Wrinkly Eye Health
November 29, 2009 by
Filed under Dog Health
The most common problem associated with Bullmastiff puppies eyelids are abnormal conformation and eyelid tumors. Abnormal conformation simply means anything other than a nice, tight-fitting almond-shaped eyelid shape. Many breeds of dogs are bred to have unusual lid conformation, such as bloodhounds, St. Bernards, and flat-faced breeds such as Pugs. Sometimes the unusual lid conformation leads to medical problems that damage the eye. Some of these conditions are:
It is a condition of the eyelid turning inwards, and the eyelashes causing irritability to the eye. It can be hereditary, or it may be caused from an obstruction or irritation to the eye such as an ulcer, a scratch, dirt or bug in the eye.
Although this can be very irritating for the Bullmastiff puppy, it is not life threatening, and correction is usually very simple, with either medications or a easy operation to remove the rolling skin which pulls the eyelid straight.
A spastic entropian’ is usually caused by an injury to the eye, causing the sudden onset of an apparent entropian. Naturally, an injury causes swelling, and if the swelling is at the level of the eyelid, it will cause them to turn in and rub on the eye. In a case such as this, the condition of Entropian is not genetic, and may be quite able to be corrected without major surgery depending upon the extreme of the condition.
If the onset of an entropionated eye has occurred overnight, and your vet suggests an operation, then a second opinion would be advised. Please also contact your breeder to enquire whether this condition has occurred in their lines.
Entropion is treated by surgical correction (”blepharoplasty”), which is essentially plastic surgery. Excessive folds and sections of facial skin are removed, and the eyelids tightened. It is uncommon for entropion to recur after surgery unless the entropion is quite involved, particularly in the Bullmastiff breed. Very young puppies with entropion will often have “lid tacking” performed (rather than plastic surgery), in which temporary lid sutures are placed to roll out the lids. Often, these puppies do not require permanent plastic surgery once they have matured and “grown into” their facial skin. Permanent plastic surgery is usually not performed in puppies less than 5 or 6 months of age, giving the Bullmastiff some time to develop its mature head conformation.
Some Bullmastiff kennel unfortunately are sometimes too quick to want to perform an operation for this condition, without first trying to determine the actual cause.
Bullmastiff puppy with inherited entropion should not be bred, as they can pass the trait on to their offspring. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation publishes a list of breed-specific breeding recommendations for purebred dogs with entropion.
If you suspect that entropion is present in your pet, please consult with your Bullmastiff kennel. Your doctor may elect to have your pet referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further evaluation and possible surgical treatment.
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Holistic Cat And Dog Care Products Are Often The Best Choice
November 5, 2009 by
Filed under Dog Care
I am the proud owner of a young Miniature Aussie dog and I believe that in many cases a natural dog remedy is safer to use for his health over the long haul. If you have a dog or cat have you wondered about the trend towards using holistic pet care products? It is certainly reasonable to wonder whether these products or commercial products are better for your pet. There are a few facts that should be considered when you are deciding which products to use for your pet.
One obvious advantage you get with holistic pet products is they typically do not contain any chemicals, artificial fillers or synthetics. Commercially made products on the other hand will tend to have all this and a lot of preservatives. The holistic products contain only natural substances and ingredients. This is important over the life of your pet because chemicals and other unnatural products will build up and start causing adverse side effects such as allergies, heart conditions, or cancer.
Holistic options like the natural dog remedy type of products I look for are also very safe and highly effective in providing relief. Such products and methods have been used throughout time to treat many different medical problems in both humans as well as animals. They are still used today because they are so effective. When you are looking for a remedy or a treatment for a health issue that your pet is suffering from, holistic pet products can provide you with the effective solution that you seek.
Lastly, you can often find the natural products more readily available than commercial products. It’s good for you to have some base knowledge of what holistic products are recommended in different situations so that you’ll be able to speak knowledgably with your veterinarian and in some cases you will understand how to provide a safe and effective remedy for your pet on your own. Holistic pet products can provide you with that opportunity.
There is an informative guide that gives you broad knowledge of these holistic pet products and methods for helping your pet. You can read more about this resource titled Home Remedies for Cats and Dogs and you will understand like I now do that management of your pet’s health care is important. Reading this book has helped me understand why in most cases for my buddy a natural dog remedy is safer and more effective without the side effects.
Find out more on how you can manage you cat or dog’s health better than anyone else. Just click the link at the top of the article and read more about Home Remedies for Cats and Dogs. I hope it helps you and your pet!
