| Health A-Z Unless you're a trained expert, the language used to describe your dog's health can often be confusing. Our simple health encyclopaedia translates a selection of the most common terms into plain English - to help you understand exactly what your vet is telling you. To see a similar glossary of nutritional terms click here.Select term alphabetically, or by scrolling the list. To read a description, click on the term selected. When appropriate, links to further reading are supplied. Abscess An infected swelling, often seen on the tail, head or back of a dog. Usually caused by a bite. Affected animals feel unwell, may go off their food or run a high temperature, so veterinary attention is usually required. The abscess may rupture and pus will leak out. Acral Lick Granuloma A bald sore found typically on the wrist or hock of a dog's leg. Caused by excessive licking, often a result of boredom, an allergic reaction or joint pain. Adenovirus An alternative name for Canine Hepatitis, a viral disease that can affect the liver, kidneys and the cells lining the blood vessels, causing high fever, thirst, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, liver damage and haemorrhage. Allergies In dogs, typically related to food or parasites such as fleas. Symptoms include: itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, scratching, hair loss, hot spots, skin abrasions, diarrhoea and vomiting Commonly diagnosed through a 12-week elimination diet trial, under veterinary supervision.
Food Allergies
Special Diets Alopecia Hair loss due to any cause. One of the most common causes of hair loss in dogs is an allergy to flea bites.
Hair Loss
Parasites Amputation Often necessary as a result of paralysis or a serious injury. Most dogs quickly recover from the operation, and many, if only one limb is removed, soon learn to walk again.
Amputation Anaemia Anaemia occurs when there is a decreased amount of red blood cells, or the amount of haemoglobin in the cells, in the circulatory system. There are many different causes of anaemia in dogs including blood loss due to haemorrhage, the presence of blood parasites, or viruses. Antibodies Part of the body's natural defence systems, produced to combat infections and invading substances recognised as not belonging to the body, such as viruses and bacteria. On occasion antibodies can be produced inappropriately by the body, for example in response to a protein in food, resulting in an allergic reaction. Antioxidants Literally meaning 'against oxidation', antioxidants strengthen your dog's immune system, destroying free radicals and keeping the body cells in balance. A good example is vitamin E.
Getting the Balance Right Arthritis Inflammation of the joints, often suffered by older dogs. Affected dogs may have difficulty standing after lying down for sustained periods. Tell your vet who may be able to provide some pain relief and/or suggest a dietary change to delay the progression of the condition.
Caring for Older Dogs Atopy Hypersensitivity to environmental allergens, a common cause of face rubbing or paw licking in dogs. Booster Top up vaccinations, given to dogs one year after initial vaccination and then at yearly intervals, or as advised by your vet.
Vaccinations Calculus Another name for tartar, plaque on the surface of the tooth that has mineralised to produce a hard, brown-coloured deposit. Consult your veterinarian for dental health advice.
Dental Care Canine Distemper A viral disease typically causing fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, eye and nasal discharge. Severe cases may lead to respiratory or neurological complications and death. Canine Enteritis An inflammation of the intestines, commonly resulting in bloody diarrhoea and vomiting. May be the result of bacterial or viral infection, or caused by a foreign object trapped in the intestine. Canine Leptospirosis A life-threatening bacterial disease affecting the kidney and liver that causes anorexia, vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhoea, jaundice, abdominal and joint pain, increased thirst and urination, and depression. Canine Parvovirus (CPV) A highly contagious viral disease characterised by anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and dehydration. If untreated may be deadly. Constipation Abnormally delayed or infrequent passing of stools - usually dry and hardened. Usually the result of eating bones or other indigestible matter, but can be a sign of underlying illness, particularly if accompanied by intermittent bouts of diarrhoea. Coprophagia The eating of faeces, a common behaviour among dogs. Creatinine A substance produced by body metabolism that is normally excreted from the body by the kidney. If the kidneys are damaged the body retains the creatinine and levels in the blood will rise. The level of creatinine in the blood is commonly used as part of the diagnosis and monitoring of kidney disease. Dehydration A serious and potentially life-threatening condition, in which a dog's body contains an insufficient volume of water for normal functioning. As in humans, there are many potential causes of dehydration including severe vomiting or diarrhoea, diabetes, or extensive bleeding, Dehydration can be fatal if fluids are not replaced swiftly. It is essential to discover the origin of the condition.
