| 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 A swelling containing infected material (pus), often seen on the tail, head or back of a dog, less commonly seen in dogs than cats. Usually caused by a bite. Affected animals have a firm, painful lump and can feel unwell, may go off their food or run a high temperature, so veterinary attention is required. The abscess may rupture and pus will leak out. Acral Lick Granuloma A hairless sore found typically on the wrist (carpus) or ankle (tarsus) region of a dog's leg. Caused by excessive licking, these lesions are very hard to treat and can be the result of skin disease, boredom, or joint pain. Adenovirus The virus causing canine hepatitis, a 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. This disease is preventable with vaccination. Allergies In dogs, typically related to food or commonly parasites such as fleas. Signs of an allergy include: itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, scratching, hair loss, scabs and red areas on the skin, skin abrasions, diarrhoea and vomiting. Commonly diagnosed through an 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 Usually the result of car accidents and resultant bone or soft tissue injury, or bone cancer. Most dogs quickly recover from the operation, and cope very well on three legs.
Amputation Anaemia Anaemia occurs when there is a decreased amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system or a less than normal amount of the oxygen carrying substance, haemoglobin, within these cells. There are many different causes of anaemia in dogs including blood loss due to haemorrhage (bleeding), or certain immune system abnormalities. Dogs with very severe anaemia may need a blood transfusion. 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 have a role in your dog's immune system, destroying free radicals (substances that can damage the body) and keeping the body cells in balance. A good example is vitamin E.
Getting the Balance Right Arthritis Simply means inflammation of the joints. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, typically seen in older dogs. Other forms of arthritis can occur if the body's immune system inappropriately attacks the joints. Affected dogs may have difficulty standing after lying down, be lame on one or more legs and may seem less active than normal, Tell your vet who may be able to provide some treatment in the form of pain relief and/or suggest a dietary changes/supplements.
Caring for Older Dogs Atopy A skin disease caused by hypersensitivity to various allergens, a common cause of redness of the skin and itching, as well as recurrent ear problems. Booster Top up vaccinations, given to dogs one year after initial vaccination and then at yearly intervals, depending on the vaccine manufacturer recommendations 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, respiratory and neurological signs, vomiting, diarrhoea, ocular and nasal discharge, the disease is often fatal and is preventable with vaccination. 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 Parvovirus (CPV) A highly contagious viral disease characterised by anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and dehydration. If untreated may be deadly. An effective vaccine is available. 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, dehydration or other conditions preventing normal defecation. Coprophagia The eating of faeces, a common behaviour among young dogs. Creatinine A substance produced by the body normally and excreted by the kidneys. 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 if untreated, in which a dog's body contains an insufficient volume of fluid for normal functioning. As in humans, there are many potential causes of dehydration including not drinking, or losing fluid via severe vomiting or diarrhoea, or via dilute urine due to diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. Sign include depression and loss of appetite, as well as sunken eyes, a dry mouth and the skin becomes less elastic. The condition requires veterinary treatment immediately along with investigation into the cause of the dehydration.
Heatstroke
Weather Precautions Dermatitis Inflammation of the skin, from a variety of causes, commonly a flea allergy or other parasite infection, atopy or less commonly due to a food allergy. Diarrhoea Diarrhoea is the passage of soft or liquid faeces. This can be caused by many conditions including an abrupt change in diet, internal parasites (worms), ingestion of a foreign body, a dietary sensitivity or more serious illnesses. Talk to your vet if your dog has diarrhoea. 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 A condition in which the affected dog has a low blood calcium level (hypocalcaemia), often seen during late pregnancy or the first three weeks of lactation. Typically characterised by twitching, nervousness, restlessness, agitation, rubbing/scratching the face and a stiff, painful gait, eventually seizures if not treated. A potentially life threatening condition so contact your vet immediately if you observe these signs.
Warning Signs Epilepsy A neurological disorder with no underlying cause characterised by sudden fits (seizures) with loss of consciousness, and convulsive, uncoordinated, muscle movement (often paddling the limbs), often accompanied by urination and defecation. Seizures can be frightening to observe and can be very serious, particularly if they continue for a long time. Contact your vet immediately if your dog has a fit. Euthanasia Usually due to a serious illness; when your dog's quality of life has or 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 small black dots/flecks 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 in the house, 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. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)/Gastric Torsion Also referred to as bloat. A serious and life threatening condition where the dog's stomach becomes bloated and filled with air, often accompanied by vomiting/retching 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. It is not advisable to exercise your dog an hour before or after feeding. 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 May be congenital or acquired. Signs of a heart problem can include coughing, reluctance to exercise, fluid in the abdomen, difficulty or laboured breathing. Contact your vet if you notice any such signs. Heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, worms that live in a dog's heart and arteries. 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 heart failure. Associated with coughing, weight loss and lethargy. Not seen in the UK but common in other countries. Prevention and treatments are widely available.
