Canine Tapeworms

Canine tapeworms affect your dog’s intestinal tract. They attach to the inner walls of the intestine, but do not suck as much blood as hookworms. Although these parasites aren’t incredibly harmful, they should be dealt with promptly as they can be passed along to humans. Tapeworm infections in humans usually require surgical treatment.

Cause

Infected dogs pass mobile segments out through the anus. Once the segments dry out, they release eggs which are usually eaten by flea larvae. When you dog tries to deal with the itching caused by the fleas by licking or chewing, he may swallow the fleas themselves. If the fleas have consumed the tapeworm eggs, they will be released into the digestive system and hatch soon afterwards.

Symptoms

Canine tapeworms don’t usually cause prominent symptoms in dogs. The most common symptom to look for is the presence of small segments on your dog’s fur, in the bedding, or around the anus. The segments can also be found on areas of carpet that are frequented by your pet.

Initially, the segments will have a white color much like rice. However, they will turn a golden color as they dry out. If the segments begin to irritate your dog, you will notice excessive licking of the anal area. He may even scoot across the floor to try to eliminate the irritation. If canine tapeworms detach from the intestinal wall and move into the stomach, your dog may experience vomiting. Severe infections may cause weight loss if left untreated.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian can easily diagnose the presence of canine tapeworms. A stool sample is simply examined under a microscope in order to look for the presence of tell-tale eggs. Treatment will normally begin immediately if eggs are spotted under the microscope.

Treatment

There are a variety of treatments for canine tapeworms. Drugs can either be injected or given orally that will cause the worms to dissolve. As mentioned earlier, fleas play a role in the infection of canine tapeworms. Therefore, controlling fleas is an important part of treatment. There are a number of topical treatments, collars, and powders that you can use for effective flea control.

Prevention

Occasional de-worming may be necessary for dogs with a high risk of infection. Proper hygiene is also important when trying to prevent an episode of canine tapeworms. You should properly dispose of all feces, especially if you allow your dog to play in public parks and playgrounds. It is also a good idea to frequently wash your hands.

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Canine Mast Cell Tumors

Canine mast cell tumors are a serious form of cancer can spread throughout the dog’s body. The danger with these tumors occurs with the release of chemicals that the cells produce. Mast cells are special cells that help your dog deal with inflammation and allergies. Canine mast cell tumors are formed by a group of these mast cells.

Although canine mast cell tumors are very common, there is no known cause. There seems to be evidence that the dog’s genetics play a role because certain breeds have an increased risk for developing the tumors. It also appears that canine mast cell tumors are associated with over-stimulation of the immune system in dogs with inflammatory conditions or allergies.

Symptoms of canine mast cell tumors occur because of the release of histamine and other chemicals from the tumors. These symptoms will vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms of canine mast cell tumors include bloody vomit, dark feces, anorexia, and irregular heart rhythm and blood pressure. It is also possible for your dog to develop abnormalities in blood clotting. Other symptoms of canine mast cell tumors include coughing, labored breathing, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Canine mast cell tumors can occur in various shapes and locations. Therefore, it is necessary to collect tumor cells and examine them under a microscope in order to make a diagnosis. This examination will help determine how the cancer will behave and also determine the best method of treatment.

Treatment

The best way to treat canine mast cell tumors is to have them surgically removed. At least one inch of healthy tissue is also removed from around the tumor to reduce the chance of cancer cells spreading. Surgical removal of canine mast cell tumors can also be followed by radiation. Radiation usually reduces the likelihood of the cancer spreading or recurring sometime in the future. Chemotherapy is also used to treat some cases of canine mast cell tumors although they usually don’t respond well to the treatment.

Dogs in the early stages of this condition usually have a better prognosis than those in the later stages. The location of the disease will also determine the prognosis. Dogs with canine mast cell tumors on the limbs have the best chance for survival. If the tumors occur in the genital area, nail bed, muzzle, or mouth, the dog will have a moderate prognosis. Dogs with canine mast cell tumors in the internal organs have the least chance for survival.

Canine Lymphosarcoma

Canine lymphosarcoma is a malignant cancer that affects the lymph nodes throughout the body. This disease can affect dogs of any age or breed, but usually occurs in middle-aged or older dogs. Canine lymphosarcoma is not usually

As is the case for most canine tumors, there is no known cause of canine lymphosarcoma. It is possible that genes play a role in the occurrence of this disease. Certain breeds have a high risk of developing this form of cancer. These breeds include Golden retrievers, Pointers, Boxers, and German shepherds.

There are many symptoms of canine lymphosarcoma that you should be aware of. The most common include a lack of energy, enlargement of the lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing. If canine lymphosarcoma affects the gastrointestinal system, your dog may also experience vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms include pale mucous membranes, decreased appetite, increased thirst, and increased urination.

Diagnosis

To diagnose canine lymphosarcoma, the veterinarian will usually take a blood sample to perform tests. It may also be necessary to take x-rays and perform a physical exam. A biopsy may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis of canine lymphosarcoma.

The main goal of treatment for canine lymphosarcoma is to force the cancer into remission initially and during subsequent relapses. The main treatment for this disease is chemotherapy because this cancer usually occurs throughout the body. The chemotherapy drugs commonly used include prednisone, vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide. If the canine lymphosarcoma only affects a localized area, your dog may also benefit from surgery or radiation therapy in addition to the chemotherapy.

Canine Congestive Heart Failure

The heart is one of the organs that frequently fails in dogs. Many dogs that are examined have some form of heart disease. Canine congestive heart failure is a major threat to your dog’s health.

Canine congestive heart failure is caused by an abnormality in the function or structure of the heart. There are two forms of this condition. In one of the forms, the walls of chambers in the heart thicken which leads to a decrease in pumping efficiency.

In the other form of canine congestive heart failure, the muscles that make up the walls stretch thinner causing the size of the heart to increase. As it enlarges, the left side of the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. The heart works harder to compensate for this, but eventually this no longer works and the dog experiences heart failure.

Many dogs with canine congestive heart failure do not show symptoms in the early stages because their bodies can compensate for months or years. In the later stages, the dog will begin to show symptoms such as drooling more than usual and tiring easily. Some dogs may even collapse after exercising or pant and cough heavily even when they’re resting. Other symptoms of canine congestive heart failure include a blueish tongue and grayish membranes of the mouth.

Many veterinarians diagnose canine congestive heart failure with electrocardiograms to detect heart abnormalities. An ultrasound may also be useful to show the enlarged size of the heart. A chest x-ray will also be useful in diagnosis canine congestive heart failure.

Treatment

Treatment of canine congestive heart failure involves restricted exercise, low-sodium diets, and diuretics. Medications such as digitalis will increase the amount of calcium in the heart muscles which will slow the heart rate and increase the efficiency of the heart’s ability to pump blood. The diuretics are given to get rid of the buildup of fluids in the abdomen and lungs due to the sluggish blood flow. Dogs with canine congestive heart failure will also be given ACE inhibitors to tighten the blood vessels so that blood is able to flow smoothly giving the heart the chance to pump blood more efficiently.

As stated earlier, dogs in the early stages of canine congestive heart failure will show no symptoms. By the time the dog starts to show symptoms, the condition will be in the later stages. Dogs in the later stages of canine congestive heart failure rarely live longer than a year. Many dogs will die within six months of diagnosis.

Canine Tapeworms

Canine Mast Cell Tumors

Canine Lymphosarcoma

Canine Congestive Heart Failure

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