Heatstroke
Weather Precautions Dermatitis Inflammation of the skin, from a variety of causes, such as a food allergy or parasitical infestation. Diarrhoea This can be caused by an abrupt change in diet, internal parasites (worms), ingestion of a foreign body, or more serious illnesses. Talk to your vet if the diarrhoea continues for more than 24 hours. Dominance Related to aggression (the term used to describe threatening behaviour), staring, 'standing over', growling, snarling, snapping or biting, when associated with the dominance chain of command. Consult an animal behaviorist for advice. Eclampsia Also called milk fever. A calcium deficiency during pregnancy or the first three weeks after labour. Typically characterized by twitching, nervousness, restlessness and a stiff, painful gait. A potentially life threatening condition.
Warning Signs Epilepsy A neurological disorder characterised by sudden fits, loss of consciousness, and convulsive, uncoordinated, muscle movement. Often referred to as the 'falling sickness' because of animals falling suddenly to the ground. Seizures by themselves are not life threatening unless they progress into Status Epilepticus (or Grand Mal) where the seizure continues for more than 10 minutes in which case medical attention should be sought immediately. Euthanasia Usually due to ageing or serious illness; when your dog's quality of life will deteriorate markedly. The vet will administer a measured overdose of anaesthetic, and your dog will quickly slip into a deep and permanent sleep with no pain or distress.
Putting Your Dog to Sleep Fleas The most common external parasites found on your dog. Fleas are dark brown, the size of a pinhead, and can cause dogs to scratch, twitch or lick frenziedly. Flea droppings look like coal dust in your dog's coat. Some dogs have allergic reactions to fleabites, more specifically flea saliva. Flea control must be performed on the dog and in the environment. Consult your vet for canine-safe flea control tips. Use both a topical product to kill adult fleas, and an insect development inhibitor, to prevent the eggs developing into adults.
Parasites Free Radicals Reactive substances created in the body during normal metabolism - but often triggered to extreme by ageing and stress - that seek other healthy molecules to damage or destroy. Minimised by antioxidants in the body. GDV / Gastric Torsion Also referred to as Gastric Bloat. A serious and life threatening condition where the dog's stomach becomes bloated and filled with air, often accompanied by vomiting and rapid, shallow breathing. The bloated stomach rotates, cutting off the blood supply. The true cause is not clearly understood, but may be due to eating large amounts of food with air or producing large quantities of gas. Large breeds are particularly susceptible. Geriatric Used to describe an older animal, over seven years (five for some larger and giant breeds).
Caring for an Older Dog
Feeding Your Older Dog Halitosis Bad breath, often caused by rotting food and bacteria between the teeth. Consult your veterinarian for dental health advice.
Dental Care Heart Disease As common in dogs as it is in people. May be congenital or acquired. Look for a lack of energy, not wanting to be moved, coughing and laboured breathing. Call your vet promptly. Heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, worms that live in a dog's heart and live off it's blood. Transmitted via the mosquito as the carrier host. Severe infestation can cause sudden death as Heartworms can obstruct the heart and blood vessels leading to high blood pressure and causing heart failure. Associated with coughing, weight loss and general apathy. Prevention and treatments are widely available.
Worms Heatstroke Severe heat exhaustion, resulting in collapse. Hip Dysplasia A disease of the hip joint, where parts of the hip joint are abnormally shaped, so that the ball fits poorly into the socket. Characterised by a swinging gate or hopping run. Many dogs with hip dysplasia go undetected and are still able to function normally. Hip dysplasia is usually found incidentally when x-rayed for another reason. Your vet may treat with anti-inflammatory and pain medication. Larger breeds are particularly predisposed to the condition. Hookworms Intestinal worms that 'hook' themselves to the wall of the small intestine where they live by feeding on the blood. Associated with anemia, weight loss (or poor weight gain in puppies), apathy and diarrhoea. Can be transferred from dogs to humans. Prevention and treatments are widely available.
Worms Hypersensitivity An over-reaction of the body in response to something normally harmless to other animals of the same breed or species, usually an allergen.
Food Allergies
Special Diets Hypoglycema Low levels of glucose in the blood; low blood sugar. Hypothermia A state of extremely low body temperature. Infectious Canine Hepatitis A viral disease (adenovirus) associated with fever, lethargy, vomiting, depression and anorexia. In severe cases dogs may exhibit abdominal tenderness, increased thirst and urination, coughing and bloody diarrhoea. Can be deadly if left untreated. Intolerances Where, for any reason, an individual animal may be unable to 'tolerate' a particular substance (usually a foodstuff) because its own individual system cannot cope with it It is a type of adverse reaction that does not involve the immune system. Typical signs of an intolerance include digestive upset and skin problems. Food allergies differ from intolerances because they involve the immune system.
