Cushing's Disease and Adrenal Gland Disorders - Dog Health

1. Increased thirst and urination

2. Increased appetite

3. Fatter body and thinner legs

4. Thinning coat and thinner skin.

5. Skin bacterial problems causing Acne and black heads

What Causes Cushing's Disease?

There are two types of adrenal gland disorders, the first and most common is that the glands are over active (Cushing's disease), and the second is when the gland is under active (Addison's disease).

These small glands are situated on the front edge of each kidney and their job is to produce a chemical called glucocorticoid, but this chemical cannot be produced without first getting the message from another gland in the brain called a pituitary gland. The pituitary gland(gland in the brain) should tell the adrenal glands exactly how much of the chemical glucocorticoid to produce, but in the circumstances of Cushing's disease something is going wrong along this process causing the glands to make too much of this chemical and thus upsetting the balance of the dogs body.

The production of too much of this chemical could be due to two things, either there is a problem in the gland within the brain (pituitary) and it is sending out too many signals to the adrenal, or the adrenal gland itself is making too much of this chemical at a time when it is sent a message.

In most cases the cause is a pituitary gland that overproduces for no apparent reason with a possibility of a tumor, and in the case of the adrenal gland, tumours are the most common of causes, if there becomes a tumor on the adrenal gland then it will become a larger size and thus produce more/ too much of the chemical each time it is asked to do so. The same implies for the pituitary gland in the brain, if it too gets a tumour and increases in size, the amount of messages sent will increase also resulting in the same consequences as the above problem.

what your vet may say or do

After a quick examination resulting in findings of the above symptoms the vet will probably want to take further blood tests and a ACTH stimulation test for Cushing's disease.

This will then normally be followed by further more specialised tests once the Cushing's disease has been confirmed to narrow down the area that is causing the problem, this test is called a dexamethasone suppression test and tells the vet if the problem area is the adrenal gland or the pituitary gland.

The process then is the same wherever the problem area is, that is to reduce the size of the adrenal gland because operating and using anything that affects the brain as you may suspect is a more dangerous task and holds higher risk. There are two options the vet may want to take, the first is to surgically remove a part of the gland which is often used only if a tumour is the problem, or using a drug called vetoryl which comes in tablet form and is given to the dog daily for the rest of their lives to shrink the gland down to the correct size and help maintain the patients good health.

The drawbacks of this drug are that it can be expensive and needs to be given once a day but is a lot quicker than other available drugs and has little or no side effects to your dog.

For more information on Cushing's Disease and Adrenal Gland Disorders or Dog Health take a look at this Dog Breeds website.

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Dog Skin Conditions

Dog Skin Conditions is a very broad subject and is most open to misinterpretation. Veterinarians diagnose dog skin conditions on a daily basis, however many times, a visit to the vet is not necessary. There has been an open discussion forum within the last two months in which this topic of discussion was addressed. Stereotypically, veterinarians believe they are better equipped to handle more life threatening illnesses of pets, if people could learn a bit more about some topical illnesses for which they could "home treat" their pet. We will cover at least four of these type dog skin conditions for pet owners.

Ring Worm

Caused by a special form of fungi and not by a worm at all. The fungi feed upon the dead cells of the skin causing a red lesion with a ring of scale and normal recovering skin in the center. This disease was erroneously named due to the visual it provided. "Dermatophytes" is the fungi responsible and the meaning of it is "plants that live on the skin". They can live for years. All it takes is skin contact with a spore to cause infection, therefore it is wise to think of preventative measures rather than cure.

Hot Spots

Superficial bacterial infections of the skin. It can be caused by anything that irritates the skin enough to allow bacteria to get a foothold and grow into a dog skin condition. Itchiness is a result of this which can cause your pet to chew or scratch giving it the opportunity to spread to a larger infection area. They can appear on any part of the dogs body and in any environment.

Yeast Infections

Caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans. This is an opportunistically yeast that normally inhibits the body and intestinal tract of the dog. It is a harmful bacteria which can break into two different type infections namely Primary Yeast Infection and Secondary Yeast Infection.

Itch Sores

Itch Sores are as a result of Yeast Infections.

Health Maintenance is important for the treatment of dog skin conditions.

