Learning about Pancreatitis in Dogs

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Learning about Pancreatitis in Dogs

As loving and concerned dog owners, we all want what’s best for our dogs health.  when we notice that our dog’s behaviors or appearance change, we tend to dig up all of the information we can find online for what ever the cause of the health issue may be.  If you suspect that you have to perhaps help treat pancreatitis in dogs, here is some information to get the treatment process started.

Why is the Pancreas important?

Humans and dogs both have a pancreas.  this organ is tucked right up under the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.  The reason why we need a pancreas:

a)    Exocrine production: Enzymes we need in order to digest our food

b)    Endocrine production: Enzymes required to produce hormones such as insulin, a key player in our ability to store sugars and amino acids

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis in dogs?

Pancreatitis in dogs is referring to the inflammation of the pancreas.  when this occurs, then there is a leaking of the two digestive enzymes mentioned above. as a result, the pancreas actually begins to digest or “eat” itself.

Pancreatitis in dogs can either be acute (meaning it happens suddenly and quickly) or it can be one of the slowest developing of the dog diseases.  both are equally life threatening and require immediate treatment.

Some of the most prominent symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include:

-        Lack of appetite

-        Vomiting

-        Swollen and painful abdomen

-        Fever, or a lowered body temperature

-        Depression

-        Diarrhea

-        Dehydration

What causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?

A lot of the time, your veterinarian will not be able to narrow down a cause behind the pancreatitis.  Some risk factors you may want to consider include:

-        Fatty foods

-        Obesity

-        Hyperlipidemia

-        Suffering from another disease, such as Cushing’s disease in dogs and diabetes

-        Bacterial or viral infections

-        Drugs/medications

-        Contaminated food and water sources

How to Treat Pancreatitis in Dogs

The dog will probably need to stay at the veterinarian’s office for an overnight stay or two.  The vet will take care of your dog’s fluid and nutritional needs and make the dog comfortable by practicing pro-active pain management by use of medications.  your vet will also look over your dog to make sure that no other diseases are the cause for the pancreatitis.

Your dog’s pancreas will need to “rest”, which means that no food or water will be provided to your dog by the mouth for up to 5 days.  all nutritional needs and fluids are entering into your dog’s body via intravenous.  Most dogs will only need treatment for 1 or 2 days, though it depends on the severity of the problem.

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VETS are urging dog owners to vaccinate their pets after a surge in cases of parvovirus across the north.

Clinics at Elizabeth, Paralowie and Smithfield said cases of the potentially deadly disease had risen sharply in the past six weeks.

Dr Michelle Starr, of the Smithfield Veterinary Clinic, said the virus was generally more prevalent in summer, perhaps because more people were out and about with their dogs.

Dr Gary Stevens, of the Elizabeth Park Veterinary Clinic, said the clinic was diagnosing three or four dogs a day with the virus, compared with the usual one dog every two to three weeks.

Parvovirus is a potentially deadly virus that attacks a dog’s stomach and intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and loss of appetite.

The highly contagious virus can live outside the body for up to three years and is passed on by a dog’s hair, paws and faeces.

“Even dog owners can transmit the virus by stepping on the pawprint of an infected dog,” Dr Stevens said.

“the bottom line is you have to vaccinate your dogs. if you don’t, it is a significant risk.”

Puppies should be vaccinated at six to 14 weeks and then again each year.

Up to 300 dogs died in the northern suburbs in 2005, the last time there was a major outbreak of the virus.

Dogs, just like humans have their off days; they can mope around, spend more time sleeping than they usually do, go off their food or avoid human contact all together. Usually, they revert to being their usual selves, with their blue mood going just as quickly as it appeared, however, if their low moods persists, it is something to be aware of and take seriously.

Dogs experience a deep and varied emotional life, and we as dog owners often witness the expanse of these emotions throughout our dogs lives. Because dogs share a similar neurological make up to humans, they to are capable of experiencing a series of complicated emotions, such as depression.

The symptoms of canine depression are similar to the symptoms experienced by humans. Typically the dog will show some of the following common symptoms:

Weight loss, due to refusing to take food

Loss of interests in play activity

Withdrawal from people

Clinging to owner

Again, as with humans, dogs can experience depressive symptoms for a whole host of reasons, however, depression is usually a reaction to a stressful event, or a imbalance in the dogs neuro chemical make up, usually referred to as clinical depression.

In the case of an imbalance in the dogs neuro chemistry, medication can be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of depression in the dog, by restoring the chemical balance.