Worms Heatstroke Illness resulting from exposure to very high temperatures with resultant collapse, panting, breathing problems and even death. Hip Dysplasia A disease of the hip joint, where parts of the hip joint fit together abnormally, so that the ball fits poorly into the socket. Characterised by lameness and an abnormal gait. Some dogs with hip dysplasia go undetected and are still able to function normally. The disease is inherited in some breeds and a scoring/detection scheme is available to allow breeders to choose to breed from dogs with a low score. Your vet may treat with anti-inflammatory and pain medication but some dogs need a hip replacement surgery. 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. Not seen commonly in the UK. 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 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. Preventable with vaccination. 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 and/or Bordetella bacteria. The disease causes a dry hacking cough, is highly contagious, but usually mild and dogs recover quickly. Lice Small parasites. 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 you suspect your dog has lice.
Parasites Lyme Disease An illness caused by the spirochete bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi), transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Humans can also be infected. Relatively rare in the UK. Mange An itching of the coat and skin caused by microscopic parasitic mites. May be Red Mange (demodectic mange), or Scabies (Sarcoptic mange). Treatment depends on the type of mange and includes shampoos, spot-on treatments and injections. Mastitis Inflammation of the mammary glands, generally as the result of feeding a newborn litter. Affected mammary glands are sore, red and firm so consult your vet as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has mastitits.
Warning Signs
Labour & Birth Metabolism The sum of all basic physical and chemical bodily processes that keep a body healthy and functioning. Metritis An infection of the uterus usually seen after labour, resulting in fever, foul smelling vaginal discharge, loss of appetite and listlessness - potentially life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary treatment. Mites Small parasites. Signs of infestation are the same as for other pests: frantic biting and chewing at the coat. See your vet if you suspect your dog may have mites.
Parasites Neutering Male cats are castrated involving the removal of the testicles. The operation is simple, quick 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 all diets should be supervised by your vet.
If Your Dog is Overweight Otitis Externa Medical name for inflammation of the external ear canal, with signs including pain, head shaking, ear scratching and an unpleasant aroma. Causes are widespread, from ear mites to allergies and infections associated with ear conformation. Parainfluenza Virus One of the causes of kennel cough, this virus is highly contagious and attacks the respiratory system. Parasite A creature that lives on or inside an animal that causes harm to their host, 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 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 but most commonly seen in the ears, or throat. Can also be seen in the stomach, intestines, urinary bladder, uterus and cervix. Polyuria Excessive urination. Can be a sign of several different diseases including kidney disease or diabetes. 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. Rabies is almost always fatal in animals and euthanasia would be recommended due to the risk to human health. 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. Rabies is thankfully not endemic in the UK but if you want to take your dog overseas; vaccination and a blood test will be required. 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. A worming protocol for pregnant dogs and puppies is important to prevent infection, always using veterinary licensed products.
Worms Shock Not to be confused with fright, this is a serious physical condition with many causes and affected dogs can show many different signs including panting, rapid or shallow breathing, inability to stand, enlarged pupils, cold ears and paws, pallor and eventually collapse. Contact your vet immediately.
Treating Shock Spaying An operation to neuter a female dog usually involving an 'ovariohysterectomy', removing the dog's womb (uterus) and ovaries. Occasionally only the ovaries are removed (ovariectomy). This is a very safe and quick procedure to prevent unwanted puppies as well as reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Neutering Tapeworm Intestinal parasites that feed on semi-digested food in the intestines. 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 but always use a veterinary licensed product that is safe for dogs.
Worms Thunder Phobia An exaggerated fear of stormy weather as well as other loud noises, such as fireworks or gunshots. Very common in dogs.
Fearful Dogs Ticks Ticks are skin parasites that bury their heads under a dog's skin and suck blood. 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 goes outside. It's best to get your vet to show you how to remove them safely or you could leave the mouth parts in the dog's skin causing a problem.
Parasites Tumours A tumour or growth is caused by cancer causing a lump to grow. These can occur in nearly any part of your dog's body but as an owner you can notice them on the skin, ears, mouth or mammary glands. Early detection and treatment give your dog the best chance of survival so examine your dog regularly and keep all vaccinations and veterinary check ups up to date. Urolith Dogs can develop a stone-like object, called a urolith, in the bladder, and less commonly, in the kidney. Signs of such a problem include blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, and difficulty passing urine. Uroliths can pass into the urethra (tube between the bladder and outside) causing a partial or total obstruction of the urethra so little or no urine can pass. Contact your vet immediately if you see your dog straining to urinate. Vomiting The active expulsion of bile or food, with many different causes. Contact your vet if your dog is vomiting. Whipworms Worms in the large intestine that live off the animal's blood flow. Commonly associated with anaemia, weight loss, dehydration, lethargy and diarrhoea. Not seen commonly in the UK.
Worms |