Apr
Most dog owners have to deal with more than one health issue during the lifespan of their pet. While you will probably know all about the common conditions, signs, and symptoms, and treatment options, the rare ones often go overlooked. It increases the risk of missing them completely, and you may notice such issues too late. Having some familiarity with such rare diseases can enable you to spot the signs early and get timely help for your canine companion. Here are the rare conditions that every dog owner should know about.
Parvovirus
Your dog will probably have the parvo vaccine when it is young, curbing the chances of contracting the viral disease to minimal. However, dogs that aren’t vaccinated are at risk because this deadly disease attacks the intestines and heart. The animal can get infected due to contact with the infected poop of another dog. Symptoms of parvo include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weight loss. It damages the immune system and can even cause septic shock, making it a fatal condition.
Canine tuberculosis
Surprisingly, tuberculosis isn’t only a condition that affects humans. Canine tuberculosis can occur in dogs due to the transmission of M. tuberculosis from humans. The infectious disease is extremely rare, but it can still happen. You can spot warning signs such as fever, weight loss, and anorexia. If these symptoms persist, you must have the pet checked by an experienced veterinary doctor.
Prostate cancer
Like humans, aged dogs are also prone to prostate cancer although the condition is rare in canines. Dogs over ten years of age are at risk, and the condition occurs in both neutered and intact dogs. Indications include fever, unexplained weight loss, and ribbon-shaped stool. If you notice these symptoms with your pet, it is time to take it to a vet specialist for a complete medical examination.
Collapsed trachea
A tracheal collapse happens only once or twice in a lifetime for most dogs, but it can cause serious trouble. The animal will have breathing issues and persistent cough, and the symptoms are made worse with severe pain. Managing the condition requires anxiety relief, so you can discuss the option of collapsed trachea cbd with your vet. Since there isn’t a proven treatment for the condition itself, this alternative is your best bet to deal with the symptoms. Using a harness for walks, weight management, and avoiding airway irritants are some other strategies that help.
Gastric torsion
If your pet tends to wolf food down quickly, it is at risk of bloat. The condition can get complicated if the bloated stomach also turns, which can happen in rare cases. It prevents the escape of fluid and air from the stomach, so the dog will be unable to belch or vomit. Eventually, it can get uncomfortable and experience symptoms such as retching, salivating, enlarged stomach, and restlessness.
Degenerative Myelopathy
A rare yet debilitating canine condition that every dog owner must be aware of is degenerative myelopathy. The degenerative condition affects the spinal cord and worsens over time. It can cause acute weakness of the hind limbs, affect the mobility of the animal, and eventually lead to paralysis, which makes it crucial to seek early treatment. Look out for signs like swaying in the standing position, difficulty in walking, difficulty in standing up from a sitting position, and abnormally worn toenails. While there is no cure for the disease, you can help the animal by treatment for slowing down its progression.
Chocolate poisoning
While most dog owners know that they cannot feed chocolate to the furry companion, the cases of chocolate poisoning still surface as kids share it with the pet, or they manage to get their paws on it. Look out for signs of chocolate poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, panting, and shaking. In worst cases, seizures, heart attack, or even death may occur. If you see these signs or suspect chocolate poisoning, take your pet to the doctor right away.
Sporotrichosis
Another lesser-known canine disease is sporotrichosis, a fungal infection affecting the skin and bones of the animal. In the worst cases, it may also reach the brain. The disease is caused by a fungus found in plants, soil, and moss, so it isn’t much you can do about it except keeping an eye on your pet when it is outdoors. It is characterized by the presence of small nodules around the animal’s body. If you notice such suspicious growths, get your vet checked by a specialist at the earliest.
Awareness is the key to raising happy and healthy dogs. Although your pet may not encounter these conditions even once, knowing about them keeps you and the animal on the safe side. It is vital to understand the breed-specific risks because some of these health issues are related to particular dog breeds. Complete information helps you pinpoint the problems early and address them with timely treatment.