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Medical Problems Of Golden Retrievers
September 6, 2009 by
Filed under Dogs as Pets
Epilepsy
Also known as seizures, epilepsy disorders normally occur from viral infections, and environmental factors as well. Even though an inaccessible seizure isn’t always a problem, dogs that have recurring seizures should never be bred. Vets can recommend medicines that control recurring seizures, although medicine isn’t always effective. Although epilepsy doesn’t affect the health of a Golden Retriever, it does have an effect on breeding. You can never tell if it is indeed heredity, therefore breeding is pretty much out of the question - to avoid passing it on to the litter.
Skin allergies
Skin allergy is the most common medical issue with Golden Retrievers. Skin allergy is normally the result of allergens such as flea bites, dust, airborne pollen, food, and even mold. Symptoms will vary, although they can include bits, scratching, licking, and even ear infections. Diet is extremely important here, as it can help to prevent a lot of these problems. If you consult with your vet, you can more than likely eliminate the risks your pet has of getting a skin allergy.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to malfunction. Golden Retrievers that are affected by this disease will normally show such symptoms as coat problems or obesity. This medical problem can also result in a lack of fertility as well. A lack of fertility can be a big problem for breeders, as it makes it very hard for the affected Golden Retriever to breed.
The treatment of hypothyroidism involves taking the oral supplement for hypothyroidism on a daily basis. Once it has been treated successfully, the prognosis will appear to be normal and dog will have a normal, healthy life span, providing there are no other medical problems. This condition is somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, and can be diagnosed by your vet.
Some Golden’s who suffer from hypothyroid problems will have seizures, although this will stop once they go on the oral treatment medicine. Even though the hypothyroid condition isn’t associated with epilepsy, you should monitor your dog to be on the safe side. You don’t want to take any chances with your dog coming down with epilepsy, which is why you should always have your vet do routine checks.
Even though medical problems are somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, you can help to prevent them by making sure your dog is healthy. If you do your part and make sure that you treat your Golden well, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, although they can get ill from time to time. If you take your dog to the vet and get him treated as soon as he gets sick - he’ll be better and back to his normal self in no time at all.
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Dog Years Human Years
June 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dogs as Pets
The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog’s breed, size as well as the dog’s surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog’s life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.
The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized the dogs like Border Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of “size or the specific breed calculator”, which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog’s predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.
It is generally assumed that, on an average, “one human year equals to seven dog years”. This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.
It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly “64 percent of dogs” were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.
The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.
Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the ***** eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.
By: Dog Care Tips
About the Author:
Now that you know dogs grow old faster than we do, learn how to care for your dogs the best you can and give them a good life. They deserve it. Learn more at: http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php
Medical Problems Of Golden Retrievers
May 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Breeds
Golden retrievers are generally healthy dogs, with strong and sound constitutions. They are extremely popular as family pets. However, there are some medical problems of Golden retrievers that all Golden owners should know.
These are inherited by the golden retriever in its genes and are quite common. So, if you’re planning to get yourself a golden retriever puppy, be sure to get a well-bred puppy from a reputed breeder.
The truth is, that poor breeding of the golden retriever has tarnished its reputation without any fault of the breed. Here are some commonly found medical problems of Golden retrievers.
Hip Dyslapsia
In Golden retrievers this is a common problem, which occurs because of a malformed joint. It causes the better part of the femur to not be properly aligned with the cup of the hip socket. This is one of the medical problems of Golden retrievers, which can range from mild to relatively severe.
It is not something to worry about, and with proper diet and exercise your dog will be able to lead a completely normal and active life. In extremely rare circumstances, surgical correction or euthanasia are required as a last resort.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
OCD is a bone formation disorder, which takes place due to a defect in the transition of cartilage into bone, while the dog is growing up. Research has shown this condition to be genetic and it appears more commonly in some lines of Golden retrievers than others. Environmental factors can also contribute to aggravating this problem.
Panosteitis
This medical problem of Golden retrievers affects them in their early age when they are 5 to 14 months old. Also referred to as wandering lameness, it causes sudden lameness in dogs.
Epilepsy
This too is a hereditary disorder, which causes seizures. There is no cure, but it can be controlled with medication. This medical problem of Golden retrievers allows them to lead a very normal life. But they should not be placed in very stressful situations, and most certainly should not be bred if they have epilepsy.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
(PRA), and central (PRA) are among the most common retina based problems found in Golden retrievers. Symptoms begin to manifest in dogs around the age of two and degenerative in nature. Sadly, this condition is also hereditary. So it is wise to make sure that both parents do not have this problem before you consider picking up a pup born to them.
Ear care
It’s a good idea to continuously clean your dogs ears, as they are likely to pick up a lot of dust and dirt when they are out. This way they would not pick up any ear infections.
Juvenile cataracts
This particular medical problem of Golden retrievers is also hereditary and is also a fact you should look out for when looking to purchase a golden retriever pup.
Seborrhea
Primary sebhorrea is a medical problem of Golden retrievers, which gives them yellowish brownish scales, a greasy coat, and an irritable itchy skin with a foul smell. You can take your dog to your vet to get this problem treated, as it is not too serious.
Just buy a golden retriever from a reputed breeder and do some checks on the pups mother and father and you will be fine! If your golden retriever develops a disease at an older age, do not worry. Just take it to the Vet. Lastly, keep your golden clean and take good care of it!
By: Peter Finch
About the Author:
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Signs of aging in dogs
April 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
Signs of aging in dogs
You may notice that your dog slows down with aging. This isn’t always the case but look for subtle changes in how it gets up, lies down and uses the stairs. Is there any hesitation or stiffness? Does a change in the weather (rainy or cold) make it worse?
Arthritis is common in dogs as they age, particularly large breeds. While it can occur in any joint, it commonly affects the legs and back (spine). There are many different medications available to help ease the discomfort of arthritis. See your veterinarian for this.
Another potential cause of slowing down is hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder common in dogs. This condition is easily diagnosed and treated with proper veterinary care.
One of my dogs went prematurely gray at two years of age but most dogs commonly show a bit of gray starting at middle age (five to six years).
Is your dog hard to wake up after sleeping or it startle easily if approached from behind? Hearing loss or deafness may be a reason for this. There isn’t a lot that can be done for age-related hearing loss, but a vet exam should be done first to rule out other medical problems such as an infection, growth or foreign body in the ear.
As they age, dog’s eyes often show a bluish transparent “haze” in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging and the medical term for this is “lenticular sclerosis.” Vision doesn’t appear to be affected.
Mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may be seen with old age. Some muscle atrophy, notably on the head and the belly muscles, can signify diseases such as masticatory myositis and Cushing’s disease. Be sure to have your vet check this out if any muscle loss is noted.
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What is the Best Dog Bedding for My Best Friend?
April 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Products
What is the Best Dog Bedding for My Best Friend?
Dog bedding should be age, health, and, of course size appropriate. Your dog’s habits and idiosyncrasies also need to be taken into account.
Many dogs like to exercise and play hard. This can be tough on muscles and joints. If your dog seems bruised or in pain after a tough workout, is older, or has medical problems you may want to think about providing him the additional comfort and coziness of an orthopedic style of dog bedding.
Have you ever come home to find your dog lounging in what we may consider unusual positions such as on his back or draped over furniture or pillows on your couch? These dogs are often looking for additional room to stretch out or extra padding for their comfort. Sometimes the memory foam or extra padding of an orthopedic bed will satisfy that need.
Sofa or couch types of dog beds, like orthopedic beds are great for dogs who can never seem to find a place that is comfortable for them. Some times they need the extra thick padding that this dog bedding provides. These beds also allow plenty of room for lounging and stretching out the way many dogs are prone to.
Have you ever found your dog sleeping with his chin propped up on a pillow, a balled-up throw rug, or the couch arm rest? What he needs is a Bolster bed style of dog bedding. The bolster is just a higher pillow attached to and enclosing the dog bed that gives him support for his head.
Once you have nailed down the style of dog bedding established by your dog’s habits, needs, or disposition you can determine the dimensions of the couch by comparing it to the size of your k9 friend. No matter what the size of your dog, by measuring him when he is lying down and adding 9″ to 12″ you will establish the size he needs. It’s that effortless.
Another consideration to help determine the best kind of dog bedding for your friend is where he spends most of his time. Is he an inside or outside dog? If outside, consider buying a water proof dog bed that is protected from the elements. Does he go with you on camping trips or sleep on the deck. If your dog is older and has urinary incontinence this type of bed would be a good choice.
Having taken the time to prepare yourself with this advice, it is time to acquire the proper dog bedding for your dog. Your dog looks to you for its health and comfort. Purchase a well made dog bed for your k9 friend, as it is money well spent that will help in maintaining the comfort, happiness, and health of your closest bosom buddy.