Reactive depression can be due to a number of reasons that could include any of the following:

The loss of a human friend or the dogs owner

The loss of a canine friend

Environmental changes, for example, change of house or location

Loss of attention due to a new addition to the family, such as a baby

Separation from it’s owner for long periods during the day

Boredom due to being left alone

Lack of exercise and mental stimulation

Depression is a challenge to diagnose, especially to the untrained, therefore, if you have a dog who is exhibiting the symptoms outlined above, it would be sensible to take your dog to the vet, in order that a correct diagnosis of your dogs condition can then be made, as a physical illness or condition could be the root cause of the symptoms, and not depression.

If the diagnosis confirms your dog has depression, then there are a number of ways it can be treated, depending on it’s origin. If your pets depression is due to a chemical imbalance, then your vet may recommend a course of medication, such as Prozac.

If your dog is experiencing depression due to a stressful event, then a programme of rehabilitation will help him overcome his strong feelings, and a return to his normal state of being. begin by identifying the root cause of your dogs depression, then work from this point. If your dog is depressed due to the loss of a canine friend, you may want to consider getting a new friend for him. If you have a dog who has eperienced bad treatment from a previous owner, and has developed depression as a result, then it’s time for you to help your dog renew his faith in human kind.

Spend time with your dog playing his favourite games, or alternatively, take regular walks to your local park, or some other of your dogs favourite out door places. Giving your dog a chance to stimulate his senses, especially his favourite sense-his sense of smell, will give him respite from his depressive feelings.

Try not to leave your pet alone during the early stages of his recovery. If you have a friend or neighbour who is willing to spend time with your dog, for a while during the day, then take advantage of the kind offer, alternatively you could contact a pet sitting service.

If you are not totally happy with giving your pet medications prescribed by the vet, such as Prozac, then you may want to try more natural remedies. You may want to try using some or all of the following, to help restore your pets emotional balance, naturally:

Bach flower remedies

Flower essence’s have proven to be of benefit to humans experiencing all manner of negative emotions. Flower essences are also as safe and beneficial in helping depressive symptoms in dogs.

Herbal remedies

St. Johns Wort is one herbal remedy proven to help depression in humans, that is also safe and effective treating depressive symptoms in dogs.

Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils is another safe and totally natural way to help your pet. Oils can be dispersed around the room with the use of a burner or diffuser. Your dog can then be left to inhale the oils calming and restorative properties.

Alternatively, you can use massage along with your essential oils. Touch alone will have the effect of promoting your dogs natural ‘feel good’ chemicals. however, when massage is combined with essential oils, the healing process will accelerate.

Tags: Blue Mood, Canine, Canine Friend, Chemical Balance, Clinical Depression, Depression, Depressive Symptoms, Dog Owners, dogs, Emotional Life, Food Loss, Guide, Human Contact, Human Friend, Lack Of Exercise, Lethargy, Long Periods, Loss Of Appetite, Mental Stimulation, Natural, Natural Treatments For Depression, Stressful Event, Symptoms, Symptoms Of Depression, Treatments, Treatments For Depression, Understanding, Weather Changes

Kennel Cough: why Dog Owners Shouldn’t Disregard Kennel Cough

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Home Page > Home and Family > Pets > Kennel Cough: why Dog Owners Shouldn’t Disregard Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough: why Dog Owners Shouldn’t Disregard Kennel Cough

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Posted: Oct 29, 2008 |Comments: 0 | Views: 355 |

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how many dog owners in the uk ? My little dog has a hacking cough for 2.5 days now..he did throw up a large chunk of food and the coughing stopped for awhile now its back…what could be wrong? I just got bark off for our loud dogs. but it gives a warning that it shouldn’t be used around others. can it be used around pet parrot’s? My dog gave birth two days ago, she had two puppies when her puppies cry she cries louder and will not tend to them on their own if they cry unless i put her beside the kennel the puppies are in

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Kennel Cough: why Dog Owners Shouldn’t Disregard Kennel Cough

By: Florin Albu

About the Author

For more information related to the kennel cough infection, visit us at KennelCoughInDogs.com

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Article Source: articlesbase.com/ – Kennel Cough: why Dog Owners Shouldn’t Disregard Kennel Cough

A lot of dog owners disregard kennel cough. the reason for this is because of the fact that the disease can possibly heal on its own. but this is such a very big risk to take.

Dogs suffering from kennel cough need medical care and attention. Kennel cough could get worse any minute. furthermore, it can just be a symptom of a much severe disease lurking inside your dog.

