Dog Health Issues

Like human health problems, some dog diseases, injuries and physical ailments are serious while others are not life threatening or fatal. Fortunately, the vast majority of health problems that dogs commonly experience can be successfully treated with medications, physical therapy, surgery, or other types of medical treatments.

Heartworm:

Heartworm is a disease caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which lives in the right side of the heart and the adjacent blood vessels. Its presence in these blood vessels causes cardiovascular weakness, compromised lung incapacity, and eventual death. Heartworm occurs primarily in dogs but can also occur in cats and other animals on rare occasions.

Dog Arthritis:

There is a wide range of treatment options available for treating arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease). Dogs with degenerative joint disease need adequate rest. Rest helps to decrease inflammation and strengthen joints. Too much exercise and over-use of the damaged joints will aggravate symptoms and may also accelerate joint destruction. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to determine how much rest and exercise a pet needs.

Too much exercise may make matters worse while not enough may reduce muscle tone. Your veterinarian can assist you in determining how much exercise and rest is ideal for your pet. As a guideline, any activity that causes your pet to become acutely lame for a period of time afterward is excessive and the level of activity should be reduced accordingly. Avoid strenuous exercise and periods of overexertion, which can accelerate the destruction within the joints.

The onset of dog arthritis can be due to a number of factors, including injury, obesity, genetic predisposition and poor nutrition. Some of the symptoms include stiffness, difficulty in climbing stairs, whimpering when standing, unusual movements, noticeable swelling in a limb, thickening joints and shying away from petting. If you do notice any of these signs, be sure to have your pet checked for canine arthritis.

Cancer:

Just like in humans, cancer in dogs is a very serious condition which can seriously impact the life of both the pet and its owner. There are several treatment options available depending on the nature and severity of the dog cancer, and often a combination of conventional and alternative therapies can be the most effective. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is believed that environmental and hereditary factors do play a role. Exposure to toxins, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise and underlying health issues can all increase the risk. Symptoms of cancer in dogs will depend on the location of the tumor, and can range from gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding, vomiting and seizures, urinary problems, Cushing's and loss of coordination.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial, so it's important to have your dog tested immediately if you notice any changes in its behavior, notice any discomfort or can see or feel any stage bodily masses. Your veterinarian will be able to perform diagnostic tests to determine where the cancer is located and how severe the condition is. Based on this analysis he or she can recommend a course of action to treat the condition effectively and maintain the health of your pet

Depending on the nature and location of the cancer, there are several treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to remove the growth and possibly the surrounding tissues. Medications may also be administered. Other treatment options that are often used in conjunction with conventional methods are natural remedies that can help treat dog cancer as well as slow cancerous growths, boost immune function and improve general health and well-being. Medical science has chemotherapy, radiation and drug treatments available today is much better than what it was just a decade ago. Symptoms of cancer in dogs can be managed effectively, and conventional and natural therapies are proving effective in this battle.

Ensure your dog's health with a proper high quality diet, regular exercise and a clean, toxin-free environment. If you suspect cancer, make sure you talk to your vet right away. Find out all of the treatment options that are available.