Educational Articles
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Pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
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Porcupine quills can puncture the skin and move through muscle, ultimately penetrating into body cavities and internal organs. They contain barbs like fishhooks and tend to migrate inwards instead of being expelled. Do not cut quills or attempt to remove the quills yourself. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog is quilled. Sedation or anesthesia is required to remove quills safely.
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Pulmonary thromboembolism describes a condition in which a blood clot lodges in one of the pulmonary arteries, blocking blood flow into the portion of the lung served by that artery. The signs of pulmonary thromboembolism include sudden difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, decreased appetite, fainting, coughing, spitting up blood, weakness, exercise intolerance, and the inability to get comfortable. Sudden death is possible. This article discusses potential causes, treatment, and prognosis.
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Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening infection in the uterus, occurring in female dogs who have not been spayed. The condition must be treated quickly and aggressively. The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries by performing an ovariohysterectomy. There is a medical approach to treating pyometra, although the success rate is highly variable and not without considerable risk and potential long-term complications.
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Pyothorax occurs when pus or inflammatory fluids collect in the space around the lungs causing fever, anorexia, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. It is diagnosed through history, physical exam, radiographs, and thoracocentesis. Treatment with oral antibiotics is essential and may involve repeated thoracocentesis or the placement of a chest drain.
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Sago Palms are pretty plants but beware—they pack a deadly punch for pets. The popular Sago Palm enhances outdoor landscapes in warmer areas of the U.S. and serves as indoor decor in many colder climates. All parts of the Sago Palm are poisonous, but the seeds (nuts) are the most toxic to pets. As with all poisoning cases, early detection and treatment increases the rate of success.
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Seizures and syncope are commonly confused with one another due to similarities in the appearance of these episodes. Both present with collapse but there are several details, explained in this handout, that can differentiate between them, which is important for determining treatment. The prognosis for each condition varies depending on the underlying causes.
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Seizures are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs. A seizure may also be referred to as a convulsion or fit and is characterized by a temporary involuntary disturbance of normal brain function, usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle tremors or spasms. There are many causes of seizures. Once anticonvulsant medication is started, it must be given for life.
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Shar-Pei recurrent fever syndrome is a hereditary condition that affects nearly one in four Shar-Pei dogs. Affected dogs experience recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation, with no identifiable underlying cause. Inflammatory cytokines released during fever episodes contribute to the production of a protein called amyloid which is then deposited in a variety of internal organs, resulting in a condition known as amyloidosis. Signs that may accompany the fever episodes include swelling of the hocks and muzzle, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort. Colchicine is the drug of choice for the long-term treatment. Affected dogs can often be managed, but the condition will affect them for the remainder of their lives. If your dog is already showing signs of chronic kidney disease, your veterinarian will also develop a treatment plan to address the kidney disease.
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Skunks spray volatile compounds from their anal sacs if they feel threatened by a potential predator such as a dog. Dogs can come across a skunk in rural or urban areas but most often at dawn or dusk and in areas where skunks make their den. Avoiding these areas at these times is the best way to avoid a skunk encounter. If sprayed in the face your dog may need veterinary care, as corneal damage can occur if sprayed in the eyes, and vomiting, diarrhea, or anemia can result if sprayed in the mouth. Washing the offending oils from the dog is complicated, but there are several commercial skunk shampoos that are good for this. If these are not available a combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap can be used to help in the short term. It is important to avoid getting this solution in the eyes or mouth as the ingredients can be irritating and create more problems. Skunks may carry rabies so avoid contact between them and your dog.