Vanessa Fisher is a dog expert and is highly respected within the canine industry. The products she offers are of the highest standard when it comes to treating dog skin conditions such as dog dry skin, or dog skin problems resulting from bacterial infections. Without a visit to the veterinarian.

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Ring Worm in Dogs

Ringworm is one of the most common diseases in pets, especially dogs. Unlike its name, Ringworm is not a worm but fungi called Dermatophytes that thrives on dead tissues present on skin surface and follows circular path to spread infection.

Ringworm is an infectious skin disease and your pet usually picks it up from his surroundings like kennels, rodent burrows or from other animals who are already infected. There are about 35 species of ringworm that can affect dogs. The most common is ‘Mircosporum Canis’, which accounts for majority of ringworm cases

One symptom of ringworms in dogs is a lesion on the skin that looks like a rapidly growing circular patch of broken hair. The patch may look inflamed and may appear to have dandruff-like flakes on it. The most common areas where it can occur are face, ear tips, tails and paws.

If you find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the veterinarian. He may diagnose the disease by plucking hairs from the infected area and examining it under ultra violet light. On finding fungi traits, he may advise some anti fungal pills or topical medications for your pet

Humans need to take some precautions since ringworm is an infectious disease. Be sure to keep kids away from an infected pet, and adults should wear gloves when handling any items that have come in contact with the animal. Also keep your dog neat and clean and clip his hairs short since longer hairs promote unhygienic conditions.

Although, ringworm is a mild disorder the problems due to its infectious nature and slow recovery time can be problematic.

Common Dog Diseases and Parasites

A good diet and plenty of exercise are important to a dog's health, but they can't make a dog totally immune to illness. Early detection is the key to helping your dog overcome any health problem. If your pet's stools become very loose, or you notice a marked decrease in your dog's appetite and/or that she is very lethargic, she may just have a short-term "bug." On the other hand, if any symptoms continue for more than a few days, you should have your veterinarian examine her for parasites and infections.

Diarrhea is a common symptom in dogs, especially puppies. It can be triggered by stress or a sudden change in food, but also by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Diarrhea causes dehydration, which can be deadly to dogs. It is extremely dangerous in puppies, because they dehydrate faster than mature dogs.

If your dog has diarrhea for more than a day, contact your veterinarian for further instructions. You will probably be asked to collect a sample and bring it in so they can examine it to determine the cause and proper treatment.

Coughing, sneezing, and discharge from your dog's nose and/or eyes often indicate a respiratory infection. A lethargic dog with no appetite is likely fighting an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). URI, caused by airborne viruses and bacteria, is highly contagious among dogs, but is not transmitted between dogs and humans. Early detection of URI is important; ignored dogs suffer from severe dehydration and risk developing pneumonia.

Bortadella, also called 'kennel cough" is another contagious respiratory disease commonly contracted in animal shelters, boarding kennels, or anywhere groups of dogs have close contact with one another. It is a short-term disease, and most dogs get over it with a few days of rest and tender loving care from you. It is possible to have your dog vaccinated against Bortadella - a good idea if you plan on boarding her or placing her in "doggie daycare."

Vaccinations are also available to protect your dog against more deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus. Most municipalities require that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies; some include distemper and parvovirus as well. Making these vaccinations mandatory protects the health of all dogs, and, in the case of rabies, human health as well. If your dog was vaccinated as a puppy, she's off to a good start. However, without yearly booster shots, your dog is at risk of great suffering from one of these diseases.

Dogs serve as hosts to a number of parasites. You will probably be asked to bring a fecal sample to your dog's yearly vet appointment, so that the staff can check for the presence of internal parasites. If you notice small, rice-like granules on your pet's bedding or around her anus, she is suffering from an infestation of worms and needs to be seen by your vet to get proper treatment. Other parasites take up residence on the outside of your dog's body. Mange and sarcoptic mites live on the hair follicles and skin of dogs, while ear mites live on the inside of the ear. These parasites are so small you might not see them, but they cause your dog extreme discomfort. Head shaking and pawing at ears are signs of ear mites. Frequent scratching and skin-biting can indicate either skin mites or a dog's worst enemy: fleas.

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Would you like to learn more about caring for and training your adorable dog? Visit MyPetAnimals.com now!

