Typical canine allergic reactions are itchy skin or gastrointestinal signs that develop over time. With anaphylaxis, things happen quickly. Anaphylactic shock is a full-blown, immediate reaction to an allergen.

What Is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a “type 1 hypersensitivity reaction,” which is an immediate, huge reaction to an allergen. It’s an overreaction, basically, with a massive output of histamine by mast cells.

In people, the first reaction is usually respiratory. In dogs, diarrhea and vomiting are the most reported first signs, as the liver is a primary target organ. Swelling (hives), drooling, shock, seizures, difficulty breathing, and death may follow quickly.

Dogs Anaphylaxis Timeline

Signs of anaphylaxis tend to start within 5 to 30 minutes of exposure to the offending antigen and worsen. In dogs, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea are usually noticed first. If an insect bite or sting is involved, you may see hives or obvious tissue swelling right away. When anaphylaxis hits, it can quickly become anaphylactic shock.

In anaphylactic shock, the dog’s blood vessels dilate, so less oxygenated blood is available to the tissues. The heart speeds up to compensate, but vital organs like the brain and the heart itself are deprived. Anaphylactic shock is not common, but it can be fatal without rapid treatment. If you suspect this severe allergic reaction, head to the nearest veterinary clinic ASAP. Call them on the way, so they know you’re arriving.

Treatment for Dogs with Anaphylactic Shock

Treatment aims at counteracting the histamine release that is behind the clinical signs. Your veterinarian will administer corticosteroids and antihistamines along with epinephrine to work to constrict those dilated blood vessels. Dogs who are severely affected may need an endotracheal tube placed to ensure breathing is not threatened. Intravenous fluids may be required to restore vascular homeostasis (blood vessel function).

People known to suffer from anaphylaxis are often dispensed an EpiPen so they can get epinephrine right away. There are currently no EpiPens for dogs. However, because epinephrine is the main drug for treatment, your veterinarian may prescribe an EpiPen “off label” with very clear instructions for use, if a dog is at risk for anaphylactic shock. This may not be possible with small- or medium-sized dogs.

Prevention of Anaphylaxis

Obviously, if your dog has suffered an anaphylactic event, you want to avoid a recurrence. If the reaction was due to an insect sting, you will need to be super vigilant about checking your yard and home for insects such as bees and wasps.

If you can identify a food trigger, avoid that food. The same for a medication trigger. There are almost always other medications that can provide the same, or very similar treatment.

With vaccinations, if the reaction was mild (simple swelling of the muzzle for example), your veterinarian may break your dog’s vaccines down and limit him to only the necessary core vaccines, given a month apart.

Veterinarians often will pre-medicate the dog by having you come in early for an appointment and giving your dog some corticosteroids, for example. They will often then have you wait for at least 30 minutes before leaving the clinic to catch any possible reaction early on. For some dogs, going to titers to verify immunity is a solution, although many states will not accept titers for proof of rabies vaccination.

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What Is Dog Hip Dysplasia?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The head of the femur (the long bone below the hip) is the “ball” that should fit comfortably into the acetabulum, which is the concave “socket” on the pelvis. Ideally, these two areas develop, fit, and grow together, fitting neatly.

With dysplasia, the two parts don’t fit together tightly and fully. The femur head may be totally out of the socket of the acetabulum, or the acetabulum may be flattened to some extent, so it doesn’t “cup” the femoral head. In hip dysplasia, there is joint laxity that will contribute to the development of arthritis over time.

When Does Dysplasia Show Up in a Dog?

Severe cases of hip dysplasia may show up in a puppy as early as 4 months of age, but generally owners or veterinarians notice problems at 9 months to 1 year of age. Mild cases may not get diagnosed until a dog is even older, usually with clinical signs due to secondary osteoarthritis.

It can be difficult to identify a hip problem in young puppies, especially if the problem is mild. Puppies tend to move a bit galumpy, especially large and giant breeds, which tend to have the highest rates of hip problems. Some people think there is a puppy dog hip dysplasia stance, which is described as a narrow hind-leg stance, but the puppy’s gait, or movement, is a more telling sign of hip dysplasia.

How Do You Know Your Puppy Has Hip Dysplasia?

Limping is an obvious sign of dysplasia. If both rear legs are affected, however, the gait may appear normal but with a short stride. Within a litter, an affected pup may take longer to get up and get moving. He may be consistently left behind when the others take off running. His movement may appear “wobbly” or ataxic (kind of clumsy).

A puppy who tends to “bunny hop” frequently often has an orthopedic problem. (Many pups will do this occasionally but grow out of it.) You might notice that the pup does not stand square on all four feet but “off loads” weight on one hind leg. You can tell this by looking at the paws. Do they both look the same when standing on level ground? You can also see if your pup reacts the same when you go to pick up one hind leg versus the other.

Puppies with dysplasia often are less active due to soreness. An affected pup may have more trouble doing stairs than littermates. While most puppies don’t show acute pain, some will. Those pups may snap or cry if you touch or try to manipulate the painful hip joint. Astute owners may notice a difference in muscle mass between the two rear legs if only one hip is involved.

Veterinary Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia

Ortolani Sign. Your veterinarian may be able to predict hip dysplasia by checking for the Ortolani Sign, which is a way for your veterinarian to grade hip laxity. This manipulation is based on a test done on newborn human babies. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, “Many primary care veterinarians can perform this exam during the early age, 10 to 16 weeks, often done at vaccination or wellness exams. If the Ortolani Sign is not present, there is a false negative possibility that can be resolved by the quantitative PennHIP method.”

PennHIP radiographs. The PennHIP evaluation for puppy joint laxity can be officially done as young as 16 weeks of age. For definitive diagnosis, the PennHIP radiographs are the way to go. PennHIP requires general anesthesia or heavy sedation, some special equipment, and a certification process completed by veterinarians performing the procedure. A big advantage to this evaluation is that if joint laxity is conformed, the puppy has multiple surgical options available to minimize potential lifelong disability. Some of those surgical procedures are best done by a year of age.

OFA System. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, or OFA, is the best-known radiographic system for evaluating hips in dogs. This involves one film that is evaluated by three veterinary radiologists. A pup can have a preliminary report done at a year of age with a permanent evaluation done at two years of age.

Treatment for Puppy Hip Dysplasia

Owners of puppies with hip dysplasia have four surgical treatment options. These procedures should be done by board-certified veterinary surgeons as these are complicated orthopedic procedures. The future activity level of the puppy will vary with the procedure. Strict post-op care and rehabilitation will be important.

Mild cases of hip dysplasia. Luckily, most dogs with mild hip dysplasia do not require surgery for good quality of life. Diet and nutrition are extremely important. Puppies should not be allowed to get overweight and should be on a balanced diet suitable for puppies (with special consideration for large and giant breed puppies). Slow, steady growth is ideal. Moderate exercise is important as well. This means daily leash walking and low-impact exercise like swimming. You want to keep the affected joints from getting stiff from disuse but not overly strain them.

Rehab helps. If your veterinary clinic has a rehab department, it is ideal to work with them to come up with a program to keep your pup fit but not overstressed. That might involve exercises to do at home, use of a treadmill (dry or underwater), and a walking regimen. Avoid sports like leaping after a flying disc or agility.

Maybe to Supplements. Cartilage protection and joint supplements don’t have extensive clinical proof but, anecdotally, many of them help keep dogs with arthritis comfortable. Discuss which ones make sense for your pup with your veterinarian. Be aware that some dog foods already contain joint supplements, but the amounts included are rarely enough to be therapeutic.

NSAIDs for pain. For days when your pup is in pain, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be needed for good quality of life.

Prevention of Hip Dysplasia

How can you avoid or prevent hip dysplasia? Start by getting a puppy with an extensive health pedigree for good hips—ask the breeder. This means his parents had hip evaluations, as well as aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. While this is not a guarantee of good hips, since it is a polygenic trait with environmental influences, it is a great start.

Keep your puppy slim while growing up. Avoid high joint-stress exercise. That means no long runs, minimal trips up and down lots of steps, and no or minimal jumping while joints are still developing and growth plates have not closed.

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While dogs can get a variety of lip sores and red bumps, but one of the most common is chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis, or “CUPS.” (It’s also sometimes called canine chronic ulcerative stomatitis.)

CUPS Looks like a Cold Sore

CUPS is a very painful lip-sore infection. Dogs with CUPS have inflammation on their gums, the inside of their lips, and possibly even on the roof of their mouths and their tongues. CUPS may cause small ulcers that look like a human’s cold sores.

The base cause of CUPS appears to be an overactive immune response to the bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, especially as plaque on your dog’s teeth. Even a small amount of plaque can lead to this intense and painful reaction. Some breeds seem to have a genetic predisposition to this problem, including Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Greyhounds, and Labrador Retrievers.

Symptoms of CUPS

Signs that might tip you off to a problem vary with the severity of the condition but can include:

• Excessive drooling
• Thick saliva
• Lack of appetite
• Doesn’t drink water
• Abnormally bad breath

Some dogs will develop lip-fold pyoderma as a secondary problem. Your dog’s mouth will be painful, and he may resist you looking in his mouth or working at his dental hygiene. Your veterinarian may sedate your dog to do a thorough oral exam.

Tooth Removal for Lip Infection

Now comes the shocking part: The best treatment is to remove all the dog’s teeth in the affected areas.

This is a difficult surgery that may be split into two sessions as it can take hours. Many of the teeth are not openly diseased or loose but still need to be removed. If any teeth are left, they need to be thoroughly cleaned. They may need to be removed in the future, if the condition recurs. Ideally, a board-certified veterinary dentist would do the surgery.

Aftercare involves pain medications and antibiotics to help prevent any secondary infections. Your dog may need soft, room-temperature food for a bit. Once the mouth is healed, most dogs happily go back to their normal diet, even if it is dry kibble. Any sutures that were needed will dissolve.

CUPS can mimic regular periodontal disease initially. That means an accurate diagnosis may not happen right away. A referral to a board-certified veterinary dentist may be needed to get the definitive diagnosis.

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As much as we hate to see our dogs in pain, you can’t assume the pain relievers we take ourselves are effective, or more importantly, are safe drugs for our dogs.

The answers to the questions “Can I give my dog Tylenol for pain?” and “How much Tylenol can I give my dog?” are short and simple: No and none.

Pain should always be diagnosed by a veterinarian before treatment, and the veterinarian will advise you as to the best and safest way to treat pain in your dog.

Why say ‘no’ to Tylenol and Acetaminophen

While sometimes used in veterinary medicine for dogs under strict guidelines, Tylenol, a common over-the-counter pain reliever for humans, can kill your dog.

When ingested, according to the FDA, acetaminophen can cause severe damage in dogs including:

1. Liver damage, the higher the dose, the worse the damage and risk of liver failure.
2. Red blood cell damage, which causes these cells to lose their capability to carry oxygen throughout the dog’s body.

According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (ACVP), “It is important to note that acetaminophen may be present in multi-symptom cold and allergy products.” Any accidental ingestions of one of these types medications should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can significantly improve the chances of recovery, so if you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol/acetaminophen, contact your veterinarian or a pet-poison hotline, like:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, a 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435

• Pet Poison Helpline, 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661

There may be a charge for these calls.

Signs and symptoms of toxicity, according to ACVP, include weakness, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, blue/purple discoloration of skin or mucous membranes, jaundice, vomiting, significant decrease in body temperature, and facial or paw swelling.

Alternatives to Tylenol

The FDA suggests that veterinarians advise clients about controlling dog pain with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which include these approved-for-dogs drugs:

• Carprofen (brand and generic names)
• Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
• Firocoxib (Previcox)
• Grapiprant (Galliprant)
• Meloxicam (Metacam and generics)
• Robenacoxib (Onsior)

Consult our online guide to pain medications, “Dog Pain Medication: A Guide to Common Drugs,” by Dr. Jennifer Bailey, for more information.

While not as toxic as acetaminophen, these are prescription drugs, so follow your veterinarian’s guidance. Monitor your dog while he is taking any of the NSAID listed above and for a little while after he or she has taken it.

“Every year veterinarians prescribe millions of doses of NSAIDs for dogs with good reason — but many side effects occur. As a group, NSAIDs may affect the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The FDA lists reported side effects in dogs and cats as “vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, and lethargy.”

Most of these side effects are mild, but serious side effects may occur, especially if the drug is not used according to the label. These side effect include gastrointestinal ulcers and perforations and kidney and liver problems that, in some cases, can result in death.

If your pet experiences more severe reactions (e.g., seizures, is unconscious or losing consciousness, or having difficulty breathing), take your dog to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic, along with the bottle that the drug came from. And always keep both prescription and over-the-counter medications stored in a place your dog can’t access.

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The act of licking physically removes any debris that may be contaminating the wound. This can include dirt, rocks, plant matter, hair, glass, and even dead and damaged tissue. It can also physically remove some bacteria that may be in the wound.

Wounds hurt because the damaged nerves in the area send pain signals to the brain. While it may seem counterintuitive to touch a wound to provide pain relief, overloading the nerves can decrease the overall pain. Your dog licks his wounds for the same reason that we rub at cuts, bumps, and bruises.

Dog saliva is antibacterial, but only to a point. Studies have shown that it has a mild antibacterial effect on a few species of bacteria. Unfortunately, dog saliva also has other types of bacteria, which can in turn infect the wound.

Should I Let My Dog Lick His Wound?

No, don’t let your dog lick his wound. Proper first aid and veterinary care will do everything that licking can do, but better. Dogs also tend to keep licking past the point of benefit and can damage the wound further and prevent it from healing.

For small wounds, you can gently clean them at home with a clean cloth, water, and a diluted antiseptic such as chlorhexidine. You can also try a natural antiseptic like a vinegar rinse. Deep or large wounds will require veterinary care to fully clean them and remove any debris, plus determine if sutures are necessary to promote healing.

Your veterinarian can also prescribe safe pain medications for your dog. These might include both oral pain pills and a topical numbing gel on the wound.

Your veterinarian may also prescribe appropriate antibiotics that will be effective against all harmful bacteria that may have contaminated your dog’s wound.

What to Put on Dog Wounds to Stop Licking

To prevent your dog from licking a wound, you can:

• Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or similar device to prevent your dog from reaching the area
• Use a T-shirt, surgery suit, or light bandage to cover the wound and prevent access
• Spray something that tastes bad, such as Bitter Apple spray, on the area to deter your dog from licking

Remember that just because the wound has started to scab over doesn’t mean you can trust your dog yet. Scab formation can be itchy, enticing your dog to lick and chew at the area before it is fully healed.

Why Do Dogs Lick Human Wounds?

Our dogs can’t tell us why they try to lick our wounds, but it’s considered an instinctive response to an open wound. Dogs also lick us as a sign of affection or submission, and the act of licking releases the feel-good chemical serotonin in your dog’s brain.

Unfortunately, dog licking human wounds does not help healing. Just like our dogs, we are much better served by cleaning our wounds with proper medical supplies and seeking medical care for pain medications and antibiotics if needed.

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A 2020 study in Frontiers of Veterinary Science found the age at which we neuter our dogs—with neuter meaning “surgically sterilize” the dog so he or she cannot reproduce—may affect the dog’s lifetime health. This study cited large-dog joint health, the risk of developing cancer, and female urinary incontinence as possible problems from spaying or neutering too early in the dog’s life. That said, the researchers found it ultimately depends upon the breed of the dog: “Guidelines that avoid increasing the risks of a dog acquiring these joint disorders or cancers are laid out for neutering ages on a breed-by-breed and sex basis,” according to the researchers. In other words, there is no “one age fits all” when it comes to neutering or spaying.

An earlier study published in The Journal of the American Veterinary Association also found that the age of neutering or spaying may affect the dog’s joint health—again for large dogs—saying, “In general, large- and giant-breed dogs were more likely than other dogs to have HD (hip dysplasia), CCLD (cranial cruciate ligament deficiency), or both” due to early neutering. Some veterinarians advise waiting until 24 months of age for giant-breed dogs.

And, of course, cancer risk in Golden Retrievers is a well-known concern, with a lifetime study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation. The chance of cancer in female Goldens is so high it almost makes the issue more of “should we spay” rather than deciding what age to spay.

It’s Hormones, Baby

What’s this all about, really? Hormones. Whether your dog is male or female, the hormones testosterone and estrogen matter to your dog’s physical and, possibly, mental development. These hormones are made in the testicles or ovaries of your dog, so if you remove these organs, the hormone production stops.

For example, estrogen helps with muscle tone in the urethra, which is why some female dogs develop urinary incontinence. And testosterone can cause abnormal prostate overgrowth in an intact male dog and impact rectal function, possibly blocking the path of feces through the rectum and requiring emergency surgery. One good reason for a late spay, but a looming concern for a late neuter. And, of course, if you have a canine athlete, these hormones help develop muscle growth and, possibly, even drive in your dog.

When to Spay Your Female Dog

The decision on when to spay your female dog is not easy. Discuss with your veterinarian what you want to do with the dog and your ability to handle a heat cycle (male dogs will seek her out and she will want to “meet” them!). While vets don’t have crystal balls, they are familiar with the research on these issues and have a much wider base of experience than you probably do.

In general, if you have a small female dog (under 40 lbs. projected adult weight), you have more leeway in choosing when to spay because smaller dogs seem less affected by all these health concerns than larger dogs. If you want to avoid her having a heat cycle, many veterinarians will spay her at 6 months of age. Research, as of yet, shows no problem with this decision.

If you have a larger female dog, you need to weigh the developmental risks of an early spay—as shown by research—against dealing with a heat cycle. At about 1 year of age, most veterinarians will advise you that it’s acceptable to spay as your dog is fully grown at that age, making the lack of hormone production less likely to be a problem. That could be only one or two heat cycles to endure.

It’s important to know, however, that the risk of mammary tumors increases in unspayed female dogs. That’s because intact female dogs have fully developed mammary tissue. A dog spayed prior to sexual maturity (around 6 months old) is at a reduced risk of mammary cancer because the spay removes the ovaries, which produce the estrogen that is significant to the full development of the mammary glands, according to Cornell DogWatch.

The Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology (VSSO) says mammary tumors in female dogs account for 42% of all diagnosed tumors, with a lifetime risk of 23% to 34%. “Compare that to women, who have a 12.4% lifetime risk according to Susan G. Komen, an American breast cancer organization,” says Cornell DogWatch.

“At a cellular level, mammary tumors in dogs and cats are very similar to human breast cancer tumors,” says Dr. Scott Coonrod, the Judy Wilpon Professor of Cancer Biology and director of the Baker Institute for Animal Health. “And they may occur in pets even more often than they do in humans.”

When to Neuter Your Male Dog

The decision on when to neuter your dog again may depend upon what you’re going to do with the dog and your ability to handle an intact dog. As with female dogs, smaller breeds are less affected by the study results, which show larger dogs have more problems. With a big dog, your veterinarian may advise you to wait till 12 to 24 months of age to neuter your dog and ensure skeletal growth is finished. However, if you are having any temperament/aggression issues with your male dog, early neutering may be wise. Testosterone is linked to aggression.

How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter Your Dog?

Not surprisingly, the cost of a spay or neuter is a regional thing. Prices in metropolitan areas can surpass $500 for a spay and $250 for neutering (castrating). If you’re working through a rescue or animal shelter, not only will they require that the dog is spayed or neutered, but they will often have low-cost plans to help control the births of unwanted puppies.

The post When to Spay vs. Neuter Your Dog appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

When your dog vomits, he actively brings up food from his stomach. That means the food must pass through the gastroesophageal opening and go all the way up the esophagus. His sides move in and out, he makes the classic retching noises that can wake you up from a sound sleep. There is often bile mixed in the partially digested food.

With regurgitation, the food he ate has not passed into his stomach. For a variety of reasons, it is sitting in the esophagus, undigested. This type of throwing up has little warning before it comes up. You might hear a quiet burp as he lowers his head. There are no strenuous abdominal contractions.

Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food?

Regurgitation is a classic sign of megaesophagus, a GI motility disorder. In this condition, the muscles and nerves of the esophagus are not normal, so the important motility required to move food along is absent. As food sits in the esophagus, the esophagus will stretch over time (hence, “mega” esophagus). Other causes include abnormalities of the vessels of the heart that block the progression of food and anything that blocks the opening of the esophagus into the stomach.

Some endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism are connected to regurgitation, as is myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease associated with muscle weakness. But not all dogs who gulp food voraciously are ill. If your dog throws up infrequently, you can chart the occasions to see if there is a trigger, such as eating too fast.

Puppies Throwing Up

Primary megaesophagus is a congenital problem noted in puppies when they switch over from nursing and liquid food to solid foods. You will notice failure to thrive and gain weight as well as regurgitation. A serious problem can develop from aspiration pneumonia as the affected dogs seem hardly aware that food is coming back up. Aspiration pneumonia is a life-threatening concern.

Megaesophagus has been shown to be of genetic origin in Wire Hair Fox Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers. Other breeds prone to this condition include German Shepherd Dogs, Great Danes, and Labrador Retrievers.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis depends on history and radiographs. If a plain X-ray is not definitive, a contrast study with barium may be recommended.

Treatment

Dogs with megaesophagus can be managed but are not cured.

You may hear of sildenafil (Viagra) being used as an off-label treatment for megaesophagus in dogs. A 2017 study published in The Veterinary Record showed sildenafil “could represent a novel therapeutic tool for the treatment” of idiopathic/congenital megaesophagus, but a 2022 study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research,  was less positive, concluding that: “There were no differences in esophageal clearance times or quality-of life-scores between sildenafil and placebo.”

Basically, treatment for megaesophagus in dogs requires your commitment. Any underlying conditions such as endocrine disorders need to be dealt with, but often the esophagus will not totally recover.

That means daily, lifelong care by you. You must be observant for the slightest sign of aspiration pneumonia as that is often the cause of death.

Some dogs will do fairly well with a certain texture of food, such as a slurry or multiple small “meatballs.” The diet must be high quality and high calorie, so you don’t need to feed large meals.

Most often these dogs need to be fed elevated and kept elevated for at least 15 minutes after eating. The simplest way to feed your dog is with a step stool, with him on his hind legs and his food bowl on a higher step.

Many families choose to go with a Bailey chair. These chairs keep your dog upright to eat and for the “holding time” postprandial (the immediate time after eating). You can purchase one or make your own via plans.

The post My Dog Is Throwing Up Undigested Food appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

True liver cancer tends to grow slowly, but your dog can be uncomfortable and feel sick. Many metastatic cancers that settle in the liver, such as hemangiosarcoma, have shorter survival times and may be painful. Keep in mind your dog’s quality of life when making decisions about euthanasia due to liver cancer.

Many dogs will do well for months, or even years, despite having hepatic malignancy. You should be alert to changes such as the development of jaundice and lethargy. Loss of appetite and weakness can both signal that your dog is losing his battle with cancer.

Track his quality-of-life status. Is he eating? Can he still do the things he loves, like taking hikes in the woods or chasing his ball (even if you roll it for now)? Be prepared to schedule euthanasia for his sake, despite your pain.

Liver Cancer Symptoms

Common liver cancer symptoms in dogs are nonspecific with a few caveats. Many dogs will be “off.” They may seem nauseous, have a lack of appetite, and are lethargic or depressed.

Abdominal pain is often evident on palpation. Gastrointestinal upsets may occur. Some dogs will have weight loss but appear normal due to fluid buildup in the abdomen. Liver cancer can strike at any age but is mostly seen in older dogs.

If your dog becomes jaundiced, a liver problem jumps to the top of the list of possible reasons. Jaundice, or icterus, is associated with the destruction of red blood cells, liver disease, or gallbladder problems, particularly problems with the bile duct. With jaundice, you will notice a yellow discoloration to gums, the inside of ears, pale skin in the groin area, and in the sclera of the eyes.

Another sign pointing toward liver disease is neurological problems, which can range from zombie-like behavior to full-blown seizures.

Metastatic cancers in the liver tend to follow clinical signs of the primary cancer. For example, with hemangiosarcoma, your dog’s liver may be fragile, and he may suffer from periodic bleed outs, which can be fatal.

Types of Liver Cancer in Dogs

Hepatocellular adenocarcinoma: The most common type of primary liver cancer in dogs is hepatocellular adenocarcinoma. Hepatocelluar adenocarcinoma accounts for about 50% of all primary liver cancers in dogs. Male dogs are more prone to this type of liver cancer than females. If confined to one lobe of the liver and removed early on, this cancer can be controlled. Masses in the left lobe are easier for surgery.

Left to grow, the cancer cells may spread to other organs or cause bleeding into the abdomen. Liver failure is possible if the cancer grows unchecked as the tumor cells will overtake the normal liver cells and reduce liver function. If the mass has spread beyond one lobe, the prognosis is poor.

Hepatocellular adenoma: This is a benign version of hepatocellular adenocarcinoma. It is unlikely to spread, so surgical removal tends to be easier and can be curative. Despite being slow growing, it should be removed to proactively prevent rupture with a subsequent bleed out.

Bile-duct carcinoma: This is the second-most common primary liver cancer in dogs. Some might argue that these are gallbladder cancers, but many originate within the liver. Female dogs are more likely to get this form of hepatic cancer. Bile-duct carcinomas have a high rate of metastasis. They can also be tricky to totally remove surgically.

Hemangiosarcoma: The most common secondary or metastatic cancer in the liver is hemangiosarcoma. There are few options for treating hemangiosarcoma, and currently none of them are highly successful. The primary site, often the spleen or heart, would need to be treated as well. Plus, it’s important to consider the fact that it has already obviously spread to the liver, which means there is microscopic spread elsewhere. Palliative and hospice care is often your best option for this cancer.

Diagnosing Liver Cancer

A diagnosis of liver cancers usually involves a blood chemistry panel with elevated liver enzyme values and/or an ultrasound exam showing a liver mass. Special blood chemistry tests such as bile acids may be run.

Radiographs are not as helpful as an ultrasound exam. A biopsy is required for a definitive diagnosis. Since the liver is involved in most clotting pathways, care must be taken with any surgery on the liver, even a needle biopsy. A coagulation profile is routinely recommended before any invasive procedure.

Metastases Affect Treatment Options

Once the type of cancer is determined, treatment options will be discussed. A plus to the liver is that it has multiple lobes and amazing regenerative powers. If your dog’s cancer is confined to one area, surgery may be done to remove the tumor. Your dog can easily get along with a lobe, or even two, of his liver removed.

Before undertaking any surgery, your dog should be fully evaluated for metastases. This evaluation should include X-rays of the lungs. Histopathologic evaluation of nearby lymph nodes should be done, if possible.

The ideal treatment for liver cancer is surgery. However, if there has already been metastasis, surgery is not recommended. Chemotherapy has not been highly effective with liver cancer in dogs, but radiation, either before surgery to reduce the size of the mass, or post-surgery if there aren’t clear margins, can prolong survival.

Corticosteroids and palliative radiation can gain some quality time for your canine companion.

Supportive care is important. Liver supplements such as milk thistle may help the healthy liver tissues maintain normal functions. Keeping your dog in good physical shape is always a plus, which means appropriate exercise, other supplements for joint health and cognitive care, and a good diet.

Vaccinations

Currently, there is lots of research into immunotherapy and vaccines for various cancers. There is nothing definitive for liver cancer at this time, although hemangiosarcomas have stimulated lots of interest.

Preventing liver cancer, other than vaccinating for canine hepatitis (included in most multi-vaccines), is non-specific. Avoiding unnecessary exposures to toxins such as avoiding herbicide usage on your property can help.

As with any cancer, report any physical changes in your dog or unusual behavior immediately. Early detection and treatment remain our best weapons against liver cancer, or any cancer, for that matter.

The post Liver Cancer in Dogs appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

The classic sign of kennel cough is a dry, honking cough, possibly with a little gagging. The coughing can irritate the respiratory tract. If the illness is complicated by a bacterial or viral infection, the dog may have a fever, congestion, nasal discharge, lethargy, and a lack of appetite. A diagnosis from your veterinarian is money well spent in these cases.

How Long Is Kennel Cough Contagious?

Everyone wants a nice black and white answer to how long kennel cough is contagious, but there simply isn’t one. Part of the problem is that kennel cough can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses (that’s also why it’s been renamed “canine infectious respiratory disease” or CIRD). Each cause has a different course of illness.

Kennel cough is very contagious. One sneeze or cough can spread illness via droplets directly or by coating the environment, including blankets, dishes, and toys. One sick dog can potentially infect an entire kennel, shelter, or daycare.  If your unvaccinated dog has been exposed to a dog with active kennel cough, the odds are that your dog will get ill. Even vaccinated dogs may get kennel cough but, as with the human flu vaccine, symptoms tend to be milder, and recovery is faster.

Kennel Cough and Antibiotics

Most cases of kennel cough are not treated with antibiotics. If your dog’s case is purely viral, antibiotics will have no effect. If your veterinarian suspects the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica is involved, an antibiotic makes sense.

In these cases, doxycycline is the most likely antibiotic to be prescribed. Once your dog starts an appropriately prescribed antibiotic, you should see clinical improvement in 24 to 72 hours. Theoretically, contagiousness should decrease by then, too, but I would still hold to the “no cough for a week” standard before allowing your dog near other dogs.

A pure, viral kennel cough is non-productive and dry. If your dog’s cough changes to a “wet” cough, as in coughs up discharge or has quite a bit of nasal discharge, he probably has a secondary infection and may progress to pneumonia. Difficulty breathing and a fever are signs that pneumonia may be involved. If a secondary infection like this has set in, an antibiotic such as doxycycline may come into play.

Healing from Kennel Cough

As your dog’s system fights off the virus or bacterial cause, he still needs time for tissue healing. Often his respiratory tract is inflamed or irritated from the coughing. This is why your veterinarian recommends keeping him quiet and using a harness as opposed to a collar while he is ill. The worst case of kennel cough I have had was a young Golden Retriever who coughed for six weeks. I suspect his exercise was not restricted as I had instructed the owner, so he simply kept irritating his trachea and coughing.

Most of the recommended care is supportive. The use of nebulizers or vaporizers, even just shutting your dog in the bathroom while you shower, can help irritated tissues. While many dogs don’t require cough medications, you can discuss the use of an antitussive such as guaifenesin (Mucinex) or simply use a small bit of honey, which can help dogs with a severe cough.

If your dog appears to be ill, or getting worse, he may need veterinary attention. Cases that move on to pneumonia may require hospitalization with IV fluids and supplemental oxygen.

Prevent Kennel Cough

The best solution is to vaccinate your dog for at least Bordetella and parainfluenza, adding canine influenza if there is an outbreak in your area or your dog goes to dog activities with dogs from all over (sports events, training classes, and dog shows). Outdoor events have lower risk than big indoor events, just as in places people get COVID.

Remember, while some dogs with kennel cough sound horrible but most recover with home care. Be courteous to fellow dog lovers, and if your dog is coughing, keep him home.

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Getting a sick dog to drink can be tough to do, but we have ways to entice a dog to drink. Start with the most basic requirement: Cool, clean, and fresh water. If I notice one of my dogs drinking, I get up when he is done and rinse and refill the bowl. My older male Belgian Tervuren leaves the water bowl rather “slimy,” and my girls prefer a clean bowl and water. In hot weather, many dogs will drink more if you put some ice in their bowl.

Note: An elderly dog or any dog post dental work might prefer room-temperature water, as cool or cold water might be painful.

Flavorings for Dog Water

Beyond cool and fresh, you can add some flavoring to see if that helps increase your sick dog’s water intake. You can try:

Low-sodium bouillon. A small amount of bouillon in the water bowl is a tasty option with a nice aroma that even provides a little nutrition.

Tuna juice. Many dogs love the juice from tuna canned in water. The tuna juice also has an inviting smell that may inspire a sick dog to drink.

Chicken soup. We all laugh about chicken soup for sick people, but the attractive odor will get many a dog to lap some up. Once again, you provide a few nutrients, too. Just be sure to test that it is not hot!

Make a slurry. If your dog has a favorite food, you can often add water or put it in the blender and make a slurry. Canned food has more moisture than kibble, so try feeding some canned food for extra hydration.

How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?

Most internal medicine specialists generally agree that normal water consumption for healthy adult dogs, resting in a temperature-controlled environment, is 50 to 80 milliliters of water per kilogram of the dog’s body weight per day (mls/kg/day). To convert this to ordinary household measures, there are 30 mls in an ounce, 8 ounces in a cup, and .45 kg in a pound of body weight. What this works out to is rather simple: Normal water consumption is about an ounce of water per pound of the dog’s weight per day.

While this guide gets you in the ballpark of normal water consumption for an average dog, there are individual factors to consider:

• Active dogs (and yes, some dogs will chase a ball even when ill), need extra fluid.
• Dogs who are panting, whether due to hot weather or activity, need extra water. Dogs lose fluids via panting
• Brachycephalic dogs (think short muzzles and faces, like Pugs), pant routinely and need extra water.
• Sick dogs, especially with a fever, need extra water to stay properly hydrated.
• Dogs battling liver or kidneys problems require plenty of fluid.
• Any dog who has a gastrointestinal illness and is vomiting or has diarrhea or both is losing fluids and needs extra fluid intake to stay hydrated.

Warning Signs of a Dehydrated Dog

There may be times when you can’t stay ahead of your dog’s hydration needs despite your best efforts and he becomes dehydrated. His gums may be tacky to the touch and his mouth looks dry. If you tent his skin over his withers (highest point of his shoulders), it stays up (means he is really dehydrated) or returns to place slowly (somewhat dehydrated). Dehydration with no willingness to drink indicates a trip to the veterinarian for the possible administration of fluids (usually administered subcutaneous, or under the skin).

In many cases, your veterinary clinic staff can teach you how to administer subcutaneous fluids, so you can bring some home with you. Be sure to follow the protocol carefully to keep everything clean. These fluids will be absorbed over a couple of hours and can supplement anything you give orally. For severe cases, your dog may need to stay in the hospital and receive IV (intravenous) fluids.

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You may notice a small amount of clear serum, or even some blood leaking from the incision post op. This should stop after a day or so. You need to gently clean this from around the incision and watch for any skin irritation.

Some dogs experience “clipper burn” from their hair being shaved and may appreciate some lotion on the red areas. Problems like an infected (red, inflamed) or swollen spay incision should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. As a guideline, consider that:

Minor concerns require observation and reporting to your veterinarian if they worsen. These include:

• Small amount of swelling with no or minimal clear discharge (might be pink tinged)
• Slight red irritation around incision (like clipper burn)

More serious concerns should be reported to your veterinarian. These include:

• Swelling, discharge that might look like pus
• Swelling is red and/or painful
• Fever, not eating well
• Continued bleeding (small amount) from the incision

Emergency concerns mean get to the vet now. Call the veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately to say you’re on your way if you notice:

• Swelling that is painful with an opening to the abdomen palpable
• Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea
• Incision is open to the abdomen, possibly intestines outside the abdomen
• Non-stop bleeding from the incision

Most dogs come through spay surgery just fine and are back to normal activity and a flat belly in no time. Healing tissues are fragile, however. It is your responsibility to make sure your dog stays quiet. Overexertion can cause a post spay hernia.

Pay attention to the instructions you receive post-surgery, which may include very short leash walks and no running or romping with other dogs. The less movement in the area, the faster the tissues can heal.

Stop Licking or Chewing at the Incision

It is vital to prevent your dog from licking or chewing at the incision. She might remove sutures well before the outer layer is healed, which then allows her access to inner layers too. Your dog’s mouth and saliva are not sterile so she could introduce bacteria into the damaged tissues and cause an abscess.

If licking and chewing lead to infection, your dog will need to go on some antibiotics. She may also need warm compresses to help any abscessed area drain.

Licking and chewing can be stopped in many ways:

• The infamous Elizabethan collar. This is the inexpensive a wide, hard plastic collar we’re all familiar with. It is effective, but dogs tend to not adapt well to them.
• A soft donut-shaped collar. Kind of like a wide pillow around her neck that she can’t reach around.
• A neck brace. Be very careful with fit to be sure your dog sure your dog can’t reach around and still lick or chew.
• A post-surgical suit. These suits look like close-fitting pajamas that protect the incision site from licking and chewing. An inexpensive option is to try a human baby onesie, which will cover the incision and fit closely enough to protect it.

If you choose to use a surgical suit or a onesie, be sure your dog can eliminate without getting the suit soiled, which may entail you unbuttoning it. Most importantly, it should be comfortable for your dog to lie down in, walk around in, and sleep with it on.

Understanding Spay Incision Healing

A spay incision has a multilayer closure. After removing the uterus and ovaries, your veterinarian sutured the abdominal wall, the subcutaneous tissues, and the skin. The skin closure may have obvious sutures or may be closed with subcuticular stitches (you can’t see any sutures with this method). Other options are wound glue, which is not used very often, and skin staples.

Incisions heal side to side and not end to end, so a long incision heals as fast as a short one. Older dogs, chubby dogs, and deep-bodied dogs often require slightly longer incisions for your veterinarian to safely tie off all blood vessels and remove both ovaries and the uterus. Don’t go comparing incision lengths with your friends! It will be different for each dog.

With a perfect recovery, your dog will basically have a flat abdomen. If she gets swelling at the incision site it could be a couple of causes:

A seroma. In this case, the body puts some fluid in the area due to irritation or a mild allergic reaction to the suture materials. In this case, there is no redness, minimal heat or pain associated with the swelling. With time, the fluid will resorb, and your dog will be svelte once more. Warm compresses may be recommended to speed up resorption times.

A post-surgery hernia. This is an uncommon event but requires a veterinary visit ASAP. In this case, the inner suture lines have broken down. That leaves an opening from the abdomen to under the skin. Unfortunately, intestines could be trapped there with serious consequences, especially if they twist and the blood supply is cut off, which can lead to necrotic, dead tissue. Most dogs with a hernia will show pain, many have gastrointestinal upsets, and an opening may be palpable. If the incision totally opens, it is an immediate emergency!

Most Spays Are Simple

If your dog is young with a good weight, and healthy, her recovery will go quickly and smoothly. Even so, I would wait for three to four weeks before doing things like herding sheep or running agility, especially if the dog is older. Remember that your dog has lost some muscle and fitness with the time for surgery recovery, so plan to build her back up a bit.

If your dog’s spay was in conjunction with a C-section, pyometra (infected uterus), or cancer surgery, expect her recovery to be a bit slower. She will most likely be put on antibiotics and may have more extensive restrictions on activity. If she was producing milk, you will need to watch for signs of mastitits: a red, swollen, painful gland; fever; unusual discharge (not normal milk).

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Symptoms of Food Poisoning in Dogs

Symptoms of food poisoning in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Dehydration

Depending on the pathogen consumed, some dogs also may show neurological signs:

• Tremors
• Loss of coordination

Preventing Food Poisoning in Dogs

Clearly, protecting dogs from food poisoning means keeping things they shouldn’t eat out of their mouths.

Garbage and compost should be kept out of reach as they pose multiple hazards. Cooked bones can shatter and perforate intestines, and corn cobs are a common cause of intestinal obstruction.

However, the bacteria and fungus present in rotting food poses the largest risk for food poisoning. As meat spoils, bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli, Listeria, and C. botulinum multiply. These bacteria produce toxins that are harmful to dogs and persist in the spoiled food even if the bacteria are killed.

Because of this, dogs should not eat expired foods or meat, even cooked. Like meat, rotting fruits and vegetables harbor harmful bacteria, but they also provide a perfect substrate for mold growth. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which can cause a variety of symptoms, from gastrointestinal (GI) upset to neurological issues, depending on the type and quantity ingested.

Dead Animals

Dead animals contain dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be incredibly harmful to your pet as well. Be sure to keep your four-legged friend away from any dead and decaying items roadside, in the woods, or in the yard.

Feces, which many of our furry companions consider to be a delicacy, contains high levels of potentially harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium and Giardia, but it can also have parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Regardless of the species of origin, consumption of fecal matter can be the cause of an upset stomach in dogs and should be prevented if possible.

Harmful Foods

Recalled dog food and treats can also cause food poisoning in our pets. Diets may be recalled if they are found to have bacterial contamination, mold, or toxins present. While rare, recalls have occurred for all formats of food and treats, so be sure to keep an eye out for announcements from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Raw and undercooked meat, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products can also be a source of harmful bacteria. For dogs on a raw diet, food or ingredients should be high-quality and fresh from a reputable source. Proper storage and handling practices are essential to ensure the health and safety of our companions.

Contact Your Veterinarian

If you suspect your dog has food poisoning, practice safety measures when handling and cleaning up after them, as the pathogens making them ill can also cause illness in humans.

Wearing gloves, sanitizing bedding and surfaces, and quarantining your sick pup will minimize the spread to people and other animals in the home. If your dog is showing signs of food poisoning, especially severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, or neurological signs, contact your veterinarian immediately and seek treatment.

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