Food Allergies
Special Diets Kennel Cough A common but serious disease caused by the Parainfluenza virus or Bordetella bacteria. The disease causes a dry hacking cough, is highly contagious, but treatable. Lice Small parasites, invisible to the human eye. Signs of infestation are the same as for other pests: frantic biting and chewing at the coat. Unlike fleas, lice cannot be transferred to humans or other species. See your vet if these symptoms persist.
Parasites Lyme Disease An illness caused by the spirochete bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Relatively rare in the UK. Mange An itching of the coat and skin caused by microscopic parasitic mites. May be Red Mange, Walking Dandruff or Scabies. Treatment for the latter involves weekly injections, for the former two variants, and insecticide dip. Mastitis Inflammation of the teats generally as the result of feeding a newborn litter.
Warning Signs
Labour & Birth Metabolism The sum of all basic physical and chemical bodily processes that keep a body healthy and functioning. Metritis An inflammation of the uterus associated with labour, resulting in fever, vaginal discharge, loss of appetite and listlessness - potentially life-threatening. Mites Small parasites, invisible to the human eye. Signs of infestation are the same as for other pests: frantic biting and chewing at the coat. See your vet if these symptoms persist.
Parasites Neutering Male castration involving the removal of the testicles. The operation is simple, painless and safe, and typically results in a much calmer and more affectionate dog, less vulnerable to certain diseases in later years, including cancer. Although specific to males, the term is commonly used to cover female 'spaying' also.
Neutering Obesity Approximately one in four dogs in the UK are overweight or obese. Overfeeding and lack of exercise are the principle causes. Increased exercise, feeding portion-controlled meals and cutting out food treats will help most dogs lose weight. A light diet can also make a difference. Weight loss should be gradual and very overweight dogs will benefit from veterinary supervision of their weight loss programme.
If Your Dog is Overweight Otitis Externa Medical name for inflammation of the ear, marked by pain and discomfort, and displayed as irritability. Symptoms include ear scratching, head shaking and an unpleasant aroma. Causes are widespread, from ear mites to allergies. Parainfluenza Virus One of the causes of kennel cough, this virus is highly contagious and attacks the respiratory system. Parasite A creature that lives, usually at the expense, on a second, host creature, for instance the flea or intestinal worm.
Parasites Plaque Soft material that accumulates on tooth surfaces. Plaque is mainly made up of bacteria and can cause gum disease. Plaque can be removed from dogs' teeth by brushing, providing toys that can be chewed on and by feeding some dry cat foods and dental treats. Consult your veterinarian for dental health advice.
Dental Care Polyps A growth or mass protruding from a mucous membrane. Can occur wherever mucous membranes exist: in the nose, ears, mouth, lungs, heart, stomach, intestines, urinary bladder, uterus and cervix. Rabies Caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals, and transmitted to pets and humans by bites, or contamination of an open cut. Untreated, rabies causes a painful death. If your dog has been bitten or attacked by a wild animal, and has bites or scratches of unknown origin, contact your vet to report the incident. Roundworm Also known as Ascarids, Roundworms live in the dog's intestine and live off partially digested food. The generic term 'worms' is usually used to describe Roundworms - the most common of all the canine worms. Severe infection, if left untreated, can create intestinal obstruction and even cause death in puppies.
Worms Shock Not to be confused with fright, this is a serious psychological condition characterised by panting, rapid or shallow breathing, inability to stand, enlarged pupils, cold ears and paws, paleness and eventually collapse. Contact your vet immediately.
Treating Shock Spaying An operation to remove a bitch's womb and ovaries. Spaying is simple, painless and safe.
Neutering Tapeworm Intestinal parasites that feed on semi-digested food in the stomach. Spread by an intermediate host, the flea, small rodents or birds. A heavy infestation can cause weight loss and poor condition, digestive upsets and anal irritation. Worm your dog regularly and keep him or her flea-free. Prevention and treatments are widely available.
Worms Thunder Phobia An exaggerated, almost irrational fear of stormy weather as well as other loud noises, such as fireworks or gunshots. Very common in all dogs.
Fearful Dogs Ticks Ticks are tenacious bloodsuckers that bury their heads under a dog's skin. Usually found on the front of the dog, they look like small warts. It is a good idea to examine your dog for ticks after he or she plays outside. It's best to get your vet to show you how to remove them safely.
Parasites Whipworms Worms in the large intestine that live off the animal's blood flow. Commonly associated with anaemia, weight loss, dehydration, apathy and diarrhoea.
Worms |