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Dog Hair Care

A dog is one of the favorite pets that people love to have in their homes. Families that keep dogs, often treat them as a member of their family. A dog's hair is an important factor that has to be given regular attention, as it enhances their beauty. A dog's hair should be kept clean to avoid being infected with diseases. Different breeds of dogs have different texture, color and length of hair and have to be given appropriate attention accordingly.

Hair loss in dogs can occur for many reasons. A thorough veterinary examination is necessary to find the cause. Dogs lose hair because of excessive scratching, brittle hair that falls off and sometimes for no reason at all. There is also an endocrine gland disease that can account for hair loses in dogs.

Different breeds have different needs in terms of the number of times they require bathing and with what type of pet shampoo. If a dog spends a lot of time outdoors, chances are it will require more baths using a flea protection shampoo. A veterinarian-approved dog shampoo should be used because it reduces allergic reactions. The other requirements for dog hair care are mineral oil for hair massage, cotton balls to clean areas around eyes, washcloth or sponge and towels.

When a flea bites a dog, a small amount of saliva is injected into the skin, which prevents blood coagulation. A number of dogs become sensitized to this saliva. In highly allergic dogs, the bite of a flea can cause severe itching and scratching. Fleas cause the most common skin disease of dogs - flea allergy dermatitis.

After bathing a dog, tick powder should be evenly applied on the coat and brushed with a soft brush all over. It is essential that a pet dog be seen by a good veterinarian regularly to check the hair and skin, as well as receive necessary vaccinations.

Some breeds, especially longhair breeds, require more bathing than shorthair breeds like German Shepherds. Dogs with smooth coats generally require fewer baths. Too much bathing will remove vital oils from a dog's coat, causing the skin to dry out. Unless the dog is dirty, regular grooming can reduce the number of bathes required.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .

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Dog Skin Care

Dogs are very sensitive and affectionate. Dogs obey and follow instructions if they are put into practice from the puppy stage. Dog care is not a simple procedure. One has to know a lot of things about dogs. Dogs are to be regulated in their food habits, personality, the toe nail lengths, and sensory organs.

Dog’s skin is very sensitive. The dog’s skin is shining, healthy and free from dandruff if it is taken proper care of. Its skin depends on the diet it has. Its skin will be in good condition only if it has correct weight. An underweight or an overweight dog may have health problems. Knowledge, precaution and proper attention will surely keep the dogs healthy. Regular vaccinations ensure dogs from getting affected from any infection. The most common disease is allergy in dogs. To keep them away from allergy the surroundings should be clean. A daily bath to a dog will make its skin lose its natural oils. It is advisable to give a bath at intervals or when you find them to be very dirty. They should be patted dry with a soft towel and their coat should be brushed with a soft brush. This will help the skin look shining and healthy.

Every dog has to taken for a regular checkup. Not only this, but one has to check its skin for insects. If so it should be cleaned and powdered by some medicated dog powder. It contracts any skin problem by the slightest change in temperatures. If it is too cold, its skin will turn dry. So it needs a warm condition to keep its skin healthy. Dogs should be taken care with patience, utmost attention and periodical checkups. Though it is not cheap to maintain a healthy dog, a periodical checkup is essential.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .

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Skin Problems Affecting Toy Poodles

Toy Poodles can live for up to 17 years or even longer if they live a healthy life. However, a Toy Poodle may not be able to live that long due to the occurrence of accidents, diseases or other health problems. That is why it is important for every dog owners to take necessary precaution to prevent accidents, diseases and other health problems as well. Owners of Toy Poodles should know that this variety of Poodle breed is prone to skin related problems - be it bacterial, fungal or allergic skin problems.

Bacterial Skin Infection. Also called pyodermas, bacterial skin infection is classified into three - surface, superficial and deep pyoderma. Surface pyoderma is characterized by itching and reddening of the skin with raised round scabs. When there is yellow pustules that break into larger wheals and scabs, then it is classified as superficial pyoderma. Deep pyoderma on the other hand, produces abscesses and oozing, inflammed channels in the skin surface. Bad odor is also present in this kind of skin problem. All areas of a dog's body may be affected but the trunk, chin, inside ears, toes and the calluses of the elbows are the areas commonly affected. Obese dogs and pug-nosed dog breeds are more likely to develop this skin problem. Go and see your veterinarian to determine the type of pyoderma since each type has different treatment. Treat as early as possible to prevent the disease from progressing and most importantly, follow your vet's advice to achieve successful results at the same time prevent the reoccurrence of the disease.

Fungal Skin Infection. Fungal infection in dogs are caused by fungi called Microsporum and Trichophyton. These fungi cause the disease commonly called ringworm. The most common symptom of ringworm is a small round lesion often with small pustules and scaly skin in the center. Areas commonly affected are the head, legs, feet and tail. Treatment vary depending on the degree of the disease. Most small lesions will usually heal on their own within four months. Some cases necessitates antifungal medication twice a day. Using of antifungal shampoos and dips also help alleviate the problem.

Allergic Skin Problem. Allergic skin problem is commonly caused by infection spread by the flea saliva as well as house dust, molds and pollens. Signs of this skin disease include itchy skin, nasal and eye discharges, digestive upsets and skin lesions. Affected areas are the face, feet, chest and abdomen. Upon diagnosis, the vet usually prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids to control the itching. If flea infested, it is important that the fleas are killed on the dog and in the dog's environment.

Richard Cussons writes articles including articles about Toy Poodles. Visit poodlesavvy.com for more Toy Poodle training tips.

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Skin Diseases In Labrador Retrievers

Same with humans, Labrador Retrievers and other breed of dog can be affected with different types of skin problems. These skin problems vary depending on the allergen and how it affects your beloved canine friend.

Inhalant Allergy

Inhalant allergy, also referred to as atopy is the most common type of allergy. This allergy is caused by things such as tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, molds, dust mites and chemicals- the same things that cause allergy to humans. Inhalant allergy may present itself in the form of scratching, biting, chewing at feet and constant licking which may lead to irritation and later infection.

Atopy is life-long condition and there is no known cure for this disease. However, there are ways to manage the problem:

- Anti-itch therapy. Anti-itch therapy includes the use of drugs, hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners. Frequent bathing provides temporary relief from itching and reduces the amount of antigen exposure.

- Anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids may be given to block the allergic reaction. Antihistamines and fatty acids can also be given to your dog to lessen the allergic reaction.

- Removing the sources. As much as possible, remove the sources of the allergy from the environment. If you know that your dog is allergic to weed pollens, it is best to avoid that substance.

Food Allergy

Labrador Retrievers are prone to food allergy being dogs with hearty appetite, eating digestible and non-food alike. Dogs are usually sensitive to fish, eggs, chicken, pork, chemical preservatives and artificial sugars. Symptoms of food allergies in dogs include scratching at ears, shaking of the head, licking and biting their back legs, inflammation in the ears and in some cases, coughing, vomiting, sneezing and diarrhea.

To treat food allergy, carefully monitor your dog's diet. Take note what food triggers the allergy.

Flea Allergy

Flea allergy dermatitis, also called flea bite hypersensitivity is a type of skin disease caused by flea saliva. Dogs with flea allergy chew and bite their backs, legs, bellies or tails. One bite of flea can cause flea allergy that could last for up to five to seven days.

Flea control program must be taken to help your dog with this problem. But be careful in using strong chemicals for it can cause seizures and skin problems.

Bacterial Allergy

bacterial allergy, also referred to as pyoderma is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus. The bacteria is not threatening to the dog as long as its immune system functions perfectly. However, the problem starts if your dog's immune system gets weak. Once allergy developed, red blotches, formation of pus pustules and hair loss can be seen.

Richard Cussons has written articles of various breeds including Labrador Retrievers. Discover tips on training Labradors at labradorsavvy.com.

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Dog Skin Allergies - How to Help Your Dog

Dog skin allergies are one of the most common types of allergies in dogs. Many dogs have this allergy when they are born, or develop it due to various reasons later in their life.

As a dog owner, it is important to find out if your dog has an allergic skin and find solutions for it.

Dog skin allergies can be temporary and simple, or long-lasting or even permanent.

So it is important to discover the specific type of skin allergy your dog has, and then plan a way to cure it based on it.

There are generally three types of skin allergies...

