Educational Articles
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Atrial fibrillation describes very rapid contractions or twitching of the heart muscle, specifically in the atria. Most of the time, atrial fibrillation in dogs occurs secondary to heart disease. In some large breed dogs, atrial fibrillation occurs as a primary heart problem. Most dogs who develop atrial fibrillation have underlying heart disease, so the signs that are observed are related to that disease and may include exercise intolerance, cough, or difficulty breathing. Treatment varies depending on whether the dog has primary or secondary atrial fibrillation. Your dog will need to be monitored on a regular basis.
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Atrioventricular (AV) valve dysplasia is a developmental malformation of the mitral or tricuspid valve in the heart. Signs include exercise intolerance, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, weight loss, and stunted growth. Difficulty breathing or collapse may occur if congestive heart failure develops. Treatment of AV valve dysplasia is focused on managing signs of congestive heart failure and/or disturbances in heart rhythm, generally using medications.
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Atropine ophthalmic (brand name Isopto Atropine) is an eye medication used to dilate (enlarge) the pupil. It is used off label (extra label) only, in all veterinary species of animals. Atropine ophthalmic comes in a 1% drop, solution, or ointment form, which is placed directly into the eye.
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AIHA or IMHA is a life-threatening condition that may occur as a primary condition or secondary to another disease. Most dogs with AIHA have severe anemia and their gums will be very pale. They will be anorexic, listless, easily tired, and will have increased heart and respiration rates. Diagnosis involves a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profiles, urinalysis, and X-rays or ultrasound of the abdomen and chest. Treatment may involve blood transfusions and other medications over a prolonged time. The prognosis may be better if an underlying cause can be identified.
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The body has an immune system that protects from foreign invaders that can cause disease and infection, however, if with an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks itself by mistake, causing illness.
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Azathioprine is an immune suppressing medication given by mouth or as an injection and is mainly used off label to treat immune-mediated diseases in dogs. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bone marrow suppression. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to azathioprine or are pregnant. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Azithromycin is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off-label to treat a variety of infections. Give as directed. Common side effects include stomach upset. Do not use in pets that are sensitive to macrolide antibiotics. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Azodyl® is a nutritional supplement that may decrease azotemia, a condition in which there is too much nitrogen (in the form of urea, creatinine, and other waste products) in the blood. Azotemia occurs in both dogs and cats that have chronic kidney disease (CKD). In theory, Azodyl® works by adding nitrogen-consuming bacteria into the intestines. Azodyl® should be considered an adjunct (secondary) treatment for CKD.
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Babesiosis is a tick-borne infection due to Babesia protozoal parasites. The disease primarily spreads through an infected tick's bite, but direct animal-to-animal transmission may also occur. Dogs typically present with the acute and severe form of babesiosis, characterized by abnormal dark urine, fever, weakness, pale mucous membranes, depression, swollen lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen. The disease can be transmitted to humans through a tick bite.
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Bacterial pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but can be caused by inhalation of an irritant. Typical signs of bacterial pneumonia include fever, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and coughing. As these can also be caused by other diseases, diagnostics include a full physical exam, blood work, and radiographs, and may also require bronchoscopy or tracheal lavage to collect samples for cytology and bacterial culture and sensitivity. Treatment includes the use of one or more antibiotics that ideally would be selected using the results of a culture. Affected dogs may also require hospitalization and supportive care including intravenous fluids. The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and whether there are any predisposing factors.