puppy growth that can cause Wobbler Syndrome (a neurologic disease). Bloat is also a problem with German Shorthaired Pointers.

    Dachshunds can have back problems. Mitral valve disease is common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Greyhounds suffer from malignant bone cancer more than any other breed. Epilepsy can occur in Poodles along with hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s syndrome.

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    Here's That Link to More Information for Your Dog

    The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association has published an extensive, cross-referenced “Guide to Congenital and Heritable Disorders in Dogs." Once you know about the conditions that might occur in your dog, you can work with your veterinary team to keep a watch and take preventative steps.

    Should you have your heart set on a particular breed, (like the adorable King Charles puppy above) despite what you learn about health issues, work with a responsible breeder who will be open about how their breeding program has addressed these issues. Ask for multiple references to people with dogs from their line who are free of the conditions.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino (adapted from a previously published City Paws Newspaper column)
    Photos: ©2011-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino