HYPOTHYROIDISM IN DOGS

This is a disease of thyroid deficiency. Dogs with hypothyroidism have metabolic rates below normal. Hypothyroidism, in most cases, is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis (also called lymphocytic thyroiditis), which results in destruction of thyroid tissue. Autoimmune thyroiditis is known to be an inherited disease. The disease occurs most often in middle-aged dogs of medium and large breeds, but has been seen in virtually every breed and in mixed breeds as well. The breeds most commonly affected are the Golden Retriever, Doberman pinscher, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Greyhound. Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine skin disease in dogs-but it is still less common than other skin diseases. Coat and skin changes are bilateral and symmetrical. A typical sign is poor hair regrowth, which is most noticeable after the dog has been clipped. . Other signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, intolerance to cold, a slow heart rate, and absence of heat cycles, lethargy, and a variety of nonspecific symptoms. Hypothyroid dogs may develop blepharitis, corneal ulcers, deafness, constipation, and anaemia. At least two-thirds of hypothyroid dogs have high serum cholesterol levels. Behaviour changes including aggression have also been noted in hypothyroid dogs, particularly German Shepherd Dogs. The recommended blood test for screening purposes is the total T4. A normal T4 is fairly conclusive evidence that the dog does not have hypothyroidism. However, a low-normal or below-normal level does not mean the dog is hypothyroid, because concentrations below normal are common for many reasons other than hypothyroidism.

FUNGAL INFECTION - SKIN

SKIN PROBLEM - PUG

SKIN INFECTION - GUINEA PIG

FUNGAL INFECTION

It is better now after the application of combination of shampoo and ointments and the oral medicaion.

FUNGAL INFECTION IN RABBIT

Fungal infection is caused by continuous wetting of fur. Check the neck area and chin for possible abscesses which can result from excessive scratching of the affected area.
Any slimy fur should be cut away using rounded-tipped grooming or bandage scissors. If the skin is raw, Betadine ointment is good to use as the iodine in it will kill the fungus. Iodine or prescribed antifungal cream can be applied over affected areas to stop the spread of a fungal infection, especially on the legs and between the toes.
Treatment is best done with the rabbit held on its back in a reclining position. Be careful when cutting fur as the skin is so thin and supple that it is very easy to cut it in error.

TURTLE - NEED VITAMIN A

Hypovitaminosis A is a common problem in pet turtles caused by inadequate Vitamin A intake in the diet. The body requires Vitamin A to form healthy skin, mucous membranes and ducts within organs such as the kidneys and salivary glands. Hypovitaminosis A is most commonly seen in juvenile semi-aquatic turtles greater than six months of age. It is seen very rarely in tortoises because they are normally fed a diet that is rich in dark green and yellow vegetables.

most common symptoms will be:-
Swollen eye lids
Anorexia and weight loss
Necrotic stomatitis

Respiratory infections.

BUGDZE - RACOVERING FROM SKIN PROBLEM

this is Bugdze's latset photo and he is recovering well from skin problem. He is happy, healthy and hardy. Hair have grown back and no more itching.

NAIL FUNGUS PROBLEM IN YOUR DOG

FUNGAL INFECTION - One cause of nail fungus is a specific type of fungi called dermatophytes. Another cause of nail fungus are yeast, which is also a common fungi.
Dermatophytes and yeasts cause nail fungus by eating away at keratin, the main protein that makes up our fingernails, toenails, hair, and skin. The nails try to produce keratin at a faster rate, causing it to thicken and eventually detach from the nail bed. Other effects will include nail discoloration, inflammation of the skin around the infected nails, pain, and a foul odor.
These effects are certainly not pleasant. Your dog will have difficulty in walking and playing. This condition is not easy to cure and should not be ignored as later on there can be major problems.

Moshka (rabbit) in trouble

Moushka had this problem since last about 1 month. Despite treatment by a vet, no recovery and was not able to chew on the food. Finally after the application of topical medicines and systemic medicines, he showed signs of improvements.

YOUR PUP'S FIRST BATH

Puppies generally do not need to get bathed until they are three months old since they get their vaccinations during these first three months of their lives and during this time their bodies are more sensitive to catch a cold. It's always best to take all the necessary precautions. When your puppy finally takes his first bath, make sure to find a nice warm spot to it in and use the appropriate dog shampoo. Puppies and dogs don't need to get bathed very often in order to stay clean. The most important requirement for their cleanliness is to get groomed and brushed everyday. If the dog or puppy gets mud on his coat, you can clean it off by using a towel with soap and warm water.
If the puppy is very young, you can bathe him in the kitchen sink.Place a clean wet wash cloth on the bottom of the sink so the pup won't slip.Buy a dog shampoo from a Pet store.Human shampoo is not good for bathing puppies or dogs because the pH of dog skin is different from the human pH.

TIPS TO CARE YOUR DOG IN WINTERS

Winter pet care:

* Brush your dog regularly. The air in most houses becomes dry during the colder months, which depletes moisture from dog skin and fur. Brushing will improve skin, coat and blood circulation.

* A thick-coated dog typically needs grooming in cold weather. The fur can get wet and matted, making it an irritant. Clean fur lofts and holds air, thus helping the animal stay warm.

* Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat longer for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.

* Use omega fatty acid supplements during the winter, ideally starting several weeks before cold weather sets in, to help skin and coat.

* If your dog engages in a lot of outdoor activities, increase his food supply to help keep his coat thick and healthy.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF IN YOUR DOG

There can be may causes of dandruff - poor diet, low humidity, and too infrequent grooming to distribute the oils.
A very thin layer of fat and waxes, called sebum, normally prevents the moisture in the skin from escaping into the air. Some animals do not receive enough dietary fat, or cannot absorb the fat, to form a good sebum layer. Diseases that cause an excessive loss of body water in the urine or bowel movement, such as diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, or chronic diarrhea, will cause dryness of the skin and dandruff.
Any chronic irritation of the skin will speed up the skin reproduction rate and cause dandruff.

Flakes from the surface of the skin may not be skin cells. Substances applied to the skin which dry and flake may mimic dandruff. Shampoos, conditioners, and other skin cosmetics should be thoroughly rinsed after application to the skin. If your dog has white skin flakes around the neck, or back, he's probably got dandruff and there are some things that you can do.
Do not use shampoos made for human beings on your pet, especially not baby shampoos or medicated shampoos. A dog's skin has different ph level than human skin, so the chemicals in people shampoo can actually harm your pet's skin.

Make sure that you thoroughly rinse your dog after shampooing. The shampoo residue can cause your dog to itch and scratch. The presence of dandruff can sometimes indicate that the onset of serious health problems such as skin infections, allergies or an invasion of nasty parasites.

FUR SHEDDING IN DOGS

Dog shedding is one of the most common problems faced by dog owners. It causes health problems and cleanliness issues, and is generally one of the more unpleasant aspects of owning a dog. However, with proper care, it is possible to control excessive shedding of dogs. Here are some tips to help you do so:

• Brushing: This is a perhaps the most important aspect of controlling excessive shedding. Brush your dog regularly, so that all the hair that the dog sheds can be easily collected. Hair that is loose but still attached will also get pulled out and this will reduce the day long shedding. If your dog has a very heavy coat and sheds excessively, brush him two, maybe even three times a day to prevent him from shedding all over the house.

• Food: One of the factors that causes shedding in dogs is consumption of the wrong kinds of foods. This disturbs their chemical balance in their bodies and leads to shedding. Consult your vet to find out the best food options to prevent excessive shedding.

• Supplements: There are essential oils present on the skin of the dog that help keeps it moist. When dogs undergo excessive shedding, they lose these essential oils rapidly, which leads to dry skin, which in turn leads to excessive shedding. Give your dog a fatty acid supplement to help maintain the required balance of essential oils in his body.

• Control Ticks and Fleas: Ticks or fleas on the bodies of the dogs can cause a lot of discomfort to the dogs because of the constant bites all over the bodies. Their bites are relatively itchy and dogs tend to scratch themselves a lot when they have ticks and fleas on them. This excessive scratching leads to a lot of hair loss as hair keeps getting pulled out as the dog scratches, and this leads to shedding wherever the dog may be. To reduce such shedding, ensure that your dog is completely free of ticks and fleas. Consult your vet for effective treatment, if your dog is infected by them.

• Bathing: Different breeds of dogs have different bathing requirements. Almost every breed of dog that has a light to moderate coat of fur should be bathed regularly. Especially in the summer, depending on the breed of the dog, bathing your dog on a regular basis will help control excessive shedding to a large extent. This is because moistening the skin helps prevent shedding caused by dry skin.

• Use the right brushes: There are different kinds of brushes available for different purposes. For instance, you can use a slicker brushes, and stripping blades effectively to control excessive shedding. Consult your vet to find out the right kind of brushes that can be used for your breed of dog and learn about their individual functions.

• Regular Check ups: Sometimes excessive shedding can be a symptom of a disease and regular check ups will ensure that your dog is in perfect health and that his shedding is natural.

LYMPHOMA IN A DOG

Tumors that develop in the lymph nodes often present as swellings with no other symptoms. The gastrointestinal form often is accompanied with vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite. The mediastinal form often presents with shortness of breath and muffled heart sounds. The cutaneous form can present in several different ways including single or multiple lumps in the skin, or mouth. These bumps can itch or be red and ulcerated.

Neurofibroma in a dog on chest cavity

Neurofibroma is a benign nerve sheath tumor in the peripheral nervous system, a genetically-inherited disease, and can result in physical disfiguration and pain to cognitive disability. Neurofibromas arise from Schwann cells. Neurofibromas have been subdivided into two broad categories: dermal and plexiform. Dermal are associated with a single peripheral nerve, while plexiform are associated with multiple nerve bundles.

Dermal Neurofibromas
Dermal neurofibromas continue to increase in number and size throughout life. They look like lumps on or under the skin.

Plexiform Neurofibromas
Plexiform neurofibromas are often congenital defects, and can be very large and can cause pain, disfigurement, neurological and other clinical deficits. These tumors are commonly treated with surgical removal. Dermal neurofibromas are not usually removed unless they are painful or disfiguring, because there are generally so many of them and they are not dangerous.

These are the photos of a street pet dog and i have already written about her story. I feel so sorry for her as she came to me in quite late stages. CT scan revealed that growth was deeply attached with intercostal muscles and was deeply rooted in the thoracic cavity. i tried but couldn't help her too much.

THREE COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS IN DOGS

Types of dog skin problems
1. Allergic dog skin problems are more common than any other type of skin problem. There are various reasons your dog might have an allergic skin reaction. The reaction is usually caused by food, a tick bite, or inhaled vapors. Once the dog has the reaction to the allergen, they will start to scratch, bite, or even lick the affected area. If you notice your dog excessively itching or scratching an area on their skin and there is not sign of infection or an open wound, this might be an allergic reaction. Take your dog to the veterinarian for the check up.
2. Bacterial dog skin problems usually appear after an open wound. The bacteria will infect the area around the wound because of its warm and moist bacteria nurturing environment. The bacteria will grow until the entire area around the wound is infected with pus, which causes considerable pain to your dog. In many cases, the dog will like the area to keep it clean and use its own saliva to help heal the wound.
3. Fungal dog skin problems - it is caused by a fungus and can even be transmitted to humans. The most common fungal dog skin problems are ringworm. If your dog develops ringworm, a reddish raised ring will be visible on the skin where the worm is located. If your dog develops fungal dog skin problems you should immediately take them to the vet for treatment.

RESEARCH ARTICLE: TISSUE ADHESIVE VS SUTURE

Comparative clinical studies on closure of skin incision with tissue adhesive (Iso amyl-2 cyanoacrylate) or sub-cuticular sutures in dogs.Personal Authors: Vandana Sangwan, Singh, A. P., Geeta, Ashok KumarAuthor Affiliation: Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar - 125 004, India.Editors: No editorsDocument Title: Haryana VeterinarianAbstract:
The present study was conducted in twelve clinically healthy female dogs for comparison of sub-cuticular sutures (6 animals) with tissue adhesive (6 animals) for closure of flank ovariohysterectomy skin incision. The repair time (mean±S. E.) for skin closure was slightly more in tissue adhesive group (106.66±20.43 seconds) as compared to sub-cuticular group (91.66±20.06 seconds). Wound infection was not present in any of the animals of both groups. Wound dehiscence was observed in 2 animals of each group. Cosmesis score of the tissue adhesive group was slightly better than that of the sub-cuticular group, indicating the usefulness of both the techniques in low tension area with smaller skin incisions.

Publisher: College of Veterinary Sciences, Haryana Agricultural UniversityAbout CAB Abstracts CAB Abstracts is a unique and informative resource covering everything from Agriculture to Entomology to Public Health. In April 2006 we published our 5 millionth abstract, making it the largest and most comprehensive abstracts database in its field.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR YOUR DOG

In market a variety of shampoo are available for dogs. But it's your duty to choose the best shampoo for your companion. Following are some points to help you for the best selection -
1. Avoid Scented Shampoos - A scented dog shampoo may smell wonderful to you but it can be irritating to your dog's skin.

2. Dog's Susceptibility to Fleas and Ticks - If your dog has a serious flea and tick problem, you may want to consider a shampoo containing pyrethrins. Be sure to avoid getting it in your dog's eyes during bath.
3. Give Thorough Rinse - If shampoo is left on your dog's skin, it can cause skin irritation. Rinse thoroughly and then rinse again.
4. Check your Dog's Skin Type - Dog shampoos are designed for dogs with oily, normal, and dry skin. You may need to consult your veterinarian for opinion.

5. Consider Sensitivity of dog's Skin - Try to avoid dog shampoos with a lot of synthetic ingredients as they can aggravate the skin problem.

6. Natural Dog Shampoo - Always try to choose natural dog shampoo to get the best results.
7. Don't Let Dog Ingest the Shampoo - Shampoo should be out of reach of children and pets.

Dermatitis in dogs

Itching and scratching are the important symptoms of skin problems in dogs. The dog goes through the scratching to rid their body of an itch and this disturbs you and the dog as the itching continues until proper treatments relieve the underlying problem. Now you must find out the cause of the dog health skin problems. It can be either environmental dermatitis or nutritional dermatitis.
Environmental dermatitis, your vet may ask questions about where the dog sleeps or plays and urinates, what the dog likes to do like dig holes, swim in the pool or roll in the grass. After taking a full history of the dog, vet will start eliminating one thing at a time.The skin disease may have come from dirt, grass or swimming pool. Dogs with thick hair usually lack proper grooming and become a good ground for bacterial growth. Moist eczema or hot spot is the most common form of dermatitis in dogs. It takes time to pinpoint the exact cause because there are so many reasons for the reaction.
Nutritional Dermatitis - Improper and imbalanced nutrition results in nutritional dermatitis in your dog. Poor skin condition and dull coats can come from an improper diet. If you do buy cheap dog food, you may need to supplement the diet with vitamins for prevention of nutritional dermatitis.
Dogs are a part of the family and will be faithful and loving if properly cared. so you should take care of your pet for the sake of its health and your relief as well.