The tubular portion of the outer ear that carries sound to the eardrum is called the ear canal. The most common disorder of the ear canal in dogs is called otitis externa. This condition occurs when the layer of cells that line the external ear canal becomes inflamed. Signs include headshaking, odor, redness of the skin, swelling, scratching, increased discharge, and scaly skin. The ear canal may be painful or itchy depending on the cause or duration of the condition
A variety of skin conditions affect the outside part of the ear, called the pinna. Most conditions cause tissue changes elsewhere as well. Rarely, a disease affects the outer ear alone or affects it first. As with all skin conditions, a diagnosis is best made when combined with the results of a thorough history, a complete physical and skin examination, and carefully selected diagnostic tests.
Insects and parasites commonly cause inf
Deafness may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired as a result of infection, trauma, or degeneration of the cochlea (the organ of hearing).
Deafness present at birth can be inherited or result from toxic or viral damage to the developing unborn puppy. Merle and white coat colors are associated with deafness at birth in dogs and other animals. Dog breeds commonly affected include the Dalmatian, Bull Terrier, Australian Heeler, Catahoula, En
The ear is an organ of hearing and an organ of balance. It consists of the outer, middle, and inner ear.
The outer ear includes the pinna (the part you see that is made of cartilage and covered by skin, fur, or hair) and the ear canal. The pinna is shaped to capture sound waves and funnel them through the ear canal to the eardrum. In dogs, the pinnae are mobile and can move independently of each other. The size an
Anal Sac Disease
Anal sac disease is caused by clogging or infection of glands called anal sacs located on each side of the anus. It is the most common disease of the anal region in dogs. The anal sacs are related to the scent glands in skunks and produce a small amount of foul-smelling liquid. The liquid is normally squeezed out during defecation. Small breeds are predisposed to anal sac disease; large or giant breeds are
The liver is an organ that performs numerous functions. It has a large storage capacity and functional reserve and is capable of regenerating. These properties provide some protection against permanent damage. However, the liver is also susceptible to injury because of its role in metabolizing, detoxifying, and storing various toxic compounds.
Signs that a dog has liver disease can vary and include loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach ulceration, diarrhea, sei
The pancreas is an organ that has 2 main functions: endocrine and exocrine. The endocrine pancreas produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels. The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that are essential for the digestion of complex dietary components such as proteins, triglycerides, and complex carbohydrates. The exocrine pancreas also secretes large amounts of bicarbonate, which buffers stomach acid.
Disorders of the exocrine
Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can sometimes cause disease. They may be free-living or parasites. Some of the more common diseases caused by protozoa in dogs are discussed below.
Amebiasis
Amebiasis is a disease caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. It causes inflammation of the large intestine, which leads to persistent diarrhea. Amebiasis is common in tr
Many parasites can infect the digestive system of dogs ( see Table: Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs). The most common ones are described below. Some gastrointestinal parasites of dogs can also cause disease in people ( see Table: Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs and Cats That Also Infect People).
Table
Gastrointestinal
Certain bacteria may cause gastrointestinal disease in dogs. The most common of these are discussed below.
Campylobacter Infection
Gastrointestinal campylobacteriosis is a bacterial disease. It is caused by related bacteria of the Campylobacter and Arcobacter genera. These organisms, along with a number of o