You know that your dog has kennel cough if it makes hacking cough sounds every now and then. There may or may not be white to yellow mucus forming in its nose. some people mistake kennel cough for retching. however, kennel cough tends to occur chronically. Besides, your dog would look ill if it has kennel cough. It may even develop fever because of the disease.

The moment you discover that you dog has kennel cough, you have to take it to the veterinarian. To treat kennel cough, the viruses and bacteria that are causing the disease should be eliminated. the most effective way is to do so is to use antibiotics and similar oral medical treatments. Depending on the severity of your pet’s condition, the vet may administer intranasal vaccines or inoculations. these modes of treatment can provide dogs with an almost immediate relief to kennel cough.

Dogs that are very prone to acquiring kennel cough are better off taking continued natural medications. Natural medications may come in the form of tinctures, oils, herbs, and teas. the preparation is similar to humans and you’ve got to administer it to your pet to improve its defenses against the disease. Tinctures should be added to water. With the use of a medicine dropper, give your dog several drops of natural herbs such as wild cherry bark, yerba santa, peppermint, or honey.

Kennel cough is a very common disease. Dogs tend to suffer from it at least once in their lifetime. however, it can easily be prevented. Keeping your dog healthy and strong is the first step. also, you shouldn’t let your pet stray away too much because kennel cough is a highly contagious disease. Mere association with other dogs suffering from it may cause your dog to acquire the disease. Direct contact is not necessary for kennel cough to be transmitted from one dog to another. furthermore, such a cough may be transferred from cats, birds, or rabbits. the carrier of the disease doesn’t have to be another dog.

Keep your pet safe from kennel cough by boosting its immune system. Don’t skip regular checkups with the vet either. There are also kennel cough vaccinations for puppies available these days. If you really want your dog to be cleared from this disease, give it the shots that it needs.

Dogs, whenever they are sick, demand care and attention from their masters. they are not too different from humans that need companionship if they are ill. As such, you should do what it takes to restore the good health of your dog. If your dog is well and lively, it will be in its usual joyful self, which can brighten up even your gloomiest day.

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For more information related to the kennel cough infection, visit us at KennelCoughInDogs.com

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]]> http://symptomadvice.com/kennel-cough-why-dog-owners-shouldnt-disregard-kennel-cough-kutips/feed/ 0 http://symptomadvice.com/the-knowledgeable-orlando-vets-office-where-the-most-common-dog-ailments-are-professionally-handled/ http://symptomadvice.com/the-knowledgeable-orlando-vets-office-where-the-most-common-dog-ailments-are-professionally-handled/#comments Sat, 04 Dec 2010 11:17:15 +0000 Symptom Advice http://symptomadvice.com/the-knowledgeable-orlando-vets-office-where-the-most-common-dog-ailments-are-professionally-handled/

Dog owners are responsible for the health and happiness of their pets, particularly in making sure they get to the the AMVA certified Orlando vet’s office once a year and are well-fed and exercised. Dog owners can take good care of their pet but ailments are an inevitable dilemma. these are a few of the most common ailments you should watch out for in your dog.

An insightful Orlando veterinarian will certainly define Parvo as one of the most difficult diseases to handle. it is a strong virus attacking the intestines and causes symptoms like loss of appetite, severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and depression. Good thing for dogs, prevention of this condition is achievable by using vaccines. if the dog is inflicted with the virus and it didn’t get vaccinated by an licensed Olrando vet beforehand, symptoms can manifest within hours and death can occur in days.

Unfortunately, Distemper is one condition that has no cure should a dog contract it. however, preventing it is possible by getting regular vaccines at your local vet’s office. Unluckily, the rate of mortality of the disease is high that 50% of adult dogs die and 80% of puppies still end up dying even with a treatment from an AMVA certified Orlando vet. Diarrhea, chest congestion, eye and nose discharges and coughing are included in the symptoms that you should be aware of.

Twisted stomach is a condition likely to be acquired by dogs that are underfed, eat too quickly, or only eat one meal daily. it is basically characterized by the cutting off of the blood supply to the stomach as a result of twisting of the stomach on itself and needs immediate attention of your reputable Orlando veterinarian. Failure of the owner to get their pet in for a surgical treatment at a vet’s office can cause quick death by this extremely painful condition. if caught promptly enough, surgical treatment by the doctor can help the dog survive the twisting but it is likely to suffer the same condition if proper measures are not taken.

Finally, by watching out and having your dog vaccinated for Rabies every three years at the respectable Orlando vet, you will give them a long and happy life to live. Death is almost always associated with contracting Rabies and there is still no cure discovered for it. Nonetheless, the condition is quite proven to be prevented by vaccines but safety can be enhanced by keeping your dogs away from wild and other animals that mirror the same symptoms. The usual symptoms of Rabies are violent behavior, excessive barking, irritability, and restlessness, fear of water, loss of motor control, behavior changes and fever, which your affordable Orlando vet may warn about.

