Dog Diseases

There are a number of endocrine diseases which can affect dogs. Cushings syndrome an endocrine disease is caused when a small tumor develops in the pituitary gland which is situated in the lower part of the dog’s brain. This is the main cause but this disease can also occur if there is a tumor of the adrenal gland.

Addisons disease in an endocrine disease in dogs that is caused by a decrease of a substance known as corticosteroid which is secreted by the dog’s adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is vital to the body functioning correctly and produces several other substances as well. This is a disease that affects many dogs and although it is sometimes difficult to diagnose in its early stages when ascertained it can be treated with excellent results.

Another endocrine disease is hypothyroidism which is an autoimmune disease. Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to this disease. Shetland sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers and Great Danes are amongst the breeds affected. This disease occurs when antibodies which are produced in the thyroid gland of the dog are found in the blood. It has been shown that iodine salts which are often included in dog foods which are available for domestic pets can be a factor in dogs developing this disease. The treatment by veterinarians when treating dogs is to replace thyroid hormone in the affected animal. This treatment can sometimes continue throughout the life of the dog.

Hemolytic anemia is another disease that affects dogs. This iron deficiency which causes a reduction in the number of red blood cells can occur as a consequence of a more serious disease which the dog contracted. Some of the symptoms that would present themselves are pale gums, an increased pulse rate and a general lethargy in the animal. Dietary supplementation with the correct vitamins prescribed can be of great benefit to the animal as part of the treatment being given.

Another disease which breaks down the dog’s immune system is known as thrombocytopenia where platelets in the blood do not perform adequately and as a consequence of this malfunction sudden blood loss could occur. This disease in many instances is genetically acquired but could also be as a consequence of failure of other organs in the dog’s body to function adequately.

There are also certain reproductive diseases that are common to dogs. Tumours in the mammary glands and infections of the uterus are amongst these.