Allergy Type #1: Immune-Mediated Skin Allergies

When there is a problem in the immune system function of your dog, this allergy is very likely to appear.

Because of that, your dog may experience regular skin infections - more often that normal because of every day accidents.

Then it is time that you start getting suspicious that maybe something is wrong with the way your dog's body operates.

Allergy Type #2: Canine Atopic Dermatitis
This type of allergy is a chronic allergic skin disease. You may see it in your dog usually by 10 months of age up to 2 years of age.

If your dog has this allergy, you may notice he is very itchy, especially around the eye area. Also his feet may be very itchy too.

Allergy Type #3: Infectious Skin Diseases
Dogs with this type of skin allergy, usually experience hair loss in some parts of their body - especially legs.

Infectious skin diseases of dogs include contagious and non-contagious infections or infestations. Contagious infections include parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral skin diseases.

So as you see, this type of skin allergy in your dog is the most serious and dangerous of all. So if you see the signs of it, it is highly recommended that you take him to the vet as soon as possible.

NOTE: Another common type of allergies in dogs is food allergies. So if you are seeing some symptoms in your dog, have you thought that is might be a food allergy - not skin allergy?

You can find out more about signs of dog food allergies and compare it to find out which one your dog is really allergic to.

About The Author:

Julia Carter is a dog allergies expert who is giving away FREE Dog Allergies Tips and Secrets to help you discover and cure your dog's allergies.

Find out the latest tips and news to help your dog cure faster and easier and get an allergy-free life again!

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Skin Diseases in Dogs: Allergies

Skin diseases in dogs such as ear infections and allergies, are some of the most common health problems in dogs. They are often very difficult to diagnose because many diseases can cause the same symptoms. But a correct diagnosis is essential to determine the correct treatment.

Allergies

Allergic & Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Holly Nash, DVM, MS
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs in dogs as a hypersensitivity reaction to certain molecules in the pet's environment. Irritant contact dermatitis results when the skin is exposed to noxious substances in the environment. The symptoms and biologic mechanisms involved in these two diseases are similar so they are often discussed together.

What is allergic contact dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis is a rare disease, which occurs when an animal's skin overreacts to certain small molecules in the environment. Substances, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis include certain antibiotics applied to the skin; metals such as nickel; materials such as rubber or wool; and chemicals such as dyes and carpet deodorizers.

What is irritant contact dermatitis?

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to severely irritating chemicals such as the sap in poison ivy and salt on the road.

How do these two diseases differ?

Allergic contact dermatitis only affects those animals with a hypersensitivity to the molecule. Irritant contact dermatitis would affect every dog that is exposed to the irritant.

Allergic dermatitis requires multiple exposures to the molecule before it develops. It rarely occurs in animals less than two years old. Irritant contact dermatitis often occurs in inquisitive young animals who get into things they should not.

What are the symptoms of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis?

Lesions generally occur on the areas of skin that are sparsely haired and directly exposed to the offending molecules. This often means the back of the paws, abdomen, muzzle, and lips. The affected areas are very red, have small bumps or vesicles (blister-like lesions), and itch. In irritant contact dermatitis ulcers may appear.

How are allergic and irritant contact dermatitis diagnosed?

The history and physical exam can often indicate what is going on. To isolate the allergen (molecule that caused the dermatitis), exclusion trials are often performed. In these trials, the animal is restricted to an uncarpeted room and kept off the grass, for instance. If the animal's condition improves, potential allergens are slowly introduced one by one.

A 'patch' test can also be performed. In this test, a small amount of the allergen is rubbed on the skin, or a gauze pad containing the suspected allergen is bandaged on the pet's skin. The skin is monitored for 2-5 days for a reaction.

How are pets with allergic or irritant contact dermatitis managed?

The key to managing this condition is removing or restricting exposure to the allergen or contact irritant in the pet's environment. If that is not possible, then fatty acids, antihistamines, biotin, and topical shampoos can be used to control the itching. As a rule, for any pet suspected of having an allergy problem that could include an allergic contact component, we recommend: Glass or stainless steel food and water bowls, cleaned and rinsed well daily Hypoallergenic detergents for the pet's bedding Routine hypoallergenic shampoos for the pet to remove any allergens Restricting walking to sidewalks or paved surfaces - avoid grass

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