Preventing those four conditions stated above is possible by having proper treatment at your vet’s office. See to it that you keep your dog happy and long lived with vaccinations and proper care. An respectable Orlando vet can give you knowledge on how to prevent these and other diseases.

Find out more about my veterinary services here…trustworthy Orlando veterinarian. Get plenty of answers to your most pressing pet related questions. Your pets will thank you…licensed Olrando vet.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease, one of the most common infections that your dog will face, it is found world wide, and can affect all breeds of dogs. Some of the progressive damages this disease can cause are mild to severe fevers, lethargy, pneumonia, and in the severest of cases, death.

However, do not panic, as it most cases your dog basically has what we, as owners, would refer to as a common cold. most of the cases of this highly contagious disease are not serious and can be corrected in a couple of weeks, but in some cases dogs can develop into some very serious complications.

The term “kennel cough” has been applied over time to a condition that affects dogs in their upper respiratory system and is actually referred to today as “tracheobronchitis canine infection”.

Most dog owners associate this disease with dogs that are boarded, or kenneled, and although it is easily caught this way because it is so contagious, it can attack your dog even if you have never had your dog kenneled.

Any time your dog is even in the vicinity of another dog that has this disease, they are at risk, as it is an airborne virus. The incubation period for this disease is somewhere between 8 and 10 days, and this means that you’re dog may not show any symptoms at all for a week or so.

As with any other type of disease or infection, the best prevention for your dog against this threat is to have a strong immune system to start with. with a well built immune system, your pet is much less likely to catch this highly contagious disease.

There are herbal and homeopathic remedies that can help with this disease, but by far and away the best way to build your dog’s immune system is with Vitamin C. Vitamin C emulates the immune system itself, as it reaches into every cell of your dog’s body.

Your pet’s immune system will benefit tremendously with Vitamin C supplementation as this nutrient plays a major function of the immune system.

This nutrient will help in the immune system fight against this disease as it helps to manufacture defensive mechanisms in your dog’s connective tissues which are an elaborate system that holds the body together, and is the primary ingredient of collagen, which is a glue-like substance that binds cells together to form tissues.

Vitamin C is vitally important to your dog and helping to prevent kennel cough as it helps to ward off foreign invasions such as air born diseases, which is what this is. it also will help to support your dog’s tissues from free radical damages that viruses can cause.

There is a vaccine for kennel cough known as Bordatela, but it is not especially effective with this disease simply because there are so many strains and different mutations of this virus out there.

The simulation can be made with a human flu shot which prevents a certain strain of flu only based on speculation that that particular strain will be what is prevalent in that time frame. If it is a different strain, the flu shot is ineffective.  

The primary cause of this disease can be numerous airborne bacteria, viruses, or even mycoplasma, which is an organism that lies somewhere between a bacteria and a virus. it basically lacks a cell wall, and without a cell wall, this organism is unaffected by most common antibiotics.

The most common symptoms that indicate that your dog has this disease will be a very dry “hacking cough’ that may dog owners say sounds like geese honking, and there also may be a watery discharge that is present.

If this infection is not prevented, caught, or treated, the symptoms may progress.

Some of the progressive damages this disease can cause are mild to severe fevers, lethargy, pneumonia, and in the severest of cases, death, with most of the very severe cases occurring in immune-compromised dogs or puppies that have not been vaccinated.

With this disease, the pathogens that induce the inflammation of the windpipe, or the trachea, and the air passages into the lungs are, are battling against this infection.

Quite often, after a coughing spell, your dog will make sudden retching movements and actually cough up a white to yellowish-white discharge. with some dogs, the nasal mucous membrane may also be affected, causing nasal drip to occur.

If you do suspect that your canine friend has suddenly developed this disease due to these symptoms, you will need to notify your veterinarian immediately. However, in most cases with this condition other than the severe exceptions, again, do not panic.

Treatment of this disease will depend entirely on how severe your dog’s case is. in most of the cases, antibiotics will be used, much like the common cold, and cough suppressants may also be recommended. However, it is important to remember that this is in most cases a virus, and not bacteria. with the proper treatment, most cases of this infection will go away in a couple of weeks.

Some ways to help sooth your pets cough during this time will be by using honey. The recommendations with vary, ranging from a teaspoon for smaller dogs to a tablespoon for larger dogs, and by all means, keep your infected dog away from second hand smoke.